US09019054B2
A magnet apparatus which comprises a first vacuum chamber, a second vacuum chamber, a first magnet disposed within the first vacuum chamber such that the first magnet can be thermally isolated from the exterior of the first vacuum chamber, and a load connector extending from the first vacuum chamber into the second vacuum chamber so that a load on the first magnet can be transferred to the second vacuum chamber, wherein the load connector is in thermal contact with the first magnet and can be thermally isolated from the exterior of the first vacuum chamber and the exterior of the second vacuum chamber.
US09019053B1
A multi-position rotary switch whose handle is rotatable to a selected position to actuate a circuit for an electrically controlled device utilizing a magnetic sensor to initiate the actuating signal without any direct contact of traditional mechanical parts that suffer wear during repetitive operations.
US09019052B2
A magnetic switch device and an electronic device having the same are disclosed. The electronic device includes an upper case which includes a first element and a lower case. The magnetic switch device includes a switch part and a driving part, wherein the switch part is mounted on the lower case and includes a second element that can be attached to the first element through magnetic force. The driving part is mounted on the lower case, such that when the driving part is moved, the switch part is enabled by the driving part to make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case to attach to the lower case; or the switch part is disabled by the driving part to not make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case not to attach to the lower case.
US09019050B2
An electric switching system comprises first, second, and third input terminals, first, second, and third output terminals, an electric switching module, and a control module. The electric switching module includes two first switches and two second switches, each switch having a fixed input contact, a fixed output contact, and a mobile contact. Fixed input contacts are connected to fixed output contacts via mobile contacts in a closed position and insulated from each other in an open position. A holder member is configured to be moved by an electric driving device between a first position and a second position. The holder member includes a first mechanical coupling element and a second mechanical coupling element. The control module includes the driving device. The holder member is mechanically coupled to the driving device via the first coupling element in a primary configuration or via the second coupling element in a secondary configuration.
US09019049B2
MEMS switches and methods of manufacturing MEMS switches is provided. The MEMS switch having at least two cantilevered electrodes having ends which overlap and which are structured and operable to contact one another upon an application of a voltage by at least one fixed electrode.
US09019048B1
A high-frequency signal transmission line includes a plate-shaped dielectric element assembly, a linear signal line, and a first ground conductor. The linear signal line is provided at the dielectric element assembly and includes a plurality of thick portions and a plurality of thin portions with a smaller width than the thick portions. The first ground conductor is provided at the dielectric element assembly and positioned on one side in a normal direction to the dielectric element assembly relative to the signal line. The first ground conductor includes a plurality of openings overlapping with the signal line and also includes bridge portions provided between the openings so as to cross the thin portions. The bridge portions cross the thin portion obliquely when viewed in a plan view in the normal direction to the dielectric element assembly.
US09019043B2
An EMC power filter comprising a filter circuit and a conductive housing enclosing the filter circuit, wherein said filter circuit comprises: at least one electric conductor consisting in a rigid busbar for carrying an electric power, at least one ferromagnetic element for modifying the impedance of the electric conductor, at least one capacitor electrically connected between the electric conductor and the conductive housing. The housing has a tubular shape with a square cross section, allowing a rotation of the filter of 90° within the housing.
US09019038B2
An electrical component, e.g., a diplexer or a duplexer, can have one of a number of diverse arrangements for terminal surfaces on the substrate bottom. For example, the terminal surfaces for first and second filters are not disposed at the maximum distance from one another. First and second filters can be disposed as one or two discrete components on the substrate, wherein one filter can be implemented as being integrated in a multilayer substrate.
US09019037B2
A six-port circuit (100) with two input ports and four output ports, comprising a balun (110) for converting signals at one input port into first (112) and second (113) balanced signals, and a filter (105), with first and second input ports and four output ports as the four output ports of the circuit. The six-port circuit also comprises a splitter (120) for splitting second input signals at the other input port into first (121) and second (122) parts. The input ports (V′in1, V′in2) of the filter (105) are connected so that one of the balanced signals (112) and one of the parts (121) of the second input signals are connected to one of the filter's input ports (V′in1), and the other of the balanced signals (113) and the other (122) of the parts of the second input signals are connected to the other of the filter's input ports (V′in2).
US09019029B2
Systems and methods for switching impedance are provided. In some aspects, a system includes first and second impedance elements and an impedance switch module, which includes a third impedance element coupled between the first and second impedance elements and a switch parallel to the third impedance element. The switch is coupled between the first and second impedance elements, and is configured to switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration. An electrical path is completed between the first impedance element and the second impedance element via the first switch in the closed configuration. The electrical path is not completed in the open configuration. A total impedance of the first impedance element, the second impedance element, and the impedance switch module is varied based on the switching between the open configuration and the closed configuration.
US09019026B2
An oscillator module includes a first MOS transistor and a capacitor. The capacitor is coupled between a gate and source of the first MOS transistor. The drain of the first MOS transistor receives a first bias current and generates an oscillating output signal. A switching circuit operates in response to the oscillating output signal to selective charge and discharge the capacitor. A current sourcing circuit is configured to generate the bias current. The current sourcing circuit includes a second MOS transistor which has an identical layout to the first MOS transistor and receives a second bias current. A resistor is coupled between a gate and source of the second MOS transistor. The current sourcing circuit further includes a current mirror having an input configured to receive a reference current passing through the resistor and generate the first and second bias currents.
US09019023B2
An oscillator outputs a control signal to suppress an influence caused by temperature characteristic of f1 based on a differential signal corresponding to difference between an oscillation output f1 of a first oscillator circuit and an oscillation output f2 of a second oscillator circuit treated as a temperature detection value. A switching unit switches between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state where a first connecting end and a second connecting end are connected to a storage unit for access from an external computer to the storage unit. The second state is a state where the first connecting end and the second connecting end are connected to a first signal path and a second signal path such that the respective f1 and f2 are retrieved from the first connecting end and the second connecting end to an external frequency measuring unit.
US09019019B2
The invention concerns an oscillator generating a wave composed of a frequency of on the order of terahertz from a beat of two optical waves generated by a dual-frequency optical source. The oscillator includes a modulator the transfer function of which is non-linear for generating harmonics with a frequency of less than one terahertz for each of the optical waves generated by the dual-frequency optical source, an optical detector able to detect at least one harmonic for each of the optical waves generated by the dual-frequency optical source and transforming the harmonics detected into an electrical signal, a phase comparator for comparing the electrical signal with a reference electrical signal, and a module for controlling at least one element of the dual-frequency optical source with a signal obtained from the signal resulting from the comparison.
US09019017B2
A digitally controlled oscillator has a high-order ΔΣ modulator configured to be of at least an order higher than a first order and configured to input a digital control signal and output a pseudorandom digital output signal, a first-order ΔΣ modulator configured to input the pseudorandom digital output signal and generate a control pulse signal including a pulse width corresponding to the pseudorandom digital output signal, a low pass filter configured to pass a low frequency component of the control pulse signal, and an oscillator configured to generate a high-frequency output signal whose frequency is controlled based on the control pulse signal outputted by the low pass filter so as to be a frequency corresponding to the digital control signal.
US09019015B2
The present disclosure provides a power amplifier comprising a main amplifier and an auxiliary amplifier. The power amplifier is configured to deliver an output power Pout. A First Efficiency Peak (FEP) is defined as a first efficiency peak in the power ratio Pout to Poutmax. Poutmax is a maximum power output of the power amplifier and PFEP defines a power ratio at the FEP. The main amplifier is configured to be biased by a main amplifier bias Vds,m that is substantially equal to an auxiliary amplifier bias Vds,a times xb with xb being a main amplifier output current in relation to the maximum current through the main amplifier when Pout equals PFEP. The impedances of a load and a main amplifier transmission line are arranged to be substantially equal. A corresponding method and a node in a wireless communication system comprising the power amplifier are also disclosed.
US09019013B2
Provided is a power amplifier which includes: a first transistor and a second transistor each having a first end connected to a first power source supplying a first voltage and to which signals having a same size but opposite polarities are input; a third transistor and a fourth transistor having first ends respectively connected to the first ends of the first transistor and the second transistor; and a fifth transistor having a first end connected to second ends of the third and fourth transistors and controlling oscillation of the third or fourth transistor.
US09019010B2
Combination circuitry includes a relatively small preamplifier and includes hybrid circuitry. The hybrid circuitry is configured to perform mode switching while also performing some amplification, thus allowing the relatively small preamplifier to be smaller than a conventional power amplifier. In one embodiment, the hybrid circuitry includes first series portion configured to amplify when ON, a first shunt portion, a second series portion configured to amplify when ON, and a second shunt portion. The first series portion may include: a first transistor; a first variable impedance in communication with a gate of the first transistor, wherein the first variable impedance is configured to receive a first transistor control signal; a second transistor in series with the first transistor; and a second variable impedance in communication with a gate of the second transistor, wherein second variable impedance is configured to receive a second transistor control signal.
US09018999B2
A hardware/PLC logic combination which enables measurement of a plurality of analog voltage points (e.g., multiples of 8 points) on a single high speed PLC input without separate synchronization inputs or outputs. This is accomplished through the use of a multiplexer circuit [clock, binary counter, analog multiplexer, voltage to frequency converter], and a high speed counter function at the PLC. Synchronization between the PLC and circuit is through the detection of a fixed voltage on channel “one” of the circuit, which is set well above the typical range (e.g., 0-10V) of the remaining analog inputs.
US09018996B1
Circuits, architectures, a system and methods for providing quadrature output signals. The circuit generally includes a quadrature signal generator and a plurality of frequency dividers. The plurality of frequency dividers are each configured to receive a plurality of quadrature signal generator outputs at a first frequency and provide a plurality of outputs at a second frequency. The method generally includes providing a plurality of quadrature signals at a first frequency and dividing the first frequency of the quadrature signals by n, wherein n is an odd integer of at least 3, thereby providing a plurality of divided-by-n quadrature outputs at a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is about equal to the first frequency divided by n. The present disclosure further advantageously improves quadrature signal generation accuracy, reliability and/or performance.
US09018995B2
A double edge triggered circuit includes a clock gater responsive to a clock signal and an enable signal to output a gated clock signal, a first double edge triggered flip-flop that launches a data signal in response to the gated clock signal, and a second double edge triggered flip-flop that captures the data signal in response to the clock signal, wherein the clock gater stops the gated clock signal at a first logic value when the enable signal is at a first logic state, and the clock gater switches the gated clock signal from the first logic value at a next clock edge when the enable signal is at a second logic state.
US09018990B2
A duty cycle tuning circuit and a method thereof are provided, in which the duty cycle tuning circuit includes multiple interpolation circuits, an edge detection circuit, and a delay chain. Each interpolation circuit receives multiple phase clocks, and interpolates an interpolation clock from two of the phase clocks. The phase clocks have the same frequency but different phases. The edge detection circuit is connected electrically to the delay chain, and generates an output clock according to an edge of the interpolation clock.
US09018988B2
One of the most important RF building blocks today is the frequency synthesizer, or more particularly the programmable frequency divider (divider). Such dividers preferably would support unlimited range with continuous division without incorrect divisions or loss of PLL lock. The inventors present multi-modulus dividers (MMDs) providing extended division range against the prior art and without incorrect divisions as the division ratio is switched back and forth across the boundary between two different ranges. Accordingly, the inventors present MMD frequency dividers without the drawbacks within the prior art.
US09018985B2
A power module (2) includes a first high-side main-circuit MOSFET (21) and a second low-side main-circuit MOSFET (22) connected in series thereto. The series circuit of the MOSFETs (21, 22) is connected in parallel to a power source (4). A first short-circuit MOSFET (25) is connected between the gate and the source of the first main-circuit MOSFET (21). A second short-circuit MOSFET (26) is connected between the gate and the source of the second main-circuit MOSFET (22).
US09018984B2
An electrical-optical modulator may function at high data rates and may be realized in comparably low cost silicon base technology, typically in BJT, BiCMOS or CMOS technologies. The output signal path may include a high transition frequency BJT and by using an active load constituted by a MOS driven by an inverted version of the modulating signal that drives the BJT, the falling edge of the output signal is sped up.
US09018983B2
Method and apparatus for electrosurgery including tissue coagulation using very high voltage pulses of electrical energy applied to the electrosurgical probe. This minimizes heating of the surrounding tissue in the probe and is especially suitable for precise and limited coagulation and fulguration without excessive tissue charring or other damage. The power at rated load of the applied pulses to the probe is typically over 300W and the duration of the on time is very short, so each group of pulse bursts is of relatively low duty cycle. An RF generator is also provided for delivering electrical energy to an electrosurgical probe with the proper characteristics, including fast switching times.
US09018974B2
An impedance calibration device includes: a variable impedance, an operational unit, an analog-digital converter, and a controller. The operational unit receives a first analog signal and a second analog signal, and performs a difference operation to generate an output voltage. The analog-digital converter generates an adjustment code according to the output voltage. The controller is coupled to the analog-digital converter and the variable impedance, and adjusts a resistance value of the variable impedance according to the adjustment code.
US09018962B2
A protective system far a power transformer having a neutral line connected to ground where large currents can flow in the neutral line due to electro-magnetic disturbances. The system includes circuitry for: (a) sensing the current level in the neutral line and whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period; and (b) sensing and processing the harmonic content of the load current and determining the existence of certain relationships of the “even” and “odd” harmonics. Signals, including alarms, indicative of excessive conditions are produced. The system may also include circuitry for sensing the load current level and generating a signal alarm if the load level is above a given value when the harmonics and the DC current have values in excess of certain predetermined values.
US09018958B2
An apparatus for measuring electrical parameters for an electrical system measures a first and second parameters of the electrical system between connections to the electrical system. A processor determines a third electrical parameter of the electrical system as a function of the first parameter and the second parameter. Wireless communication is provided between components of the apparatus.
US09018950B2
A method of measuring a parameter in a sample by imaging at least a portion of the sample using a spin-echo single-point imaging (SE-SPI) pulse sequence. This method involves applying a pure phase encoding to the SE-SPI pulse sequence, acquiring a multiplicity of echoes, and determining the spatially resolved T2 distribution. In another embodiment, individual echoes are separately phase encoded in a multi-echo acquisition and the SE-SPI pulse sequence is a hybrid SE-SPI sequence. In another embodiment, an external force can be used to build up a distribution of saturations in the sample, and a T2 distribution can be measured for the sample, which is then used to determine a parameter of the sample. A spatially resolved T2 distribution can also be measured and a resulting spatially resolved T2 distribution used to determine the T2 distribution as a function of capillary pressure.
US09018946B2
An integrated magnetic-field sensor designed to detect an external magnetic field, comprising a first magnetoresistive structure for detecting the external magnetic field, the first magnetoresistive structure including first magnetoresistive means having a main axis of magnetization and a secondary axis of magnetization set orthogonal to one another. The magnetic-field sensor further comprises a magnetic-field generator, including a first portion configured for generating a first magnetic field having field lines in a first field direction, and a second portion, which is coplanar and is connected to the first portion, configured for generating a second magnetic field having field lines in a second field direction, the first magnetoresistive means being configured so that the main axis of magnetization extends parallel to the first field direction, and the secondary axis of magnetization extends parallel to the second field direction.
US09018945B2
A relative angle sensing device that senses a relative angle between two rotary shafts is provided with: a hard magnetic body that is provided to one rotary shaft out of the two rotary shafts; a soft magnetic body that is provided to the other rotary shaft out of the two rotary shafts to be arranged in a magnetic field formed by the hard magnetic body, and forms a magnetic circuit together with the hard magnetic body; and a sensing unit that senses a magnetic flux density of the magnetic circuit. The soft magnetic body has a circular ring portion that is formed into a disc having, at an inside thereof, a hole larger than an outer shape of the hard magnetic body, and a protrusion that protrudes from a section of the circular ring portion at a hard magnetic body side in a shaft direction of the one rotary shaft.
US09018934B2
A low voltage bandgap reference circuit includes a positive temperature coefficient circuit unit, a negative temperature coefficient circuit unit and a load unit, wherein the positive temperature coefficient circuit unit comprises a first differential operational amplifier, a first, second and third transistor, a first resistor, a first and second diode, and the negative temperature coefficient circuit unit includes a second differential operational amplifier, a fourth, fifth and sixth transistor, a second resistor and a third diode. The low voltage bandgap reference circuit provides a current having a positive temperature coefficient characteristics and a current having a negative temperature coefficient characteristics to flow through the load in order to generate a stable reference voltage less affected by the temperature. Therefore, it avoids the problems of the low voltage bandgap reference circuit that can not be activated at low voltage.
US09018920B2
An information processing apparatus capable of suppressing a secondary battery from being charged with an amount of charge current that can apply excessive load on the secondary battery, without a backup power source function of the secondary battery being impaired. When determining that a predetermined type of data is stored in a DRAM to be backed up by the secondary battery, the information processing apparatus selects a first constant current circuit and quickly charges the secondary battery with a large charge current output from the first constant current circuit. When determining that the predetermined type of data is not stored in the DRAM, the information processing apparatus selects a second constant current circuit and normally charges the secondary battery with a small charge current output from the second constant current circuit.
US09018915B2
A battery protection circuit and a method of controlling the same is disclosed. The battery protection circuit includes: a battery management system for controlling charging and discharging of a battery; and a reset control circuit for controlling a reset operation of the battery management system. The battery management system includes: a reset terminal to which a first voltage for determining reset is applied; and a reset prevention terminal to which a second voltage for determining reset prevention of the battery management system is applied. The reset control circuit is connected between the reset terminal and the reset prevention terminal to control the applying of the first voltage to the reset prevention terminal. Accordingly, an unintended reset operation of the battery management system may be prevented.
US09018909B2
A battery pack includes a first battery and a second battery connected electrically in parallel and performing charge and discharge, and a heater generating heat. The first battery can perform charge and discharge with a current larger than that of the second battery. The second battery has an electric storage capacity larger than that of the first battery. The heater is placed at a position closer to the first battery than the second battery.
US09018907B2
A method and apparatus for ascertaining the maximum power obtainable from a traction storage-battery system that includes a plurality of storage-battery elements connected in series. The method provides for: determining at least one power indicator for each storage-battery element, and ascertaining a quantity of the smallest power indicators of all determined power indicators of all storage-battery elements. The quantity includes the smallest power indicator or a subgroup thereof of all power indicators of the storage-battery elements. A power-output limit for the quantity is provided, starting from the power indicators of the quantity. The maximum power obtainable from the traction storage-battery system is extrapolated based on the power-output limit and linked by the extrapolation and because of the series connection, to a power output of the at least one storage-battery element for which the quantity of the smallest power indicators was ascertained.
US09018905B2
The present invention relates to a battery management apparatus of a high voltage battery for a hybrid vehicle, in more detail, a battery management apparatus of a high voltage battery for a hybrid vehicle which includes: a plurality of battery packs including a plurality of unit cells; slave battery management modules measuring and monitoring temperature and voltage of the unit cells in the battery packs; temperature/voltage measurement wires connecting the unit cells with adjacent unit cells for the slave battery management modules to measure temperature and voltage between the unit cells and the adjacent unit cells; a master battery management module connected with the slave battery management modules; and communication wires connecting the modules.
US09018903B2
A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.
US09018900B2
A battery pack having a contactless charging circuit (95) that rectifies power received by a receiving coil (1), and a battery pack control section (91) with a connection decision section. The battery pack control section (91) is configured to judge whether or not the battery pack is connected to the body of a battery powered device (101) based on the rectified voltage of the contactless charging circuit (95). This decision utilizes the fact that the charging circuit is in a no-load condition and the rectified voltage is high when the battery pack is not connected to the battery powered device, and allows reliable judgment of whether or not the battery pack (90) is attached to the battery powered device.
US09018897B2
A condition determination device for determining a condition of an electric storage device includes a current detector, a voltage detector, and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine a level of a first electric factor based on at least one of a charging current detected by the current detector and a charging voltage detected by the voltage detector; obtain first charging time while the level of the first electric factor is constant; determine a level of a second electric factor based on the charging voltage detected by the voltage detector; obtain second charging time while the level of the second electric factor is constant; calculate a determination value based on the first charging time and the second charging time; and determine a condition of the electric storage device based on the determination value.
US09018890B2
The invention relates to an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The electric motor also comprises a controller, wherein the controller is connected to the stator and/or rotor, and is designed for applying current to the stator and/or rotor for rotating the rotor. According to the invention, the controller comprises a pulse width modulator designed for controlling a power output of the electric motor, in order to generate a predetermined number of different current application patterns. The current application patterns each represent a power output of the electric motor, and preferably comprise a time sequence of current pulses, each having a current pulse duration. The controller is designed for applying current to the electric motor according to at least two different current application patterns for actuating the electric motor during a time interval of actuation, such that a power output of the electric motor in the time-based average of the time interval of actuation, in particular from the beginning to the end of the time interval, is different from the power outputs represented by the current application patterns in the time interval of actuation.
US09018886B2
A motor control system (10) which includes a difference calculating part (31) which calculates a difference between a first position detection value of a moving part and a second position detection value of a driven part, a judging part (32) which judges if a moving part has engaged with the driven part when the moving part is made to move from any initial position in a first and second drive directions, a holding part (33) which holds the difference as initial difference linked with the first or second drive direction, when the moving part has engaged with the driven part, and a correction amount calculating part (34) which calculates a backlash correction amount, the correction amount calculating part using the difference based on the current positions of the moving part and the driven part and the initial difference to calculate the backlash correction amount.
US09018883B2
A motor drive circuit operates in a first mode in which the output current flowing to a first output terminal from a second output terminal is increasing or in a second mode in which the output current flowing to the first output terminal from the second output terminal is decayed. In the first mode, a first voltage signal is output from the first signal terminal and the ground voltage output from the second signal terminal and, in the second mode, a ground voltage is output from the first signal terminal and a second voltage signal is output from the second signal terminal. The motor drive circuit compares the signals output from the first and second signal terminals and output comparison results to a control unit for controlling the output current through the motor coil.
US09018874B2
A circuit for filtering narrow pulse and compensating wide pulse, including a signal shaping circuit, a filter circuit, and a pulse width compensating circuit. The signal shaping circuit processes an input signal and transmits the input signal to the filter circuit. The filter circuit filters off narrow pulses of the input signal. The pulse width compensating circuit compensates the wide pulses of the input signal and outputs an output signal.
US09018873B2
A PWM-signal-output circuit includes a detecting unit to detect time periods during which a speed signal with logic level changing alternately and having a period corresponding to a motor-rotation speed is at one and the other logic levels; a generating unit configured to, when the logic level of the speed signal changes, generate a signal to increase and thereafter decrease a current flowing through a motor coil within a first time period detected by the detecting unit, in a second time period occurring after the first time period; and a second generating unit configured to, when the first time period has elapsed after a change in the logic level of the speed signal but before a subsequent change in the logic level thereof in the second time period, generate the signal from when the first time period has elapsed until when the logic level thereof changes.
US09018866B2
At least one of a current value and a voltage value of an electrical storage device which is charged and discharged is detected with the use of each of a plurality of sensors. A predetermined process is executed on the basis of the detected values of the plurality of sensors The predetermined process is executed without using the detected values of the sensors in the predetermined process when a difference between a frequency of each of the detected values, which varies with a rotation speed of a motor that operates upon reception of an output power of the electrical storage device, and a resonance frequency of a step-up circuit, which varies with operation of the step-up circuit that steps up an output voltage of the electrical storage device and outputs the stepped-up electric power to the motor, is smaller than a threshold.
US09018862B2
An alternating current rotating machine control device that shares information among power conversion devices and instruments. A power conversion system has a top level control device, a master station, multiple power conversion devices, instruments (such as a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor), and the like. The top level control device is connected to two of the power conversion devices by a first communication line. These power conversion devices have two or more communication functions, and are connected to a remaining power conversion device, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor by a second communication line.
US09018855B2
The present invention relates to a controlling circuit and controlling method for an LED driver implemented as a flyback topology. The controlling circuit may be at a primary side of a transformer of the LED driver, and include a sampling circuit, an on time sensing circuit of an output diode, a regulating signal generator, and a PWM controller. The sampling circuit may generate a sampling signal indicating output current by sampling at the primary transformer side. The on time sensing circuit can detect an on time of the output diode. The regulating signal generator can generate a regulating signal by regulating the sampling signal, a voltage reference, and the on time of the output diode. The PWM controller may generate a controlling signal to control operation of a switching device of the LED driver to maintain a substantially constant output current in accordance with the regulating signal.
US09018854B2
A system for generating light with reduced physioneural compression. The system includes a first light source operable to emit light within a first wavelength range corresponding to a first photoreceptor and a second light source operable to emit light within a second wavelength range corresponding to a second photoreceptor. The system includes a controller functionally coupled to each of the first light source and the second light source. The controller is configured to alternately operate one of the first light source and the second light source with a duty cycle that is less than a response time of the visual cortex, but greater than a response time of physioneural cells, optionally including a latency between operation of light sources. The system may further include a third light source corresponding to a third photoreceptor.
US09018842B2
The present invention provides a driving circuit and method for a pixel unit, a pixel unit and a display apparatus. The driving circuit for a pixel unit comprises: a driving thin-film transistor, a first switching element, a storage capacitor and a driving control unit; said driving control unit is used to control said storage capacitor to be charged/discharged so as to control said driving thin-film transistor to operate in a saturation region, so that the threshold voltage Vth of said driving thin-film transistor is compensated by utilizing the gate-source voltage of said driving thin-film transistor. The present invention can address the problems of ununiformity and attenuation of the brightness of OLED panel.
US09018839B2
An LED cooling system comprising of a Peltier cooler. The Peltier cooler comprising of a top cooling plate and bottom heating plate. The top cooling plate is capable of directly contacting an LED housing such that heat generated by an LED in the LED housing can be transferred from the LED housing by said Peltier cooler; A control circuit electrically connected to said Peltier cooler to control the amount of power is supplied to said Peltier cooler; said amount of power supplied to said Peltier cooler is determined by the temperature of said LED housing.
US09018832B2
A light-emitting device capable of ensuring an electric connection between a light-emitting element and an electrode without generating any problem in practical use, by both connecting methods with a solder and a connector, and a lighting device provided with the light-emitting device are provided. The light-emitting device according to the present invention has a plurality of LED chips, and a soldering electrode land and a connector connecting electrode land electrically connected to the chips, on a ceramic substrate. The soldering electrode land is formed of a first conductive material having a function to prevent diffusion to a solder, and the connector connecting electrode land is formed of a second conductive material having a function to prevent oxidation.
US09018828B2
A light emitting element lamp and a lighting equipment for suppressing a temperature rising of a substrate on which a light emitting element is mounted by using a reflector is described. Aspects relate to a lamp including a heat-conductive reflector, a base connected to the reflector, a heat-conductive heat radiating member, a substrate having a light emitting element mounted thereon and attached to the heat radiating member and a lighting circuit housed in the cover to light the light emitting element. Other components and features may also be included.
US09018815B2
The generator comprises a stator (10) having a plurality of protruding portions for stator pole (12) on the outer peripheral surface of the stator main unit (11), and a rotor (20) having a plurality of protruding portions for rotor (22) mounted around the stator (10) in a rotatable state. Since the height of the plurality of protruding portions for stator pole (12) decreases along the rotational or reverse rotational direction of the rotor (20), a torque waveform containing odd-order components is generated when the rotor (20) is rotated coaxially around the stator (10). The plurality of protruding portions for stator pole (12) comprises a first protrusion group for stator pole (12A) and a second protrusion group for stator pole (12B), and the first protrusion group for stator pole (12A) and the second protrusion group for stator pole (12B) are formed with the protruding portions for stator pole (12) laid out along the circumferential direction spaced apart from each other. The rotor (10) has a first ring member (21A) and a second ring member (21B) separated from each other in the axial direction at a given distance, a first protrusion group for rotor pole (22A) having half of the plurality of protruding portions for rotor poles (22) aligned along the inner peripheral surface of the first ring member (21A) spaced apart from each other, and a second protrusion group for rotor pole (22B) having half of the plurality of protruding portions for rotor poles (22) aligned along the inner peripheral surface of the second ring member (21B) spaced apart from each other. By placing the first protrusion group for stator pole (12A) and the second protrusion group for stator pole (12B) in the same phase, and shifting the second protrusion group for rotor (22B) from the first protrusion group for rotor (22A) by a mechanical angle allowing their electrical phases to deviate by 180°, odd-order components of the torque waveform can be canceled, and torque ripple can be reduced.
US09018812B2
Manual drive energy is input into a transport device of one embodiment by linearly reciprocating a first drive member that couples by way of a ratchet mechanism (or other mechanical motion rectifier means) and a mechanical motion amplifier means to one or more faster spinning flywheel masses. The one or more flywheel masses are formed in part by a combination electric motor/generator and it has rechargeable electric batteries distributively provided about a flywheel mass portion thereof. Tapered roller bearings having ferromagnetic material are interposed between the one or more flywheel masses and/or between one of the flywheels and a stationary frame of the transport device so as to repeatedly make and break closed magnetic flux conducting loops and thus provide at least one of an electric motoring and electricity generating function.
US09018803B1
Method and apparatus for integrating one of single and plurality of hybrid SPDT or DPDT switch with one of SPDT and DPDT relay via contactors structured to connect the poles of the relay and the switch directly or via conductive structures including PCB assembly, for operating electrical appliances via the switch manual key and remotely by powering the relay coil having latching or non-latching armature, with a CPU program providing the manual key and the manual keys of each SPDT or DPDT connected in a traveler lines to the integrated switch-relay to switch on-off group of loads and all the loads of home automation network or grid via optical cable, RF, IR in line of sight and bus line.
US09018802B2
The invention disclosed is a pulsed power supply for plasma electrolytic deposition (PED) for generating pulsed direct current for controlled interruption of the arcing process of PED, comprising a power distribution and relay logic (PDRL) module; a positive AC/DC (alternating current/direct current) power module; a negative AC/DC power module; a power pulse output module; and a computer control and data acquisition module, wherein the power pulse output module further comprises a pulse controller and an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power switch, and wherein the PDRL module is operatively coupled to both the positive and negative AC/DC power modules and the respective positive and negative power modules are then operatively coupled to both the power pulse output module and the computer control and data acquisition module, and wherein the computer control and data acquisition module controls both the respective positive and negative power modules and the power pulse output module to generate pulsed DC for controlled interruption of the arcing process.
US09018796B2
An energy conversion system transfers energy between an energy source, or storage unit, and an electric device via a first port and a second port and at least one of receives and provides energy via a third port.
US09018794B2
An electric power controller for a vehicle with stop-start system is provided to prevent electric energy from being decreased in a power capacitor when an engine is in an idle-stop state. The engine is in the idle-stop state by idle-stop control means, the transfer of the electric energy between the power capacitor and a vehicle-mounted battery is stopped by power control means connected between the power capacitor and the vehicle-mounted battery.
US09018788B2
The present invention relates to a wind-velocity-field measurement system for use in a wind turbine having a rotor with′ two or more blades, comprising at least one sensor-signal obtained by measuring a physical quantity on at angle least one of the blades, the physical quantity being indicative of at least one wind-velocity-field characteristic; a table (140, 142, 144) build for a plurality of wind conditions by associating values characterizing the at least one sensor-signal with values of the at least one wind-velocity-field characteristic, and; searching means (150, 152, 154) for determining from the table a value of the at least one wind-velocity-field characteristic for a current wind condition given values characterizing the at least one sensor-signal.
US09018783B2
Wind turbine systems and methods are provided. An exemplary system includes a wind driven doubly fed induction generator having a rotor and a stator, the stator providing AC power to a stator bus. The system further includes a power converter coupled to the rotor of the doubly fed induction generator, the power converter providing an output to a line bus, and a transformer coupled to the stator bus. The system further includes a solid-state switch coupled between the stator bus and the transformer.
US09018782B2
Wind turbines of a wind power plant may be selectively over-rated by measuring the difference between the nominal and actual power plant outputs and deriving an over-rating request signal based on that difference which is sent to each turbine. The same value may be sent to each turbine. Alternatively, each turbine may be given its own over-rating amount based on an optimization of the turbine. Over-rating may also be used when external economic factors such as energy costs are sufficiently high to out-weigh any potential harmful effect of over-rating. The fatigue lifetime of turbines and their critical components may also be taken into account when deciding whether and to what extent to implement an over-rating command.
US09018781B2
A method and system for adjusting the stress on an electrical and/or electronic subassembly in a wind turbine. The method allows determining for the electrical and/or electronic subassembly an expected service life up to the point when a maintenance indicator value is reached, which represents a state of the subassembly at which, on the basis of conditions defined in advance, the subassembly should be maintained. The method further allows comparing the expected service life against the time point for the next maintenance of the wind turbine and controlling the wind turbine and/or at least one other wind turbine in an area around the wind turbine in such a way that the stress on the electrical and/or electronic subassembly is reduced.
US09018777B2
An encapsulating composition for a light emitting element, a light emitting diode (LED) and a liquid crystal display device (LCD) are provided. A silicone-cured product included as a main ingredient and a conductivity-providing agent having excellent compatibility and capable of providing superior conductivity can be used to significantly reduce the surface resistivity of the silicone-cured product. Therefore, the encapsulating composition for a light emitting element, the LED and the LCD can be useful in solving the problems regarding attachment of a foreign substance such as dust due to static electricity, and degradation of transparency since the composition has low surface resistivity when used as a semiconductor encapsulation material for an LED, and also in providing a cured product having excellent properties such as light resistance, heat resistance, durability and optical transparency.
US09018773B2
A chip arrangement is provided. The chip arrangement includes: a first chip electrically connected to the first chip carrier top side; a second chip electrically connected to the second chip carrier top side; and electrically insulating material configured to at least partially surround the first chip carrier and the second chip carrier; at least one electrical interconnect configured to electrically contact the first chip to the second chip through the electrically insulating material; one or more first electrically conductive portions formed over and electrically contacted to at least one of the first chip carrier top side and second chip carrier top side, and one or more second electrically conductive portions formed over and electrically contacted to at least one of the first chip carrier bottom side and second chip carrier bottom side.
US09018761B2
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes a circuit board having a number of electrode portions on the front side and the underside, an electronic circuit element such as a semiconductor chip bonded to the electrode portions on the front side of the circuit board and composing an electronic circuit; and a plurality of ball electrodes for external connection, the ball electrodes being formed on the electrode portions on the underside of the circuit board. Of the electrode portions on the underside of the circuit board, an electrode portion on the outer periphery is formed larger than an electrode portion on the inner periphery. The plurality of ball electrodes are solder balls heated and melted on the electrode portions on the underside of the board so as to form an alloy on the interfaces, the solder balls containing tin and silver but not containing lead.
US09018748B2
A housing for a power semiconductor, providing a compartment for installation of a power semiconductor, and including a first and a second terminal. The terminals are for connection of a power semiconductor installed in the compartment, and for leading current to and from the compartment. The housing includes a contact mechanism for bypassing the compartment, the contact mechanism including at least one movable contact arranged for electrically connecting the first and second terminal, the at least one movable contact being movable between a disconnected first position and a connected second position. The contact mechanism further includes a bypass actuator arranged inside the compartment and provided for transforming a pressure from an exploding semiconductor into motion, the bypass actuator is operatively connected to the movable contact and arranged to move the movable contact from the first to the second position when subjected to the pressure of an exploding semiconductor.
US09018744B2
A semiconductor device comprises a carrier. Further, the semiconductor devices comprises a semiconductor chip comprising a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, wherein a first electrode is arranged on the first main surface and the semiconductor chip is mounted on the carrier with the second main surface facing the carrier. Further, an encapsulation body embedding the semiconductor chip is provided. The semiconductor device further comprises a contact clip, wherein the contact clip is an integral part having a bond portion bonded to the first electrode and having a terminal portion forming an external terminal of the semiconductor device.
US09018741B2
A semiconductor package is presented which has a suitable structure for effectively shielding electromagnetic wave interference (EMI) in a cavity area to which a semiconductor chip is attached. The semiconductor package is assembled such that a lower substrate to which the semiconductor chip is attached is adhered to an EMI shielding & electric I/O body having various types of EMI shielding & electric I/O metal patterns by soldering. Further, the EMI shielding & electric I/O body is adhered to an upper substrate by soldering thereby simplifying assembling of the semiconductor package.
US09018730B2
A galvanic-isolated coupling of circuit portions is accomplished on the basis of a stacked chip configuration. The semiconductor chips thus can be fabricated on the basis of any appropriate process technology, thereby incorporating one or more coupling elements, such as primary or secondary coils of a micro transformer, wherein the final characteristics of the micro transformer are adjusted during the wafer bond process.
US09018711B1
Approaches for forming a replacement metal gate (RMG) of a semiconductor device, are disclosed. Specifically provided is a p-channel field effect transistor (p-FET) and an n-channel field effect transistor (n-FET) formed over a substrate, the p-FET and the n-FET each having a recess formed therein, a high-k layer and a barrier layer formed within each recess, a work-function metal (WFM) selectively grown within the recess of the n-FET, wherein the high-k layer, barrier layer, and WFM are each recessed to a desired height within the recesses, and a metal material (e.g., Tungsten) formed within each recess. By providing a WFM chamfer earlier in the process, the risk of mask materials filling into each gate recess is reduced. Furthermore, the selective WFM growth improves fill-in of the metal material, which lowers gate resistance in the device.
US09018707B2
A semiconductor device includes a first transistor group including first transistors, wherein each of the first transistors includes a first gate, and a first source and a first drain disposed symmetrically at both sides of the first gate and having a bent form; and a second transistor group including second transistors, wherein each of the second transistors includes a second gate, and a second source and a second drain disposed symmetrically at both sides of the second gate and having a bent form, wherein the first source and the first drain are bent in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second source and the second drain are bent.
US09018706B2
A cell phone has a plurality of interconnected electronic components for performing the electrical functions of the phone. A DC/DC converter provides an operating voltage which is applied to power supply terminals of the plurality of interconnected electronic components. The DC/DC converter uses a monolithic semiconductor device containing a power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and Schottky diode. The semiconductor device has the lateral diffused MOSFET formed on a surface of the semiconductor device. The MOSFET is formed with a plurality conduction fingers. The Schottky diode is also formed on the surface of the semiconductor device and integrated between the plurality of conduction fingers of the MOSFET. The drain of the MOSFET is connected to the anode of the diode on the surface of the monolithic semiconductor device.
US09018702B2
A semiconductor device according an aspect of the present disclosure may include an isolation layer formed within a substrate and formed to define an active region, a junction formed in the active region, well regions formed under the isolation layer, and a plug embedded within the substrate between the junction and the well regions and formed extend to a greater depth than the well regions.
US09018691B2
A nonvolatile memory structure includes a semiconductor substrate having thereon a first oxide define (OD) region, a second OD region and a third OD region arranged in a row. The first, second, and third OD regions are separated from one another by an isolation region. The isolation region includes a first intervening isolation region between the first OD region and the second OD region, and a second intervening isolation region between the second OD region and the third OD region. A select gate transistor is formed on the first OD region. A floating gate transistor is formed on the second OD region. The floating gate transistor is serially coupled to the select gate transistor. The floating gate transistor includes a floating gate that is completely overlapped with the underlying second OD region and is partially overlapped with the first and second intervening isolation regions.
US09018690B2
A memory device, and method of make same, having a substrate of semiconductor material of a first conductivity type, first and second spaced-apart regions in the substrate of a second conductivity type, with a channel region in the substrate therebetween, a conductive floating gate over and insulated from the substrate, wherein the floating gate is disposed at least partially over the first region and a first portion of the channel region, a conductive second gate laterally adjacent to and insulated from the floating gate, wherein the second gate is disposed at least partially over and insulated from a second portion of the channel region, and a stressor region of embedded silicon carbide formed in the substrate underneath the second gate.
US09018682B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a stacked body including a plurality of electrode layers stacked alternately with a plurality of insulating layers on the substrate, a channel body provided inside a hole piercing the stacked body, and a memory portion provided between the channel body and each of the plurality of electrode layers. The hole has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The diameter of the hole is smaller at the small diameter portion than at the large diameter portion. A thickness of the electrode layer adjacent to the small diameter portion is thicker than a thickness of the electrode layer adjacent to the large diameter portion.
US09018676B2
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, and third and fourth semiconductor layers of the first conductivity type formed between the first and second semiconductor layer. The first, the third, the fourth, and the second semiconductor layers are coupled in this order. A band gap of the third semiconductor layer is narrower than that of the first semiconductor layer, and a band gap of the fourth semiconductor layer is narrower than that of the third semiconductor layer.
US09018672B2
Provided is a semiconductor device including: a semiconductor element arranged on a substrate and having two electrodes; a conductive strip in contact with one of the two electrodes; and a dielectric arranged between another one of the two electrodes and the conductive strip, in which the conductive strip has an opening formed therein, the dielectric has a void formed therein, and the opening and the void are connected to each other.
US09018663B2
A lens-equipped optical semiconductor device including: an optical semiconductor device including at least one optical semiconductor element mounted on a substrate and a transparent resin encapsulating body that encapsulates the optical semiconductor element; a resin lens having a recessed portion for housing the transparent resin encapsulating body; and a transparent resin layer filled into a space among the substrate, the recessed portion, and the transparent resin encapsulating body, wherein the recessed portion has a capacity that is at least 1.1 times a total volume of the optical semiconductor element and the transparent resin encapsulating body.
US09018659B2
A light-emitting device includes a light-emitting element mounted on a lead frame, and a sealing material sealing the light-emitting element and having a thickness of not more than 1 mm and including a silicone resin as a main component. The sealing material includes a first gas barrier layer that a physical property value obtained by dividing a difference between a value of an average spin-spin relaxation time of 1H nuclei at a resonance frequency of 25 MHz at 140° C. and that at 25° C. by 115 is not more than 3.5 and the average spin-spin relaxation time at 140° C. is not more than 500 μsec.
US09018656B2
The light emitting device comprises a mounting substrate and an LED chip which comprises an n-type nitride semiconductor layer, a nitride light emission layer on the n-type nitride semiconductor layer, p-type nitride semiconductor layer on the nitride light emission layer, an anode electrode opposite of the nitride light emission layer from the p-type nitride semiconductor layer, and a cathode electrode on the n-type nitride semiconductor layer. The mounting substrate has a patterned conductor which is connected to the cathode electrode through a bump and also connected to the anode electrode through a bump. The LED chip further comprises one or more dielectric layer between the p-type nitride semiconductor layer and the anode electrode to have an arrangement which resembles an island. The p-type nitride semiconductor layer has a first region which is overlapped with the bump. The dielectric layer is not formed within the first region.
US09018653B2
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element and a package. The package is made up of a molded article and a lead that is embedded in the molded article. The lead includes a mounting part on which the light emitting element is mounted, a terminal part that is linked to the mounting part, and an exposed part. The package has a front face that is a light emitting face, a rear face opposite the front face, and a bottom face contiguous with the front face and the rear face. The light emitting element is mounted on the front face side of the mounting part. The exposed part is linked to the rear face side of the mounting part, and is exposed from the molded article at the bottom face and the rear face. The terminal part is exposed from the molded article at the bottom face.
US09018651B2
The present invention relates to an optical device integrated with a driving circuit and a power supply circuit, a method for manufacturing an optical device substrate used therein, and a substrate thereof, which are capable of reducing the overall size and facilitating the handling and management thereof by mounting a plurality of optical elements, driving circuits thereof, and power supply circuits thereof on a single substrate for an optical device having a vertical insulating layer. The objective of the present invention is to provide the optical device integrated with the driving circuit and the power supply circuit, the method for manufacturing the optical device substrate used therein, and the substrate thereof which are capable of reducing the overall size and facilitating the handling and the management thereof by mounting the plurality of optical elements, the driving circuits thereof, and the power supply circuits thereof on the single substrate for the optical device having the vertical insulating layer.
US09018649B2
A nanopatterned surface is prepared by forming a block copolymer film on a miscut crystalline substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, then reconstructing the surface of the annealed block copolymer film The method creates a well-ordered array of voids in the block copolymer film that is maintained over a large area. The nanopatterned block copolymer films can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media.
US09018644B2
Disclosed is a light emitting device package. The light emitting device package includes a package body having a first cavity and a second cavity; a plurality of reflective frames comprising a first reflective frame and a second reflective frame on the first cavity and the second cavity, respectively, and each of the first reflective frame and the second reflective frame comprises a bottom frame and at least two side wall frames extending from the bottom frame; and a light emitting device on the first reflective frame, wherein the first reflective frame and the second reflective frame are electrically separated from each other.
US09018643B2
Enlightening device and method for making the same are disclosed. Individual light emitting devices such as LEDs are separated to form individual dies by process in which a first narrow trench cuts the light emitting portion of the device and a second trench cuts the substrate to which the light emitting portion is attached. The first trench can be less than 10 μm. Hence, a semiconductor area that would normally be devoted to dicing streets on the wafer is substantially reduced thereby increasing the yield of devices. The devices generated by this method can also include base members that are electrically conducting as well as heat conducting in which the base member is directly bonded to the light emitting layers thereby providing improved heat conduction.
US09018636B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first and a second transistor. The first transistor includes a first and a second region of a first conductivity type and a third region of a second conductivity type. The first region is disposed along a first crystal face of a silicon carbide region. The silicon carbide region has the first crystal face and a second crystal face. The second and the third region are disposed along the first face. The third region is provided between the first and the second region. The second transistor includes a fourth and fifth region of the second type and a sixth region of the first type. The fourth, the fifth and the sixth region are disposed along the second face of the silicon carbide region. The sixth region is provided between the fourth and the fifth region.
US09018634B2
A semiconductor device includes a field effect transistor that has a first nitride semiconductor layer and a second nitride semiconductor layer larger in bandgap than the first nitride semiconductor layer formed on a substrate in this order and a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, and uses two-dimensional electron gas formed at the interface between the first and second nitride semiconductor layers as the channel. The field effect transistor further has a p-type nitride semiconductor layer formed between the gate electrode and the drain electrode and electrically connected to the drain electrode.
US09018625B2
An inverter includes a first N type oxide transistor operated in a depletion mode; and a second N type oxide transistor operated in a normal mode or enhancement mode, wherein an overlap area between an etch stop layer and a drain electrode of the first N type oxide transistor is greater than an overlap area between the etch stop layer and a source electrode of the first N type oxide transistor.
US09018623B2
An array substrate includes a thin film transistor which includes a gate electrode electrically connected to a gate line, a source electrode electrically connected to a data line, a drain electrode and an active layer, a first electrode electrically connected to the drain electrode and disposed at a pixel area, and a second electrode covering an upper and a side surface of the source electrode. The second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode.
US09018620B2
According to one embodiment, an organic electroluminescent light emitting device includes a transparent substrate, an intermediate layer, a first electrode, an organic light emitting layer, and a second electrode. The intermediate layer includes a plurality of fine particles and a flattened layer. The fine particles are adhered to a major surface of the transparent substrate. The flattened layer covers the fine particles and has a refractive index different from a refractive index of the fine particles. The flattened layer is transparent. The first electrode is provided on the intermediate layer. The first electrode is transparent. The organic light emitting layer is provided on the first electrode. The second electrode is provided on the organic light emitting layer.
US09018608B1
An optical liquid sensor utilizing a light source, fiber optic cables, a light detector and an irregular transparent surface is provided to detect the presence of liquid in mist and continuous form. The sensor may be integrated into a probe designed for insertion into a pressurized fluid process.
US09018604B2
An arrangement for handling a liquid metal for cooling revolving components of a radiation source based on a radiation-emitting plasma has the handling arrangement for the liquid metal comprises a reservoir of liquid metal in a vessel, a tempering device for adjusting the temperature moderately above the melting point of the metal, a pump unit for moving the liquid metal in circulation. The handling unit containing the reservoir and the pump unit is provided for transporting the metal into a separated source module via a feed pipe and a return pipe for guiding highly heated metal back from the source module into the reservoir. The return pipe is formed as a straight pipe slightly inclined to the reservoir to guide the heated metal back by action of gravity in a substantially laminar flow.
US09018596B2
A device for imparting an orbital angular momentum to a charged particle wave propagating along a beam axis in a charged particle beam generating apparatus is described. The device comprises a support element having a target region adapted for transmitting a charged particle wave propagating along a beam axis and an induction means for inducing a magnetic flux along an elongated profile having a free end portion located in the target region and the induction means is adapted for providing a magnetic flux in the elongated profile in order to induce an angular gradient, relative to the beam axis, of the phase of the charged particle wave when transmitted through the target region. A corresponding method is also disclosed, as well as the use thereof in electron microscopy.
US09018589B2
The invention relates to a radiation detector (100) comprising a converter element (102) for converting incident high-energy radiation (X) into charge signals. A cathode (101) and an array (104) of anodes (103) are disposed on different sides of the converter element (102) for generating an electrical field (E0, Ed) within it. The strength of said electrical field (E0, Ed) is increased in a first region (Rd) near the anode array (104) with respect to a second region (R0) remote from it. Such an increase may be achieved by doping the first region (Rd) with an electron acceptor. The increased field strength in the first region (Rd) favorably affects the sharpness of charge pulses generated by incident radiation.
US09018585B2
According to some embodiments, a method and apparatus are provided to receive a first signal from a sensor, determine that a user is present based on the received first signal, receive a second signal from the sensor, and determine if the user is still present based on the received second signal.
US09018583B2
A method is provided for diagnosing the operation of a photometric particle analyzer. The method may determine when the operation is degraded from normal operating conditions, automatically, and the result displayed locally as well as being transmitted to a remote observer. The present invention may be used by optical photometric particle analyzers, or by analyzers that measure other properties of particles collected on filters.
US09018581B2
A transmission electron microscope (100) includes an electron beam source (2), an illumination lens (10), an objective lens (20), an intermediate lens system (30), a pair of transfer lenses (40) located behind the intermediate lens system (30), and an energy filter (60) for separating the electrons of the beam L transmitted through the specimen (S) according to energy. The transfer lenses (40) transfer the first image to the entrance crossover plane (S1) of the energy filter (60) and to transfer the second image to the entrance image plane (A1) of the filter (60). An image plane (A3) is formed between the first transfer lens (40a) and the second transfer lens (40b).
US09018577B2
A vehicular imaging system comprises a single imaging sensor having a plurality of photosensor elements. The imaging sensor captures image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle within its field of view. Image data captured by the imaging sensor is provided to a control. The control also receives via a communication bus at least one of vehicle pitch information, vehicle yaw information and vehicle steering information. The control detects two substantially straight and converging road features along the road the vehicle is travelling and determines a point of intersection where they would converge using, at least in part, the received vehicle information and the control automatically corrects for misalignment of the imaging sensor mounted at the vehicle.
US09018570B2
Induction heating systems and methods for combinatorial heating of a substrate are disclosed. The induction heating system includes a susceptor segmented into multiple regions (e.g., two to 20 regions) that are separated from one another by a reflective channel that is purged with a liquid (e.g., gas or liquid). The induction heating system includes multiple induction coils, each induction coil corresponding to one of the susceptor regions or segments. The distance between each induction coil and the susceptor region can be varied using an independent lift for each region. The relative distance between the coils and the corresponding susceptor regions is used to vary the temperature of a substrate so that different regions of the substrate can be independently heated to different temperatures.
US09018569B2
The invention relates to an electrical heating system for at least one section of a fluid transport pipe, the pipe comprising a casing in which the fluid to be transported flows, the heating system comprising electric wires arranged around the casing and intended to be powered, via connection elements, by an electrical power supply comprising several phases, system in which the electric wires are arranged in at least one set of several groups each comprising several electric wires, each of the groups in said set being intended to be supplied by a distinct phase, the electrical heating system comprising connecting units to perform an electrical connection and linking together the electric wires of each of said groups.
US09018567B2
A semiconductor substrate processing apparatus (1), comprising a substrate support assembly (30), including a substrate support (32) defining an outer support surface (34) for supporting a substrate or substrate carrier (24) thereon, and a heater (50) comprising a heat dissipating portion (54) that is disposed within the substrate support (32) and that extends underneath and substantially parallel to the support surface (34), said substrate support (32) being rotatably mounted around a rotation axis (L) that extends through said support surface (34), such that the support surface (34) is rotatable relative to the heat dissipating portion (54) of the heater (50).
US09018564B2
A plastic window system including a transparent plastic panel and an electrically conductive grid provided on the plastic panel. The conductive grid includes at least one conductive mounting location. An electrical terminal is electrically connected to the conductive mounting location, and a connector secures the terminal to the conductive mounting location. The connector includes a portion extending from the panel to a location outboard of the conductive mounting location relative to the panel.
US09018561B2
An apparatus and method of operation for a high power broad band elongated thin beam laser annealing light source, which may comprise a gas discharge seed laser oscillator having a resonance cavity, providing a seed laser output pulse; a gas discharge amplifier laser amplifying the seed laser output pulse to provide an amplified seed laser pulse output; a divergence correcting multi-optical element optical assembly intermediate the seed laser and the amplifier laser. The divergence correcting optical assembly may adjust the size and/or shape of the seed laser output pulse within a discharge region of the amplifier laser in order to adjust an output parameter of the amplified seed laser pulse output. The divergence correcting optical assembly may comprise a telescope with an adjustable focus. The adjustable telescope may comprise an active feedback-controlled actuator based upon a sensed parameter of the amplified seed laser output from the amplifier laser.
US09018559B2
Provided is an automatic wire threader for a wire electric discharge machining apparatus including a jet nozzle (20). The jet nozzle includes a first finger and a second finger (21, 22) that are movable between their open positions where a jet nozzle hole (28) is undefined and their closed positions where the jet nozzle hole is defined. The jet nozzle further includes a compression coil spring (60) for urging the first finger and the second finger to their open positions. A moving device moves the jet nozzle from the retracted position to the operational position, so as to bring the first finger and the second finger in contact with a flush nozzle, thereby moving the first finger and the second finger against the a compression coil spring toward their closed positions.
US09018558B2
The disclosure relates to a gas circuit breaker switch (5) which can be integrated inside a switching device insulated in a dielectric gas, said switch (5) comprising an arc chute (1) inside which a fixed contact (3) and a moving contact (4) are arranged. The integration of the contacts (3, 4) inside at least one casing (19, 20) corresponding to the arc chute (1) allows reducing distances between phases, in addition to preventing any incident in one phase from affecting the remaining phases, and finally more compact electrical equipment is obtained. The switch (5) also comprises at least one generation means (6) for generating at least one gas, at least one blowout/intake means (7) for at least one extinguishing gas and at least one generation means (2) for generating a magnetic field, such that the electric arc generated between the contacts (3, 4) of the switch (5) can be extinguished by combining said means (6, 7, 2).
US09018555B2
An light switch cover plate constructed of a durable and ruggedized break-resistant material that securely covers the light switch switching mechanism and includes, uniquely keyed mounting members, and a uniquely keyed switching implement operably connected to a switching lever to effect switching on and off the light switch switching mechanism.
US09018554B2
A luminescent keyswitch module includes a base plate, a keyswitch, a light guide plate, a light source, a diffusion structure, and a reflector. The keyswitch is disposed on the base plate. The light guide plate, disposed under the base plate, has an accommodating space communicated with a through hole of the base plate. The light source passes through the through hole, is accommodated in the accommodating space, and emits light having a first divergence angle. The diffusion structure is accommodated in the accommodating space and located between the light source and the light guide plate. The light passes through the diffusion structure. The light leaving the second light exit surface has a second divergence angle larger than the first divergence angle. The reflector is disposed under the light guide plate, so as to reflect the light to pass through the light guide plate and the base plate to the keyswitch.
US09018551B2
A handlebar switch for a motorcycle that achieves reduction in size of a switch case, while enhancing a degree of freedom in layout of a plurality operating and other types of switches. A handlebar switch includes: a switch case that includes case half bodies, joined together across a handlebar and a plurality of operating switches, such as a horn switch, protruding from the switch case; and a substrate disposed inside the switch case in a position substantially orthogonal to a direction of an axis of the handlebar, the substrate having a plurality of contacts for generating electric signals in a manner operatively associated with an operation of the operating switch. In the handlebar switch, each of the contacts is electrically connected by pressure applied in a direction substantially identical to the direction of the axis of the handlebar.
US09018549B2
A locking apparatus is disclosed for an electromechanical switching device having a manual actuation option. Furthermore, such a switching device is also disclosed. A robust, mechanically simple locking apparatus is provided which can be operated without a tool, as well as a correspondingly embodied switching device. The locking apparatus of at least one embodiment includes a combination of few interacting construction elements attuned to one another in terms of structure and function. In this apparatus, a locking element assumes a double function, by, on the one hand, securing the connection of the locking apparatus with the switching device and on the other hand preventing a change in position of the actuation element of the switching device.
US09018535B2
A touch panel includes a touch sensor layer including a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode, wherein an arrangement direction of the first transparent electrode can be perpendicular to that of the second transparent electrode, and both of the first and second transparent electrodes include two transparent metallic patterns which are stacked and electrically connected to each other.
US09018532B2
A stretchable circuit assembly includes first and second printed circuit boards, discrete conductive wires or flexible circuits including ends connected to the first and second printed circuit boards, and a stretchable interconnect in which the discrete conductive wires or flexible circuits and a portion of the first and second printed circuit boards are embedded. Main surfaces of the flexible circuits are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to main surfaces of the stretchable interconnect. A method of making a stretchable circuit assembly includes the steps of providing electrical interconnects, a first printed circuit board, and a second printed circuit board, shaping the electrical interconnects to have an oscillating configuration, and forming a stretchable interconnect such that the electrical interconnects, a portion of the first printed circuit board, and a portion of the second printed circuit board are embedded within the stretchable interconnect.
US09018529B2
A combined power and communications cable for use with a motor and drive unit in an industrial control system is provided. The cable may comprise first, second and third insulated conductors twisted together and covered by a cable jacket (first group); fourth and fifth insulated conductors twisted together and covered by an electrical shield (second group); and a sixth insulated conductor for delivering a protective ground (third group). The first, second and third groups are twisted together, covered by an electrical shield and covered by a cable jacket. Filler may be formed around the fourth and fifth insulated conductors, and may be formed around the first, second and third groups, to substantially maintain round geometric shapes.
US09018525B1
Systems and methods for providing electrical wiring devices having off-center installation capabilities are described. An electrical wiring device has at least one elongated mounting hole for accepting a mounting fastener in more than one location. For example, an electrical wiring device such as a single-gang, double 15A outlet device may have an installation ear at each of the upper and lower ends of the device, wherein each of the installation ears contains an elongate hole for accepting a fastener such as a screw in more than one position. Additionally, each installation ear includes include markings adjacent to the elongate holes to mark installation positions such as left, center and right that facilitate off-center installation.
US09018524B2
An electrical box includes one or more sides joined to form a front opening to receive an electrical device. The electrical box also includes a flange extending laterally from the one or more sides. The flange includes a blade edge configured to have an initial engagement with a surface of a wallboard when the electrical box is installed in an opening of the wallboard. When the electrical box is installed in the opening of the wallboard, the blade edge forms a vapor-tight barrier between the electrical box and the surface of the wallboard.
US09018522B2
An alloy composition for a subcell of a solar cell is provided that has a bandgap of at least 0.9 eV, namely, Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz with a low antimony (Sb) content and with enhanced indium (In) content and enhanced nitrogen (N) content, achieving substantial lattice matching to GaAs and Ge substrates and providing both high short circuit currents and high open circuit voltages in GaInNAsSb subcells for multijunction solar cells. The composition ranges for Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz are 0.07≦x≦0.18, 0.025≦y≦0.04 and 0.001≦z≦0.03.
US09018520B2
Disclosed is a solar cell having a silicon monocrystal substrate surface with a textured structure and, near the surface of said substrate, a damage layer reflecting the slice processing history from the time of manufacture of the silicon monocrystal substrate. The damage layer near the surface of the silicon monocrystal substrate is derived from the slice processing history at the time of manufacture of the substrate and functions as a gettering site, contributing to a longer lifetime of the substrate minority carriers. Thanks to this effect, the solar cell characteristics are dramatically increased. Further, new damage need be inflicted, and no additional work is required because damage from the slicing is used.
US09018517B2
A photovoltaic device including a single junction solar cell provided by an absorption layer of a type IV semiconductor material having a first conductivity, and an emitter layer of a type III-V semiconductor material having a second conductivity, wherein the type III-V semiconductor material has a thickness that is no greater than 50 nm.
US09018515B2
A solar cell with spaced apart groupings of self-assembled quantum dot layers interposed with barrier layers. Such groupings allow improved control over the growth front quality of the solar cell, the crystalline structure of the solar cell, and on the performance metrics of the solar cell.
US09018507B2
A musical instrument (1) includes a stick (10) to be held by a player and provided with a marker (15) at a leading end that emits light and switches off; a camera unit (20) that captures an image of the player holding the stick (10); and a center unit (30) that generates a percussion instrument sound based on a position of the marker (15) while emitting light in image-capture space captured by the camera unit (20), in which the stick (10) causes the marker (15) to emit light under the condition of detecting start of a down swing movement by the player, and causes the marker (15) to switch off under the condition of detecting the end of this movement.
US09018503B2
An apparatus is provided, for calculating a practice time. The apparatus is used by a user to calculate such practice time that he/she requires to improve his/her playing technique to reach a predetermined progressing level at the playing technique. In the apparatus, a progressing-level evaluating unit evaluates a progressing level of a playing technique of the user who operates a playable unit. A history of the evaluated progressing level is recorded in a progressing-level recording unit. An operation-number counting unit counts the number of operations executed on the playable unit by the user every unit time. A history of the counted number of operations is recorded in an operation-number recording unit. A practice-time calculating unit calculates the practice time based on the history of the progressing level recorded in the progressing-level recording unit and the history of the number of operations recorded in the operation-number recording unit.
US09018494B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH819755. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH819755, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH819755 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH819755.
US09018489B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV105053. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV105053, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV105053 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV105053 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV105053.
US09018488B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV113991. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV113991, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV113991 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV113991 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV113991.
US09018470B1
A soybean cultivar designated 32390021 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 32390021, to the plants of soybean cultivar 32390021, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 32390021, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 32390021. 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 32390021. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 32390021, 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 32390021 with another soybean cultivar.
US09018461B2
A soybean cultivar designated S120090 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S120090, to the plants of soybean cultivar S120090, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S120090, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S120090. 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 S120090. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120090, 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 S120090 with another soybean cultivar.
US09018457B2
A soybean cultivar designated S120080 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S120080, to the plants of soybean cultivar S120080, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S120080, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S120080. 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 S120080. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120080, 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 S120080 with another soybean cultivar.
US09018456B2
A soybean cultivar designated S120067 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S120067, to the plants of soybean cultivar S120067, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S120067, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S120067. 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 S120067. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120067, 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 S120067 with another soybean cultivar.
US09018454B2
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety HI1016703-2 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety HI1016703-2 and its progeny, and methods of making HI1016703-2.
US09018453B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB49Z12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB49Z12, cells from soybean variety XB49Z12, plants of soybean XB49Z12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB49Z12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB49Z12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB49Z12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB49Z12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB49Z12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB49Z12 are further provided.
US09018450B2
This invention is intended to be used to search for a transcription factor having novel functions of increasing the weight of an individual plant, increasing the weight of a given tissue per individual plant, or improving the productivity of a given substance per individual plant and to improve such properties in the plant. The weight of an individual plant is increased, the weight of a given tissue per individual plant is increased, the productivity of a given substance per individual plant is improved, or the content of a given substance per given tissue of a plant is increased via expression of a transcription factor that has been modified to suppress transcription accelerating activity.
US09018445B2
Provided are methods of increasing nitrogen use efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency, yield, growth rate, vigor, biomass, oil content and/or abiotic stress tolerance of a plant by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2506, 2512, 2442, 2496, 2446, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 16-19, 21-60, 63-128, 130-137, 270-287, 289-293, 295-306, 308-362, 364-666, 671, 673-1333, 2414-2441, 2443-2445, 2447-2455, 2458-2495, 2497-2505, 2507-2511, 2513-2521 or 2522; and of increasing nitrogen use efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency and/or oil content of a plant by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 14, 15, 288, 294, 2398-2412 or 2413. Also provided are isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides which can be used to increase nitrogen use efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency, yield, growth rate, vigor, biomass, oil content and/or abiotic stress tolerance of a plant of a plant.
US09018443B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH832402. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH832402, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH832402 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH832402.
US09018435B2
Provided is a paper diaper which is safe to a wearer thereof and also has additional values of, for example, developing a plurality of colors and providing a practical effect of instantaneously detecting that the wearer has urinated, or the like. In a paper diaper 11 including a back sheet 13 for covering an outer side of an absorption body 14 for absorbing urine, an indicator portion 15 containing a colorless color-developing agent formed of an electron-donating coloration compound is formed by application on a wide range of an inner surface of the back sheet 13, and a color development assisting agent 16 is provided on the indicator portion 15. The color development assisting agent 16 is dissolved in the urine to contact the indicator portion 15, thus to cause the indication portion 15 to develop a color.
US09018430B2
The present invention provides a method for separating halocarbons. In particular, the invention provides a method for separating halogenated olefin impurities from 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244bb) using a solid adsorbent, particularly activated carbon. More particularly the invention pertains to a method for separating 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-propene (HCFO-1233xf) from HCFC-244bb, which are useful as intermediates in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf).
US09018426B1
In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing multi-carbon alcohols, including butanol and/or hexanol. The process comprises the step of reacting ethanol in a reactor to form a crude product comprising butanol, ethanol, and water. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the crude product in a first distillation zone to form a first distillate comprising ethanol and a first residue comprising butanol, and water. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the first residue in a second distillation zone to form a second distillate and a second residue comprising butanol.
US09018412B2
The present invention provides α-keto alkylperacids and methods for producing and using the same. In particular, α-keto alkylperacids are useful as antimicrobial agents.
US09018410B2
The invention relates to the production of 2-octylacrylate of high purity and in good yield using ethyl titanate in solution in 2-octanol or 2-octyl titanate as a transesterification catalyst.
US09018404B2
Methods and systems are provided that apply cavitation to a grain-based liquid medium processing stream of an oil separation process in order to achieve increased yields. Ultrasonic sources can be used in generating the cavitation. Typically, the oil processing system is a downstream process of an alcohol (such as ethanol) production facility utilizing a dry grind, a modified dry grind or a wet mill alcohol production process.
US09018400B2
A new functionalized polyhedral octavinylsilsesquioxanes having the general formula 1, in which R1 denotes: (1) any aryl group other than a non-substituted phenyl or a phenyl substituted in position four with a halogen or the groups-trimethylsilylethynyl, 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3-dioxaborolane-2-yl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3′,5′-bis(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl or benzo[d][1,3]-dioxol-5-yl; (2) any heteroaryl group; or (3) groups including coupled aromatic rings. Additionally, a method to obtain new and known functionalized polyhedral octavinylsilsesquioxanes having the general formula 1, by the silylating coupling of octavinylsilsesquioxane with olefins in the presence of a ruthenium complex catalyst.
US09018397B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, and their use as organic semiconductor in organic devices, like diodes, organic field effect transistors and/or a solar cells. The compounds of the formula I have excellent solubility in organic solvents. High efficiency of energy conversion, excellent field-effect mobility, good on/off current ratios and/or excellent stability can be observed, when said compounds are used in semiconductor devices or organic photovoltaic (PV) devices (solar cells).
US09018396B2
Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes incorporating an indolium ring moiety that is substituted at the 3-position by a reactive group or by a conjugated substance, and their uses, are described. Conjugation through this position results in spectral properties that are uniformly superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar dyes wherein attachment is at a different position. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.
US09018392B1
A novel compound, 1,2-dimethyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-5-hydroxy benzimidazole, an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and an agriculturally acceptable solvate thereof, for crop enhancement is provided. Related compositions and methods are also provided.
US09018381B2
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): and to their salts, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of use, and methods for their preparation. These compounds inhibit Bcl-2 and/or Bcl-XL activities and may be used for the treatment of cancer.
US09018378B2
This invention relates to intermediates for manufacturing fused heterocyclic-type kinase inhibitor compounds, such as thienopyridine-based compounds, particularly at an industrial level.
US09018365B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for attaching oligonucleotide tags to polynucleotides for the purpose of carrying out analytical assays in parallel and for decoding the oligonucleotide tags of polynucleotides selected in such assays. Words, or subunits, of oligonucleotide tags index submixtures in successively more complex sets of submixtures (referred to herein as “tiers” of submixtures) that a polynucleotide goes through while successive words are added to a growing tag. By identifying each word of an oligonucleotide tag, a series of submixtures is identified including the first submixture that contains only a single polynucleotide, thereby providing the identity of the selected polynucleotide. The analysis of the words of an oligonucleotide tag can be carried out in parallel, e.g. by specific hybridization of the oligonucleotide tag to its tag complement on an addressable array; or such analysis can be carried out serially by successive specific hybridizations of labeled word complements, or the like.
US09018358B2
Provided herein are antibodies that specifically bind an epitope of DC-STAMP. Specifically, provided herein are monoclonal antibodies that bind an epitope of DC-STAMP, wherein the epitope comprises the amino acid sequence Glu-Val-His-Leu-Lys-Leu-His-Gly-Glu-Lys-Gln-Gly-Thr-Gln (SEQ ID NO:1). Optionally, the epitope comprises the amino acid sequence His-Gly-Glu-Lys-Gln-Gly-Thr-Gln (SEQ ID NO:2). Optionally, the epitope comprises the amino acid sequence Lys-Gln-Gly-Thr-Gln (SEQ ID NO:3).
US09018352B2
Compounds comprising R-G-Cysteic Acid (i.e., R-G-NH—CH(CH2—SO3H)COOH or Arg-Gly-NH—CH(CH2—SO3H)COOH) and derivatives thereof, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, stereoisomers, multimers, cyclic forms, linear forms, drug-conjugates, pro-drugs and their derivatives. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such compounds including methods for inhibiting cellular adhesion to RGD binding sites or delivering other diagnostic or therapeutic agents to RGD binding sites in human or animal subjects.
US09018351B2
The present invention relates to an anti-tenascin C peptide aptamer having a specific amino acid sequence and a diagnosis kit comprising it. The anti-tenascin C peptide aptamer of the instant invention shows a predominant clearance rate due to its small molecular weight as well as specific binding affinity to tenascin C, having excellent advantages in in vivo or ex vivo tumor imaging.
US09018348B2
The present invention relates to modified eIF4G1 peptides, uses thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified eIF4G1 peptides.
US09018346B2
The present invention provides a method for removing unreacted monomer in polymer using a SCC comprising a housing having a rotation axis; a supply part of at least one polymer formed inside of the housing; at least two spinning cones that are installed so as to have a constant gradient from the upper part to the lower part to the rotation axis, move polymer supplied through the polymer supply part, and rotate around the rotation axis; a fixed cone that is fixed and formed on the inner side of the housing, and provides a pathway for sequentially moving polymer from a spinning cone at the upper part to a spinning cone at the lower part; a product collection part for collecting polymer moved through the spinning cone and the fixed cone; and a driving part for rotating the spinning cone. The method for removing unreacted monomers in polymer using SCC according to the present invention may control polymer residence time and thus does not lower polymer stability even under high temperature condition, and has high area density and thus has excellent unreacted monomer removal efficiency without using steam and the like, or with a small amount of steam, and the like.
US09018339B2
A diol from which a resin material having high processability and a high refractive index can be manufactured, a polycarbonate resin and a polyester resin which is a polymer of the diol, and a molded article and an optical element formed of the polymer. The diol is represented by the general formula (1) shown below; the polycarbonate resin and the polyester resin are polymers thereof; and the molded article and the optical element are formed of the polymers, wherein R1 and R2 each independently denote one of a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms; Q denotes one of an oxyethylene group, a thioethylene group and a single bond.
US09018335B2
Bis-Phenol A (BPA) can now be replaced in industrial processes by BPA substitutes. The BPA substitutes can have structures that are derivatives of BPA. The BPA substitutes can be used in preparing epoxy composition, polycarbonate compositions, and polysulfonate compositions or for other uses in place of BPA.
US09018322B2
Compositions comprising sulfur-containing polymers such as polythioethers, Michael acceptors, and controlled release amine catalysts employing Michael addition curing chemistries useful in aerospace sealant applications are disclosed. The compositions exhibit extended pot life and the rate of curing can be tailored for specific applications.
US09018321B2
Resin compositions which contain a compound having at least two epoxy and/or thiirane groups in the molecule (ingredient (1)) and a specific ionic liquid (ingredient (2)), as combined, are practicable resin compositions which comprise constitutive elements of readily available materials and have well-balanced suitable curing capability and storage stability. Preferably, the ionic liquid (ingredient (2)) comprises a combination of an ammonium cation or phosphonium cation and a carboxylate anion.
US09018303B2
The present invention relates to an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition. More specifically, the present invention relates to an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising a) acrylic copolymers; b) a hydrophilic plasticizer; and c) a hydrophobic plasticizer. The acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition according to the present invention has no mura under moisture and heat resistant condition, and thus has an excellent stain resistance of adherends, and an excellent wettability, endurance reliability, transparency and adhesion reliability, regardless of whether surface property of the adherend is hydrophillic or hydrophobic.
US09018295B2
Golf balls that have at least one layer formed from a cationic polyurea material. In particular, the compositions of the invention, which include a polymer backbone including urea linkages with cationic groups, may be formed from an isocyanate-containing component and an isocyanate-reactive component, at least one of which includes precursor cationic groups, in the presence of an alkylating, quaternizing, or ternarizing agent.
US09018292B2
A polyamide composition is described that is stabilized with respect to heat. The composition can have a polyhydric alcohol-based stabilization system that is excellent in maintaining mechanical properties after exposure to heat. Also described, is a process for producing these compositions, and the use of these compositions for making various articles.
US09018291B2
Disclosed is a polyalkylene carbonate paint composition, which is a pre-coated metal (PCM) paint composition capable of being applied in various fields for architectural uses, domestic uses, coating a can, or the like, in which high hardness is required. The composition may provide a PCM paint capable of having a low smoke density and significantly decreasing discharge of toxic gas and smoke caused by combustion at the time of fire as compared to the existing laminate steel sheet and high gloss film. In addition, disclosed is a high hardness paint composition capable of being usefully used in a PCM print steel sheet applied to electric home appliances due to an excellent adhesion property to a metal material and excellent durability.
US09018285B2
The Arabian asphaltene reinforced polystyrene composites include a matrix of polystyrene and an asphaltene filler isolated from Arab heavy crude oil residue that is distributed within the polystyrene matrix to form the Arabian asphaltene reinforced polystyrene composite. Asphaltenes are obtained from the Arab crude oil by precipitation in n-heptane. Styrene monomer and the asphaltenes filler are polymerized by using heat to initiate in situ polymerization. Testing shows that the asphaltene reinforced polystyrene composites have improved viscoelastic properties (e.g., flexural strength) and thermal stability.
US09018283B2
A resin composition containing: (A) a cellulose ester, (B) a styrene-based resin, and (C) a titanium dioxide, and not containing a compatibilizer between the component (A) and the component (B), in which the content of the component (A) is within a range of 95 to 50% by mass, the content of the component (B) is within a range of 5 to 50% by mass, and the content of the component (C) relative to 100 parts by mass of the sum of the amount of component (A) and the amount of component (B) is within a range of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass.
US09018278B2
Provided is a surface treated calcium carbonate filler for resins, which comprises calcium carbonate particles, the surface of which has been treated with at least one surface active agent (A) selected from the group consisting of saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, alicyclic carboxylic acids, resin acids, and salts thereof and with at least one compound (B) having the ability to chelate alkaline earth metals, the compound (B) being selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acids, polycarboxylic acids, and salts thereof. The surface treated calcium carbonate filler for resins of the present invention deteriorates little with time, has satisfactory dispersibility in resins, and can give a sheet or film which has a satisfactory balance among durability, weatherability, strength, and thermal stability, and is useful as a battery separator or a light reflector.
US09018271B2
Embodiments of the invention provide for polyurethane flexible foams that do not require a post production crushing step. These “self crushing” flexible foams neither collapse, skin peel, nor form voids upon demolding, and yet maintain excellent physical properties such as uniform cell sizes, high quality surface appearance, compression set, resistance to fatigue, etc.
US09018270B2
A method of forming a polymer is provided, the method comprising: Providing a first monomer comprising one or more aromatic moieties, the first monomer comprising at least two amino groups, each of the amino groups being attached to an aromatic moiety; and contacting said first monomer with formaldehyde or a source of methylene. Polymers made by such a method and uses of such polymers are also described.
US09018268B2
Provided is expandable starch beads including a starch-monomer copolymer and a foaming agent impregnated in the starch-monomer copolymer, in which the starch-monomer copolymer is prepared by bonding at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, α-methylstyrene, lactide, lactic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic ester, methacrylic ester, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, and caprolactone to starch, and the foaming agent includes at least one selected from the group consisting of C2 to C7 aliphatic hydrocarbon, C2 to C7 halogenated hydrocarbon, and carbon dioxide. Since the expandable starch beads have the similar properties to expandable polystyrene beads, and thereby can be foam-molded by equipment for foaming the expandable polystyrene beads, it is possible to produce foams with various sizes and various shapes.
US09018262B2
The present invention is generally directed to compositions and methods for the treatment of an infectious disease of the foot of an animal. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method for preventing and/or treating one or more infectious diseases of the hoof in animals, comprising: preparing a copper-free and zinc-free composition comprising at least one cross-linking agent, wherein the cross-linking agent is not formaldehyde; and administering the composition to a lower leg and hoof area of said animal to prevent and/or treat said one or more infectious diseases. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a copper-free and zinc-free composition for the treatment and/or prevention of one or more infectious diseases of the hoof in animals, comprising at least one cross-linking agent, wherein said cross-linking agent is not formaldehyde. The present invention is also directed to a method for treating and/or preventing papillomatous digital dermatitis in an ungulate, comprising: preparing a copper-free and zinc-free composition comprising at least one cross-linking agent and at least one quaternary ammonium compound; and spraying or applying in a foam a therapeutically effective amount of said composition to a lower leg and hoof area of said ungulate in order to treat and/or prevent said papillomatous digitial dermatitis.
US09018258B2
The present application relates to novel substituted 1-benzylcycloalkylcarboxylic acid derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, and to their use for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, especially for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
US09018252B2
The invention relates to stable liquid compositions containing the oxidized form of vitamin C known as dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA). The compositions comprise DHAA and a pharmacologically acceptable liquid organic polyol solvent. The polyol solvent comprises about 50% or greater of the total weight of the composition. The compositions are useful as dietary supplements, skin-enhancers, concentrates, or research solutions.
US09018249B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds of Formula I, their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives, tautomeric forms, isomers, polymorphs, prodrugs, metabolites, salts or solvates thereof. The invention also relates to the processes for the synthesis of novel compounds of Formula I, their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives, tautomeric forms, isomers, polymorphs, prodrugs, metabolites, salts or solvates thereof. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising novel compounds of Formula I and methods of treating or preventing one or more conditions or diseases that may be regulated or normalized via inhibition of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2).
US09018244B2
Benzopyran compounds with strong anti-estrogenic activity and essentially no estrogenic activity are provided, which are OP-1038, which is 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4-{2-[(3R)-3-methylpyrrolidin-1-yl]ethoxy}phenyl)-2H-chromen-7-ol, and OP-1074, which is (2S)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-2-(4-{2-[(3R)-3-methylpyrrolidin-1-yl]ethoxy}phenyl)-2H-chromen-7-ol. OP-1074 is a pure anti-estrogen when tested in the agonist mode and a complete anti-estrogen when tested in the antagonist mode. These compounds are useful for the treatment or prevention of a variety of conditions that are modulated through the estrogen receptor in mammals including humans.
US09018243B2
Solid forms comprising (+)-2-[1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione, compositions comprising the solid forms, methods of making the solid forms and methods of their use are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating and/or preventing disorders ameliorated by the reduction of levels of TNF-α or the inhibition of PDE4.
US09018242B2
Provided are acid addition salts of (Z)—N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-2-methyl-7-(1,2 -dihydro-5-fluoro-2-oxo-3H-indol-3-ylidene)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indol-3-carboxamide, wherein the salt comprising at least one of a number of salts including L-malate, hydrochloride, phosphate, L-tartrate, benzenesulfonate, sulfate, methanesulfonate, succinate, citrate, fumarate, p-toluenesulfonate, hydrobromate, L-mandelate, lactate, acetate or maleate salt. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the salt compounds, and a method of treatment by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the salt compounds as preparation of medicaments.
US09018230B2
Described herein are compositions, kits, and methods for determining whether subjects having cancer(s) positive for ALK mutations are likely to respond to treatment with an ALK inhibitor and/or whether a patient having such cancer(s) is likely to have a relatively slower disease progression. Further described are methods for prognosing a time course of disease in a subject having such cancer.
US09018221B2
The present disclosure provides phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors of formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in which R1, R2, n, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein. These compounds are useful for treatment of conditions mediated by one or more PI3K isoforms, such as PI3Kδ. The present disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions that include a compound of formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and methods of using these compounds and compositions to treat conditions mediated by one or more PI3K isoforms, such as PI3Kδ.
US09018215B2
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I) and the tautomers and the salts thereof, particularly the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids and bases, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on epithelial sodium channels and the use thereof for the treatment of diseases, particularly diseases of the lungs and airways.
US09018210B2
Provided are substituted benzaldehydes and derivatives thereof that act as allosteric modulators of hemoglobin, methods and intermediates for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modulators, and methods for their use in treating disorders mediate by hemoglobin and disorders that would benefit from increased tissue oxygenation.
US09018197B2
Chemical entities that are bufalin derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of cancer are described.
US09018194B2
The present invention provides a compound which functions as a selective vitamin D receptor modulator and has action-selectivity or tissue-selectivity such that it does not induce hypercalcemia but causes other effects. There is provided a compound represented by formula (I), a solvate thereof or a prodrug thereof. wherein m and n each independently represent 1 or 0; R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; Y represents an ethane-1,1-diyl group or an ethyne-1,2-diyl group; and Z1 represents a hydrogen atom and Z2 represents a hydroxyalkoxy group, or Z1 and Z2 jointly form a methylene group.
US09018191B2
Quinazoline derivatives of formula (I): wherein A is 5-membered heteroaryl containing a nitrogen atom and one or two further nitrogen atoms; compositions containing them, processes for their preparation and their use in therapy.
US09018190B2
The invention relates to an oligodextran, chosen from dextrans whose average degree of polymerization is less than 10, modified by at least one substituent of general formula I: —R1-[[AA]-[R2]n]m formula I It also relates to a pharmaceutical composition characterized in that it comprises an oligosaccharide according to the invention and an active ingredient is chosen from the group consisting of proteins, glycoproteins, peptides and non-peptide therapeutic molecules.
US09018188B2
The present invention relates to microRNAs (miRNAs) that are associated with obesity. The present invention is directed to methods, compounds, and compositions for preventing and treating obesity, as well as related diseases, using a microRNA inhibitor.
US09018187B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the delivery of therapeutic agents to cells. In particular, these include novel cationic lipids and nucleic acid-lipid particles that provide efficient encapsulation of nucleic acids and efficient delivery of the encapsulated nucleic acid in vivo. The compositions of the present invention are highly potent, thereby allowing effective know-down of a specific target protein at relatively low doses. In addition, the compositions and methods of the present invention are less toxic and provide a greater therapeutic index compared to compositions and methods previously known in the art.
US09018168B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating congestive heart failure (CHF) in a subject comprising administering a peptide derived from atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) prohormone (eg vessel dilator; VSDL) or a mimetic thereof. In a particular application, the invention provides a method of treating the particular indication known as acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADCHF). Devices for intravenous or subcutaneous infusion for use in the method of the invention are also disclosed.
US09018167B2
The invention provides peptides that bind Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI), including TFPI-inhibitory peptides, and compositions thereof. The peptides may be used to inhibit a TFPI, enhance thrombin formation in a clotting factor-deficient subject, increase blood clot formation in a subject, treat a blood coagulation disorder in a subject, purify TFPI, and identify a TFPI-binding compound.
US09018166B2
The present invention relates to conjugated Factor VIII variants. The present invention in particular relates to conjugated FVIII variants comprising different polymeric groups as well as use thereof.
US09018160B2
Peptide analogues of PYY, compositions comprising said analogues and methods of using said analogues for the treatment and prevention of metabolic disorders, for example disorders of energy metabolism such as diabetes and obesity, and for a reduction in appetite, reduction in food intake or reduction of calorie intake in a subject.
US09018155B2
The present invention relates to a polypeptide termed ply_pitti26 comprising the sequence as depicted in SEQ ID NO:1 as well as variants of this polypeptide. Furthermore, the present invention relates to nucleic acids and vectors encoding for said polypeptide and variants thereof as well as host cells comprising these nucleic acids and/or vectors. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of said polypeptide, variants thereof, nucleic acid sequences, vectors and host cells, in particular for the treatment or prophylaxis of a subject infected by or exposed to Staphylococci.
US09018144B2
A polymer composition includes a base polymer comprising a hydrocarbon rubber, an acrylic copolymer, and a refined oil in which the acrylic polymer is dispersed. The polymer composition is swellable when treated with an aqueous medium, non-aqueous medium, or both. A sealing element for a flow channel includes an expandable section filled with a swellable composition that swells when treated with a swelling material. The swellable composition includes the polymer composition, and the swelling material may be aqueous, non-aqueous, or both.
US09018134B2
There is provided a compound having an excellent controlling effect on pests represented by the formula (1): wherein, A1 represents —NR7—, etc., A2 represents a nitrogen atom, etc., A3 represents a nitrogen atom, etc., R1 represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group optionally substituted by one or more atoms or groups selected from Group X, etc., R2, R3 and R4 are the same or different and each represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, etc., R5 and R6 are the same or different and each represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group optionally substituted by one or more atoms or groups selected from Group X, etc., R7 represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group optionally substituted by one or more atoms or groups selected from Group W, etc., n represents 0, 1 or 2, or an N-oxide thereof.
US09018133B2
The present invention relates to compositions, in particular within a fungicide composition, which comprises (A) a dithiino-tetracarboximide of formula (I) and a further fungicidally active compound (B). Moreover, the invention relates to a method for curatively or preventively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants or crops, to the use of a combination according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and to the treated seed.
US09018118B2
A liquid composition is provided for forming a thin film in the form of a mixed composite metal oxide in which a composite oxide B containing copper (Cu) and a composite oxide C containing manganese (Mn) are mixed into a composite metal oxide A represented with the general formula: Ba1-xSrxTiyO3, wherein the molar ratio B/A of the composite oxide B to the composite metal oxide A is within the range of 0.002
US09018110B2
Methods and apparatus for radiation processing of semiconductor substrates using microwave or millimeter wave energy are provided. The microwave or millimeter wave energy may have a frequency between about 600 MHz and about 1 THz. Alternating current from a magnetron is coupled to a leaky microwave emitter that has an inner conductor and an outer conductor, the outer conductor having openings with a dimension smaller than a wavelength of the emitted radiation. The inner and outer conductors are separated by an insulating material. Interference patterns produced by the microwave emissions may be uniformized by phase modulating the power to the emitter and/or by frequency modulating the frequency of the power itself. Power from a single generator may be divided to two or more emitters by a power divider.
US09018106B1
A method of forming a material layer on a substrate is provided. The method is based on a combination of an overheating before deposition and a cooling of the reaction chamber during a second deposition stage. The second deposition stage follows a first deposition stage preferably carried out at a predetermined temperature. This combination makes it possible to compensate for the reactant gas depletion across wafer throughout the whole deposition process. The method can be conveniently used when growing a nitride layer to be used as a hard mask during shallow trench isolation (STI) region formation.
US09018105B2
The invention relates to a device and a method for depositing semiconductor layers, in particular made of a plurality of components on one or more substrates (21) contacting a susceptor (2), wherein process gases can be introduced into the process chamber (1) through flow channels (15, 16; 18) of a gas inlet organ (8), together with a carrier gas, said carrier gas permeating the process chamber (1) substantially parallel to the susceptor and exits through a gas outlet organ (7), wherein the products of decomposition build up the process gases as a coating at least in regions on the substrate surface and on the surface of the gas outlet organ (7) disposed downstream of the susceptor (2) at a distance (D) from the downstream edge (21) thereof. In order to deposit contamination-free layers in sequential process steps without intermediate replacement or intermediate cleaning of the gas outlet organ, according to the invention the distance (D) is great enough to prevent products of decomposition outgassing from the coating of the gas outlet organ (7) at the second process temperature from reaching the substrate (21) by counterflow diffusion.
US09018101B2
In a method for making graphitic ribbons in a face of a carbide crystal (110), in which an elongated trench (120) is formed along a predetermined path in the face (112) of the carbide crystal (110), the trench (120) including a horizontal floor (124) coupling two vertical walls (122), the trench (120) following a path on which it is desired to form a graphitic ribbon (130). The carbide crystal (110) and the trench (120) are subjected to an annealing environment for an amount of time sufficient to cause a graphene ribbon (130) having a V-shaped cross section to form along the predetermined path of the trench (120).
US09018099B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a polishing pad that is prevented from causing an end-point detection error due to a reduction in light transmittance from the early stage to the final stage of the process, and to provide a method of producing a semiconductor device with the polishing pad. The present invention is directed to a polishing pad, comprising a polishing layer comprising a polishing region and a light-transmitting region, wherein a polishing side surface of the light-transmitting region is subjected to a surface roughness treatment, and the light-transmitting region has a light transmittance of 40% to 60% at a wavelength of 600 nm before use.
US09018098B2
A silicon layer is etched through a patterned mask formed thereon using an etch chamber. A fluorine (F) containing etch gas and a silicon (Si) containing chemical vapor deposition gas are provided in the etch chamber. The fluorine (F) containing etch gas is used to etch features into the silicon layer, and the silicon (Si) containing chemical vapor deposition gas is used to form a silicon-containing deposition layer on sidewalls of the features. A plasma is generated from the etch gas and the chemical vapor deposition gas, and a bias voltage is provided. Features are etched into the silicon layer using the plasma, and a silicon-containing passivation layer is deposited on the sidewalls of the features which are being etched. Silicon in the passivation layer primarily comes from the chemical vapor deposition gas. The etch gas and the chemical vapor deposition gas are then stopped.
US09018093B2
A method for forming a layer constituted by repeated stacked layers includes: forming a first layer and a second layer on a substrate under different deposition conditions to form a stacked layer, wherein the film stresses of the first and second layers are tensile or compressive and opposite to each other, and the wet etch rates of the first and second layers are at least 50 times different from each other; and repeating the above step to form a layer constituted by repeated stacked layers, wherein the deposition conditions for forming at least one stacked layer are different from those for forming another stacked layer.
US09018091B2
Various methods for forming a low profile assembly are described. The low profile assembly may include an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit as well as components associated with the integrated circuit may be positioned below a surface plane of a printed circuit board in which the integrated circuit is located. The integrated circuit may include bond wires configured to electrically connect the integrated circuits to other components. The low profile assembly may include forming various layers over a substrate and later removing some of the layers.
US09018090B2
Borderless self-aligned metal contacts to high density complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuits and methods for constructing the same. An example method includes creating an enclosed region for metal deposition defined by the gates of the adjacent transistors and an opposing pair of dielectric walls adjacent to source regions and drain regions of the adjacent transistors. The method further includes depositing a metal layer within the enclosed region. The metal contacts thus formed are self-aligned to the enclosed regions.
US09018089B2
A method of annealing a semiconductor and a semiconductor. The method of annealing including heating the semiconductor to a first temperature for a first period of time sufficient to remove physically-adsorbed water from the semiconductor and heating the semiconductor to a second temperature, the second temperature being greater than the first temperature, for a period of time sufficient to remove chemically-adsorbed water from the semiconductor. A semiconductor device including a plurality of metal conductors, and a dielectric including regions separating the plurality of metal conductors, the regions including an upper interface and a lower bulk region, the upper interface having a density greater than a density of the lower bulk region.
US09018085B2
A method for fabricating a memory device of this invention includes at least the following steps. A tunnel dielectric layer is formed over a substrate. A gate is fowled over the tunnel dielectric layer. At least one charge storage layer is formed between the gate and the tunnel dielectric layer. Two doped regions are formed in the substrate beside the gate. A word line is formed on and electrically connected to the gate, wherein the word line having a thickness greater than a thickness of the gate.
US09018075B2
The present invention provides a plasma processing method in which sideetching and microloading can be suppressed in a plasma processing method of forming trenches with a mask having a minimum opening width of 20 nm or less. The plasma processing method of the present invention is characterized by including the steps of forming trenches by plasma etching, forming a nitride film on sidewalls of trenches using plasma, and forming an oxide film on sidewalls and bottom surfaces of the trenches using plasma.
US09018073B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a recessed portion in a semiconductor substrate; forming an insulating film in the recessed portion; after forming the insulating film, forming a silicide layer on the semiconductor substrate in contact with the insulating film; and performing alignment between an electron beam exposure apparatus and the semiconductor substrate by using the insulating film and the silicide layer as an alignment mark.
US09018072B2
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection clamp (21, 21′, 70, 700) for protecting associated devices or circuits (24), comprises a bipolar transistors (21, 21′, 70, 700) in which doping of facing base (75) and collector (86) regions is arranged so that avalanche breakdown occurs preferentially within a portion (84, 85) of the base region (74, 75) of the device (70, 700) away from the overlying dielectric-semiconductor interface (791). Maximum variations (ΔVt1)MAX of ESD triggering voltage Vt1 as a function of base-collector spacing dimensions D due, for example, to different azimuthal orientations of transistors (21, 21′, 70, 700) on a semiconductor die or wafer is much reduced. Triggering voltage consistency and manufacturing yield are improved.
US09018066B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes the following step. A gate dielectric layer is formed on a substrate. A gate electrode is on the gate dielectric layer. The gate dielectric layer exposed by the gate electrode is treated. A first etching process is performed to remove at least a portion of the gate dielectric layer exposed by the gate electrode. A spacer is formed on the sidewall of the gate electrode. A second etching process is performed to form recesses in the substrate beside the gate electrode. Besides, during the first etching process and the second etching process, an etching rate of the treated gate dielectric layer is greater than an etching rate of the untreated gate dielectric layer.
US09018063B2
A method includes performing an epitaxy to grow a semiconductor layer, which includes a top portion over a semiconductor region. The semiconductor region is between two insulation regions that are in a substrate. The method further includes recessing the insulation regions to expose portions of sidewalls of the semiconductor region, and etching a portion of the semiconductor region, wherein the etched portion of the semiconductor region is under and contacting a bottom surface of the semiconductor layer, wherein the semiconductor layer is spaced apart from an underlying region by an air gap. A gate dielectric and a gate electrode are formed over the semiconductor layer.
US09018061B2
A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment, includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate, a silicon film including silicon provided on the first insulating film, a second insulating film provided on the silicon film, a hafnium alloy-containing film provided on the second insulating film, the hafnium alloy-containing film including oxygen and an alloy of hafnium and a metal other than hafnium, a third insulating film provided on the hafnium alloy-containing film, and an electrode provided on the third insulating film.
US09018051B2
A strain enhanced transistor is provided having a strain inducing layer overlying a gate electrode. The gate electrode has sloped sidewalls over the channel region of the transistor.
US09018041B2
An example embodiment relates to a semiconductor package. The semiconductor package includes a first substrate including a first pad, a second substrate upwardly spaced apart from the first substrate and including a second pad opposite to the first pad. At least one electrode is coupled between the first pad and the second pad. The semiconductor package includes a guide ring formed at a periphery of the electrode between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US09018040B2
A method including a printed circuit board electrically coupled to a bottom of a laminate substrate, the laminate substrate having an opening extending through the entire thickness of the laminate substrate, a main die electrically coupled to a top of the laminate substrate, a die stack electrically coupled to a bottom of the main die, the die stack including one or more chips stacked vertically and electrically coupled to one another, the die stack extending into the opening of the laminate substrate, and an interposer positioned between and electrically coupled to a topmost chip and the printed circuit board, the interposer providing an electrical path from the printed circuit board to the topmost chip of the die stack.
US09018039B2
A circuit module includes a circuit substrate, at least one mount component, sealing bodies, and a shield. The circuit substrate includes a mount surface. The mount component is mounted on the mount surface. The sealing body is formed on the mount surface, covers the mount component and has a first sealing body section having a first thickness and a second sealing body section having a second thickness larger than the first thickness. The shield covers the sealing body and has a first shield section formed on the first sealing body section and having a third thickness and a second shield section formed on the second sealing body section and having a fourth thickness smaller than the third thickness. The sum of the fourth thickness and the second thickness equals to the sum of the first thickness and the third thickness.
US09018038B2
An array substrate for a liquid crystal display includes a substrate and first and second subpixels which are positioned on the substrate and are defined by a crossing structure of one gate line, a first data line, a second data line, a first common line, and a second common line. The first subpixel includes a first semiconductor layer, a first source electrode, a first drain electrode, and a first pixel electrode connected to the first drain electrode. The second subpixel includes a second semiconductor layer, a second source electrode, a second drain electrode, and a second pixel electrode connected to the second drain electrode. The first and second subpixels share the one gate line with each other, and the first drain electrode and the second drain electrode are exposed through one contact hole.
US09018037B1
Forming a resistive switching layer having a vertical interface can generate defects confined along the interface between two electrodes. The confined defects can form a pre-determined region for filament formation and dissolution, leading to low power resistive switching and low program voltage or current variability. In addition, the filament forming process of the resistive memory device can be omitted due to the existence of the confined defects.
US09018034B2
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for manufacturing a thin film type solar cell, which enables the enhancement of productivity, the apparatus for manufacturing a thin film type solar cell including a first electrode forming unit; a first separation part; an optoelectric conversion layer forming unit; a contact line forming unit; a printing unit; and an etching process unit, wherein the etching process unit removes the optoelectric conversion layer in a second separation part to expose the first electrode in the second separation part through a wet etching process.
US09018021B2
A layer is deposited onto a semiconductor wafer by CVD in a process chamber having upper and lower covers, wherein the wafer front side temperature is measured; the wafer is heated to deposition temperature; the temperature of the upper process chamber cover is controlled to a target temperature by measuring the temperature of the center of the outer surface of the upper cover as the value of a controlled variable of an upper cover temperature control loop; a gas flow rate of process gas for depositing the layer is set; and a layer is deposited on the heated wafer front side during control of the upper cover temperature to the target temperature. A process chamber suitable therefor has a sensor for measuring the upper cover outer surface center temperature and a controller for controlling this temperature to a predetermined value.
US09018020B2
Provided are methods and systems for treating shunts on solar cell substrates. Also provided are solar cells including such substrates. A shunt detected on a substrate proximate to a metallized grid pattern is electrically disconnected from at least the bus portion of the grid, which reduces shunt's impact on performance on the solar cell. An antireflective layer may be disposed between the shunt and a portion of the grid extending over the shunt. The exposure pattern of a photoresist used to form the antireflective layer may be adjusted accordingly to achieve this result. In some embodiments, the metallized grid may be modified by adjusting the exposure pattern of a photoresist used to form this grid. The grid may be modified to avoid any contact between the grid and the shunt or to disconnect a portion of the grid contacting the shunt from the bus portion area of the grid.
US09018010B2
Provided are serum-free culture media which comprise basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor beta-3, ascorbic acid, xeno-free serum replacement and a lipid mixture. The media may also comprise an IL6R/IL6 chimera, or leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF); wherein the culture medium is capable of maintaining pluripotent stem cells in an undifferentiated state in the absence of feeder cell support. Also provided are cell cultures comprising pluripotent stem cells such as human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and methods of using the same for expanding pluripotent stem cells in an undifferentiated state using two-dimensional or three-dimensional culture systems. Methods of expanding iPS cells in a suspension culture devoid of substrate adherence and cell encapsulation are also provided.
US09018004B2
A method of expanding double negative T cells in culture is described. The method comprises (a) providing a starting sample comprising DN T cells or precursors thereof; (b) substantially depleting CD8+ and CD4+ T cells from the starting sample; (c) culturing the sample from step (b) with an immobilized T cell mitogen in a culture medium comprising an agent that can stimulate DN T cell growth; (d) washing the cells obtained in step (c) and resuspending in a culture medium comprising the agent without the T cell mitogen; and (e) washing the cells obtained in step (d) and resuspending in a culture medium comprising the agent and a soluble T cell mitogen. The DN T cells obtained by the method are useful in a variety of applications including the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, graft versus host disease and autoimmune disease.
US09018002B2
A method to generate siRNAs in vivo is described, as are constructs and compositions useful in the method. The method does not depend on the use of DNA or synthetic constructs that contain inverted duplications or dual promoters so as to form perfect or largely double-stranded RNA. Rather, the method depends on constructs that yield single-stranded RNA transcripts, and exploits endogenous or in vivo-produced miRNAs or siRNAs to initiate production of siRNAs. The miRNAs or siRNAs guide cleavage of the transcript and set the register for production of siRNAs (usually 21 nucleotides in length) encoded adjacent to the initiation cleavage site within the construct. The method results in specific formation of siRNAs of predictable size and register (phase) relative to the initiation cleavage site. The method can be used to produce specific siRNAs in vivo for inactivation or suppression of one or more target genes or other entities, such as pathogens.
US09018000B2
The present invention relates to a novel gene encoding a protein termed voltage gated calcium channels β subunit anchoring regulator protein (VDCC BARP) or a peptide fragments thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of VDCC BARP in Modulation of voltage gated calcium channels via altering the concentration of VDCC BARP or a peptide fragments thereof.
US09017981B2
An isolated human phosphatase and tensin homolog long polypeptide (PTEN-long) comprising SEQ ID NO:1, fragments and analogs thereof, nucleic acids encoding such and compositions comprising such are provided. Methods to inhibit angiogenesis in a solid tumor, treat a solid tumor, and inhibit growth of a solid tumor using PTEN-long, fragments and analogs thereof, are provided.
US09017977B2
Described is a method for the production of 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid by enzyme-catalyzed covalent bond formation between the carbon atom of the oxo group of acetone and the methyl group of a compound which provides an activated acetyl group. Also described are recombinant organisms which produce 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, and related compositions and methods.
US09017970B2
The present invention relates to the discovery of RNA 5′ polyphosphatase enzymes not previously described in the art, methods for discovery of said enzymes, compositions of said enzymes, methods for making said enzymes, and various methods and kits for using said enzymes for biomedical research, for human and non-human diagnostics, for production of therapeutic products, and for other applications. In particular, some embodiments provide compositions, kits and methods for employing RNA polyphosphatases for isolation, purification, production, and assay of capped RNA using a biological sample or a sample from an in vitro capping reaction wherein the sample also contains RNA that is not capped. Other embodiments provide compositions, kits and methods wherein RNA polyphosphatases comprise signal-amplifying enzymes for analyte-specific assays.
US09017966B2
General methods and strains of bacteria are described, that dramatically simplify and streamline plasmid DNA production. In one preferred embodiment, endolysin mediated plasmid extraction combined with flocculation mediated removal of cell debris and host nucleic acids achieves increased yield and purity with simplified downstream purification and reduced waste streams, thus reducing production costs.
US09017965B2
The present invention describes the use of hybrid short 3′ untranslated (3′UTR) regions which are composed of two regions, one region from an 3′ untranslated region of a stable eukaryotic mRNA, and another region from the downstream end of an 3′ untranslated region of another eukaryotic mRNA that contains a polyadenylation (polyA) signal. The use of such hybrid regions allows for an efficient protein expression when used in conjunction with circular or linear expression DNA molecules. The present invention provides a recombinant DNA that is composed of a promoter, a protein coding region, and the hybrid 3′UTR in a continuous and directional orientation. The efficient expression systems of the invention are suitable for the economical and efficient production of therapeutic proteins and for use with both transient and stable expression systems.
US09017961B2
Recombinant bacteria capable of metabolizing sucrose are described. The recombinant bacteria comprise in their genome or on at least one recombinant construct, a novel nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having sucrose transporter activity and a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having sucrose hydrolase activity. These nucleotide sequences are each operably linked to the same or a different promoter. Recombinant bacteria capable of metabolizing sucrose to produce glycerol and/or glycerol-derived products such as 1,3-propanediol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid are also described.
US09017955B2
The present invention is directed to a method of detecting intact fibrinogen, comprising the steps of: a) providing a sample containing at least some fibrinogen optionally converted at least in part to fibrin, and optionally containing thrombin; b) solubilizing the sample in a solubilizing solution that inhibits thrombin activity; c) after optional SDS-PAGE transferring/applying a portion of said sample to a protein-binding membrane; d) reacting the fibrinogen with a primary monoclonal antibody capable of binding to fibrinopeptide A moiety; and e) detecting the quantity of intact fibrinogen in the sample by quantifying the amount of the bound primary monoclonal antibody.
US09017953B2
The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for detecting pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, the present invention encompasses methods and compositions for catalyzing the dismutation of superoxide radicals.
US09017945B2
The invention relates to methods for pairwise sequencing of a double-stranded polynucleotide template, which permit the sequential determination of nucleotide sequences in two distinct and separate regions on complementary strands of the double-stranded polynucleotide template. The two regions for sequence determination may or may not be complementary to each other.
US09017941B2
A method for nucleic acid analysis including injecting a slight amount of nucleic acid sample for analysis, characterized in that most of a nucleic acid sample which is not used, excluding the slight amount of the nucleic acid sample which is used for analysis, can be obtained as a pure product which is not contaminated with a fluorescent material, and a microchip for analyzing nucleic acid which enables such method for nucleic acid analysis, are provided. The method for nucleic acid analysis may analyze at least two different nucleic acid samples in a continuous manner by sequentially injecting the at least two different nucleic acid samples.
US09017933B2
A method for treating a dielectric film on a substrate and, in particular, a method for integrating a low-k dielectric film with subsequently formed metal interconnects is described. The method includes preparing a dielectric film on a substrate, wherein the dielectric film is a low-k dielectric film having a dielectric constant less than or equal to a value of about 4. Thereafter, the method further includes performing a preliminary curing process on the dielectric film, forming a pattern in the dielectric film using a lithographic process and an etching process, removing undesired residues from the substrate, and performing a final curing process on the dielectric film, wherein the final curing process includes irradiating the substrate with ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
US09017923B2
The invention provides a negative resist composition including, as a base resin, a polymer that contains at least a repeating unit “a” having a cyclopentadienyl complex and is represented by the following general formula (1). There can be a negative resist composition, especially a chemically amplified negative resist composition that has a higher resolution than conventional hydroxystyrene-based and novolak-based negative resist compositions, a good pattern configuration after exposure, and further excellent etching resistance, and a patterning process using the same.
US09017916B1
A process for making a latex emulsion including contacting a resin dissolved in a solvent with an absorbent glass that binds the solvent to produce a latex emulsion.
US09017914B2
A toner for developing an electrostatic latent image includes toner particles. An average aspect ratio of the toner particles, having predetermined diameters of at least 3 μm and less than 10 μm, is in the range from about 0.820 to about 0.900, and the difference between the maximum value and minimum value among the average aspect ratios D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, and D9 is up to 0.07. Dn represents an average aspect ratio of those toner particles having a diameter of at least n μm and less than n+1 μm.
US09017910B2
The present disclosure provides a toner resin comprising a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane moiety that may be used in manufacturing an emulsion aggregation (EA) toner for imaging devices.
US09017908B2
The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to flexible imaging members used in electrophotographic imaging apparatuses. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to electrophotographic imaging members which have imaging layer(s) formulated to comprise of a novel polymer blended binder comprising a bisphenol type polycarbonate and an organic acid-containing copolyester doped into the polycarbonate which provides improved properties and performance to the resulting imaging member. The formulated imaging layer(s) may further include a plasticizer.
US09017907B2
The presently disclosed embodiments relate in general to flexible electrophotographic imaging members, such as layered photoreceptor structural simplification, and material reformulation for making and using the same. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to the incorporation of a plasticizer or mixture of plasticizers into the charge transport layer for rendering flatness such that an anticurl back coating is no longer needed to counteract and control the layered photoreceptor curling.
US09017896B2
An fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel cell box, a ventilation device, an air intake duct, and a gas outlet pipe. The fuel cell is disposed in the fuel cell box. The ventilation device is provided to supply air to the fuel cell box. The air intake duct connects the ventilation device to the fuel cell box to supply air from the ventilation device into the fuel cell box. The gas outlet pipe is connected to the air intake duct and connects an inside space of the fuel cell box to an outside space of the fuel cell box through the air intake duct. The gas outlet pipe has an opening cross-sectional area smaller than an opening cross-sectional area of the air intake duct.
US09017889B2
A method for providing calibration and synchronization pulses in a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal including cell voltage measurement pulses, where the calibration pulses are four calibration pulses having a pattern of a narrow width high voltage pulse followed by a wide width low voltage pulse followed by a narrow width high voltage pulse followed by a wide width low voltage pulse that has a very low probability of occurring in a practical fuel cell system. The method modulates a combined sequence of the voltage measurement signals and the calibration pulses using an inverted saw tooth wave to provide the PWM signal, where a width of the pulses representing the voltage signals are proportional to a width of the pulses representing the calibration pulses.
US09017888B2
The invention prevents a fuel cell from going into a high-voltage state upon activation. In a fuel cell system having a fuel cell, a control unit comprises: a high-voltage-prevention unit that prevents, under a condition permitting high-voltage prevention, a high-voltage state by reducing the output voltage of the fuel cell to less than or equal to a predetermined high-voltage-prevention voltage; an output-limitation unit that limits the fuel cell output by reducing the amount of power generation by the fuel cell to less than or equal to a predetermined power generation limit, so that the oxidizing gas stoichiometric ratio is maintained within a predetermined allowable range; and a prohibition unit that prohibits the limitation by the output limitation unit for a predetermined period of time immediately after the fuel cell is activated and where the condition permitting high-voltage prevention is satisfied.
US09017871B2
A negative-electrode terminal for a cell in which separation between a first metal layer and a second metal layer hardly takes place is provided by suppressing excess formation of an intermetallic compound on a bond interface between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. This negative-electrode terminal for a cell includes a clad portion formed by bonding a first metal layer made of Al or an Al alloy and a second metal layer containing Ni and Cu and consisting of one or a plurality of layers to each other. The first metal layer includes a connected region connected with a cell terminal connecting plate and a stacked region adjacent to the connected region on the side of the same surface, while the second metal layer is bonded to the first metal layer in the stacked region and configured to be connectable to cell negative electrodes of cells.
US09017867B2
Nanocomposite materials having at least two layers, each layer consisting of one metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene layer were developed. The nanocomposite materials will typically have many alternating layers of metal oxides and graphene layers, bonded in a sandwich type construction and will be incorporated into an electrochemical or energy storage device.
US09017849B2
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, a battery pack, and a cooling device. The battery pack is operable to power the surgical instrument and may be inserted into the handle assembly. The cooling device is mechanically integrated with the battery pack. The cooling device is further operable to draw heat away from the battery pack while the battery pack delivers power to the surgical instrument.
US09017844B2
An electric apparatus system includes a tool battery usable as a power source for a power tool, an electric apparatus excluding a power tool, and a battery case capable of receiving the tool battery. The battery case is disposed on one side of the electric apparatus, so that the electric apparatus is stabilized in position by the battery case. The electric apparatus and the battery case are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.
US09017838B2
A spinning electrode fuel cell is disclosed. The spinning electrode fuel cell includes a housing and a stacked disk assembly which is rotatably mounted in the housing. The stacked disk assembly includes multiple electrochemical cells connected to each other. A motor engages the stacked disk assembly for rotating the stacked disk assembly in the housing. A fuel flow pathway is provided in the housing for distributing a fuel to the electrochemical cells. An oxidant flow pathway is provided in the housing and physically separated from the fuel flow pathway for distributing an oxidant to the electrochemical cells. A method of fabricating a fuel cell is also disclosed.
US09017837B2
The invention is directed to high surface area graphitized carbon and to processes for making high surface area graphitized carbon. The process includes steps of graphitizing and increasing the surface area of (in either order) a starting carbon material to form high surface area graphitized carbon. The step of increasing the surface area optionally comprises an oxidizing step (e.g., through steam etching) or template removal from composite particles. The invention is also directed to catalyst particles and electrodes employing catalyst particles that are formed from the high surface area graphitized carbon.
US09017834B2
Disclosed herein are compounds of formula I: X-(L-Z)p-L-R[L-(Z-L)p-Y]q (I) wherein L is a perfluoropolyether; R is q can be an integer equal to or greater than 1; p can independently be integers from 0 to 7; X and Y can independently be chosen from: —OH, —CH2CH2OH, CH2CH2OCH2CH2OH, —CH2CH(OH)CH2OH, —C6H5, —CH2C6H5, —CH2CH(OH)CH3, F, —CF3, —CF2CF3, piperonyl, triazine, benzotriazole, and derivatives thereof; and Z, if present, can independently be chosen from: —C6H4—, —CH2C6H4CH2—, —CH2CH(OH)CH2—, —CH2CH(OH)CH2CH(OH)CH2—, —CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2—, —CH(CH2OH)—, or —CH(C6H5)—.
US09017831B2
A thin-film magnetic oscillation element includes a pinned magnetic layer, a free magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer provided between the pinned magnetic layer and the free magnetic layer, and a pair of electrodes, in which the easy axis of magnetization of the pinned magnetic layer lies in an in-plane direction of the plane of the pinned magnetic layer, and the easy axis of magnetization of the free magnetic layer lies in a direction normal to the plane of the free magnetic layer. Preferably, the relationship between the saturation magnetization Ms and the magnetic anisotropy field Ha of the free magnetic layer satisfies 1.257 Ms
US09017830B2
The present invention provides a shearing die having longer life and a method for manufacturing the same. The shearing die includes a pair of substrates, at least one of which has a hard film formed by an arc ion plating method and located at least on a region of a curved surface and on an adjacent region from the end part of the curved surface on the side facing to the surface of the sheet or plate material to 300 μm along the surface of the substrate. The hard film comprises Al and one or more of Ti and Cr, and has a thickness of 1 to 5 μm, such that a number of metal particles having a diameter of 20 μm or more, which are present on a line segment having a length of 10 mm on a surface of the hard film, is 2 or less.
US09017819B2
The disclosed method comprises applying a transparent coating composition to a plastics substrate, the composition comprising30% to 60% by weight of a nanoparticles (B), 15% to 40% by weight, of urethane (meth)acrylates (A1) having 3 to 5 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, 0% to less than 10% by weight of urethane (meth)acrylates (A2) having more than 5 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, 0% to less than 10% by weight of urethane (meth)acrylates (A3) having less than 3 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, 55% to 80% by weight of compounds (C1) having 4 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, 0% to 15% by weight of compounds (C2) having 2 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, and 0% to 15% by weight of compounds (C3) having 3 (meth)/acrylate groups per molecule, the sum of the weight fractions of film-forming components (A1), (A2), (A3), (C1), (C2), and (C3) being in each case 100% by weight.
US09017814B2
Articles having substantially cylindrical bodies including a plurality of circumferential layers, each layer having at least one ply of material, the material comprising a weave fabric, a non-crimp fabric, or a combination thereof.
US09017806B2
An apparatus for maintaining an environmental state of a working surface includes: a first micro-truss layer including: a plurality of first struts extending along a first direction; a plurality of second struts extending along a second direction; and a plurality of third struts extending along a third direction, the first, second, and third struts interpenetrating one another at a plurality of nodes, the first, second, and third struts interpenetrating one another at non-perpendicular angles, the apparatus having a contact surface configured to contact the working surface and having an open porosity configured to allow air to flow to the contact surface, wherein a total surface area of the contact surface is between about 1% and about 50% of a total surface area of the working surface.
US09017805B2
The present disclosure relates to a polyimide-graphene composite material and a method for preparing same. More particularly, it relates to a polyimide-graphene composite material prepared by adding modified graphene and a basic catalyst during polymerization of a polyimide precursor so as to improve mechanical strength and electrical conductivity and enable imidization at low temperature and a method for preparing same.
US09017804B2
A method of forming an SiC crystal including placing a seed crystal of SiC in an insulated graphite container; placing a source of Si and C atoms in the insulated graphite container, where the source of Si and C atoms is for transport to the seed crystal to grow the SiC crystal; placing the container into the furnace; heating a furnace to a temperature from about 2,000° C. to about 2,500° C.; evacuating the furnace to a pressure from about 0.1 Torr and about 100 Torr; filling the furnace with an inert gas; and introducing dopant gas into the furnace with a controlled flow so as to form a plurality of stratified layers wherein each layer has dopant concentration different from a layer directly below and a layer directly above it. A 4H-SiC crystal made by the method. A 4H-SiC substrate cut from the SiC crystal made from the method.
US09017798B2
A press-formed product includes a top panel portion and a side panel portion connected to the top panel portion through a bent portion that is curved so as to have an arc shape. The top panel portion includes a recessed portion that is curved so as to have an arc shape in a direction opposite to a direction in which the bent portion is curved.
US09017797B2
The present invention relates to a coated object comprising at least (a) a metal layer, (b) a coupling layer, (c) an inner polymer layer, and (d) a substrate surface, wherein the coupling layer (b) is arranged between layers (a) and (c) and connects said layers, the polymer layer (c) being arranged on the substrate surface (d) and the sum of the diameters of layers (a) and (b) being between 5 nm and 500 nm. The invention also relates to methods and devices for producing the object.
US09017795B2
Actively controlled texturing systems for and methods of selectively and reversibly forming wrinkles, or modifying the amplitude, wavelength, or pattern of existing wrinkles upon a surface using active material actuation.
US09017790B2
A stack of interfolded absorbent sheet products comprising a plurality of absorbent sheets and a method of folding and stacking the same. Each one of the absorbent sheets is folded twice about a first axis to define two inwardly folded inner panels and at least once about a second axis to define at least two outer panels sandwiching the inner panels therebetween. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, Each of the absorbent sheet products comprises at least one outer panel at least partially sandwiched between a pair of outer panels of an adjacent one of the absorbent sheet products of the stack. Each one of the absorbent sheet products is entirely detached from all other absorbent sheet products of the stack.
US09017788B2
Carpets are prepared from yarns comprising fibers comprising a fluorinated polyester blend prepared by melt blending a fluorovinyl ether functionalized polyester with a non-fluorinated polyester. The fluoroether functionalized polyester can be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The carpets exhibit durable soil, oil, and water repellency.
US09017785B2
The disclosed is a floor panel characterized in that a sheet is laminated to a tile, and the sheet has an L-shaped adhesive applied surface which is exposed at an edge portion of the tile, the tile comprises a glass fiber layer for size reinforcement and a middle layer formed of a PVC material which is attached to an upper portion of the glass fiber layer impregnated with PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) sol so as to maintain a balance between upper and lower portions, the sheet comprises a PVC sheet and an acrylic adhesive which is applied to one side of the PVC sheet, and the L-shaped adhesive applied surface of the sheet is covered by a protect film.
US09017776B2
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for atomic layer deposition (ALD), such as plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD). In some embodiments, a PE-ALD chamber is provided which includes a chamber lid assembly coupled with a chamber body having a substrate support therein. In one embodiment, the chamber lid assembly has an inlet manifold assembly containing an annular channel encompassing a centralized channel, wherein the centralized channel extends through the inlet manifold assembly, and the inlet manifold assembly further contains injection holes extending from the annular channel, through a sidewall of the centralized channel, and to the centralized channel. The chamber lid assembly further contains a showerhead assembly disposed below the inlet manifold assembly, a water box disposed between the inlet manifold assembly and the showerhead assembly, and a remote plasma system (RPS) disposed above and coupled with the inlet manifold assembly, and in fluid communication with the centralized channel.
US09017770B2
A method of manufacturing a ferroelectric thin film on a lower electrode by electrostatically spraying a ferroelectric thin film-forming electrostatic spray solution so as to coat the electrostatic spray solution on the lower electrode and form a coated film, drying, calcining, and then firing the coated film so as to crystallize the coated film. In this method, the electrostatic spray solution is a mixed solution in which a ferroelectric thin film-forming sol-gel solution and powder having the same composition as the solid content of the sol-gel solution and having a particle diameter that can be ejected from the spout are uniformly mixed, and, when the metallic compound-converted mass of a metallic compound dissolved in the sol-gel solution is represented by A and the mass of the powder is represented by B, a ratio of B with respect to (A+B) is in a range of 5% to 40%.
US09017766B2
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving soluble conjugated polymers are provided. The conjugated polymers have a sufficient density of polar substituents to render them soluble in a polar medium, for example water and/or methanol. The conjugated polymer may desirably comprise monomers which alter its conductivity properties. In some embodiments, the inventors have provided cationic conjugated polymers (CCPs) comprising both solubilizing groups and conductive groups, resulting in conductive conjugated polymers soluble in polar media. The different solubility properties of these polymers allow their deposition in solution in multilayer formats with other conjugated polymers. Also provided are articles of manufacture comprising multiple layers of conjugated polymers having differing solubility characteristics. Embodiments of the invention are described further herein.
US09017765B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to compositions of metal oxyfluoride-comprising glazes or metal fluoride-comprising glazes, glass ceramics, and combinations thereof which are useful as plasma-resistant solid substrates or plasma resistant protective coatings over other substrates. Also described are methods of fabricating various structures which incorporate such compositions, including solid substrates and coatings over the surface of a substrate which has a melting point which is higher than about 1600° C., such as aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, quartz, silicon carbide, silicon nitride.
US09017758B2
A coating agent composition obtained by mixing fine inorganic oxide particles, a polymerizable alkoxysilane compound, a polymerizing catalyst, an acid aqueous solution and an organic solvent, and satisfying the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) the polymerizing catalyst is at least partly an acetylacetonato complex; (2) a β-dicarbonyl compound (excluding acetylacetonato complex) having two carbonyl groups in the molecule via a carbon atom, is further contained as a catalyst stabilizer; and (3) the fine inorganic oxide particles and the alkoxysilane compound are contained in a total amount of 23 to 40% by mass. The coating agent composition is capable of forming a cured film having excellent properties such as abrasion resistance on the surfaces of plastic ophthalmic lens through the curing conducted at a low temperature for a short period of time, and does not affect the color tone of the lens material even when it is directly applied to the surfaces of the plastic lens material that contains a coloring matter, such as sunglass lenses.
US09017755B1
A process for making a fruit or vegetable extract including diffusing, screening, and pressing the pomace, and spinning, filtering and concentrating juice from the pomace to form an extract. Also, the pomace may be hydrated at various points during this process by water or by reclaimed condenser condensate. Also included is an extract made using the present inventive methods.
US09017754B2
The object of the invention is to enable production of high quality eggs in poultry and to provide a method for improving productivity thereof. The invention provides a method for producing a hen egg having improved quality and productivity, the method characterized in having a step for feeding a hen on supplemented feed obtained by adding to poultry feed an immunostimulating substance produced by cytolysis that accompanies sporulation of MRE symbiotic bacteria and/or on supplemented drinking water obtained by adding the immunostimulating substance to drinking water, wherein the immunostimulating substance is obtained by culturing the MRE symbiotic bacteria, leaving the resulting culture fluid in a depleted state to thereby cause the symbiotic bacteria to convert to endospores, and removing impurities including the endosporic symbiotic bacteria from the culture fluid.
US09017745B2
A method for reducing body fat accumulation is provided that includes: providing a reducer of body fat accumulation, wherein the reducer comprises isomaltulose; having an individual ingest the reducer; and having the individual consume a carbohydrate having an α-1,6-glucosyl bond ratio of from 0% to less than 50% relative to the total bonds among constituent saccharides, wherein the reducer is ingested before or after or simultaneous with consuming the carbohydrate, and wherein the reducer reduces the individual's body fat accumulation caused by consuming the carbohydrate. The reducer of body fat accumulation includes isomaltulose (PALATINOSE™) as an active ingredient so that when the reducer is ingested and a carbohydrate having an α-1,6-glucosyl bond ratio of from 0% to less than 50% relative to the total bonds among constituent saccharides is consumed, accumulation of body fat resulting from ingesting the carbohydrate is reduced.
US09017743B2
The present invention relates to an extract from bacterial strains useful as a treatment for disorders such as digestive or urinary tract disorders, compositions comprising the extract, and processes of making the extract from media that do not pose a risk of prion diseases.
US09017741B2
The present invention relates to a water-soluble defructosylated pea extract, substantially free of proteins and peptides, as well as to an oligosaccharide composition such as that contained in said extract. It also relates to the method for preparing the same, and to the use thereof as a prebiotic agent.
US09017740B1
A composition of a bone repair mixture has a quantity of allograft particulate bone having a bone particle distribution of particle sizes less than 700 micron and a quantity of biologic carrier material intermixed with the particulate bone. The biologic carrier material is one of fascia, deep fascia or a fascia mixture. Preferably, the carrier material is exclusively fascia lata.
US09017735B2
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating a psychiatric disorder or symptoms thereof in a patient. The compositions comprise a compound that modulates KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channel activity and the methods include administering an effective amount of the compound that modulates KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channel activity.
US09017728B2
Disclosed are stable corticosteroid nanoparticulate formulations, methods of making and therapeutic uses thereof.
US09017723B2
Propynylaminoindan (e.g., Rasagiline) transdermal compositions are provided. Aspects of the transdermal compositions include a matrix of the propynylaminoindan in a pressure sensitive adhesive comprising a carboxylated polymer. In some instances, the matrix further includes a cationic acrylic copolymer. Also provided are methods of using the transdermal compositions and kits containing the transdermal compositions.
US09017721B2
The present invention relates to methods for producing particles of diclofenac using dry milling processes as well as compositions comprising diclofenac, medicaments produced using diclofenac in particulate form and/or compositions, and to methods of treatment of an animal, including man, using a therapeutically effective amount of diclofenac administered by way of said medicaments.
US09017717B2
A bandage includes a reservoir filled with a perfluorochemical fluid, saturated with oxygen. Oxygen passes through a permeable membrane to the skin or wound to promote healing, and carbon dioxide travels from the skin or wound to the reservoir.
US09017714B2
A nerve regeneration-inducing tube is provided which is excellent in cell growth property, resistance to pressure, shape recovery property, and anti-kink property in a nerve regeneration-inducing tube where a collagen solution is applied on the outer surface of a tubular body woven with ultrafine fiber comprising biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymer while collagen is filled in the inner area of the tubular body. The nerve regeneration-inducing tube has a degradation speed which is adjusted so as to make it suitable for the connection of nerve gaps of more than 40 mm. The nerve regeneration-inducing tube includes collagen coated on the outer surface of a tubular body woven with fiber bundles where plural ultrafine fibers comprising a biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymer are bundled. The tubular body mostly comprises a first polymer which is biodegradable and bioabsorbable and a second polymer which has higher biodegradability and bioabsorbability than those of the first polymer.
US09017703B2
Disclosed herein is a fibrous tissue sealant in the form of an anhydrous fibrous sheet comprising a first component which is a fibrous polymer containing electrophilic or nucleophilic groups and a second component capable of crosslinking the first component when the sheet is exposed to an aqueous medium, thereby forming a crosslinked hydrogel that is adhesive to biological tissue. The fibrous tissue sealant may be useful as a general tissue adhesive for medical and veterinary applications such as wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures, tissue repair, and to prevent post-surgical adhesions. The fibrous tissue sealant may be particularly suitable for use as a hemostatic sealant to stanch bleeding from surgical or traumatic wounds.
US09017696B2
An adenoviral vector comprising a promoter further comprising a fragment of the 5′ untranslated region of the CMV IE1 gene including intron A and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a pathogen or tumor antigen for use as a medicament.
US09017688B2
The present invention provides peptides having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 192, 195, 197, 209, 225, 226, 228, 230, 240, 241, 243, 244, 249, 253, 254 or 255, as well as peptides having the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several amino acids are substituted, deleted, or added, wherein the peptides possess cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing a disease associated with the over-expression of MPHOSPH1 and/or DEPDC1, e.g. cancers, containing these peptides as an active ingredient. The peptides of the present invention can also be used as vaccines.
US09017685B1
The present disclosure demonstrates for the first time that Th-17 cells are the product of a distinct CD4+ T cell lineage with unique developmental and functional characteristics. The developmental signals required for Th-17 commitment and development are also described. As a result, the teachings of the present disclosure provide a basis for understanding the developmental pathway of Th-17 cells and offer novel avenues to modulate (stimulate or inhibit) this developmental program and offer new methods for the treatment and prevention of disease states and conditions related to aberrant activity of Th-17 cells.
US09017684B2
Methods that entail detection of an epiregulin (EREG) protein for cancer diagnosis are disclosed. In colon cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, and kidney cancer, the gene and protein expressions of EREG were frequently found to be elevated. Antibodies that recognize an EREG protein are used for diagnosing or treating cancer in the present invention. Pharmaceutical compositions, cell proliferation inhibitors, and anticancer agents containing an EREG-binding antibody as an active ingredient are also disclosed. Methods of inducing cell damage in EREG-expressing cells and methods of suppressing the proliferation of EREG-expressing cells by contacting the EREG-expressing cells with EREG-binding antibodies are also disclosed.
US09017679B2
Compositions and methods utilizing immunomodulating agents can either stimulate or indirectly augment the immune system or have an immunosuppressive effect. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. They can be used to treat disease caused by asthma and chronic inflammation such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. TNFR25 antagonists disclosed herein are capable of inhibiting CD8 T cell-mediated cellular immune responses and can for example, mitigate organ or tissue rejection following a tissue transplantation.
US09017676B2
The use of trifunctional bispecific antibodies for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prophylaxis and treatment of tumor diseases is provided. Trifunctional bispecific antibodies bind to tumor-associated antigens including Her2/neu, CD20, EpCAM, G250, proteoglycans, GD3. GD2, MHC II, EGF-R and CEA expressed on tumor cells at low to medium expression levels. Also provided are methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of tumor diseases by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a trifunctional bispecific antibody to a patient in need thereof.
US09017670B2
The present invention provides antibodies that bind to Tie2 and methods of using same. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to human Tie2 and block the interaction between Tie2 and one or more Tie2 ligands such as angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), angiopoietin 3 (Ang3) and/or angiopoietin 4 (Ang4). The antibodies of the invention are useful, inter alia, for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with one or more Tie2 biological activities including angiogenesis.
US09017656B2
The present invention relates generally to peptides and more specifically to antimicrobial and immunomodulatory host defense peptides.
US09017655B2
The present invention relates to bispecific molecules comprising an EGFR binding domain and a distinct IGFIR binding domain for use in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins. Exemplary bispecific molecules include antibody-like protein dimers based on the tenth fibronectin type III domain.
US09017635B2
The present invention relates to a continuous manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube having gas separation units and a continuous manufacturing method for a carbon nanotube using the same. According to the present invention, the present invention has an effect to provide the continuous manufacturing apparatus of the carbon nanotube and continuous manufacturing method using the same, in which it makes possible to perform a rapid processing; has excellent productivity and excellent conversion rate of carbon source; can significantly reduce the cost of production; can reduce energy consumption because a reactor size can be decreased as compared with capacity; and a gas separation unit that not generate a waste gas.
US09017634B2
Mass production of carbon nanotubes (CNT) are facilitated by methods and apparatus disclosed herein. Advantageously, the methods and apparatus make use of a single production unit, and therefore provide for uninterrupted progress in a fabrication process. Embodiments of control systems for a variety of CNT production apparatus are included.
US09017633B2
Single crystal diamond material produced using chemical vapour deposition (CVD), and particularly diamond material having properties suitable for use in optical applications such as lasers, is disclosed. In particular, a CVD single crystal diamond material having preferred characteristics of longest linear internal dimension, birefringence and absorption coefficient, when measured at room temperature, is disclosed. Uses of the diamond material, including in a Raman laser, and methods of producing the diamond are also disclosed.
US09017632B2
A method of making fancy pale blue or fancy pale blue/green CVD diamond material is described. The method comprises irradiating single crystal diamond material that has been grown by a CVD process with electrons to introduce isolated vacancies into the diamond material, the irradiated diamond material having (or after a further post-irradiation treatment having) a total vacancy concentration [VT] and a path length L such that [VT]×L is at least 0.072 ppm cm and at most 0.36 ppm cm, and the diamond material becomes fancy pale blue or fancy pale blue/green in color. Fancy pale blue diamonds are also described.
US09017625B2
A method of upgrading a titaniferous material includes nitriding and reducing a titaniferous material which includes TiO2 and Fe oxides in the presence of nitrogen and carbon to convert the TiO2 to TiN and to reduce most of the Fe oxides to Fe. The Fe is oxidized in preference to the TiN to form Fe2+ ions, whereafter the Fe2+ ions are removed to produce an upgraded low-Fe TiN bearing material.
US09017619B2
Device and method for disinfecting, sterilizing, and/or looking after medical, in particular dental, instruments, comprising a rinsing chamber in which there are holders for receiving the instruments, wherein at least parts of the walls of the rinsing chamber or elements located in the rinsing chamber can be cooled.
US09017615B2
Electricity is suppressed from flowing to a case (4) of an electrically heated catalyst (1). Provision is made for a heat generation element (2) to be electrically energized to generate heat, the case (4) in which the heat generation element (2) is contained, a mat (5) arranged between the heat generation element (2) and the case (4), an electrode (6) connected to the heat generation element (2) from outside of the case (4), an insulation part (7) to plug a gap between the case (4) and the electrode (6), an electrode chamber (8) which is a space formed around the electrode (6) at an inner side of the case (4) and at an outer side of the heat generation element (2), and which is formed by providing a gap between the electrode (6) and the mat (5), and a circulation passage (9) which is provided with two opening portions (91) either at an upstream side or at a downstream side of the heat generation element (2), and which is connected from one of the opening portions (91) to the other of the opening portions (91) while passing through around said electrode (6).
US09017599B2
There is provided a sliding part in which a surface coverage ratio of copper in the sliding part increases. A bearing which is the sliding part is formed by filling the raw powder into the filling portion of the forming mold, compacting the raw powder to form a powder compact, which is sintered. A copper-based raw powder is composed of a copper-based flat raw powder whose diameter is smaller than that of an iron-based raw powder and an aspect ratio larger than that of the iron-based raw powder, and a copper-based small-sized raw powder whose diameter is smaller than that of the copper-based flat raw powder. The copper is allowed to segregate at the surface of the sliding part. The surface of the bearing is covered with the copper-based small-sized raw powder and the copper-based flat raw powder, thereby the surface coverage ratio of copper can be increased.
US09017597B2
A system and method for transferring molten metal from a vessel and into a launder is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, and a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal. The dividing wall divides the vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein part of the second chamber has a height H2. The device for generating a stream of molten metal, which is preferably a molten metal pump, is preferably positioned in the first chamber. When the device operates, it generates a stream of molten metal from the first chamber and into the second chamber. When the level of molten metal in the second chamber exceeds H2, molten metal flows out of the vessel and into the launder. The launder has a horizontal angle of between 0° and −10° to help prevent dross from being pulled by gravity into downstream vessels.
US09017595B2
Cellular ceramic materials, for example closed cell glass ceramic materials, for use in construction of buildings comprising a clay material, carbon, and water used to form the cellular ceramic blocks, slabs and beams by expansion of the particles inside the ware. The cellular ceramic materials are produced by first mixing the clay, carbon and about 40% to about 70% water by weight of the clay in the mixture, allowing the mixture to cure, drying the cured mixture, then firing the dried mixture at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to melt the surface of the mixture. The clay material can be, for example, surface clays, ball clays, kaolin, shale, fly ash and/or bentonite. In another embodiment a mixture of volcanic ash, carbon and water can be formed and layered with the mixture of clay, carbon and water. The cellular ceramic materials are, in most cases, impervious to liquid, are capable of supporting substantial loads in tension and compression without reinforcement, and require no additional insulating material. Such cellular ceramic material may also be used in the construction of buildings with a metal skeleton comprising metal bars forming a structure for supporting the cellular ceramic building material.
US09017590B2
Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a combination of high tensile strength and high oxidative stability. The materials are especially suitable for use as bearing components in artificial hip and other implants. Treated bulk materials are anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted crosslinked UHMWPE.
US09017585B2
A method for decorating a composite placed in a mold in a resin transfer molding process includes selectively depositing unbonded pigments on one or more areas of a preform of the composite, and injecting a resin into the mold via one or more resin input ports operably connected to the mold. The injected resin carries the selectively deposited unbonded pigments on a path on one or more areas of the preform of the composite along a direction of flow of the injected resin, thereby creating ornamental pigment flow patterns in the composite for decorating the composite. The method also creates bands of ornamental pigment flow patterns by depositing the unbonded pigments on a transfer medium positioned on the composite, positioning the transfer medium in proximity to the resin input ports, and selectively injecting the resin onto the transfer medium deposited with the unbonded pigments, via the resin input ports.
US09017583B2
Photosensitive resin composition, and light blocking layer and liquid crystal display using the same
A photosensitive resin composition includes (A) a photopolymerization initiator including a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein in Chemical Formula 1, each substituent is the same as defined in the detailed description, (B) a binder resin, (C) a photopolymerizable monomer, (D) a colorant, and (E) a solvent, and a light blocking layer and liquid crystal display (LCD) using the same.
US09017578B2
The problems can be solved by using a method for producing a metal nanoparticle colloid, which comprises the steps of S1: mixing, into a nonpolar hydrocarbon oil having a vapor pressure of 10−3 Torr or less at room temperature, organic molecules having both a hydrophilic group and a lipophilic group and having in the end of the hydrophilic group an N, S, P, or O atom or having at the hydrophilic group a functional group of an NH2 group, an NH group, an SH group, a PO group, or an OH group to prepare a base liquid, and S2: placing the base liquid in a rotatable vacuum drum and charging a non-magnetic metal material in a crucible provided in the vacuum drum, and depositing the vapor of the non-magnetic metal material on the base liquid which adheres to the inner wall of the vacuum drum and rotates together with the rotating drum under conditions such that the inside of the vacuum drum is under a reduced pressure and the vacuum drum is rotated, and a task of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a metal nanoparticle colloid having non-magnetic metal nanoparticles having various shapes.
US09017575B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a phosphorescent phosphor having an excellent afterglow luminance after 10 to 12 hours after sunset under the outdoor excitation conditions. The phosphorescent phosphor is represented by the formula (Sr1-a-b-x-yMgaBabEuxDyy)Al2O4, wherein a satisfies a relation 0.02≦a≦0.1, b satisfies a relation 0.03≦b≦0.15, x satisfies a relation 0.001≦x≦0.04, y satisfies a relation 0.004≦y≦0.05, and (a+b) satisfies a relation 0.08≦(a+b)≦0.2. The phosphorescent phosphor has an excellent afterglow luminance after a long period of period of time in a manner most suitable for outdoor applications.
US09017574B2
A red phosphor is provided. Also provided is a lighting apparatus containing a red phosphor.
US09017573B2
Luminescent compositions are described comprising lanthanide-containing nanoclusters comprising lanthanide atoms bonded to at least one semimetal or transition metal via an oxygen or sulfur atom. Novel compositions include an antenna ligand complexed with the nanoclusters. The rare earth-metal nanoclusters are in the size range of 1 to 100 nm. Articles, such as solar cells, are described in which the nanoclusters (with or without antenna ligands) are dispersed in a polymer matrix. Novel methods of making luminescent films are also described.
US09017570B2
Disclosed is a hybrid filler for an electromagnetic shielding composite material and a method of manufacturing the hybrid filler, by which electromagnetic shielding and absorbing capabilities are improved and heat generated by electromagnetic absorption is effectively removed. The hybrid filler for an electromagnetic shielding composite material includes an expandable graphite (EG) having a plurality of pores, and magnetic particles integrated with a carbon nanotube (CNT) on outer surfaces thereof in a mixed manner, wherein the magnetic particles are inserted into the pores of the EG.
US09017567B2
A chemical treatment apparatus and a method for performing a chemical treatment of a wafer, etc., by supplying a chemical via a cell. The apparatus includes a cylindrical inner cell and a cylindrical outer cell with open ends disposed at an outer circumference of the inner cell. The outer cell is axially movable to vary the width of a slit formed between a bottom end of the outer cell and a top surface of the substrate-holding means by the axial movement, thereby adjusting the discharge rate of the chemical and varying the pressure of the chemical.
US09017563B2
Provided is a plating method of a circuit substrate comprising a conductive pattern in which a metal layer containing at least silver and copper is exposed on an outer surface. The plating method comprises: step (A) of treating the circuit substrate with a first liquid agent containing an oxidizing agent; step (B) of treating the circuit substrate after the step (A) with a second liquid agent which dissolves copper oxide, and thereby removing copper oxide from the conductive pattern's surface; step (C) of treating the circuit substrate after the step (B) with a third liquid agent whose rate of dissolving silver oxide (I) at 25° C. is 1000 times or more faster than its rate of dissolving copper (0) at 25° C., and thereby removing silver oxide from the conductive pattern's surface; and step (D) of performing electroless plating on the conductive pattern of the circuit substrate after the step (C).
US09017557B2
The present invention concerns new monolithic shaped bodies, a method for their preparation as well as their use especially for the selective purification and separation of biopolymers. A chromatographic separation material is provided with the new monolithic shaped bodies that allows a selective, efficient and reproducible purification and separation of biopolymers.
US09017556B2
Ultrapure water of high purity having extremely low TOC concentration is produced by efficiently degrading urea in raw water by biological activated carbon treatment even when the raw water contains ammonium nitrogen. The ultrapure water production method, where raw water is treated in a primary pure water system, and then the resulting water is treated in a subsystem, contains a step of treating pretreated water with chlorine based oxidizer added by a biological treatment means installed upstream to the subsystem. Chlorine based oxidizer is added so that the chlorine based oxidizer concentration is 5 times or more than the ammonium nitrogen concentration of water treated in the biological treatment means in terms of Cl2.
US09017544B2
The concentration of glucose in a blood sample is determined by methods utilizing test strips having a sample receiving cavity having a volume from about 0.3 μl to less than 1 μl and determining the glucose concentration within a time period from about 3.5 seconds to about 8 seconds.
US09017539B2
A method for fabricating a heat sink may include: providing a carbon fiber fabric having carbon fibers and openings, the openings leading from a first side to a second side of the fabric; and electroplating the fabric with metal, wherein metal is deposited with a higher rate at the first side than at the second side of the fabric. Another method for fabricating a heat sink may include: providing a carbon metal composite having metal-coated carbon fibers and openings, the openings leading from a first side to a second side of the carbon metal composite; disposing the composite over a semiconductor element such that the first side of the composite faces the semiconductor element; and bonding the composite to the semiconductor element by means of an electroplating process, wherein metal electrolyte is supplied to an interface between the carbon metal composite and the semiconductor element via the openings.
US09017535B2
Provided is a high-quality magnetoresistive thin film by using a method of controlling self bias of a high-frequency sputtering device. In order to control the self bias for the substrate by adjusting a substrate potential, the high-frequency sputtering device according to the present invention includes: a chamber; evacuation means for evacuating the inside of the chamber; gas introduction means for supplying a gas into the chamber; a substrate holder provided with a substrate mounting table; rotation drive means capable of rotating the substrate holder; a sputtering cathode provided with a target mounting table and arranged such that the surface of the target mounting table is non-parallel to the surface of the substrate mounting table; an electrode disposed inside the substrate holder; and a variable impedance mechanism electrically connected to the electrode, for adjusting the substrate potential on the substrate holder.
US09017523B2
A two stage scrubber process for ethanol fermentation has a first stage using fusel oil to remove the hazardous air pollutants and recover the majority of the ethanol. A second stage uses water as the scrubbing solvent to recover any residual ethanol that is stripped from the first stage.
US09017521B2
A process for heat treatment of a solid, with a coolant solid, in which a stage for mixing the solid with the pre-heated coolant solid is carried out, with the coolant solid being a solid hydrocarbon. The solid hydrocarbon is ground, before the mixing stage with the solid, to obtain a solid hydrocarbon powder with a grain size of between 20 μm and 300 μm. The solid is ground, before the mixing stage with the coolant solid, to obtain solid pellets with a thickness of between 1 mm and 30 mm, a width of between 1 mm and 40 mm, and a length of between 1 mm and 100 mm. The mixing is carried out at a temperature of between 80° C. and 700° C.
US09017515B2
The present disclosure provides for a fibrous structure having an initial total wet tensile strength of greater than about 118 g/cm and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments. Also, a fibrous structure having at least two plies is disclosed. One of the two plies has an initial total wet tensile strength of greater than about 118 g/cm and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments.
US09017509B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed for the formation of optical fiber structures. An exemplary fiber laying head houses a source of optical fiber material to which an adhesive coating is applied prior to laying the adhesive-coated optical fiber material onto a substrate. The fiber laying head can also house a radiation source that generates a radiation beam to cure the adhesive in the adhesive-coated optical fiber material to form a bond between the adhesive-coated optical fiber material and the substrate.
US09017508B2
Disclosed is a technique of manufacturing an adhesive tape roll by which cut lines for cutting an adhesive tape can be regularly formed at a constant position. Provided are a winding roller (32) that winds the adhesive tape (2) fed out from a mother roll (31) and a cut-lines formation roller (33) that is provided between the mother roll (31) and the winding roller (32) and forms the cut lines (4) in the adhesive tape (2) at a predetermined interval. The winding roller (32) and the cut-lines formation roller (33) are rotated in synchronization with each other via predetermined gears (40).
US09017501B2
A method of making a polymeric component includes, extruding one or more strands of a polymer, halting curing of the one or more strands, forming a mat with the extruded one or more strands, bonding the one or more strands to one another at points of contact therebetween, and curing the one or more strands.
US09017498B2
A method is provided for producing a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, with an insulation applied to an outer side of a fuel tank container by application of foam, wherein the fuel tank container is placed into a foam-encapsulating mold and at least partially encapsulated in the foam insulation, the foam-encapsulating mold forming a first mold half and the fuel tank container forming a second mold half.
US09017486B2
A method for cleaning a deposition chamber includes forming a deposited layer over an interior surface of the deposition chamber, wherein the deposited layer has a deposited layer stress and a deposited layer modulus; forming a cleaning layer over the deposited layer, wherein a material comprising the cleaning layer is selected such that the cleaning layer adheres to the deposited layer, and has a cleaning layer stress and a cleaning layer modulus, wherein the cleaning layer stress is higher than the deposited layer stress, and wherein the cleaning layer modulus is higher than the deposited layer modulus; and removing the deposited layer and the cleaning layer from the interior of the deposition chamber.
US09017483B2
There is provided a susceptor for a vapor phase epitaxial growth device, by which skidding at the time of loading a silicon wafer is prevented and the wafer can be loaded at a fixed position of the susceptor: wherein a ring-shaped groove having sloping planes widening toward a surface of the susceptor are formed on the outermost circumference of the bottom surface; and gas release openings penetrating through to the back surface of the susceptor are formed, each having a sectional area of 2.0 to 3.0 mm2 and a ratio of all opening areas is 0.25 to 0.5% on the bottom surface.
US09017480B2
A deposition system and method includes a deposition source, a roll conveyor and at least one shield positioned at a location proximate to the deposition source.
US09017477B2
Provided is a process for producing colloidal crystals from which a large single crystal reduced in lattice defects and unevenness can be easily produced at low cost without fail. The process for colloidal crystal production comprises: preparing a colloidal polycrystal dispersion in which colloidal crystals precipitate at a given temperature (preparation step); introducing into a vessel The colloidal polycrystal dispersion in the state of containing fine colloidal polycrystals precipitated (introduction step); and melting the colloidal polycrystals and then recrystallizing the molten polycrystals (recrystallization step). The crystals thus obtained have fewer lattice defects and less unevenness than the original polycrystals.
US09017475B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a metal pigment composition having the characteristics that aging stability is excellent, reductions of brightness, masking and flip flop appearance are little, and storage stability is excellent. The present invention is directed to a metal pigment composition containing a metal pigment treated with at least one of organic molybdenum compounds, or a metal pigment composition containing a metal pigment treated with at least one of organic molybdenum compounds, and at least one agent selected from the groups consisting of an anti-oxidizing agent, an anti-reducing agent and a photostabilizer.
US09017472B2
A process for the preparation of a sulphur cement product is disclosed. Sulphur is mixed with a coupling agent and with a particulate inorganic material at a temperature at which sulphur is molten to obtain a molten sulphur cement product, which is solidified. The coupling agent is supplied as a solid composition comprising the coupling agent and at least 10 wt %, based upon the weight of the solid composition, of carrier material selected from one or more of wax, inorganic filler and polymer. The coupling agent is chosen from the group of organosilanes and organotitanates.
US09017469B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a spinning solution for industrial production of pure chitosan fiber and the method for fabricating the same. The method comprises the steps of: step (a): screening a flake chitosan raw material and removing impurities; step (b): putting in a dissolving kettle the screened flake chitosan raw material with a weight which is 3%-8% of the total weight of the spinning solution, sealing the dissolving kettle, and evacuating into vacuum; step (c): adding 0.9%-6% acetic acid solution, and soaking at the room temperature for 40-60 minutes; step (d): uniformly stirring at a rate of 26-60 rpm for 7.5-19 hours under a pressure of ≦5000 pa in the dissolving kettle, standing for 1-3 hours, and obtaining a spinning solution. By using this method, it is possible to not only maintain the original state structure of the molecular chain of chitosan, but also fast and uniformly dissolve flake chitosan and the spinning solution fabricated by this method in unit time, so as to meet the requirements in the industrial continuous production.
US09017459B2
An apparatus for removing dust and offensive odor generated from ascon includes: a centrifugal dust collection unit which forcibly sucks offensive odor-causing materials, harmful gas and dust generated from the ascon, produced in an ascon producing unit, via a pipe so as to discharge the dust having a relatively large particle size via a hopper provided at the lower end thereof to the outside by means of a rotary valve while conveying air and relatively fine dust to a filtration-type dust collection unit via a pipe provided at the upper side thereof; the filtration-type dust collection unit for filtering the offensive odor-causing materials, harmful gas and fine dust having passed through the centrifugal dust collection unit by means of a filter while discharging the remaining fine dust or the like to the outside by a screw provided at the lower end of the hopper; a first cooling unit for condensing the harmful gas and offensive odor-causing materials of 150° C., supplied from the filtration-type dust collection unit, by cooling the same to 40˜50° C. using a cooling tower and thus removing and separating the moisture and the offensive odor-causing materials; a second cooling unit for condensing the offensive odor-causing materials and harmful gas of 40˜50° C., having passed through the first cooling unit, by re-cooling the same to 20° C. or lower by a condenser and thus removing and separating the moisture and offensive odor-causing materials so as to prevent a white plume phenomenon; an adsorption unit for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by adsorbing and filtering the offensive odor-causing materials and harmful gas of 20° C., having passed through the second cooling unit, using a active carbon filter; and a discharge unit configured such that spray pipes are provided therein in stages so as to remove water-soluble offensive odor-causing materials in the air, from which the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been removed via the adsorption unit, by spraying water via a plurality of spray nozzles provided at each of the spray pipes, and a discharge pipe is provided at the upper side thereof so as to discharge fresh air, wherein a turbo fan is provided between the filtration-type dust collection unit and the first cooling unit, and wherein an oil-water separation tank and a water collection tank are additionally provided between the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit such that the oil-water separation tank separates harmful oil and water from each other by discharging the cooled and condensed moisture and offensive odor-causing materials via pipes, and the water collection tank collects only water separated from the oil-water separation tank. The apparatus of the present invention can prevent environmental pollution by removing or minimizing the offensive odor and dust by a batch system, wherein air pollutants or any other harmful dust generated in the ascon producing unit is removed or minimized regardless of ducted emission and fugitive emission. Particularly, according to the offensive odor prevention plan, the step for mixing AP oil and heated aggregate and the step for loading the ascon onto a truck, which are considered to be the main steps for generating the offensive odor, are preformed when producing the ascon by using a new aggregate, while the AP oil vapor is condensed so as to be removed by the first cooling unit, and untreated materials are removed by the second cooling unit in consideration of the physical and chemical properties of the AP oil during re-generation of the waste ascon. Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention is mounted at the rear end of an existing asphalt plant collection facility such that the moisture which is evaporated in the step for drying the AP oil vapor and the aggregate is first condensed and collected, and the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the moisture are secondarily condensed and collected by the condenser, the untreated offensive odor-causing materials are collected in the adsorption unit and the discharge unit. Thus, effects of decreasing offensive odor and preventing a white plume phenomenon are exhibited.
US09017457B2
Provided are apparatus and systems having a poppet valve assembly and swing adsorption separation techniques related thereto. A poppet valve includes a valve body, a plurality of static valves fixedly secured to the valve body and a single dynamic poppet valve having a plurality of openings. The plurality of static valves align and mate with the plurality of openings. The single dynamic poppet valve reciprocates to selectively open and close the plurality of static valves.
US09017435B2
A system, including a gasifier comprising a wall defining a chamber, an inlet, an outlet, and a port, a combination feed injector coupled to the inlet, wherein the combination feed injector is configured to inject a first fuel and air or oxygen into the chamber to preheat the gasifier, and the combination feed injector is configured to inject a second fuel and oxygen into the gasifier after preheating to gasify the second fuel, an optical device coupled to the port, a sensor coupled to the optical device, and a monitoring system coupled to the sensor, wherein the monitoring system is configured to acquire data from the sensor, process the data, and provide an output representative of a condition of the gasifier based on the data.
US09017431B2
A method for improving performance of fuel injectors, and a method for cleaning fuel injectors for an internal combustion engine. The methods include operating the engine on a fuel composition comprising a major amount of fuel and from about 1 to about 200 ppm by weight based on a total weight of the fuel of a reaction product of (i) a hydrocarbyl substituted compound containing at least one tertiary amino group and (ii) a halogen substituted C2-C8 carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or salt thereof, wherein the reaction product as made is substantially devoid of free anion species.
US09017426B2
The present invention provides a kiln for the combustion of agricultural waste. The kiln includes a central cylindrical combustion chamber. The central cylindrical combustion chamber includes a system for the control of combustion air to the combustion chamber. The kiln includes a second concentric cylinder surrounding the central cylindrical combustion chamber. The second concentric cylinder includes a system for the flow of cooling water through the first annulus between the central cylindrical combustion chamber and the second concentric cylinder. The kiln includes a system for the feeding of the agricultural waste into the central combustion chamber. The kiln includes a temperature sensing device to measure and display the temperature within the central combustion chamber during the combustion of the agricultural waste. The kiln includes a system for the recovery of ash from the kiln. In operation, the temperature of combustion is controlled to between 550° C. and 650° C. by a combination of increasing the supply of combustion air when the temperature in the central combustion chamber falls to near 550° C. and the introduction of cooling flowing water when the temperature in the central combustion chamber approaches 600° C.
US09017420B1
An interface for use between the socket of a prosthesis and a limb liner. The interface has a double-layered body having a bottom end and an open top end. A mounting pinhole can be formed through the bottom end so that a connector pin on the limb liner can extend through the interface and engage the prosthesis. Alternatively, the bottom end can be formed without a pinhole to accommodate a non-locking type liner. The interface has an interior layer, an exterior layer and an interposed gap space. A vent is provided for selectively controlling airflow into and out of the gap space. The gap space can be inflated in one of two ways. First, the gap space can be made self-inflating by placing open cell foam material into the gap space. Second, a manual pump can be attached to the interface that actively pumps air into the gap space.
US09017416B2
This invention relates to a method of forming a polymer component and comprises blending polymer particles with antioxidant to form a mixture in which the antioxidant coats the polymer particles, irradiating the mixture to cross-link the polymer particles therein and forming the irradiated mixture into a consolidated component. The invention also relates to a method of forming an articular surface for a prosthesis and a prosthesis having a polymer articular bearing surface wherein at least one pre-determined portion of the bearing surface is provided with cross-linked polymer bonds.
US09017414B2
Disclosed is a trial implant having a body and a tab. The body may include a recess and may be sized to closely approximate a permanent implant. The tab may be more durable than the body, and may be disposed within the body and wholly contained within the recess. Also disclosed is a method of performing a trialing procedure including providing a trial implant as described, providing a tool to attach to the tab, inserting the implant onto a resected joint, evaluating and extracting the implant. The same procedure may then be performed with a second implant. The method may further include a tool having an attachment portion that is substantially or wholly contained within the recess. A kit is disclosed including a plurality of trial implants of incrementally different shapes and sizes. The kit may further include a tool. Also disclosed is a method of making the described implant.
US09017404B2
Disclosed is a device and method for repairing a partially or totally ruptured tendon. The device comprises an implant placed inside or outside of the tendon on either side of the rupture in order to strengthen the ruptured area during repair. Once positioned inside the tendon, the tendon is held in place so it can heal either by sewing or stapling through the tendon and implant, or by any other suitable method that utilizes the implant to provide strength to the ruptured area. In this manner the tendon can heal with less chance of rupturing again prior to healing.
US09017403B2
A breast implant system comprises at least one first element (1) and at least one second element (2) for implantation in the patient's body so as to form part of a breast implant (10). The first element is displaceable relative to the second element, when implanted in the patient's breast, so as to change the outer shape of the breast implant. Preferably, the elements are contained in a casing (12, 13) with a flexible outer shape. More preferably, a reservoir (R) comprising a lubricating fluid is connected to the casing so as to allow lubricating fluid to be supplied to, and removed from, the casing, in order to reduce surface friction between adjacent elements, and/or between the casing and the elements, before the shape of the breast implant is changed by relative displacement of the first and second elements.
US09017402B2
An intraocular implant (1) including an optical portion (2) and a haptic portion (3), the haptic portion including two diametrically opposite haptic systems (3a, 3b), characterized in that each of the haptic systems (3a, 3b) includes two substantially identical haptics (4, 5) interconnected by their respective distal ends (4a, 5a), the respective proximal ends (4b, 5b) of the two haptics (4, 5) being connected to the optical portion (2) via a stalk (6), the width of each of the haptics (4, 5) decreasing continuously all along the haptic toward the distal end (4a, 5a).
US09017391B2
Disclosed is a system and method for treatment of skin disorders. More particularly, the disclosed invention is directed toward the use of multiple light sources for treating skin with or without the use of a topical compositions or photomodulation enhancing agents. Dual light emitting diodes may, for example, be used at relatively low power (less than about 10 J/cm2) to photomodulate skin or living tissue to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, acne, acne bacteria, and other skin disorders.
US09017390B2
A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element having a shank and a head, a head receiving part having a first end, an open second end, and a hollow interior portion for receiving the head therein, a locking ring configured to be mounted around the head receiving part and having a rod receiving portion, a cap configured to be connected to the head receiving part, the cap having a central axis and two opposite legs extending in a direction of the central axis, and a locking element configured to extend from the cap to lock relative positions of the bone anchoring element and an inserted rod relative to the head receiving part, wherein the cap is rotatable relative to the head receiving part between a first position in which the cap is movable and a second position in which the legs engage the head receiving part.
US09017385B1
A dynamic spinal stabilization system that enables spinal movements throughout a range of motions from a neutral condition of the spine, to a flexion condition, and an extension condition. The system includes metal pedicle screws and at least one metal support rod, wherein the system includes elastomeric members operatively located to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact of metal components of the system that are movable relative to one another.
US09017382B2
Collapsible tissue anchor device and method for inserting into a tissue structure in a first non-collapsed configuration and collapsing into a second collapsed configuration. A sleeve is provided having a bolt or shank extending through an interior. The bolt or shank exerts a force upon the sleeve to collapse it thereby forming flanges that engage or abut tissue. A sling, suture, mesh or the like may be coupled to a portion of the anchor to support tissue or an organ.
US09017379B2
A suture including a knotted end effector is provided. The suture includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector formed from the body portion. The end effector includes first and second extensions which extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions when the end effector is in a permanent configuration. The extensions of the end effector extend substantially along the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in a temporary position. In embodiments, at least a portion of the end effector includes a shape memory material.
US09017374B2
The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for percutaneously sealing a puncture site in tissue tracts and vessels in human or animal bodies. One system includes a locating assembly that is used to locate the puncture site and can also provide temporary hemostasis when the system is used for closing a vessel puncture. The system also includes a compression assembly comprising a tubular member with a balloon on a distal end thereof. This balloon is at a fixed distance from the locator tip which locates the balloon outside the vessel wall at a predetermined distance. Inflation of this balloon causes forward elongation of the balloon which compresses subcutaneous tissue between the distal tip of the balloon and the vessel wall. This tissue compression against the puncture site is the mechanism that provides hemostasis.
US09017372B2
A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
US09017365B2
A medical device assembly having a polarizable delivery mechanism reversibly engaged with a medical device and a method used by an operator to deploy said medical device at a targeted site in a body vessel is provided. The polarizable release mechanism generally comprises a pusher element having a distal end including at least two tines; the tines having a proximal section and a distal section, the tines being capable of exhibiting polarizable properties. The medical device has an opening sized to receive and to detachably engage the distal section of the tines. The delivery mechanism has an engaged position in which the tines securely hold the medical device and a detached position in which the tines and medical device are substantially unengaged. The operator causes the delivery mechanism to move from the engaged position to the detached position by applying or removing an energy stimulus to change the polarization.
US09017364B2
Single filter and multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodged or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.
US09017362B2
An occluding device for occlusion within a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises an expandable frame having an occluding portion disposed within a closure area of the frame. An anchoring component is attached to the frame to engage the body vessel. A coupling is attached to the frame for repositioning the device.
US09017358B2
A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object such as an intragastric balloon from a patient. The apparatus includes a delivery tube having a lumen and a retrieval tool able to slide within the lumen that can both puncture and grasp the intragastric balloon. The retrieval tool may have sharpened graspers with either a sharp tip and/or knife-like edges. Alternatively, the delivery tube itself may have sharpened cutting blades that deploy outward to puncture the intragastric balloon. One embodiment utilizes a suction cup tip on the delivery sheath and a sharpened puncture rod that extends past the distal tip of the lumen, for rapid deflation of a balloon. Various embodiments hasten the deflation process and simplify the manipulation required by the surgeon.
US09017356B2
A lancet device includes a housing, a trigger, a system for placing the lancet device in a trigger-set or armed position, and a multi-lancet unit comprising a plurality of lancets arranged one in front of the other and positioned in the housing. Each lancet includes a front end, a needle which extends from the front end, and a rear end. The front end of at least one of the plurality lancets is removably connected to the rear end of another of the plurality of lancets. A method of puncturing a surface of skin using the lancet device includes arranging the lancet device adjacent against a user's skin and triggering the lancet device so that one of the plurality of lancet is caused to penetrate the user's skin.
US09017355B2
A battery-powered, modular surgical device includes an electrically powered surgical instrument operable to surgically interface with human tissue and a handle assembly connected to the surgical instrument. The handle assembly has a removable hand grip and a handle body. The hand grip is shaped to permit handling of the surgical device by one hand of an operator, has an upper portion and a cordless internal battery assembly that powers the surgical instrument. The internal battery assembly has at least one energy storage cell. The handle body is operable to removably connect at least the upper portion of the hand grip thereto and create an aseptic seal around at least a portion of the hand grip when connected thereto and electrically couple the internal battery assembly of the hand grip to the surgical instrument and thereby power the surgical instrument for interfacing surgically with the human tissue.
US09017348B2
An insufflable prosthesis is provided, that is radiopaque or with a circumferential radiopaque mark, for sutureless and non clamping side-to-side, end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis, or fast clamping and sutureless wherein vessel graft or any other is inserted or not (whether externally covered or not if using grafts), in the lumen of the prosthesis comprised by an insufflable balloon, whether distensible or not and after being covered by graft, the balloon can be filled with polymerizable fluid, like silicon or cyanoacrylate glue, whether radiopaque or not, by a syringe having unidirectional valve to a needed caliber in order to keep the graft wall jointed and tight in relation to the organ which performs the anastomosis. The insufflable balloon, elastic and distensible, or non elastic and having preset dimensions also comprises non elastic punctiform bars inside that are responsible for keeping constant the distance between the elastic balloon walls.
US09017346B2
A suture device including a hollow shaft; a pair of jaws disposed at an end of the hollow shaft, at least one of the jaws being actuated by an actuation arm coupled to an actuation mechanism, and each of the jaws including a channel formed therein for carrying a suture; a locking device disposed in the hollow shaft operable to grip an end of the suture; a cutting device disposed in the hollow shaft operable to cut an opposing end of the suture; and a heating device configured to remove the suture from the channels of the pair of jaws, and fuse the suture. The suture can include a core surrounded by an outer coating, wherein the outer coating has a melting point less than a melting point of the inner core.
US09017342B1
A Hair Threading Brace for the successful, sanitary operation of the Hair Threading procedure. The wearer of the threading brace can continue to offer the service of hair threading without requiring the wearer to either hold the thread in the mouth, a potentially unsanitary practice, or take the lengthy time to tie a loop around the neck. Additionally the wearer will be able to wind the thread around at least one bend on the device, which allows for the creation of a point of tension that can be used in the service of hair threading. The invention also calls for the addition of an optional wearers' mouth guard, which the wearer can choose to attach in order to protect both the wearer and the client from any debris that may be exhaled by the wearer, or caused by the threading technique, as is the case when the thread gently exfoliates skin off the client, into the air, by rubbing against its surface. The invention also covers an optional brace clasp, which when attached to the rear of the brace, specifically to two ear loops, creates a more secure brace for the wearer.
US09017338B2
A surgical device and method for injecting cement in a bone cavity includes an elongated, hollow body to be inserted partially into the cavity. The body has an inner lumen with a distal opening to expel cement therefrom. An entry plug for the cement is connected to a cement pressurized supply. The entry plug is in fluid communication with the lumen to deliver cement through the entry plug, wherein the entry plug is movably mounted on the hollow body.
US09017330B2
A tensioning device comprises an elongate member, preferably a band, and a frame having first and second sides. The band has a first end that is attachable to the first side of the frame and a second end that is releasably securable to the second side of the frame. A movable clamping member on the frame secures the second end of the band to the second side of the frame by cinching the second end of the band between an engagement surface on the band and a mating engagement surface on the second side of the frame. A restraining member is provided for restraining the clamping member to a first position spaced from the mating locking surface on the second side of the frame, when the restraining member is in a restraining orientation. The restraining member is movable out of the restraining orientation after the band is tensioned to a predetermined level using the second end. The band is tensioned to the aforementioned predetermined level and is secured to the second side of the frame, so that the band establishes a path of tension along its length that extends linearly between the two ends of the band.
US09017329B2
A method for applying compression to a joint includes providing an intramedullary fixation assembly having a proximal screw member positioned at a proximal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly and a lag screw member positioned at a distal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly. Medullary canals are drilled in a first and second bone and the medullary canals are reamed. The proximal screw member is inserted into the first bone and a drill is used create a dorsal hole in the first bone. The lag screw member is slideably coupled to the dorsal hole and to the proximal screw member and into the second medullary canal. A torque is applied to the lag screw member to apply compression to the joint.
US09017321B2
Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers. Activation requests for a set of transducers can be denied if it is determined that a transducer in the set of transducers is unacceptable for activation.
US09017318B2
A cryogenic system having a base unit tethered to a handpiece connectable to a needle probe. The handpiece holds a replaceable cryogen canister assembly. The base unit connects to mains to provide power to the handpiece. The base unit includes a back-up power source in the event of interruptions of power via mains.
US09017316B2
A system and method of estimating a distance between the distal end of an optical fiber and treated tissue, to improve treatment efficiency, is provided herein. The estimation is achieved by modulating the numerical aperture of a light beam transmitted through the fiber to receive reflections from the tissue and distinguish them from other reflections in the fiber, and further by calculating the distance by comparing reflection intensities of beams having different numerical aperture values that illuminate the tissue over a very short period, so that tissue and environment conditions do not change much. Distance estimation may be carried out by modulating the treatment beam itself, or by a light beam transmitted between pulses of a pulsed treatment beam.
US09017314B2
A surgical articulation assembly is disclosed, including a control assembly and an articulable portion. The surgical articulation assembly has a passage therethrough for receiving a surgical object. The articulable portion includes at least two segments capable of independent movement. Disposed within the control assembly is an actuation assembly including a driving member, a translating member, two engagement members, a rotating member, and connecting members engaging in cooperation to effect forces through the connecting members on each of the first and second segments. More than one actuation assembly may be present, and the associated components of the actuation assembly may be configured to effect bi-directional articulation of the first and second segments in more than one plane.
US09017309B2
It is intended to provide a thrombus-aspiration catheter capable of exerting flexibility and aspiration force even in the case where the tube in the front end side is a triple lumen tube or a contrast marker is provided at the front end. A thrombus-aspiration catheter (1) comprising a basal end side tube (2) of the double lumen type which has an aspiration lumen (11) and a core wire lumen (12), and a front end side tube (3) of the triple lumen type which has a guide wire lumen (13) in addition to the aspiration lumen (11) and the core wire lumen (12), wherein the front end of the above-described front end side tube is obliquely cut and a terminal aspiration tube (4) of a flexible double lumen, which has a front end opening (41) inclined in almost the same direction as the cut face (31), is connected to the cut face.
US09017306B2
A disposable absorbent product extends along a longitudinal axis between front and back longitudinal ends of the product, and along a transverse axis. The product has a topsheet defining an interior face of the product configured to face a wearer thereof during use, and a backsheet overlaying the topsheet, the backsheet defining an exterior face of the product. An absorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet for storing fluid secreted by the wearer of the product. The product also includes a first pair of fastening components, each being formed from a partially cut-out portion of the disposable absorbent product so as to be pivotally coupled to a remainder of the product, such that pivotal movement of the fastening components relative to a remainder of the product defines at least one aperture that extends between the interior and exterior faces of the product.
US09017304B1
A sanitary napkin includes a multi-layered primary pad having an intermediate absorbent layer with a cavity formed therein and a liquid permeable top layer overlying the absorbent layer with a slit formed therein. A cavity is formed in the absorbent layer and is positioned below the slit. An auxiliary pad has an upstanding plug with the auxiliary pad disposed partially in the cavity and the plug extending through the slit.
US09017301B2
The present invention refers to a transdermal delivery device comprising a backing layer, at least one adhesive layer, and a release liner coated with a UV-cured highly crosslinked silicone. The present invention also refers to a method of preparing a transdermal delivery device comprising a backing layer, at least one adhesive layer, and a release liner coated with a UV-cured silicone.
US09017300B2
This kit includes an injection device comprising a needle having a free end pricked into a septum of an implantable chamber and an intermediate tubing connected downstream to the needle. The kit includes an upstream conduit having an upstream end connected to a liquid dispensing apparatus and a downstream end removably connected to the intermediate tubing. The pressure loss through the upstream conduit is greater than 25% of the total pressure loss taken between the upstream end of the upstream conduit and the free end of the needle, upon injecting liquid through the upstream conduit and the injection device.
US09017298B2
Disclosed is an aspiration assembly including an outer cannulated needle having a tip, a threaded collar, and an inner aspiration needle. A material can be aspirated through at least the inner aspiration needle. The distance that the tip of the inner aspiration needle extends from the tip of the outer cannulated needle changes when the inner aspiration needle is rotated relative to the outer cannulated needle.
US09017292B2
The present invention relates to injection devices for injecting a dose of a medicament. The injection device (100) incorporates a housing (101), a needle assembly (150) and a cover (200). The needle assembly (150) comprises an injection needle (152, 153) accommodated in a needle container (151) having an opening which in a storage state of the injection device (100) is sealed by a film seal (155). The cover may include sections (201, 202) arranged movable relative to the housing (101). The injection device (100) is so configured that upon movement of the cover sections (201, 202) relative to the housing (101) the film seal (155) is changed from a sealing state to an unsealing state for shifting the injection device (100) into a ready-to-administer state.
US09017286B2
A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
US09017279B2
An insufflator device is provided that connects to a disposable tube set for providing gas to fill an abdominal cavity of a patient to enable surgical procedures. The insufflator tube set includes a warming sheath, a double lumen design, or a heating strip for providing warmth to the insufflation gas being conveyed through the tube set. A method of heating insufflation gases is also provided.
US09017278B2
A cover for a gas mist pressure bath includes a bag shaped living-body cover member for covering the skin and mucous membrane of the living body; a tightening device disposed at one side of the living-body cover member to tighten an opening of the living-body cover member to prevent diffusion of the gas mist; a gas mist supply port communicating with an inside of the cover for the gas mist pressure bath for introducing the gas mist into the cover; an outlet attached to the living-body cover member for exhausting air, the gas mist or gas sealed in the cover for the gas mist pressure bath and controlling quantity of the air, gas mist, or gas, and a pressurizing device disposed on another side of the living-body cover member for pressurizing the inside of the living-body cover member, wherein when the pressurizing device is operating, a pressurization is applied.
US09017272B2
Embodiments of the present concept are directed to medical devices having features that prevent contaminants from infiltrating the housing of the device while providing a mechanism to provide clear auditory sounds to aid a rescuer in providing care to a patient. In one example, a medical device includes a housing having a transmission area associated with an enclosed voice coil. An exterior diaphragm formed integrally with the housing surrounds the transmission area and provides a watertight seal of the transmission area. In addition, the diaphragm is structured to generate a sound that can be heard by the rescuer from the voice coil.
US09017270B2
Aspects of an apparatus and method for detecting movement of an object includes a base and a projection member extending between a first second ends, wherein the first end is attached to the base. Further included is a support member at the second end of the projection member, and a guide wire carried by the support member and having a substantially fixed length, wherein the guide wire is movable between a first position and a second position in conjunction with movement of an object. Also included is a sensor located a substantially fixed distance along a path of the guide wire from the support member, wherein the sensor detects movement of the guide wire between the first second positions. Additionally included is a feedback unit in communication with the sensor, wherein the feedback unit is configured to generate feedback corresponding to the detected movement.
US09017269B2
A bioacoustic processing apparatus capable of outputting information that represents the current state of attachment of a bioacoustic sensor. The bioacoustic processing apparatus (300), which processes acoustic signals from a bioacoustic sensor (200) attached to a body surface, comprises: a noise-extracting unit (320) for extracting the noise component contained in an acoustic signal from the acoustic signal, and a noise type classification unit (340) for classifying the extracted noise component into one of a plurality of noise types that correspond to different respective states of attachment of the bioacoustic sensor (200) and outputting information that corresponds to the results of said classification.
US09017266B2
The present invention teaches a system for the automated palpation testing of a patient, including the use of a robotic device with a actuating element thereto. The system is useful for testing patients at risk of nerve degradation, such as diabetic sufferers. The system includes a controller for programming the robotic device to administer the test in a particular pattern, and a storage medium for storing the results of the test. The system allows a more accurate determination of the stage of nerve degradation, as well as being more standardized because of the inclusion of automation technology.
US09017261B2
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a first reference beam generating unit generating a first reference beam from DAS signals calculated in an N-th frame; a second reference beam generating unit generating a second reference beam from a DAS signal calculated in an (N−1)-th frame, the DAS signal calculated in the N-th frame, and another DAS signal calculated in an (N+1)-th frame; an attenuation coefficient calculating unit calculating, based on the first reference beam and the second reference beam, an attenuation coefficient to be multiplied by the DAS signals calculated in the N-th frame; and a beamforming unit generating and providing a beamformed signal generated for a reference scan line in the N-th frame by multiplying a DAS signal calculated in the N-th frame by the attenuation coefficient.
US09017259B2
A region of skin, other than the fingertips, is stimulated. After stimulation, an opening is created in the skin (e.g., by lancing the skin) to cause a flow of body fluid from the region. At least a portion of this body fluid is transported to a testing device where the concentration of analyte (e.g., glucose) in the body fluid is then determined. It is found that the stimulation of the skin provides results that are generally closer to the results of measurements from the fingertips, the traditional site for obtaining body fluid for analyte testing.
US09017257B2
The activity monitor (100) includes a basic information acquisition unit (20) that accepts input of basic physical information (BA) of the user's body, a target information acquisition unit (30) that accepts input of the user's target physical expenditure (CS), an activity pattern acquisition unit (40) that acquires pattern information indicating the user's intent on the activity amount (AM), and a target activity calculation unit (50) that determines a target activity amount (TA) on the basis of the basic physical information (BA), the target physical expenditure (CS), and the pattern information acquired by the activity pattern acquisition unit (40).
US09017255B2
A vital-signs patch for a patient monitoring system is disclosed. The patch consists of a housing that is configured to be worn on the skin of a patient. The housing contains a radio, one or more sensor interfaces, a processor, and a battery. The processor can selectably turn portions of the processor off and on and selectably turn power off and on to at least a portion of the sensor interfaces and radio. The processor includes a timer that, each time the timer times out, will turn all the parts of the processor on and start a new timing period. When the processor receives a signal, the processor will turn off power to at least a portion of the processor and at least a portion of the sensor interfaces.
US09017249B2
A surgical access assembly includes an access port and a seal anchor. The access port includes a proximal ring, an intermediate ring, a distal ring, and a sleeve defining a passage therethrough. In particular, the proximal, intermediate and distal rings are concentrically arranged with the passage of the sleeve, and the sleeve extends between the proximal and distal rings. The seal anchor is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the access port, and defines a lumen therethrough. At least one of the proximal, intermediate, and distal rings is configured and dimensioned to engage the seal anchor in a sealing relation therewith.
US09017239B2
An electrophotographic member whose performances are hardly changed even after a long-term use is provided. An electrophotographic member having a mandrel, an elastic layer and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer contains a titanium oxide film having chemical bonds represented by the following formula (1) and formula (2) is provided. O—Ti—O Formula (1) Ti—O—C Formula (2)
US09017234B2
An upper body reciprocating exerciser includes a frame having a post. A cam is connected to the post and has a guide slot which is cooperated with a piston rod of a cylinder. An enclosed loop pipe is connected to outside of the cylinder and includes two sets of a check valve and an adjustable control valve. The loop pipe communicates with a space in the cylinder. The check valves and the adjustable control valves control fluid in the cylinder to adjust the resistance force when a user pulls a pull unit, so that the user's bones and muscles are exercised properly.
US09017230B1
An upper body strengthening system features a generally U-shaped planar base having a vertical frame perpendicularly located in a base middle section. A seat is perpendicularly and adjustably located on a vertical frame middle along with a cushioned back rest. The system features a first arm having a first arm first end pivotally located on a vertical frame first side and a second arm having a second arm first end pivotally located on a vertical frame second side. A first palm plate is located offset from a first arm inside surface and a second palm plate is located offset from the second arm inside surface. A plurality of weight components is located close to a vertical frame bottom. The plurality of weight components is stackably located on a cable assembly (pulley system) that traverses a weight component rack and is connected to the first arm, and the second arm.
US09017228B2
Aspects of the invention include providing a mixed-use training device that solves a number of problems with the prior art by providing for a dynamically adjustable height setting for weight bags and allowing for a greater radius of clearance and movement around the training device which allows the user the ability to perform a more diverse training regimen, without requiring the constant re-configuration of the training device. Weights secured to weight support members increase the stability of embodiments.
US09017227B1
A portable striking pad device that has an elongated flat base with a deformable protrusion rigidly mounted thereon. The base member is removably mounted to vertical structures, such as walls, poles, or trees, among others. The protrusion member has a distal rounded end cooperatively shaped to receive punches and kicks from a user who practices martial arts. There are several ways to mount the device to a vertical structure, including straps, screws, or pressure-sensitive fastening members, among others. The device is molded in a unitary piece requiring minimum maintenance.
US09017222B2
A machine for testing and training jumping and reaching ability for use by athlete or by other people for recreation is disclosed having the following attributes: centrally balanced, light weight and portable, usable indoors or outdoors, resets to starting position after each use, signals contact by flashing light or sound, and has means of measuring the height reached by the extended hand.
US09017214B2
A hybrid vehicle control apparatus is provided with: a first replacement controlling device which replaces regenerative braking torque of the rotating electrical machine by engagement torque of the clutch if probability of starting an internal combustion engine is high on demand of changing a connection state between a rotating electrical machine and a transmission mechanism in regenerative braking by the regenerative braking torque of the rotating electrical machine; and a second replacement controlling device which replaces the regenerative braking torque by friction braking torque if the start probability is low on the change demand.
US09017207B2
Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD) and power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and/or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor/generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.
US09017204B2
A continuously variable transmission for transferring drive torque from a powertrain to a driveline in a motor vehicle includes a planetary gearset, a reaction motor, and a control system. The planetary gearset includes a sun gear driven by the powertrain, a ring gear driven by the reaction motor, a carrier driving the driveline, and pinion gears meshed with the sun gear and the ring gear. The control system controls the reaction motor to vary the speed of the ring gear and define a gear ratio between the sun gear and the carrier based on the ring gear speed.
US09017203B2
A gear-train for transferring torque from multiple power sources includes first, second, and third input members, and an output member. The first and second input members rotate about a first axis, the third input member rotates about a second axis, and the output member rotates about a third axis. The gear-train additionally includes a first gear-set connected to the first input member. The gear-train also includes a second gear-set connected to the second input member. The gear-train additionally includes an intermediate shaft that rotates about a fourth axis. Furthermore, the gear-train includes a third gear-set connected to the intermediate shaft. In the third gear-set, first member is connected to the intermediate shaft and to the third input member, second and third members are set coaxially relative to the intermediate shaft and configured for asynchronous rotation with each other, and the third member is also connected to the output member.
US09017202B2
A drive train for a motor vehicle, in particular a hybrid vehicle, having a drive shaft that can be connected to an internal combustion engine, and a transmission oil pump that can be coupled to the drive shaft by means of a switchable freewheel. An electrical machine for driving the transmission oil pump is also provided and is arranged in the power flow direction between the drive shaft and the transmission oil pump, and is in parallel to the freewheel in the power flow direction. A second freewheel is unnecessary and thereby reduces the construction space needed for the power train.
US09017196B2
A drive arrangement (10) has first and second wheels (12, 14) and an endless loop member (16). The path of the member (16) is defined in part by a third wheel (18), between the wheels (12, 14). The wheel (18) is movably mounted so that the length can be changed for the path of the member (16) as it passes around the wheel (18), between the wheels (12, -14). Accordingly, the member (16) can be tightened or slackened around the wheels (12, 14), so that the wheels (12, 14) can be coupled to convey drive from one to the other, through the member (16), or disengaged, so that drive is not conveyed.
US09017193B2
A belt-type continuously variable transmission for a vehicle includes: a primary pulley including a first fixed sheave fixed to an input shaft, and a first movable sheave relatively non-rotatable and relatively movable in axial direction to the input shaft due to spline-fitting of a female spline formed on an inner circumferential portion thereof to a male spline formed on the input shaft; a secondary pulley including a second fixed sheave fixed to an output shaft in parallel with the input shaft, and a second movable sheave relatively non-rotatable and relatively movable in the axial direction to the output shaft due to spline-fitting of a female spline formed on an inner circumferential portion thereof to a male spline formed on the output shaft; and a transmission belt, the belt-type continuously variable transmission for a vehicle disposed with at least one of a first groove width defining portion disposed on the primary pulley for defining a maximum groove width of the first pulley groove and a second groove width defining portion disposed on the secondary pulley for defining a maximum groove width of the second pulley groove, the first groove width defining portion and the second groove width defining portion being disposed on one shaft of the input shaft and the output shaft, and the other shaft having a uniform shaft diameter in an range of sliding of the first movable sheave or the second movable sheave in the axial direction except a site with the male spline formed, the other shaft being disposed on the opposite side to the one shaft.
US09017189B2
A training sled and service promote proper form when running. The training sled is configurable for adding weights in some embodiments to increase friction and provide for weight-training by lifting portions of the sled. Sled components are slidably or pivotably connected to permit lifting a shoulder member of the sled to different heights for exercise, and to achieve an optimal training angle for an athlete to train.
US09017181B2
A collapsible support assembly is provided, which is adapted for use with a golf flag pin in order to easily maneuver between a collapsed vertical position and an uncollapsed extended position. The collapsible support assembly includes an actuating sheath member, which, in combination with biasing means, is capable of extending or retracting a first leg and a second leg, so as to support the golf flag pin above the ground when in the extended position. The collapsible support assembly also includes a movable leg ring and a fixed leg ring, which is adaptable for attachment to the golf flag pin.
US09017171B2
Various exemplary embodiments engage the community as a whole to complete game play tasks. In doing so, a large scale cooperative play may be achieved without having large groups of people directly connected to each other. These embodiments use the social graph to bring indirectly connected individuals together virtually to act as a greater force to solve a communal game play task. By solving the game play tasks globally, the player feels a connectedness to the community and their efforts that are not seen by players acting in isolation. The various exemplary embodiments also rewards players based upon group participation including granting larger rewards for larger participation. Furthermore, these embodiments may have a location based component to it, so that players come together a specific location in order to complete the communal task and claim the communal, and potentially location specific, reward.
US09017164B2
A game device includes: a display device; a rear touch panel provided on the other side of a surface on which the display device is mounted; an activation control unit operative, when the rear touch panel detects an operation of bringing an input means into contact with the rear touch panel and moving the input means in a predetermined direction, to activate a function determined in accordance with the direction; and a screen image managing unit operative to display a screen image displayed by the function activated by the activation control unit on the display device so that the screen image slides from an edge of the screen of the display device in the direction.
US09017158B1
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a slot machine (or other game) with a skill element. After reels on the slot machine are spun (or cards are dealt; wheel is stopped, etc.) a potential award is computed (e.g., a main game outcome is determined and a potential prize is displayed that can be won) based on the symbol combinations present on active paylines (or cards dealt, etc.) Then a skill element is presented to the player wherein the player uses hand-eye coordination, timing and dexterity to employ mechanical skill to stop a moving icon in order to maximize the player's award. Once the icon is stopped, a percentage is determined based on a location of the stopped icon, and this percentage is applied to the potential award to determine the actual award. The actual award is then awarded to the player.
US09017157B2
A gaming apparatus includes a display unit and has a display support structure that extends substantially vertically from a horizontal support base. The display unit includes a flat-panel display screen having a width (W) and a height (H) wherein W/His at least 16/10 The display unit is rotatable about a horizontal axis located in a plane substantially parallel to the display screen wherein, a player's angle of viewing the display unit may be adjusted by vertical translation of the display unit on the display support structure, over a vertical range of motion, and by rotation of the display unit about the horizontal axis. A front face of the display structure presents, in a region proximate to the vertical range of motion, a concave side of a curved surface.
US09017142B2
A finishing apparatus and method for surface finishing workpieces. A tub is rotatable about vertical axis and operable to hold and rotate abrasive media completely submerged in water or other liquid. One or more manipulators, each supporting a spindle operable for supporting and rotating a workpiece about a spindle axis of the spindle with the workpiece at least partially submerged in the abrasive media and operable for holding spindle axis normal to and spaced apart from the vertical axis with the spindle horizontal in the tub during the surface finishing process while the tub is rotating. Manipulators are independently operable to present one of the workpieces for loading and unloading on and off spindle while tub is rotating and continuing to process the other workpieces submerged in the media and water. A rake includes a plate and means for lifting the plate up and down vertically through the abrasive media.
US09017139B2
A carrier for a slider row bar for a lapping process. The carrier has a mounting structure comprising a material configured to have a first modulus of at least 1,000,000 Pa at a first period of time and a second modulus of 500 Pa to 500,000 Pa at a second period of time subsequent to the first period. The change from the first modulus to the second modulus is due to an external stimulus on the material.
US09017133B2
A toy building block (1) for stacking is provided on top (4) with one or more studs (3) and in the bottom (7) with recesses (6). The studs (4) show a toothwheel-like cross-section with rounded teeth crests (12) and rounded grooves (10) between the teeth (12) as well. The recesses (6) are provided each with a number of vertically extending lands (14) matching in shape the grooves (10). The studs easily slide in and out of the recesses (6), yet a rotational arretation of low play is obtained. Preferably, the building blocks are produced by a blowing process and may be provided with screws (21) for a safe interconnection. External slots (46) may allow the combination with panels (47) bearing images, additional functional elements etc.
US09017128B2
A simple manufacturing method for an organic electroluminescent panel in which organic electroluminescent elements are arranged and sealed by a sealing adhesive. The electroluminescent panel has excellent sealing properties and excellent durability as a result of the organic electroluminescent elements being adhered to one another by a heat-curable adhesive. The manufacturing method is for an organic electroluminescent panel in which at least a first electrode, an organic functional layer containing a light-emitting layer, an organic electroluminescent element having a second electrode, and a sealing substrate are bonded together on a substrate by the heat-curable adhesive. The method includes forming a heat-curable adhesive layer on the sealing substrate, subjecting the heat-curable adhesive layer formed on the sealing substrate to pre-heating treatment, bonding the pre-heated heat-curable adhesive layer to the organic electroluminescent element, and subjecting the heat-curable adhesive layer to heat curing, in the given order.
US09017123B2
A towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of the towable vessel, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, power supply devices and methods, and means for filling, inflating, emptying, and deflating a non-rigid, towed vessel. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid to be transported.
US09017118B1
The gear case assembly has a gear case, a driveshaft and a propeller shaft mounted at an angle to the driveshaft, each at least partly disposed within the gear case, a transmission having forward and reverse gears and a shift rod, and an electric transmission actuator assembly having an actuation axis and an actuator end engaging the shift rod. The transmission is operatively connected the propeller shaft and the driveshaft selectively drives the propeller shaft via the transmission. An actuator chamber houses at least part of the actuator assembly. There is a gap between the actuator assembly and an actuator chamber wall in a direction perpendicular to the actuation axis. The gap is sized and shaped to permit a translation of the actuator assembly away from the shift rod for disengagement from the shift rod. A gear case, a marine outboard engine and a method of assembly is also disclosed.
US09017112B1
The electrical wire nut with detachable break-off connectors includes a wire nut that includes a removable cap that separates from a distal end of the wire nut. The removable cap is removed to expose a plurality of different connectors that are in electrical connection with a threaded member located inside of the wire nut. The plurality of different connectors is individually removed to leave a selected connector in tact with respect to the threaded member. The electrical wire nut is configured to work with at least one electrical wire in order to provide an electrical connector that is in turn adapted for use with an electrical connector receptacle.
US09017111B2
A locking lance (20) on the inner surface of a cavity (19) of a housing (11) includes a lance main body (21) and an inclined portion (22). The lance main body (21) is cantilevered forward toward the center of the cavity (19) from the inner surface of the cavity (19). The inclined portion (22) is connected to a front part of the lance main body (21) and is narrower than a rear part of the lance main body (21). A first inclined surface (31) of the inclined portion (22) faces the interior of the cavity (19) and inclines away from the center of the cavity (19) to the front. A second inclined surface (32) is opposite the first inclined surface (31), inclines toward the center of the cavity (19) to the front, and is tapered so that the first inclined surface (31) becomes gradually narrower toward the front.
US09017110B2
The cable junction includes at least two electrical cables extending side by side, each including its own independent shield and a front end section where its independent shield is stripped off, a common shield surrounding the front end sections and the independent shields of the cables, and a clamping device for clamping the common shield on the independent shields. The clamping device includes internal clamping means for clamping the common shield on flanks of the independent shield sheaths.
US09017099B2
An instrument box and a terminal block including a resin housing and a bus bar are provided. The resin housing has a housing body fixed to a box wall surface; and a bus bar housing formed integrally with the housing body and inserted into an insertion hole of the box wall surface. The bus bar has a bus bar body inserted into the insertion hole with fitted in the resin housing and housed in the bus bar housing; a first terminal connecting portion on one side of the bus bar body to connect with the cable terminal end outside the instrument box; and a second terminal connecting portion on another side of the bus bar body to connect with the terminal inside the instrument box.
US09017087B1
A cable connector assembly including a cable connector having a mating side that faces in a mating direction. The mating side is configured to engage a mating connector. The cable connector assembly also includes a housing frame having a connector-receiving space that is partially defined by a sidewall. The cable connector is disposed in the connector-receiving space. The sidewall has a wall spring that is formed from material of the sidewall and that is coupled to the cable connector. The wall spring is configured to resiliently flex from a relaxed condition to a compressed condition to permit the cable connector to move during a mating operation. The wall spring provides a biasing force to the cable connector in the mating direction when the wall spring is in the compressed condition.
US09017082B2
There is provided an electrical junction box which can prevent water from entering from an insertion portion for the long term and which can be assembled easily. The electrical junction box includes a frame, a lower cover and an insertion portion through which a bundle of electric wires is passed. The insertion portion includes an insertion portion first divided piece having a semicircular cross-section and integrally formed with the frame and an insertion portion second divided piece having a semicircular cross-section and integrally formed with the lower cover via a hinge portion. In an unloaded condition, the insertion portion second divided piece is positioned at a location farthest from the insertion portion first divided piece. The divided pieces are provided with binding band insertion portions through which a binding band is passed.
US09017080B1
An anatomical model assembly of the human head for use in teaching medical personnel. The anatomical model has an inner base that is shaped as part of the human skull. A first layer of material covers the base. The first layer of material provides a visual indication of at least some muscle groups contained within a human head. A second layer of material is provided that covers the first layer. The second layer of material has an exterior that is shaped with at least some human facial features. The second layer of material and the first layer of material are separate, unattached layers. The material selected for the first layer mimics the suppleness of muscle. The material selected for the top second layer mimics the feel and elasticity of skin. The result is an anatomical model that can be used to accurately teach, plan and practice medical procedures.
US09017064B2
A method of influencing combustion dynamics, including measuring a combustion dynamics parameter, and controlling a diluent flow (26) delivered to a fuel flow (32) upstream of a pilot burner fuel outlet (40) in response to the measured combustion dynamics parameter.
US09017059B1
A combined mixing element and extruding plunger disposed on a rod with at least two distinct sections incorporated into a toy extruder for simply yet uniquely mixing and extruding a formable material through rotation of the same rod. The rod is disposed at the container having first and second ends and including at least first and second rod sections disposed there between. The second rod section is threaded and the toy further includes a plunger disposed at the first end of the rod at least partially within a hollow container including an aperture through a surface of the plunger.
US09017058B2
A dough forming station for a device for forming a dough ring comprises a roller with a roller rotational axis and a plurality of dough forming inserts arranged on an outer lateral surface of the roller, a punch beam, which has a punch beam longitudinal axis, with at least one punch, wherein the dough ring is arranged for forming between the at least one punch and a dough forming insert, wherein a lifting drive is provided to displace the punch beam with the at least one punch along a stroke direction oriented perpendicular to the roller rotational axis, wherein the roller rotational axis and the punch beam longitudinal axis are oriented parallel to one another, and wherein a plurality of dough forming inserts arranged about the roller rotational axis along a rotational direction are provided.
US09017055B2
A mold for forming a coated intramedullary (IM) nail can include a tubular member having an insertion end and an opposite end. The tubular member can comprise a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis between an outer surface and an inner surface. The sidewall can define at least one threaded inlet port therealong. The tubular member can be configured to receive the IM nail therein. The tubular member can be further configured to locate a flowable material against the IM nail within the inner surface.
US09017046B2
The fan assembly having multiple centrifugal fans in mechanical connection with a planetary gear system is a novel improvement to the field of fans, and which includes at least two centrifugal fans that are in mechanical connection with a single drive source. A planetary gear system connects the centrifugal fans to the single drive source such that all centrifugal fans work in concert. The assembly includes a housing that is constructed of a first portion positioned atop and able to rotate with respect to a second portion. The ability of the first portion to rotate with respect to the second portion enables the first portion where the centrifugal fans to rotate 360 degrees. The first portion includes partitions, which isolate each centrifugal fans from one another.
US09017044B2
An electromagnetic pump including a reciprocating piston in a cylinder; an electromagnetic portion that moves the piston forward; a first biasing member that moves the piston backward; a support member that supports the first biasing member and defines a pump chamber together with the cylinder and the piston; an intake valve that is incorporated into the support member, is connected to an intake port and prohibits hydraulic fluid from moving in reverse; and a discharge valve that is connected to a discharge port and prohibits the hydraulic fluid from moving in reverse. The intake valve includes a ball, an opening portion of the intake port, and a second biasing member that presses the ball against the opening portion from a side opposite to a direction in which the hydraulic fluid moves. In the opening member, an inner peripheral surface that receives the ball is formed in a taper shape.
US09017042B2
A multi-stage pump system for use in desalination systems including a first stage S1 providing low pressure for priming the system a second stage S2 that is in fluid communication with the first stage and is primed by the low pressure from the first stage. The second stage S2B includes at least one reciprocating piston 122, in an enclosing cylinder 121, 121A and is attached to the two second flexible inflatable bladders 123. The piston 122 will move up and down within the cylinder 121 121A relative to the movement of the two second stage flexible bladders 123 due to priming by the first stage affecting their buoyancy. The driving fluid then passes into a passage 130 and is expelled to an outlet and Stage three (S3) at higher pressure when the first reciprocating member 122 proceeds through a complete stroke.
US09017029B2
The present invention relates to a gas-turbine balancing device with at least one annular groove provided on the outer circumference of at least one intermediate or high-pressure rotor of an intermediate or high-pressure compressor, with at least one balancing element being arranged in the annular groove, and with the balancing element being moveable in the circumferential direction along the annular groove and provided with a fixing device.
US09017027B2
A cooling channel (36, 36B, 63-66) cools inner surfaces (48, 50) of exterior walls (41, 43) of a component (20, 60). Interior side surfaces (52, 54) of the channel converge to a waist (W2), forming an hourglass shaped transverse profile (46). The inner surfaces (48, 50) may have fins (44) aligned with the coolant flow (22). The fins may have a transverse profile (56A, 56B) highest at mid-width of the inner surfaces (48, 50). Turbulators (92) may be provided on the side surfaces (52, 54) of the channel, and may urge the coolant flow toward the inner surfaces (48, 50). Each turbulator (92) may have a peak (97) that defines the waist of the cooling channel. Each turbulator may have a convex upstream side (93). These elements increase coolant flow in the corners (C) of the channel to more uniformly and efficiently cool the exterior walls (41, 43).
US09017019B2
An article of manufacture having a nominal airfoil profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in a scalable table, the scalable table selected from the group of tables consisting of TABLES 1-11, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values convertible to dimensional distances by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a number, and wherein X and Y are coordinates which, when connected by continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each Z height, the airfoil profile sections at each Z height being joined with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US09017015B2
A turbomachine includes an inner casing component having a first end that extends to a second end and a seal member. An outer casing component is coupled to the inner casing component. The annular outer casing component includes a first end portion that extends to a second end portion and a seal element that aligns with the seal member of the annular inner casing component to form a seal passage. A seal is arranged in the seal passage. The seal includes a first end section that extends to a second end section through an intermediate zone. The first end section includes a recessed portion and the second end section includes a connecting portion. The connecting portion is configured and disposed to nest within the recessed portion to form a substantially continuous seal.
US09017014B2
An outer rim seal arrangement (10), including: an annular rim (70) centered about a longitudinal axis (30) of a rotor disc (31), extending fore and having a fore-end (72), an outward-facing surface (74), and an inward-facing surface (76); a lower angel wing (62) extending aft from a base of a turbine blade (22) and having an aft end (64) disposed radially inward of the rim inward-facing surface to define a lower angel wing seal gap (80); an upper angel wing (66) extending aft from the turbine blade base and having an aft end (68) disposed radially outward of the rim outward-facing surface to define a upper angel wing seal gap (80, 82); and guide vanes (100) disposed on the rim inward-facing surface in the lower angel wing seal gap. Pumping fins (102) may be disposed on the upper angel wing seal aft end in the upper angel wing seal gap.
US09017013B2
A gas turbine engine is provided comprising a forward rotor disk and blade assembly capable of rotating; an aft rotor disk and blade assembly capable of rotating; and a row of vanes positioned between the forward rotor disk and blade assembly and the aft rotor disk and blade assembly. The vane row and the forward rotor disk and blade assembly may define a forward cavity. The vane row may comprise at least one stator vane comprising: a main body and an inner shroud structure comprising a cover. The cover may include a first inner cavity receiving cooling air. The cover may further include at least one cooling flow passage. Cooling air flowing from the cooling flow passage has a tangential velocity component.
US09016990B2
An apparatus and method for providing a removable anchor for use in tying down a load, or for securing a winch cable for use in recovering a disabled vehicle or other load. The anchor may be removably attached to the deck/bed of a trailer or vehicle (e.g., a car carrier or wrecker/tow truck), using one or more slots or stake pockets located on a cargo surface of the deck. The removable anchor may include: a projection member shaped and sized to fit into a slot on the cargo surface, or to protrude through a stake pocket; a crown attached to, or integrally forming a part of, the projection member, and configured to receive and anchor one or more tie down connectors; and a key attached to, or integrally forming a part of, the projection member. The key can be passed into the slot and manipulated between removable and locked positions. Alternatively, the key may be used to removably secure the anchor to the stake pocket.
US09016986B2
A translocation-simulating loading apparatus for the gear grinding machine with the shaped grinding wheel is provided. The apparatus includes a load-receiving test piece disposed on the gear grinding machine with the shaped grinding wheel and a load-exerting component for use in loading simulation. The gear grinding machine enables linear movements along the X, Y, and Z axes, a rotary movement around the Y axis, a rotary movement C around the Z axis, and a rotary movement A around the X axis. An angle α is formed between the axis L of a ball seat of the load-exerting component and the X axis direction of a Y axis component and an angle formed between the normal line of a load receiving face a and the X direction of the coordinate system of the machine tool is α. A detection method for static stiffness distribution is provided.
US09016977B2
The present invention provides a surface covering for enabling a surface, e.g. of the uneven, muddy, marshy, or sandy ground type, to be crossed by a vehicle, said surface covering including a double-ply textile core having two covered faces, each covered with at least one polymer layer, and a plurality of through tubular pockets extending substantially transversely through the thickness of the core between the two layers, and enabling respective stiffener bars to be inserted into each tubular pocket so as to make it possible, in particular, to increase the drivability and the load-bearing capacity of the surface when the surface covering is positioned on said surface.
US09016968B2
A dispenser includes a thermal storage tip and a housing having a reservoir for containing a product, such as a cosmetics product or a medicinal product. The thermal storage tip comprises a material that is capable of storing and retaining thermal energy during application of the product.
US09016958B2
A pigtail-less optical connector assembly is described that is capable of data rates as high as 10 GHz. The described optical connector assembly connects the optical fiber connector to an optical die element mounted in the connector assembly using optical fiber ribbon and an optical deflecting device. The optical fiber connector is slideable within the connector assembly and is resiliently biased toward a home position. The connector assembly is designed to allow the optical fiber ribbon to flex without damaging the fiber ribbon as the optical fiber connector slides.
US09016953B2
A fiber optic cable and connector assembly including a fiber optic connector mounted at the end of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly including a stub fiber supported within a ferrule. The stub fiber is fusion spliced to an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable at a location within the fiber optic connector.
US09016948B2
A flanged half-bearing includes at least one substantially semi-annular thrust washer with an internal periphery having lateral lugs and an intermediary stabilization lug projecting from the internal periphery of the thrust washer, and a semi-cylindrical half journal bearing shell having lateral recesses and an intermediary stabilization recess that are recessed into an axial end face of the bearing shell and are respectively connected to the lateral lugs and the stabilization lug of the thrust washer, wherein the stabilization lug has rotational stabilization edges that project substantially perpendicularly from the inner periphery of the thrust washer, and the stabilization recess is configured for axial relative movement of stabilization lug. An engine includes at least one such flanged half-bearing.
US09016941B2
An imaging system for imaging an object, comprising a scanner; and a transport mechanism mounted to the base of the scanner, wherein the transport mechanism comprises a crawl drive for crawling along the floor supporting the imaging system so as to index the scanner relative to an object during scanning of the object.
US09016928B1
An eddy-current-minimizing flow plug has an outer radial wall with open flow channels formed between the plug's inlet and outlet. The plug has a central region coupled to the inner surface of the outer radial wall. Each open flow channel includes (i) a first portion originating at the inlet and converging to a location in the plug where convergence is contributed to by changes in thickness of the outer radial wall and divergence of the central region, and (ii) a second portion originating in the plug and diverging to the outlet where divergence is contributed to by changes in thickness of the outer radial wall and convergence of the central region. For at least a portion of the open flow channels, a central axis passing through the first and second portions is non-parallel with respect to the given direction of the flow.
US09016926B2
A machine for the homogenization and thermal treatment of liquid and semi-liquid food products, for example ice creams, whipped cream, creams, chocolate, yogurt and the like, comprises a containment tank for the mixture and a centrifugal pump put in fluid communication with the bottom of the containment tank for drawing mixture from the tank and putting it back into the tank, heating and cooling means acting at the pump for heating and cooling the mixture in transit in the pump. The heating and cooling means comprise a thermal machine with reversible thermodynamic cycle and using carbon dioxide as refrigerant.
US09016918B2
A lighting device is disclosed that is configured for mounting in or on a motor vehicle. The lighting device comprises a light guiding element and a light source. The light guiding element has a light entry face and a light exit face. A depth of the lighting device perpendicular to the light exit face corresponds essentially fully to the depth of the light guiding element.
US09016915B2
A light tube for producing light, which may be used in the light fittings, desk lamps, vehicle lights etc. The light tube comprises a plurality of segments arranged end to end along the end of the light tube. Each segment has a transparent or translucent rod 706 having two ends, a head spreader 703 by at least one of said ends and an LED 705 mounted to each heat spreader 703 for directing light laterally into the rod 706. The heat spreaders 703 are mounted to a metal jacket 702 for dissipating heat. The light tube further comprises one or more reflectors 708, 711 for reflecting light out of the light tube.
US09016914B2
A light source unit assembly includes a light source, a light guide member, a light source housing member housing the light source, a light guide member holder, and a mounting member. The light guide member includes a light entrance portion and a light exit portion from which the light entering the light entrance portion exits. The light guide member holder supports an end portion of the light guide member including the light exit portion. The mounting member is provided to a vehicular interior part and each of the light source housing member and the light guide member holder is independently mounted to the mounting member. Each of the light source housing member and the light guide member holder has a connecting portion with which the light source housing member and the light guide member holder are connected to each other such that the light entrance portion faces the light source.
US09016905B1
A cover for a recessed light fixture includes a base plate mounted on a surface such that an outer perimeter of the base plate surrounds the recessed light fixture. A lens frame is removably secured to the base plate. The lens frame includes a recess that receives an onyx lens that is sized and shaped to fit within the recess. The onyx lens is secured between a lens border of the lens frame and the outer perimeter of the base plate so that the onyx lens is positioned over the recessed light fixture. Light from a lamp within the recessed light fixture passes through the onyx lens and is emitted from a polished surface of the onyx lens to provide a pleasing decorative glow for illuminating a step or other passageway.
US09016898B2
A circuit board for a display apparatus includes a substrate, a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged substantially in a line on the substrate, and a plurality of branch lines connecting the light-emitting elements to each other in series. A first group of the plurality of branch lines is formed on a first side of the line of the plurality of light-emitting elements, and a second group of the plurality of branch lines is formed on a second, opposing side of the line of the plurality of light-emitting elements.
US09016897B1
An inductive light-source module including a casing, a substrate, light sources, a circuit board, an infrared sensing device, a bi-incident lens and a control unit is provided. The substrate disposed in the casing includes a carrying surface facing a transparent portion of the casing. The light sources connected to the substrate are disposed on the carrying surface. The infrared sensing device is connected to the circuit board. The bi-incident lens disposed on the transparent portion is located on a light path of each light for scattering visible lights to pass through the transparent portion and transmit to the outside, and converging the infrared from the outside to the infrared sensing device. The control unit is coupled to the light sources and the infrared sensing device to drive the light sources to emit the visible lights according to a sensing signal generated by the infrared sensing device when sensing the infrared.
US09016887B2
A gripping device is disclosed that provides police officers, security guards, hunters, homeowners, and anyone else who uses a long-handled flashlight with an easy, insulated, comfortable, glow-in-the-dark way to get a good tactical grip on the flashlight. The gripping device comprises a flexible sleeve member that is expandable for receiving at least a portion of the main body of the flashlight. The flexible sleeve member comprises open, opposing ends, and is tubular in shape with a generally circular outer circumference. The exterior surface of the flexible sleeve member comprises a plurality of recessed finger and thumb grooves for easily gripping the flashlight, and a smooth cushioned area for allowing a user to hold the flashlight between a chin and a shoulder. Further, the recessed finger and thumb grooves comprise glow-in-the-dark phosphorescent cell inlays to illuminate the flashlight at night or in low light areas.
US09016886B2
A solar powered lamp is provided with flat ends and a translucent flexible housing, such that the housing can be inflated to form a free standing cylinder. A solar panel faces outward on one of the flat ends for recharging a low-profile rechargeable battery which, under the control of a printed circuit panel, powers an array of LEDs, which point into the lamp housing. Reflective surfaces, facing each other on opposite inside end walls of the lamp, maximize the diffusion of light from the LEDs. The lamp is a durable, portable, long light lighting solution for those who live off the electric power grid, victims of disaster, and the like.
US09016885B2
A refrigerator includes a thermally insulating internal container having an interior space, a refrigeration apparatus for cooling the interior space, and a door leaf arranged pivotably relative to the internal container for opening and closing the interior space. Arranged within the interior space is an internal lighting system for at least partially illuminating the interior space. The lighting system includes a conductor board having an electrical contact, a housing having a shaft which is open in a direction toward the interior space so as to allow the conductor board to be pushed into the shaft, and a lighting member arranged within the housing and fastened on the conductor board. An electrical line supplies electrical energy to the lighting member and is provided with an edge board plug which is electrically connected to the electrical contact of the conductor board for connecting the lighting member electrically to the electrical line.
US09016882B2
A strobe device of the present invention includes a flash discharge tube having an anode electrode and a cathode electrode on both ends thereof, and a conductive reflector in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the flash discharge tube. The reflector houses a part of the flash discharge tube inside, and functions as an external trigger electrode. The reflector has a bottom that is in contact with a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the flash discharge tube, the portion covering at least an area between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode and a sintered metal of the cathode electrode. This can suppress variation in discharge path at every light emission from the flash discharge tube. As a result, variation in light quantity and variation in light distribution of light emitted from the strobe device can be suppressed.
US09016881B2
Beam guides for guiding a laser beam from a driver laser device in the direction of a target position for generating extreme ultraviolet (“EUV”) radiation are disclosed. The beam guides include a device for increasing or decreasing the beam diameter of the laser beam. The device includes a first off-axis parabolic mirror having a first convex curved reflecting surface and a second off-axis parabolic mirror having a second concave curved reflecting surface. The beam guides also include a moving device arranged to change a distance between the first and the second reflecting surfaces to change the opening angle (α), e.g., the convergence or divergence angle, of the laser beam. Methods for adjusting an opening angle (α) of a laser beam using such beam guides are also disclosed.
US09016879B2
The primary mirror support structure comprises an EL rotation structure including two arc-shaped members, a truss structure frame, and a primary mirror support structure. The arc-shaped members face each other via the EL axis and supporting the primary mirror, each of which rotates about the EL axis along an outer surface so as to rotate the primary mirror about the EL axis. The truss structure frame is connected to either one of the arc-shaped members at the ends. The primary mirror support structure includes multiple support members connecting multiple points on the circumference of the primary mirror provided above the truss structure frame to the truss structure frame. At least the support members nearest to the arc-shaped members are connected to the truss structure frame at parts different from the ends at which the truss structure frame is connected to the arc-shaped members.
US09016873B2
A method for providing a feedback circuit for a three dimensional projector. First and second input devices and a sensor for determining the rotational speed of the second input device are provided. A control device for controlling the rotational speed of the second input device and a phase locked loop (PLL) are provided. A phase reference signal is created based on the signal rate of the first input device. A phase signal is created based on the rotational speed of the second input device. The PLL compares the phase reference signal and the phase feedback signal to determine whether the first input device and the second input device are synchronized. A signal is sent to the control device for the second input device to change the rotational speed of the second input device in response to determining that the first input device and the second input device are not synchronized.
US09016871B2
A heat dissipation structure of a projection device includes at least one fan, at least one light emitting unit, at least one air guide, and a sensing device. The fan with an outlet is used for providing a cooling flow. The light emitting unit is used for providing a light beam. The air guide is dismountable disposed in front of the outlet. The air guide is used for guiding the cooling flow to a hot spot of the light emitting unit. The sensing device is used for sensing a projection direction of the projection device.
US09016869B2
An optical device includes: a light modulation unit configured to modulate a light according to image information, including an element substrate having a pixel electrode and a switching element connected with the pixel electrode, and an opposed substrate disposed opposed to the element substrate; a frame configured to hold the light modulation unit; and an incident side dustproof glass disposed in close contact with a light incident side end surface of the opposed substrate, the incident side dustproof glass having the plane size larger than the plane size of the opposed substrate is disposed on the light incident side of the frame.
US09016861B2
An adaptive optics apparatus includes an aberration measuring unit that measures an aberration caused by a test object, the aberration being measured on the basis of returning light that returns from the test object; an aberration correcting unit that performs aberration correction in accordance with the aberration measured by the aberration measuring unit; an irradiation unit that irradiates the test object with light corrected by the aberration correcting unit; and an acquiring unit that acquires information based on a transmittance of the test object on the basis of the aberration measured by the aberration measuring unit.
US09016853B2
An eyewear having a quick lens release structure includes a frame, a latching member, an elastic member, and a lens. The frame has a groove including a plurality of slots and a notch. The latching member is disposed in the groove and includes a lever disposed in the notch and a plurality of hooking portions disposed in the slots with portions protruding from slots. The lens is engaged to the frame and has a plurality of hooking portions. One end of the elastic member presses against the latching member, and the other end presses against the groove such that the hooking portions of the latching member and the lens can be coupled and decoupled.
US09016848B2
A recording apparatus comprises a conveyor, a head including an ejection surface, a UV irradiator positioned downstream of the head in a conveyance direction, a wiper, a first shading member, and first and second controllers. The first shading member is movable in a cross direction crossing the ejection surface, and shades an opposed space being opposed to the ejection surface from ultraviolet light applied by the UV irradiator in a state where the first shading member is taking a protruding position. The first controller controls the first shading member to take the protruding position. The second controller controls the wiper to move relatively to the ejection surface while causing the wiper to contact the ejection surface in a state where the wiper is positioned in the opposed space and the first shading member is taking the protruding position, when the wiping is performed.
US09016841B2
An ink jet printer subassembly comprises an ink flow channel that includes an oleophobic membrane configured to contain ink in the ink flow channel while allowing air to vent out of the ink flow channel through the oleophobic membrane.
US09016825B2
When an image is printed with inks each containing a polymer emulsion and a film forming agent, the ejection of the inks is controlled so that the ink having a relatively low dynamic surface tension forms dots having a higher dot connectivity than the dots formed with the ink having a relatively high dynamic surface tension.
US09016823B1
A printing system for printing multiple copies of a print job having one or more documents is disclosed. A plurality of printheads prints each of a plurality of color planes of a first copy of the print job. One or more processors determine a first plurality of color registration errors produced during the printing of the first copy of the print job. Global color plane correction values for each document of the print job are determined. The global color plane correction values are adjusted locally for each document based on the first plurality of local color plane correction values. The plurality of printheads prints a second copy of the print job using the locally adjusted global color plane correction values for each document in the print job.
US09016820B2
A printing apparatus includes a printhead having a first nozzle array and a second nozzle array for discharging ink, a reading unit, a first obtaining unit configured to obtain first information about a shift amount between printing positions for the first and second nozzle arrays, a print control unit configured to print first and second distance detection patterns with the first and second nozzle arrays, a second obtaining unit configured to obtain second information about a distance between printing positions of the first and second distance detection patterns in accordance with a result of the first and second distance detection patterns, and a determination unit configured to determine an ink discharge timing in accordance with the first and second information.
US09016815B2
An inkjet printhead includes an array of resistive heaters; an array of nozzles associated with the array of resistive heaters; a heater voltage input for providing a heater voltage; a fire control pulse input for providing a fire control pulse having a first pulsewidth for controlling a length of time that current from the heater voltage input is allowed to pass through at least one of the resistive heaters; and a protective circuit configured to receive the fire control pulse from the fire control pulse input, and to override the fire control pulse if the first pulsewidth is greater than or equal to a predetermined length of time.
US09016814B2
An image recording apparatus causes the repeated alternating execution of an ejection operation, in which light-curable ink is ejected from a head while the head and a light irradiation unit are moved in a predetermined direction by a movement mechanism, and a transport operation, in which a medium is moved relative to the head and the light irradiation unit in a direction that is orthogonal to the predetermined direction; and reduces the irradiation intensity of the light irradiation unit during acceleration/deceleration periods, when the movement mechanism moves the head and the light irradiation unit at a velocity that is lower than a predetermined velocity, to a lower irradiation intensity than the irradiation intensity of the light irradiation unit during a constant velocity period, when the movement mechanism moves the head and the light irradiation unit at the predetermined velocity.
US09016798B2
A self-propelled construction machine has a machine frame and an operating drum for processing the ground surface, wherein the operating drum is positioned in a downwards open drum housing, that is closed on both sides by an edge protector, which is adjustable in height by an actuator for raising and/or lowering the edge protector. A control unit comprises a sensor for registering the distance a between a reference point on the edge protector and the ground surface. Furthermore, the control unit is configured so that when the distance between reference point and ground surface falls below a predetermined minimum distance, the actuator is switched from a floating setting, so that the edge protector is raised. As a result, the edge protector tightly closes the drum housing at the sides without there being a risk that the edge protector can be entrenched in loose substrate.
US09016795B2
A vehicle seat that may assure stiffness of a seatback and that may realize a reduction in weight. In the present rear seat for a vehicle, a substantially X-shaped X-rib (24) is joined to a panel frame (22) of a rear seatback. A first reinforcement portion (24A) of the X-rib (24) spans in a linear shape between an anchor wire (68), which is a point of action of a load, and a first supported portion (22A) of the panel frame (22), which is supported at a vehicle body via a turning hinge (48). A second reinforcement portion (24B), which has a length direction middle portion in common with the first reinforcement portion (24A), spans in a linear shape between a second supported portion (22B) of the panel frame (22), which is supported at the vehicle body via a turning hinge (56), and a third supported portion (22C) of the panel frame (22), which is supported at the vehicle body via a lock mechanism (64).
US09016793B2
An adjustable armrest includes a housing with opposite walls. Each of the walls has a bore formed in it. The boxes support a pivot pin with a gear so that the armrest is pivotable on the pin. A ratchet with a pawl is pivotably connected to and carried by the armrest. The ratchet is also configured so that the pawl may engage the gear to define incremental ratcheting movement of the armrest on the pin when the armrest is pivoted in one direction. There is also provided a cam ring selectively movable with the armrest for rotational engagement with the gear. The cam ring has an exterior cam surface that contacts a portion of the ratchet and pivots the ratchet clear of engagement with the gear when the armrest is pivoted in another direction. The new armrest incorporates fewer components lowering cost of production, improving torsion force and load bearing capabilities, improving life of the furniture piece and strengthening armrest and furniture piece assembly.
US09016787B2
Vehicle seat has at least a front foot, a rear foot, a four-link configuration having four link parts coupled to one another via hinge points, and a compensation spring. Front foot and rear foot are accommodated in a longitudinal rail in a longitudinally adjustable manner, and the rear foot is releasable from the longitudinal rail after unlocking. Vehicle seat is movable forward from a seating position having a locked rear foot, after rear foot is unlocked, into a functional position with adjustment of four-link configuration, and with at least temporary assistance from the compensation spring. Vehicle seat has a locking apparatus which automatically locks or clamps together at least two link parts of the four-link configuration in order to compensate for production-related tolerances. Four link parts may include a seat part, a backrest part, a receiving part, and a coupling rocker.
US09016783B2
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat defining a seating area and an actuation assembly. An elongate flexible member includes a first end pivotally coupled to the seat and a second end operably coupled with the actuation assembly. The elongate flexible member is pivotally moveable between raised and lowered positions and operable between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongate flexible member enlarges the effective seating area.
US09016770B2
An assembly comprises a framework, which is intended to be located on the front face of a motor vehicle, and a bracket. The assembly includes a device for positioning the bracket on the framework and the bracket includes a securing device for supporting an actuator that is capable of driving one or more members to be mounted onto the framework.
US09016769B2
A saddle type vehicle is provided wherein, even where an accommodating portion is provided on a front cowl, a wind inlet portion for a screen can be readily formed centrally in a vehicle widthwise direction and an aerodynamic property and a cooling performance can be assured suitably. The saddle type vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a steering shaft supported for rotation at a front end of the vehicle body frame and configured to steer a front wheel, a front cowl disposed around the steering shaft and covering a front portion of a vehicle body, and a pair of accommodation portions provided on the front cowl. The accommodation portions are disposed in left and right pair. A wind inlet portion of a screen provided so as to be erected uprightly from the front cowl is disposed between the left and right accommodation portions.
US09016767B2
A vehicle body front section structure includes a projecting member that is provided at an outside wall of a front side member further to a vehicle width direction inside than a front wheel and at a location separated in the vehicle body front-rear direction from a front bumper reinforcement, such that the projecting member projects out further towards the vehicle width direction outside than the outside wall. The vehicle body front section structure is further provided with an assistance portion that is formed to the outside wall, and that assists movement of the rear end portion of the projecting member towards the vehicle width direction inside upon input of load to the projecting member.
US09016766B2
An energy dissipation system for a vehicle includes a frame having a front end and a rear end spaced apart from the front end along a longitudinal axis. The energy dissipation system also includes an energy absorber attached to the frame at the front end. The energy dissipation system further includes a stiffener attached to the frame at the front end and spaced apart from the energy absorber along a vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The stiffener is tubular and defines a cavity therein.
US09016765B1
A battery pack protection system is provided for use with an electric vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted under the car. The system utilizes a ballistic shield that is configured to deform and absorb impact energy, thereby minimizing the transference of impact energy to the battery pack and the batteries contained within the pack. The ballistic shield is designed to hook into a mounting base attached to the battery pack, thereby simplifying both its installation and, when necessary, its replacement.
US09016757B2
A folding top frame has a corner bow with a lower end connected pivotably to a main bow. A load-bearing support is articulated pivotably on a folding top bearing, and has a guide slot, at an end opposite the folding top bearing. The corner bow is guided in the guide track by way of a journal. In the closed position of the folding top frame, the journal is at a lower end stop of the guide slot so that the corner bow is supported.
US09016742B2
A robot hand includes a finger unit that is in contact with an object. The finger unit includes: a first member in which a tip portion and a base portion connected to the tip portion are formed as a single member; and a second member that covers a surface of the first member.
US09016738B2
A multipurpose tool and method usable to remove debris and/or other retentate from a skimmer basket or a filter associated with a swimming pool, and/or to remove the skimmer well lid and the skimmer basket and/or filter from a skimmer well. The tool comprises two elongate members pivotally connected, each elongate member having a protrusion connected thereto at one end and a handle at the other. Each elongate member can have a scooping element connected thereto. The protrusions can point away from each other and can be adapted to move away from each other in response to the handles being moved towards each other.
US09016735B2
The invention relates to a handle (2) for an openable body section of a vehicle, including: an actuator (20) such as a lever, which is movably mounted between an inoperative position of the actuator and a position for unlocking the openable body section, and a locking member (36), such as a lock bolt, which is designed to occupy an inoperative position in which same locks the actuator (20) in the inoperative position of the actuator.
US09016734B2
Locking device (1) comprising at least one locking mechanism (2) having a catch (3) and a pivotal first pawl (4), the operating lever (7) being movable so that during its movement the operating lever (7) interacts with a drive pin (20) of the first pawl (4) and a lateral pawl spring (35) acts between the drive pin (20) and the operating lever (7).
US09016732B2
A ferrule type, flareless fitting is provided that may optionally be pulled-up to its assembled condition by torque rather than by turns. In one embodiment, at least one fitting component includes a structure that facilitates pull-up by torque and allows the fitting to be remade. The structure may take a wide variety of different forms. Examples of fitting component structures that facilitate pull-up by torque and allow the fitting to be remade include, but are not limited to, deformable or compressible devices or structures that are configured to increase the torque required to further tighten the fitting components when the fitting is properly pulled up, resiliently deformable structures that bias a tube gripping device into engagement with a conduit when the fitting is remade to an initial pull-up position, and plastically deformable retaining structures that maintain a tube gripping device in sealing en a ement with a conduit when a fittin is disassembled.
US09016728B2
A connector includes a connector main body having a mounting tube for mounting a hose; and a lock member loosely fitted in a guide member of the connector main body slidably in an axis line direction. The lock member includes a claw member provided to stand from an inner wall face in a mounted hose direction facing thereto. The mounting tube includes a projecting piece on an outer end circumference. After the hose has been inserted into the mounting tube, if the hose or the lock member is pulled, the lock member moves forward, so that the hose is locked by the claw member, and the hose is clamped by the projecting piece provided on a mounting tube side and the lock member. As a result, the hose can be easily connected, and a high sealing property can be obtained.
US09016727B2
An apparatus for repairing a sheath of a pipe includes a sleeve adapted to surround the pipe, at least two circumferential seals between the surface of the pipe and a pressure source for forcing a sealing solution against the surface of the pipe between the two circumferential seals. The apparatus is arranged such that the sleeve is spaced from the outer sheath of the pipe to form a sealed annulus and a sealing solution is introduced into the sealed annulus.
US09016724B2
A splash guard includes an elongate portion that extends along a side sill, and a rear wall that protrudes from a rear end of the elongate portion into a rear wheel house, wherein the rear wall covers a first flange formed by folding over an edge of the rear wheel house to a vehicle inner side, and a second flange formed by folding over an edge of the side body outer panel into the rear wheel house so as to overlap the rear side of the first flange, the rear wall covering the first flange and the second flange from behind with a clearance disposed therebetween. The splash guard further includes a pedestal formed protruding from a region nearby the rear end of the elongate portion toward the side body outer panel, and a coupling portion that couples the pedestal to the rear wall.
US09016722B2
A steering column device includes a steering column for supporting a steering shaft in a freely rotatable manner, and a guide plate and a column bracket for assembling the steering column onto a part of a vehicle body. The steering column device further includes coupling bolts coupled to the column bracket through guide grooves of the guide plate and movable along the guide grooves when the column bracket moves toward the front of the vehicle relative to the guide plate. Further, an upper column cover movable toward the front of the vehicle together with the steering column is assembled above the steering column at a position corresponding to a vehicle rear of the guide plate. A unit for mitigating an impact is provided to a vehicle rear portion of the guide plate, and is configured to mitigate an impact to be caused when the upper column cover strikes, in the event of collision of the vehicle, against the vehicle rear portion of the guide plate along with movement of the steering column toward the front of the vehicle together with the column bracket.
US09016720B2
An airbag for a motor vehicle, having a housing and at least one restraining element, which has at least one receptacle space for a gaseous medium, in particular air, and which can be moved, in the case of an accident-induced application of force to the motor vehicle, into a restraining position by the flowing of medium into the receptacle space from a storage position within the housing. At least one wall of the housing has at least one inflow opening for the medium.
US09016716B2
An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material.
US09016714B2
A binding system for a recreational board is mounted atop a rider-support surface of the board. The binding system comprises: a pair of rails locatable on opposing sides of a generally flattened foot-receiving surface for the rider's foot, each rail comprising a central portion mountable to the recreational board, a toe-side leg which extends from the central portion toward a toe-side of the recreational board and a heel-side leg which extends from the central portion toward a heel-side of the recreational board. Each rail comprises at least one deformation-enhancing feature for enhancing an ability of the rail to deform elastically relative to the board.
US09016709B1
A trailer for use behind a motorcycle has an elongate frame which is suitable for carrying elongate cargo items thereon. To accommodate the elongate configuration of the frame, the frame is foldable for collapsing in length for storage, and the frame includes a steerable wheel to better track the motorcycle. The steerable wheel is located at the rear of the frame and is laterally centered relative to a steering axis of the wheel. Articulation of a hitching arm of the trailer relative to the frame of the trailer serves as an input to guide steering of the single wheel of the trailer relative to the frame of the trailer.
US09016701B2
The retractable stand device may include an upper device 161, a top device 171, and a lower device 181 that may hold a musical instrument such as a guitar. In addition, the retractable stand device may be in combination with a utility case 100 or it may be a kit with installation hardware. The utility case 100 may include a hinged lid 122 for access to an upper compartment 120, a base 140 for amplifiers, fixed compartments 130, movable compartments 128, handles 118, and wheels 142. Numerous combinations of stand devices and utility case options are included.
US09016700B2
A damper is provided with a vehicle height control unit including: a jack housing of a hydraulic jack provided at an upper end portion of a vehicle body side tube such that a plunger which defines a jack chamber is fitted on the jack housing so as to be movable up and down; a suspension spring provided between the plunger and a wheel side tube; and a pump housing provided in an upper end portion of a damper cylinder and forming a pump chamber in a hydraulic pump such that a pump pipe forming a part of a piston rod and communicating with an oil chamber in the damper cylinder is slidably inserted into the pump chamber.
US09016699B2
A chuck device in which a rotary sleeve provided to a main body is rotated, and by rotation of an annular rotary body which rotates together with the rotary sleeve, jaws screwed together with the rotary body are expanded, contracted, advanced, and retracted, and a tool is gripped by the jaws; the chuck device comprising a retaining engaging body for engaging with the rotary body and preventing the rotary sleeve from coming out of the rotary body; wherein the retaining engaging body is provided to be fixed to a proximal end side of the rotary sleeve; a rotation transmission part for directly or indirectly transmitting the rotation of the rotary sleeve to the rotary body is provided to the retaining engaging body; and the rotation of the rotary sleeve is transmitted to the rotary body via the retaining engaging body, and the rotary body rotates together with the rotary sleeve.
US09016687B2
There is disclosed a printer and a stacking system to receive and stack tags. The stacking system includes a tag stacker and a removable tag-receiving tray to facilitate transferring a stack of tags from the tag stacker to the place where the tags are to be used. A method of handling tags involves the provision of at least first and second removable trays wherein a first tray with a stack of tags can be replaced by an empty second tray so that the stacking of additional tags can recommence without waiting for the first tray to be emptied.
US09016685B2
Provided are a sheet feeding device capable of preventing the occurrence of failure in sheet feeding and degradation in quality of printed matter with downsizing achieved and an image forming apparatus provided with the sheet feeding device.The sheet feeding device includes a sheet storing portion 55 in which sheets are stored, a feeding roller 51 placed above the sheet storing portion, a flexible member 53 placed along part of the peripheral surface of the feeding roller with one end of the flexible member fixed to the sheet storing portion at a position below the stored sheets, and a pulling-up portion 300 that is connected to the other end of the flexible member above the sheet storing portion and that pulls up the flexible member to press the sheet on the feeding roller.
US09016672B2
The present invention concerns a handheld working tool comprising a motor part (10), a handle part (20) comprising a handle grip (21), and at least one first type antivibration element (30) arranged between said motor part (10) and said handle part (20), and which element (30) is adapted to isolate the handle part (20) from vibrations in the motor part (10). The working tool (1) is characterized in that it further comprises at least one second type antivibration element (40) arranged adjacent to the first type antivibration element (30). The at least one second type antivibration element (40) is adapted to, when in an active state, prevent vibrations in the motor part (10) from being transferred to the handle grip (21). The second antivibration element (40) is in the active state when the handle grip (21) is loaded during operation of the working tool (1). The working tool is further characterized in that a longitudinal axis (L1) of the second type antivibration element (40) is separated from a longitudinal axis (L2) of the first type antivibration element (30).
US09016667B2
A cable winch device, in particular a cable winch device of a crane with at least one cable winch, with at least one cable, wherein the cable is at least partly wound up on the cable winch and/or can be wound up and/or unwound, and with at least one tilting means by means of which the cable which can at least partly be tilted and/or pivoted about an axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable winch. A crane is also disclosed herein.
US09016664B1
A spin stand device has an adjustable base frame to allow width and depth profile adjustments and a multitude of mounting accessories which can account for efficiently painting a body part or item of many different types, makes, models, and years of vehicles; with minimized drying time and greatly reduced painting time due to the variety of positions achievable during the painting process.
US09016662B2
A powered valve actuator assembly converts a manually operated valve without removal of the valve handle for automated valve operation in response to detection of a preselected condition. The design incorporates a motor, motor control circuit, drive shaft, valve handle engaging member and anti-rotation member. The motor is supported by its drive shaft, which is mounted on the valve handle via an adaptor. The motor, when operated, applies rotational torque to the drive shaft, and is secured from counter rotation about the drive shaft by the anti-rotation member, which extends between the motor and a fixed reference point with respect to the valve body such as the conduit or an extension thereof. The control circuit may incorporate a monitoring sub-circuit and power regulator, which operates at reduced power levels depending on the sensed state of the sensor or sensors.
US09016659B2
A packer unit for an annular blowout preventer including an annular elastomer body including an elastomer having a unidirectional grain and a quantity of fiber longitudinally aligned with the grain of the elastomer. A method of forming a packing unit for a blowout preventer including forming a fiber reinforced elastomer by aligning fibers with a grain of an elastomer; cutting a portion from the fiber reinforced elastomer in the direction of the grain; loading the cut portion in a packing unit mold such that the grain of the fiber reinforced elastomer of the cut portion is parallel to a packing unit axis; and heating the loaded packing unit mold.
US09016658B2
A holder for an electronic device includes a head with elastically flexible portions configured to removably receive the electronic device with a snap-fit interlock, a neck for supporting the head relative to a surface, and a ball and socket connector coupling the neck to the head, the ball and socket connector configured to allow adjustment of the yaw, the pitch, and the roll of the electronic device with respect to the neck when the electronic device is coupled to the head.
US09016652B2
A corner protector comprising a guard, strap, and plate or rod are disclosed. The second portion and third portion of the guard are substantially orthogonal to the first portion, and to each other. The second portion and third portion meet to define a corner protrusion. The guard has interior extending ribs that are substantially vertical and maintain contact with the guard. The strap has at least one connection member on each end to allow the corner protector to be adjusted vertically. The plate or rod has at least one locking member for creating a locking mechanism with the connection member.
US09016635B2
A deorbit device comprising a passive electrodynamic conductive tape connected at one end to a spacecraft.
US09016634B1
A payload cut-down mechanism having a pathway member having a first end and a second end attached to a balloon envelope, a line extending within the pathway member having first and second ends extending from the pathway member, where the first end of the line is releasably secured to a first actuated release mechanism attached to a payload, and a second end of the line releasably secured to a second actuated release mechanism attached to the payload, and wherein at least one of the first and second actuated release mechanisms are operable, upon receiving a signal, to release the first or second end of the line from one of the actuated release mechanisms and cause the payload to separate from the payload.
US09016630B2
Electrically dimmable windows for aircraft are powered by energy harvesting devices on-board the aircraft. The harvested energy is stored and used to control the opacity of the windows based on individual window opacity settings selected either by passengers or a cabin attendant. Each window has an associated control circuit that controls the electrical power applied to the window based on the selected opacity setting. The control circuit includes a low energy usage processor that remains in a sleep mode until a change in the opacity setting is detected. Each control circuit may include a radio transceiver that receives control signals from a transmitter operated by the cabin attendant in order to simultaneously remotely control the opacity settings of multiple windows.
US09016626B2
A monument is provided for a cabin of transportation, for example a lavatory monument, a kitchen or galley monument or a storage monument to be fitted in an aircraft, in a helicopter, in a ship or boat, in a train or in a caravan or trailer. A mounting system is also provided with one or several monuments and transportation with a monument installed therein. The monument for the cabin of the transportation includes, but is not limited to a flexible attachment element for attaching the monument to the cabin of the transportation means. The flexible attachment element is designed in such a manner that attachment of the monument can take place in a region of relative positions of the monument relative to the cabin of the transportation.
