US09040172B2
The present invention describes novel indenofluorene derivatives which can preferably be employed as matrix materials for phosphorescent dopants or as electron-transport materials, in particular for use in the emission and/or charge-transport layer of electroluminescent devices. The invention furthermore relates to polymers which comprise these compounds as structural units and to a process for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention and to electronic devices which comprise same.
US09040170B2
An OLED device comprises a cathode, an anode, and located therebetween a light-emitting layer containing a host material and a tris-C^N-cyclometallated complex of Ir or Rh wherein at least one of the ligands comprises a substituted quinazoline moiety. The device provides useful emission and stability attributes.
US09040169B2
Disclosed is a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet or an alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet, which has a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more, excellent workability, high yield ratio and high strength. The hot-dip galvanized steel sheet or the alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet is characterized by containing 0.12-0.3% by mass of C, 0.1% by mass or less (excluding 0% by mass) of Si, 2.0-3.5% by mass of Mn, 0.05% by mass or less (excluding 0% by mass) of P, 0.05% by mass or less (excluding 0% by mass) of S, 0.005-0.1% by mass of Al and 0.015% by mass or less (excluding 0% by mass) of N, with the balance made up of iron and unavoidable impurities. The hot-dip galvanized steel sheet or the alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet is also characterized in that the metallic structure thereof contains bainite as a matrix structure, and the area ratio of ferrite is 3-20% and the area ratio of martensite is 10-35% relative to the entire structure.
US09040161B2
A protective sheet for a solar cell module that includes a cycloolefin resin layer laminated to one surface of a substrate film with a polyolefin resin layer disposed therebetween, wherein the polyolefin resin layer and the cycloolefin resin layer are formed by co-extrusion molding.
US09040158B2
A generic route for synthesis of asymmetric nanostructures. This approach utilizes submicron magnetic particles (Fe3O4—SiO2) as recyclable solid substrates for the assembly of asymmetric nanostructures and purification of the final product. Importantly, an additional SiO2 layer is employed as a mediation layer to allow for selective modification of target nanoparticles. The partially patched nanoparticles are used as building blocks for different kinds of complex asymmetric nanostructures that cannot be fabricated by conventional approaches. The potential applications such as ultra-sensitive substrates for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) have been included.
US09040157B2
In one aspect, hollow nanoparticles are described herein. In some embodiments, a hollow nanoparticle comprises a metal shell and a cavity substantially defined by the shell, wherein the shell has a thickness greater than or equal to about 5 nm and the cavity has a curved surface. In another aspect, methods of making hollow nanoparticles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of making hollow nanoparticles comprises forming a plurality of gas bubbles and forming a shell on the surface of at least one of the plurality of gas bubbles, wherein at least one of the gas bubbles is electrochemically generated. In another aspect, composite particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a composite particle comprises at least one nanoparticle and a polycrystalline metal shell substantially encapsulating at least one nanoparticle, wherein at least one surface of at least one nanoparticle is not in contact with the shell.
US09040147B2
A cover glass for use in a mobile device such as a touch-panel mobile telephone has a thickness in the range of, for example, 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. A recess that can be recognized as a character or a figure when watching from the front side of the mobile device or a recess that can be recognized when touching from the front side of the mobile device is formed on at least one of opposite main surfaces of the cover glass. A surface of this recess is an etched surface treated by etching.
US09040146B2
A material having a first surface and a second surface is disclosed. The first or second surface comprises a texture. The texture is defined by peaks and valleys such that the textured surface may have an Average Peak to Peak Distance in the range of about 3 mm to about 16 mm, an Average Height Differential of at least 1 mm, and a Surface Topography Index from about 0.1 to about 5. The material may comprise a surfactant.
US09040143B2
A low-E housewrap having improved energy efficiency protection against air infiltration and moisture build-up in buildings. The aforementioned low-E housewrap material utilizing existing framing openings or without increasing the wall profile of a building. The present invention provides a low-E housewrap material which may be implemented on traditional 2×4 framing having R-15 mass insulation material within existing or newly constructed framing cavities. The material of the present invention also meets requirements for serving as a water resistive barrier as defined by ICC AC38.
US09040142B2
A composite article having a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction. The article includes a stack of plies wherein one ply is a bottom ply and one ply is a top ply. Most or all of the plies include fibers. A plurality of plies have fibers substantially in an orthogonal direction and substantially in a same direction as the longitudinally direction of the article. The bottom ply and the top ply have fibers in a substantially orthogonal direction to the longitudinal direction of the article. At least one ply has the fibers substantially in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the article. At least one of the plies having fibers substantially in the longitudinal direction includes particles selected from the group of thermoplastic tougheners, nano particles, micro particles, elastic particles, elastomer particles and polymer particles or a combination. Also a method of forming an article on a tool.
US09040137B2
A printable reusable gel film formed of a polyvinyl acetic acid (PVA) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) layer, a carrier layer, an acrylic adhesive layer, an elastic plastic sheet layer, an elastomer layer and a strippable plastic film is disclosed. The polyvinyl acetic acid (PVA) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) layer and the carrier layer each have a protruding portion for guidance in printing. The strippable plastic film has perforations for ventilation to prevent accumulation of air during printing, assuring a high level of printing quality.
US09040133B2
An article composed of a polymeric material, especially a material having elastic properties, which has been provided with an embedded reinforcement made wholly or partly of a textile material. In a first reinforcement variant, the textile material is polyoxadiazole (POD), a POD derivative or a POD copolymer, or, in a second reinforcement variant, the textile material is a combination of POD, a POD derivative or a POD copolymer, and at least one further textile material, or, in a third reinforcement variant, the textile material comprises a material combination of POD, a POD derivative or a POD copolymer and at least one further material which is not part of any textile group. The article is particularly a hose and more particularly a charge-air hose having an inner layer and an outer layer of a polymeric material and an embedded reinforcement, for example in the form of a POD knit.
US09040127B2
Methods for formation of silicon carbide on substrate are provided. Atomic layer deposition methods of forming silicon carbide are described in which a first reactant gas of the formula SinHaXb wherein n=1-5, a+b=2n+2, a>0, and X=F, Cl, Br, I; and a second reactant gas of the formula MR3-bYb, wherein R is a hydrocarbon containing substituent, Y is a halide, hydride or other ligand and b=1-3 are sequentially deposited on a substrate and then exposed to a plasma. The process can be repeated multiple times to deposit a plurality of silicon carbide layers.
US09040120B2
An inorganic nanolayer surface coated polymer film product is disclosed with enhancements such as improved metallization capability, low cost, low polymer additives and modifiers, improved recyclability, and good web properties. Also method for priming a flexible film substrate to enhance the reactivity or wettability of the substrate for metallization is disclosed. A substrate film is coated with one or more nanolayers of a metal or metal oxide applied by CCVD and/or PECVD at open atmosphere. The deposited coating acts to enhance the surface energy of the film substrate and to and reduce the surface gauge variation of the substrate or supporting film, thereby enhancing the wettability of the film substrate for metallization and/or to improve the anti-block characteristics of the film. The deposited coatings may also act as a barrier layer for lowering the permeability of light, gas and vapor transmission through the substrate.
US09040114B2
A method of manufacturing a silver miniwire film is provided, wherein the film exhibits a reduced sheet resistance.
US09040111B2
A method of making a stent, including preparing a solution containing a composition, the composition comprising a biodegradable polymer and a vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor of a kind, including argatroban, which does not inhibit proliferation of endothelial cells, the weight compositional ratio of the polymer to the vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor being within the range of 8:2 to 3:7, the composition dissolved in a solvent selected from the group consisting of a mixture of a lower alkyl ketone and methanol, a mixture of a lower alkyl ester and methanol or a mixture of a lower halogenated hydrocarbon and methanol; coating at least an outer surface of a stent body of a cylindrical configuration having outer and inner surfaces with a diamond-like thin film coated on the surfaces; and after the coating, removing the solvent to complete a first coated layer.
US09040110B2
The invention relates to shortening particle compositions that are suitable for use in preparing batter or dough products such as biscuits, pizza crusts, pot pie crusts, cinnamon rolls, or dry mixes for same. Typically, the shortening compositions are low in trans fatty acids and in saturated fatty acids. For example, the shortening particle composition may comprise less than about 3% wt. total trans fatty acids and a total of about less than about 61% wt. saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids.
US09040109B2
The present invention provides stabilized oil-in-water emulsions with an extended range of chemical, thermal and/or mechanical stabilities, and method(s) for their preparation. Such preparations provide an environmentally-protective biopolymer component exhibiting improved adherence to the dispersed phase, reducing or eliminating dissociation therefrom under such conditions, for use in the context of a range of food, pharmaceutical, personal care, health care, cosmetic and other end-use applications.
US09040106B2
The present invention relates to the ameliorating effects of C3G (Cyanidin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside) on diabetic erectile dysfunction. In particular, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition and food composition for preventing or treating diabetic erectile dysfunction comprising C3G. In addition, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition and food composition for preventing or treating diabetic erectile dysfunction comprising extract of mulberry containing C3G.
US09040105B2
A process for the production of nanocrystals or amorphous nanoparticles of actives (nanomaterials), especially from the peels of grapes. A dispersion of a micrometer-sized material in a solution of surfactant or a steric stabilizer is first provided. The macrosuspension is then stirred for at least 1 minute at a rotational speed above 500 rpm using a rotor-stator mixer. The stirred mixture is passed through a jet stream or piston-gas type high pressure homogenizer. The nanomaterials produced can be incorporated into formulations for use as nutraceutical, nutritional supplement, or as supportive treatment in medical therapy. The active can be derived from the peels of grapes.
US09040095B2
This invention relates, e.g., to a composition comprising two or more of: (a) N-acetylcysteine and/or (b) simethicone and/or (c) a docusate salt. In one embodiment of the invention, the amounts of (a) and/or (b) and/or (c) are effective, when the composition is administered into a colon of a subject undergoing colonoscopy, to cleanse a region of the colon in the visual field of the colonoscope so that the region contains no adherent stool or intestinal secretions obscuring the visual field. Methods for using this or other compositions of the invention, e.g. to cleanse the colon of a subject in order to enhance visualization of the colon during a colonoscopy, are also described, as are kits for carrying out methods of the invention.
US09040085B2
A tablet comprising a core containing an active agent, and a coating, the core being disposed within the coating such that the coating has a thickness about a longitudinal axis (X-Y) of about 4.85 to 4.95 mm. The position of the core within the coating dictating that the active agent is released rapidly after a lag time during which time no active agent is released.
US09040079B2
A special photosensitizer formulation and Photodynamic Therapy method for treating choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is provided. CNV is a major cause for vision loss in elderly patients. A special drug delivery formulation is used to encapsulate the hydrophobic photosensitizer, preferably a pegylated liposome. This improves the solubility and therapeutic index of the photosensitizers. In one preferred embodiment, a pegylated photoactive agent remains confined in the intravascular compartment of neovasculature for a longer duration. Thus efficient elimination of neovascular proliferation and minimal damage to extravascular tissue and normal vessels is ensured. In this method, a hydrophobic photosensitizer, that is able to photochemically destroy neovessels, is injected into the patient. CNV irradiation with a non-thermal laser follows after a predefined time interval. The excited photosensitizer photocoagulates newly formed blood vessels thereby improving the vision and preventing further loss of vision.
US09040077B2
The present invention provides to a patch and a patch preparation having low stretchability, which can be continuously adhered to the skin for a long time without undesirable detachment and marked falling off from the skin due to various factors during adhesion, and specifically provides a low stretchable patch and a patch preparation containing a support and an adhesive layer formed on one surface of the support, wherein a ratio P of the total length W (mm) of curved sections of a planar outer shape of the patch to the total length S (mm) of straight-line sections of the planar outer shape of the patch (W/S) is not more than 1.22, and, when the curved sections are approximated by a circular arc, the radius R (mm) of the circular arc is not less than 0.5 mm.
US09040072B2
A composite having a poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) coupling agent, a filler, and a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer matrix is disclosed. The composites are useful for biomedical applications such as, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and implantable medical devices.
US09040067B2
Broad spectrum disinfecting and microbicidal compositions of biodegradable and environmentally friendly compositions containing esters formed from fatty organic alcohols and fatty carboxylic acids. These compositions display activities against the most resistant microbial forms including bacterial spores. The preparations can be used in health care, food processing, personal care and other industries where the use of harsh oxidizing chemicals is undesirable.
US09040066B2
This invention is based upon the discovery that a mixture of ethyl lactate and isoamyl lactate can be used to improve the penetration of active ingredients in skin care formulations through the outer layers of the stratum corneum and viable epidermis and into the dermis layer of the skin structure. The present invention more specifically discloses a method of rejuvenating skin comprising topically applying a topical formulation to the skin, wherein the topical formulation is comprised of ascorbic acid, an amino acid selected from the group consisting of phenylalanine and tyrosine, a non-toxic zinc salt, carnosic acid, α-tocopherol, 0.01 weight percent to 20 weight percent of a mixture of ethyl lactate and isoamyl lactate, wherein the weight ratio of the ethyl lactate to the isoamyl lactate is within the range of 1:10 to 20:1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US09040060B2
The present invention provides a water soluble, non-peptidic polymer comprising two or more alkylene oxide-based oligomers linked together by hydrolytically degradable linkages such as carbonates. Typically, the oligomer portion of the polymer is an amphiphilic triblock copolymer having a central propylene oxide block or butylene oxide block positioned between two ethylene oxide blocks. The polymer can be hydrolytically degraded into oligomers under physiological conditions. In aqueous media, the polymer preferably forms thermally reversible, hydrolytically degradable hydrogels that can be used, for example, for drug delivery and related biomedical applications.
US09040059B2
The present invention encompasses recombinant bacteria and immunogenic compositions comprising the bacteria. The immunogenic composition may be used to induce an immune response against C. perfringens.
US09040055B2
Three conjugation methods for use with the capsular saccharide of Streptococcus agalactiae. In the first method, reductive animation of oxidized sialic acid residue side chains is used, but the aldehyde groups are first aminated, and then the amine is coupled to a carrier via a linker. In the second method, sialic acid residues and/or N-acetyl-glucosamine residues are de-N-acetylated to give amine groups, and the amine groups are coupled to a carrier protein via a linker. In the third method, linkage is via galactose residues in the capsular saccharide rather than sialic acid residues, which can conveniently be achieved using galactose oxidase.
US09040052B1
The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US09040047B2
An article-of-manufacture is provided. The article-of-manufacture comprises a packaging material identified for treating cancer, packaging: (i) an anti-EGFR antibody comprising the CDR sequences of anti EGFR 565 (CNCM Deposit Number I-4262); and (ii) an anti-ErbB-2 antibody comprising the CDR sequences of anti ErbB-2 L431 (CNCM Deposit Number I-4115), anti ErbB-2 L26 (CNCM Deposit Number I-4113) or anti ErbB-2 N12 (CNCM Deposit Number I-4112), or (iii) an anti-EGFR antibody comprising the CDR sequences of anti EGFR 111 (CNCM Deposit Number I-4261); and (iv) an anti-ErbB-2 antibody comprising the CDR sequences of anti ErbB-2 L431 (CNCM Deposit Number I-4115). Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the above antibodies as well as other antibody combinations for the treatment of cancer.
US09040028B2
The present invention provides a hair cosmetic composition containing the following components (a) and (b) and a hair treatment method in which the hair cosmetic composition is applied to the hair: (a) one or two or more peptides each having the number of amino acid residues being 5 to 50, and having neither a sulfur-containing amino acid residue nor a derivative thereof; and (b) a hair-swelling organic solvent.
US09040027B2
The invention relates to a composition comprising at least one oil-dispersible micronized wax which, if desired, can be processed at room temperature.
US09040023B2
A method of treating or protecting a mammalian teat by applying a topical composition to the teat, wherein the topical conditioning composition comprises (a) citrate; (b) methylene blue; and (c) an alkyl para-hydroxybenzoate; as well as related methods and compositions.
US09040020B2
The present invention relates to novel muteins derived from human lipocalin 2 (hNGAL) and related proteins that bind a given non-natural ligand with detectable affinity. The invention also related to corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding such a mutein and to a method for their generation. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a mutein. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a lipocalin mutein as well as to various uses of the mutein.
US09040019B2
A method and a kit for detecting myelin basic protein are provided. The method comprises administering an agent, which binds to myelin basic protein (MBP), to a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, and determining myelination by detecting the agent resided in the subject. The amount of the agent present in the subject is indicative of a myelin-associated neuropathy. A method of quantifying an amount of MBP present in a tissue sample is also provided, wherein the method comprises contacting the tissue sample with the same agent, detecting the agent present in the tissue sample; and quantifying an amount of the agent present in the tissue sample.
US09040005B2
The present invention relates to a method for removal of SO2 from exhaust gas from a marine engine or a marine boiler of a ship. The exhaust gas from said marine engine or marine boiler is cooled and washed with seawater in a first scrubber section, and subsequently, in a second scrubber section, washed with circulating freshwater with an addition of an alkaline chemical. The circulating freshwater used for washing is warmer than the seawater used for cooling in the first scrubber section. The warmer freshwater is indirectly heat exchanged with cold seawater. The exhaust gas washed in the first scrubber section is passed via a demister unit before it is washed with circulating freshwater in the second scrubber section. The invention further relates to a corresponding scrubber system.
US09039998B2
Bioprinting station (1) comprising:—a Bioprinting device (4) adapted to deposit a pattern of biological material (2) onto an area of interest (3a) of a substrate (3),—an imaging system (15) adapted to acquire an image of the substrate (3) and to reveal on the acquired image the area of interest (3a) with respect to a remaining part (3b) of the substrate (3), the acquired image of the substrate (3) being processed so as to detect the revealed area of interest (3a) on the acquired image and to determine the pattern corresponding to the area of interest (3a) detected on the acquired image.
US09039991B2
A biosensor is provided. The biosensor is used to sense a biological sample and has a code representing features of the biosensor. The biosensor includes a substrate and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is disposed on a first side of the substrate and includes a first conductive loop and a second conductive loop. The first conductive loop is formed between a first node and a second node and has a first impedance. The second conductive loop is formed between the second node and a third node and has a second impedance. The code is determined according to a comparison result between the second impedance and the first impedance.
US09039979B2
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and process for forming medical devices from an injectable composition. The apparatus includes a supply assembly configured to maintain and selective dispense a first precursor and a second precursor, a mixing assembly configured to mix the first and second precursors, and at least one catalyzing element including a transition metal ion to aid in the polymerization of the first and second precursors. The process includes dispensing a volume of the first precursor and a volume of the second precursor into a mixing assembly and mixing the first and second precursors. The first and second precursors each possess a core and at least one functional group known to have click reactivity with each other. The mixed precursors are contacted with a transition metal catalyst to produce a flowable composition for use as a medical device.
US09039968B2
A smart home system having a controller which controls an ozone generator, gas supply outlets connected to gas supply outlets of the ozone generator via a pipe, and solenoid valves which control opening and closing of the gas supply outlets. The controller is connected with each of the solenoid valves and controls opening and closing of each of the solenoid valves. An operation method for the system discloses driving the ozone generator by the controller to generate ozone, controlling opening of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives an external signal for opening the solenoid valves, reducing opening level of the solenoid valves when a gas flow sensor detects that the ozone flow rate passing through the gas inlet is greater than the flow rate threshold, and controlling closing of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives a signal for closing the solenoid valves.
US09039964B2
Provided is one aspect of copper alloy sheet containing 4.5% by mass to 12.0% by mass of Zn, 0.40% by mass to 0.90% by mass of Sn, 0.01% by mass to 0.08% by mass of P, as well as 0.005% by mass to 0.08% by mass of Co and/or 0.03% by mass to 0.85% by mass of Ni, the remainder being Cu and unavoidable impurities. The copper alloy sheet satisfies a relationship of 11≦[Zn]+7×[Sn]+15×[P]+12×[Co]+4.5×[Ni]≦17. The one aspect of copper alloy sheet is produced by a production process including a finish cold rolling process at which a copper alloy material is cold-rolled. An average grain size of the copper alloy material is 2.0 μm to 8.0 μm, circular or elliptical precipitates are present in the copper alloy material, and an average particle size of the precipitates is 4.0 nm to 25.0 nm, or a percentage of precipitates having a particle size of 4.0 nm to 25.0 nm makes up 70% or more of the precipitates.
US09039950B2
The invention relates to a method for the production of a layered or stacked inorganic/organic composite material, a predominantly inorganic material being provided and a polymer material being provided, characterized in that the predominantly inorganic material has a glass transition temperature or melting temperature lower than 500° C., that the predominantly inorganic material and the polymer material are each molten, and that the predominantly inorganic material and the polymer material are coextruded from the melt and thus form the composite material.
US09039949B2
A method is for molding a gas hydrate pellet for improving convenience of handling of a natural gas hydrate during transportation and storage, and thereby improving the practical use of the natural gas hydrate. Gas hydrate slurry is fed in a compression chamber, and pressure and compression are applied to the gas hydrate slurry by advancing a compression plunger. At that time, a stroking speed of the compression plunger is set minimum, preferably less than a value expressed by a stroke length of the compression plunger at compression×10−2 (m/min. By advancing the compression plunger at low speed, binding between particles of the gas hydrate is tightened, thereby the gas hydrate pellet with increased shearing strength can be molded.
US09039948B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing and treating plastic pellets. According to said method, a melt of the plastic material is granulated to give pellets, the pellets are cooled in a cooling fluid, the pellets are separated from the cooling fluid and the pellets are crystallized. The device according to the invention is characterized by comprising a control unit which monitors the crystallization step and controls the method in such a manner that, in case of a disturbance of crystallization, the pellets are supplied to an intermediate storage alter separation of the pellets from the cooling fluid and, as soon as the disturbance is removed, the pellets temporarily stored in the intermediate storage are supplied to crystallization and are crystallized.
US09039942B2
A lead-free conductive paste composition contains a source of an electrically conductive metal, a fusible material, an optional additive, and an organic vehicle. An article such as a high-efficiency photovoltaic cell is formed by a process of deposition of the lead-free paste composition on a semiconductor substrate (e.g., by screen printing) and firing the paste to remove the organic vehicle and sinter the metal and fusible material.
US09039941B2
There is provided a conductive paste for screen printing. The conductive paste includes: metal nanoparticles (Y) having an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 nm and protected with a polymer compound having a branched polyalkyleneimine chain and a polymer chain selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyalkylene chain, a polymer chain composed of a polyvinyl alcohol, a polymer chain composed of a water-soluble poly(meth)acrylic acid, a polyacylalkyleneimine chain having a hydrophilic substituent, and a polymer chain composed of a polyacrylamide; metal particles (Z) having an average particle diameter of 200 to 600 nm; a deprotecting agent (A) for the metal nanoparticles; and an organic solvent (B). An aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having 6 to 10 carbon atoms is used as the deprotecting agent (A) for the metal nanoparticles. A polyalkylene glycol is used as the organic solvent (B).
US09039936B2
A novel polymer which has high solubility and good processability and is suitable as an electrically conductive material, and a novel compound which is a starting material of the polymer. The novel compound to be used as a starting material is a thiophene derivative represented by formula (I) shown below, In the formula (I), A is S; and B is R2 (R2 is an alkylene group having a carbon number of 2 to 3 and optionally having a substituent), provided that A and B are intramolecularly cyclized to form, together with the thiophene group, a bicyclic heterocyclic structure. The novel polymer that is produced by polymerizing the thiophene derivative is suitable as an electrically conductive material.
US09039935B2
The present invention provides a photoelectric conversion material comprising a fullerene derivative represented by the formula C60(R1)5(R2), wherein each R1 independently represents an organic group having a substituent; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30 hydrocarbon group. Further, the present invention also provides a photoelectric conversion device having a self-assembled monomolecular film of the photoelectric conversion material, and a solar cell having the photoelectric conversion device.
US09039931B2
A liquid crystal composition including a dioxolane compound represented by the general formula (G1) as a chiral agent is provided. In the general formula (G1), R1 and R2 individually represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and having a phenyl group as a substituent; R1 and R2 may be bonded to each other to form a ring; R3 and R4 individually represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and a cycloalkyl group; and R5 to R40 individually represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.
US09039924B2
Safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling compositions comprising solid particulate compounds that undergo an endothermic process when mixed with water such that the resulting mixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. The compositions always include one or more compounds from a group consisting of endothermic compounds that contain potassium; one or more compounds from a group of endothermic compounds that contain nitrogen; and at least one compound from a group consisting of ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate and ammonium metaphosphate such that the compound or mixture of compounds in this group is at least 1% by weight of the final composition.
US09039917B2
A method is provided for manufacturing a component. The method includes forming a diffusion coating on a first intermediate article formed by an additive manufacturing process. The diffusion coating is removed from the first intermediate article forming a second intermediate article. The diffusion coating is formed by applying a layer of coating material on at least one surface of the first intermediate article and diffusion heat treating the first intermediate article and the layer. The diffusion coating comprises a surface additive layer and a diffusion layer below the surface additive layer. The formation of the diffusion coating and removal thereof may be repeated at least once.
US09039915B2
Disclosed are etching solution compositions that comprise fluorine compounds and iron ions, which are used for bulk etching of metal laminate films wherein a layer comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy is laminated on top and a layer comprising titanium or a titanium alloy on bottom, and an etching method using said etching solution compositions.
US09039910B2
The present invention provides methods and an apparatus for controlling and modifying line width roughness (LWR) of a photoresist layer. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a line width roughness of a photoresist layer disposed on a substrate includes a chamber body having a top wall, side wall and a bottom wall defining an interior processing region, a microwave power generator coupled to the to the chamber body through a waveguild, and one or more coils or magnets disposed around an outer circumference of the chamber body adjacent to the waveguide, and a gas source coupled to the waveguide through a gas delivery passageway.
US09039905B2
A method of forming a lighting system comprises providing a cavity having at least a first array of first optical elements and a second array of second optical elements that have a different shape than the first array, filling the cavity with a curable resin, applying a secondary optical element to the curable resin in alignment with the first optical array, curing the resin to form a cured assembly, and removing the cured assembly from the cavity.
US09039900B2
Membranes for membrane distillation include at least one hollow fiber porous hydrophobic membrane, the at least one membrane including carbon nanotubes incorporated into the pore structure of the membrane. Membrane distillation systems may include a heat exchanger operably connected to a hollow fiber membrane module with one or more membranes including carbon nanotubes. Methods of solvent removal, sample preconcentration and desalination employing hollow fiber porous hydrophobic membranes with carbon nanotubes are disclosed.
US09039895B1
An oil spill clean-up apparatus and method, and more specifically to a self-contained oil spill clean-up vessel with ice displacement capabilities. One preferred oil spill clean-up system includes a vessel subsystem, an ice displacement subsystem, and an oil spill skimming subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include at least one storage subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include an oil/water separation and removal subsystem.
US09039893B2
Process for the extraction of hydrocarbons contained in oil sands and oil shale comprising feeding said oil sands or oil shale to a suitable apparatus in which they are heated, directly and/or by means of a suitable vector fluid, making use of solar energy collected by means of optical concentration systems.
US09039891B2
A catalyst composition that is especially useful in the hydroconversion of pitch, micro carbon residue and sulfur contents of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock without the excessive formation of sediment. The catalyst composition is a reasonably high surface area composition containing alumina and a low molybdenum content with a high ratio of nickel-to-molybdenum. The catalyst composition further has a unique pore distribution that in combination with the special metals loading provide for good conversion of pitch and micro carbon residue without an excessive yield of sediment.
US09039890B2
A process for the production of high yields of high quality products from heavy hydrocarbonaceous feedstock comprising a two-stage, close-coupled process, wherein the first stage comprises a thermal-catalytic zone into which is introduced a mixture comprising the feedstock, coal, dispersed catalyst, and hydrogen; and the second, close-coupled stage comprises a catalytic-hydrotreating zone into which substantially all the effluent from the first stage is directly passed and processed under hydrotreating conditions.
US09039874B2
A disposable urea sensor has a laminated body having a fluid sample inlet end and an electrical contact end, a fluid sample inlet, a substantially flat sample chamber in communication between the fluid sample inlet and a vent opening, the sample chamber being adapted to collect a fluid sample through the fluid sample inlet, a working electrode and a reference electrode within the sample chamber, and a reagent matrix disposed on the working electrode wherein the reagent matrix contains urease.
US09039869B2
A device for feeding and controlling secondary air from secondary air ducts into flue gas channels of horizontal coke oven chambers is shown. The flue gas channels are located underneath the coke oven chamber floor on which coal carbonization is realized. The flue gas channels serve for combustion of partly burnt coking gases from the coke oven chamber. The partly burnt gases are burnt with secondary air, thus heating the coke cake also from below to ensure even coal carbonization. Secondary air comes from the secondary air ducts connected to atmospheric air and to the flue gas channels. Controlling elements are mounted in the connecting channels between the flue gas channels and secondary air ducts which can precisely control the air flow into the flue gas channels. Thereby, it is possible to achieve a much more regular heating and heat distribution in coke oven chambers. The actual controlling devices in the connecting channels can be formed by turnable pipe sections, wall bricks, or metal flaps. It is particularly advantageous to utilize a hump-like facility (tabouret) which sits in the secondary air ducts and which is comprised of a tabouret plate with a central opening that is slid under the corresponding embranchment to regulate the gas stream. The controlling mechanism can be actuated manually, electrically, or pneumatically. Thereby, the controlling device can also be automated.
US09039866B2
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a web of a plurality of conductive structures which may be used for example to produce an antenna, electronic circuit, photovoltaic module or the like. The method involved simultaneously patterning at least one pattern in a conductive layer using a plurality of registration marks. The registration marks serve to align and guide the creation of the plurality of conductive structures. Optical brighteners may also be utilized within the adhesive layer and the registration marks of the present invention in order to detect the location where conductive structures are to be placed.
US09039860B2
The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a polarizing plate having a polarizer layer and a protection film, sequentially having a drawing step of uniaxially drawing a stack film constituted of a base film and a polyvinyl alcohol based resin layer, a removal step prior to bonding of removing by cutting, opposing first end portions in a direction of width after dyeing and cross-linking the resin layer of the stack film, and a bonding step of bonding a protection film on a surface opposite to a surface on a side of the base film of the polarizer layer in the stack film from which the first end portions were removed.
US09039845B2
Aqueous compositions useful as pretreatments prior to painting and to prevent the formation of white rust in the uncoated condition include an organopolyphosphonic acid or salt thereof, an organosilane, and a trivalent chromium compound. A method for treating a surface of a zinc-containing metal includes contacting the surface with an aqueous composition including an organopolyphosphonic acid or salt thereof, an organosilane, and a trivalent chromium compound. The composition may also include an agent for reducing hydrophilicity, such as a polyacrylic acid. The aqueous composition has been found to be particularly well-suited for treating a zinc-containing metal to passivate the surface, improve paint adhesion, and/or improve corrosion resistance.
US09039841B2
A method of cleaning an internal component (14) of a process vessel (10) includes opening a guide (42) extending at least from a vessel access port or entry nozzle (38) to the internal component (14), guiding a cleaning agent/device by means of the guide (42) to the internal component (14), cleaning the internal component (14) with the cleaning agent/device, and closing the guide (42). The process vessel (10) is then operated with the guide (42) remaining in the process vessel (10).
US09039840B2
Strategies for tool designs and their uses wherein the tools can operate in either closed or open modes of operation. The tools easily transition between open and closed modes on demand. According to one general strategy, environmentally controlled pathway(s) couple the ambient to one or more process chambers. Air amplification capabilities upstream from the process chamber(s) allow substantial flows of air to be introduced into the process chamber(s) on demand. Alternatively, the fluid pathways are easily closed, such as by simple valve actuation, to block egress to the ambient through these pathways. Alternative flows of nonambient fluids can then be introduced into the process chamber(s) via pathways that are at least partially in common with the pathways used for ambient air introduction. In other strategies, gap(s) between moveable components are sealed at least with flowing gas curtains rather than by relying only upon direct physical contact for sealing.
US09039835B2
An apparatus for producing multicrystalline silicon ingots by the induction method comprises an enclosure, which includes means for start-up heating of silicon and a cooled crucible enveloped by an inductor. The crucible has a movable bottom and four walls consisting of sections spaced apart by vertically extending slots, means for moving the movable bottom, and a controlled cooling compartment arranged under the cooled crucible. The inside face of the crucible defines a melting chamber of a rectangular or square cross-section. The walls of the cooled crucible extend outwards at least from the inductor toward the lowest portion of the cooled crucible to thereby expand the melting chamber, and the angle β of expanding the melting chamber is defined by the equation β=arctg[2·(k−1.35·10 3·b)/d], where d is the dimension of the smaller side of the rectangle or of the side of the square of the cross-section of the melting chamber at the inducer level, b is the dimension of the adjoining side of the cross-section of the melting chamber at the inducer level, k is an empirical coefficient, which is 1.5 to 2. The apparatus makes it possible to decrease silicon melt spills and to increase the quality of multicrystalline silicon thus produced.
US09039833B2
The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of solar grade silicon comprising crystallization of large high purity silicon crystals in a hyper eutectic binary or ternary alloy containing silicon, or a refined silicon melt, wherein small silicon crystals are added to the melt and the resulting large silicon crystals are separated from the melt. The separation may be performed by centrifugation or filtration.
US09039832B2
A high pressure high temperature (HPHT) method for synthesizing single crystal diamond, wherein a single crystal diamond seed having an aspect ratio of at least (1) and a growth surface substantially parallel to a {110} crystallographic plane is utilized is described. The growth is effected at a temperature in the range from 1280° C. to 1390° C.
US09039831B2
A non-aqueous drywall compound being the combination of a first component mixture of acetone, a non-aqueous liquid adhesive containing ethyl cyanoacrylate, and a powder containing calcium sulfate hemihydrate (plaster of Paris), the mixture being a pliable putty capable of adhering to gypsum wallboard or similar work surfaces. The second component of the drywall compound is an accelerator or activator containing acetone and toluene. The first component is applied to a defect in a work surface using a spreading tool and the second component is then applied to the exposed surface of the first component, such as by spraying or brushing, whereupon the drywall compound cures, hardens or sets within less than ten minutes to a state capable of being sanded into a smooth, hard surface and painted.
US09039816B2
A system and method to recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray, the concentration of the liquid desiccant may be dynamically changed based on changes within the system. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.
US09039814B2
The tube assemblies are joined together into a matrix by a plate. The plate has a first surface, an opposite second surface and a plurality of holes. Each hole has a countersunk region that descends into the plate from the first surface. Tube assemblies are provided. Each tube assembly has a first end, an opposite second end, and a flare structure. The flare structure is sized to be fully received within the countersunk region. The tube assemblies extend through the holes in the plate. The flare structure of each tube assembly is welded to the plate within the countersunk region of each hole through which each tube assembly passes.
US09039802B2
The disclosure concerns air cleaners. Preferred air cleaners are shown which include a housing and a removable and replacement primary filter cartridge. Optional and advantageous features are shown. The preferred primary filter cartridge is conical in shape. A preferred optional safety or secondary filter cartridge is shown. Preferred methods of assembly and use are provided.
US09039785B2
A security device for functional display, security, and charging of a handheld electronic device is disclosed. The device comprises a universal clamping apparatus with an integrated alarm sensor and charging port to prevent theft of handheld electronic devices without hindering customer inspection thereof while providing charging of the battery of the devices.
US09039783B2
The present invention provides a method of fixating a mesh implant to a tissue of a subject comprising attaching said mesh implant to said tissue, covering said mesh implant by an antiadhesive barrier, wherein said antiadhesive barrier is attached to said mesh implant by a biocompatible adhesive.
US09039781B2
The present invention comprises devices, systems, and methods for elongating bone using an extension implant having a first end and a second end. The first end of the extension implant is inserted into an opening in the live bone and the second end of the extension implant is combined with an enlarged implant. A plurality of channels extend through the components to serve as conduits for delivering fluids and physiological signals which induce bone formation. Some embodiments include a subcutaneous cage assembly for helping to support the implant as the bone heals around it.
US09039764B2
The invention discloses a novel method of controlling the open circuit potential (OCP) of a medical implant by coupling it with small amounts of metals having a lower OCP than the implant. Coupling of Mg to less than 1% of the surface area of a titanium implant is shown to induce cathodic polarization of the titanium that inhibits cell proliferation at the surface of the implant. Mg—Ti coupling in medical devices promises to attenuate or eliminate potential complications of surgery such as peri-implantitis and bacterial infections at the site of implantation.
US09039758B2
A vascular bypass graft having a primary member and a secondary member is disclosed. The secondary member extends from a distal second end of the primary member and has a common fluid pathway there between. The secondary member may have a flared or diffused proximal first end that facilitates low pressure fluid return and may be integrally formed with the primary member. An adjustable or fixed stenosis is provided in the secondary member which allows the fluid flow through the vascular bypass graft to be modified. The stenosis may be adjusted either manually or by way of a controller. The primary member is surgically connected to a patient's vascular system to provide an alternate route for blood flow around a vascular occlusion. The secondary member is surgically connected to another point in the vascular system to allow continuous circulation of blood through the graft thereby preventing clotting and graft failure.
US09039745B2
A variable angle locking washer comprising a body having an outer surface circumferentially disposed between a top surface and a bottom surface, a central bore extending between the top and bottom surfaces, the central bore having a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, and a plurality of radial slots peripherally positioned along the body, each slot defining a channel that extends between the outer surface of the body and the central bore.
US09039741B2
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide pull-out resistance, stability and/or maximize contact with tissue involving a minimum amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are minimally invasive and include linear, lateral, and off-angle implantation or driving of anchors along, against or within tissue surfaces.
US09039740B2
A device for deploying a tissue fixation apparatus of the type including first and second tissue anchors coupled together by an adjustable suture assembly. The device comprises a handle mechanism and a needle cartridge assembly releasably coupled to the handle mechanism. The needle cartridge assembly includes a needle cannula with a side opening through which a tissue anchor can be loaded into an internal chamber of the needle cannula. A push rod is disposed in the needle cannula and is operable between an extended position in which the push rod prevents the tissue anchor from entering the chamber through the side opening, and a retracted configuration in which the tissue anchor can be pushed into the chamber under the action of a resilient band positioned over the side opening.
US09039730B1
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for regulating tourniquet cuff pressure based on a personalized tourniquet pressure (PTP) to facilitate safe performance of a surgical procedure. The apparatus includes a dual-purpose tourniquet cuff adapted to encircle a region of a patient limb to provide both a sensor during a pre-surgical time period and an effector during a surgical time period. An effector module communicates pneumatically with an inflatable bladder of the cuff for maintaining pressure in the bladder near a PTP during the surgical time period to safely stop penetration of arterial blood past the cuff. A pulsation sensor that communicates pneumatically with the inflatable bladder during the pre-surgical time period senses and characterizes pressure pulsations that are indicative of penetration of arterial blood into the region of the limb encircled by the cuff. A PTP estimator is responsive to the pulsation sensor for producing an estimate of the PTP, such that the estimate of the PTP is a function of the sensed pulsations.
US09039729B2
A combined multi-lumen central access catheter and an embolic filter, further comprising an imaging modality to facilitate intravascular imaging of the filter.
US09039727B2
The present invention provides a method of deploying a medical filter within a channel in a patient's body and filter systems which can be used in such a method. Such a filter may include a radially expandable body 52 having an opening 56 in a proximal length thereof. In one method, the filter is urged along a length of the channel with the filter body in a radially reduced configuration. This body is expanded to substantially fill the lumen of the vessel and orient the opening in the body proximally. Body fluid is permitted to enter the filter body through the proximally oriented opening and pass distally through the distal length of the body so that the distal length of the body filters from the body fluid particulate material entrained therein. The proximal length of the body can be drawn into the retrieval catheter, thereby effectively closing the proximally oriented opening within the catheter to retain the particulate material within the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the filter body 52 is formed of a porous, resilient fabric having pores therein and the proximal opening 56 is at least five times the size of such pores.
US09039725B1
A system for treating heart disease, such as pulmonary hypertension or right heart failure, including an implantable component and external components for monitoring the implantable component is provided. The implantable component may include a compliant member, e.g., balloon, coupled to a reservoir via a conduit. Preferably, the compliant member is adapted to be implanted in a pulmonary artery and the reservoir is adapted to be implanted subcutaneously. The external components may include a clinical controller component, monitoring software configured to run a clinician's computer, a patient monitoring device, and a mobile application configured to run on a patient's mobile device.
US09039719B2
The invention comprises a method for treating a prostate to alleviate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and other conditions. The method involves inserting a tool to create a small self-sealing puncture site through tissue to gain access to a portion of a prostate, inserting a probe though the puncture site into the prostate, activating the probe to treat the prostate, withdrawing the probe and inspecting a surgical site for a flow of urine or semen to determine whether a sufficient amount of prostate tissue has been treated, and inspecting for hemostasis. The method may also include delivering a luminally protective sheath before inserting any instruments, using a template to guide insertion of the probe, and delivery of tamponading balloons to assist with attainment of hemostasis after the coring procedure.
US09039718B2
A method and apparatus for treating ocular disorders such as blepharitis, meibomitis, and dry eye syndrome. The method includes using an electromechanical device to move a swab relative to the eye to create cyclical movement that impacts debris present at the eyelid margin and effectively removes the debris from the eye to encourage healing and prevent further digression of the health of the eye. The apparatus is an electromechanical device that includes a mechanical drive unit operatively connected to a swab to create a precise relative movement of the swab to the eye to remove debris present therein.
US09039717B2
Tissue management methods can include inserting a clamping device into a vessel and clamping a vessel wall via the clamping device. Tissue can be dilated about the clamping device and an anastomotic device provided to the vessel.
US09039710B2
A prosthetic inserter includes an inserter head having at least first and second bosses, at least one of the bosses movable from a first position to a second position, that couple the inserter to a femoral provisional component via a pair of corresponding apertures, such as drill holes, within the articulating surfaces of a selected one of a series of femoral provisional components. Each provisional component of the series is capable of having different aperture distances measured between a respective pair of apertures. The bosses of the inserter are biased into an engagement position in which the inserter can be secured to a femoral provisional component to eliminate the need for an external engagement force to be supplied to the inserter.
US09039706B2
The present application discloses embodiments related to an external bone fixation device configured to correct bone deformities or repair bone injuries. The device can include a plurality of bases configured to be attached to portions of a bone and a plurality of struts configured to be adjustable in length to change the position and orientation of the plurality of bases and the attached bone portions.
US09039702B2
Described here are devices, systems and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter which may comprise a fistula-forming element. The fistula-forming element may comprise one or more electrodes, mechanical cutting elements, laser sources, or combinations thereof, and may be used to assist in fistula formation. In some instances, a system may comprise a second catheter, which may comprise a fistula-forming element. One or more of the catheters may comprise one or more markers, magnetic alignment elements, and/or one shape-changing elements.
US09039701B2
System and methods are shown having a tube-within-tube assembly with a deployable curved deflectable tube or cannula that deploys from a straight cannula or trocar. The curved cannula has a pre-curved distal end to create an angular range of 0° to 180° when fully deployed from the straight trocar. The curve is configured such that the flexible element carrying a treatment device can navigate through the angular range of deployment of the curved cannula. The curved cannula allows the flexible element to navigate through a curve within bone without veering off towards an unintended direction.
US09039693B2
A system includes a microwave signal generator and a medical device. The medical device includes a handle assembly, a microwave-signal-amplifying module, and a probe. The microwave-signal-amplifying module includes a microwave amplifier unit. The microwave amplifier unit is adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal. The microwave amplifier unit is disposed within the handle assembly. The probe extends distally from the distal end of the handle assembly and is operably coupled to an output of the microwave-signal-amplifying module.
US09039689B2
A cryosurgical instrument including: a core, a cryogen delivery tube, a cryogen return tube, and a shaft surrounding the core and the tubes. The shaft has a pointed distal end and a proximal end adapted and configured to receive an inflow of cryogen and to exhaust a flow of expanded cryogen. The cryogen delivery tube and the cryogen return tube both have respective helical portions that spiral around the core. The helical portions of the tubes are in fluid tight contact with the core and an inner surface of the shaft. The helical portions of the tubes spiral about the core in an alternating arrangement such that they alternate along a length of the core. The core and the helical portions of the delivery tube and the return tube comprise centrifugal phase separators.
US09039683B2
A bone fixation system is provided. The bone fixation system may include a plate, one or more fasteners configured to attach the plate to a target anatomical location such as bone, and a surgical device that facilitates the attachment of the plate and the fasteners.
US09039677B2
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for treating obesity. A tube is positioned that passes through a patient's abdominal wall into the upper digestive system of the patient. The patient is allowed to carry out his/her everyday affairs including ingesting food. After the patient has ingested food, the food is extracted by pumping it out of the upper digestive system through the tube. The present invention is less invasive than current surgical procedures for reducing weight and allows patients to live a normal and active lifestyle without experiencing adverse side effects.
US09039675B2
An I.V. infusion or blood collection apparatus comprises an I.V. infusion set (100) and a safety shield (200). The I.V. infusion set has a wing body (105) from which a pair of wings (140) extend outward there from and a grip (145) extending upward there from. One end of the wing body mounts a needle (120) or catheter and medical tubing (130) is connected to the opposite end. The wing body includes a bore so that fluid flows between the needle and the medical tubing. A safety shield has a top, a bottom and opposing side walls and defines a cavity (227) that is adapted to receive the I.V. infusion set. The safety shield has slots (250) in each of the side walls and a slot (255) in the top. The respective wings and grip are adapted to be positioned in the slots and to slidably move therein. The slot in the top includes a lock that is adapted to receive the grip so that when the needle is retracted into the cavity; the grip is permanently captured therein, thus locking the needle in the fully retracted safety position.
US09039672B2
A coupling component is disclosed for transmitting medical substances, comprising two channels for conveyance of medical substances in two substantially opposite directions and a means for releasable connection to a second coupling component having a further channel for creating a coupling. The connecting means is a thread. A method for conveying medical substances to and from a container is also disclosed.
US09039671B2
An absorbent pad and an absorbent article configured that engagement members are arranged at both corners of a ventral-side portion and a back-side portion on an outer sheet of the absorbent pad; a waist band including a belt-shaped body with hook materials and engagement portions attached to both end portions thereof, first and second ventral-side engagement portions across which the engagement members at the ventral-side portion of the absorbent pad are engaged, and first and second back-side engagement portions across which the engagement members at the back-side portion of the absorbent pad are engaged; and hook materials capable of engaging with the engagement members of the absorbent pad are attached to internal surfaces of the first and second ventral-side engagement portions and the first and second back-side engagement portions.
US09039669B1
An absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline, a front region, a crotch region, and a back region. The absorbent article has a main portion, a side portion, and a waist portion. The waist portion has a belt portion that has a front belt portion having elastomeric material and a back belt portion having elastomeric material. The front belt portion has a first elastic section and a second elastic section, each section having force zones. The back belt portion has a third elastic section and a fourth elastic section, each section having force zones. The force zones in the portions alternate between a high force zone and a low force zone in at least one belt portion.
US09039661B2
A tube unit for the enteral feeding of a patient, with a tube segment that extends along at least a segment of the axial direction (S), and a retention device on the distal end of the tube segment, which extends in at least one direction radially to axial direction (S) beyond the distal end of the tube segment in an extended position and which has a smaller diameter in an elongated position, in which the retention device is elongated along axial direction (S). The retention device moves from an extended position into the elongated position is supported by a control device.
US09039659B2
A delivery system for delivering fluidic media to a user having a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from a first housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion configured to be slidable relative to each other to operatively engage each other; and a fluid connector supported by one the housing portions in a position to engage a reservoir supported by an other of the housing portions in a case where the first housing portion and the second housing portion are slid relative to each other to operatively engage each other.
US09039658B2
A medical catheter assembly including either a reinforced balloon bolster or the combination of a balloon bolster and a wire-basket bolster. According to one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a low-profile replacement PEG device comprising a feeding tube, an external bolster, an end cap and an internal bolster. The internal bolster comprises a first expandable structure and a second expandable structure. In one embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure comprises reinforcing members. In another embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure is a wire basket bolster. The feeding tube has a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen, extending parallel longitudinally. The external bolster is fixed to the external end of the feeding tube and has a feeding lumen aligned with that of the tube and an inflation lumen aligned with that of the tube.
US09039654B2
A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit and a separate indicator unit. The patient attachment unit includes a housing and a fluid channel located therein, wherein at least a portion of the fluid channel includes a flexible member substantially coterminous with the housing. The separate indicator unit is adapted to be detachably coupled to the housing of the patient attachment unit and includes a first sensing element for contacting the flexible member when the indicator unit is coupled to the housing to sense a flexure of the flexible member.
US09039653B2
A system for retaining a fluid delivery device, the fluid delivery device may include a reservoir and a plunger arm operatively connected to a plunger head arranged for movement within the reservoir, the plunger arm having an arm portion operatively engageable with a drive member configured to move the plunger arm and the plunger head when the plunger arm and the plunger head are connected to the drive member. The system may include a rigid member arranged for movement and a bias member configured to urge the rigid member toward the plunger arm to force the plunger arm against the drive member to operatively engage the plunger arm to the drive member.
US09039639B2
An external ear canal pressure regulation device including a fluid flow generator and an earpiece having a first axial earpiece conduit fluidicly coupled to the fluid flow generator, whereby the earpiece has a compliant earpiece external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure.
US09039632B2
A portable VOG device is disclosed that will facilitate the effective and efficient screening for TBI in military personnel in forward deployed military settings or remote locations using minimally trained staff. This includes the establishment of a protocol including optokinetic testing that will provide cost effective pre-screening of military personnel prior to deployment to establish a baseline of brain function prior to possible future injury. The efficiency of the device will promote subsequent follow-up screening to assess the effectiveness of prescribed TBI treatment. Further protocols for diagnosis and rehabilitation applications using the same device will allow more advanced usage for clinicians providing ongoing evaluation and treatment.
US09039631B2
A portable VOG device is disclosed that will facilitate the effective and efficient screening for TBI in military personnel in forward deployed military settings or remote locations using minimally trained staff. This includes the establishment of a protocol that will provide cost effective pre-screening of military personnel prior to deployment to establish a baseline of brain function prior to possible future injury. The efficiency of the device will promote subsequent follow-up screening to assess the effectiveness of prescribed TBI treatment. Further protocols for diagnosis and rehabilitation applications using the same virtual reality portable device will allow more advanced usage for clinicians providing ongoing evaluation and treatment.
US09039628B2
A touch-sensitive display apparatus includes a multi-touch screen, a processor, and a network unit. The processor controls the apparatus to enter a pulse rate measuring mode, records the number of the touched touch points in each scanning period, and determines a curve according to all the recorded numbers within a preset period, the number of wave crests of the curve, and pulse rates per minute according to the number of the wave crests. A related method is also provided.
US09039623B2
In one embodiment, the invention is directed to an ultrasound transducer whose holding device moves along a guide track while the transducer on the end of the holding device oscillates about a known position during ultrasound transmission and receiving. In this embodiment, most refractive eye components including zonules and their connection points can be imaged.
US09039620B2
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which forms a three-dimensional bloodstream image by reference to volume data obtained from a three-dimensional space within a living organism. A modified maximum value detection method is applied along each ray. Search of a maximum value is sequentially executed from a search start point, and at a time point when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, a maximum value which is being detected at this time point is regarded as a specific maximum value. The specific maximum value is then converted into a pixel value. The specific maximum value is a first peak and is specified even if a higher peak exists after the first peak. A three-dimensional bloodstream image is formed by a plurality of pixel values. In a portion of the three-dimensional bloodstream image in which two bloodstreams cross each other, a bloodstream located on the front side is preferentially displayed.
US09039619B2
A method and system for ultrasound treatment of skin laxity are provided. Methods and systems can include ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, delivering ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and/or monitoring the treatment area to assess the results and/or provide feedback. The exemplary treatment method and system can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal and deep dermal components of tissue.
US09039616B2
An invention is disclosed for locating a region of interest (ROI) in the radius. A method and apparatus are disclosed that use a pair of ultrasound transducers for ultrasound assessment of various properties of bone. The invention includes positioning the transducers on the anterior-posterior (dorsal and ventral) sides of a forearm of an individual. The positioning is based on the forearm length, and a selected percentage of this length at which the ROI is desired. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the ROI is defined as the ⅓rd location. An arm is placed in an ultrasound fixture which has a first surface, a second surface with a raised portion against which the ulna styloid process is placed, and a third surface on which the elbow is placed. The distance between the raised portion of the second surface and the centerlines of the pair of ultrasound transducers is adjustable. The positioning so obtained leads to the ability to make both (i) reproducible measurements and (ii) to be able to compare the results obtained in one person with another, because relatively analogous portions of the radii are assessed in both. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a single transducer is positioned similarly on the forearm, operating in pulse-echo mode.
US09039612B2
A coiling parameterization tool includes a processor and a display for displaying values of lumen volume, packing and coiling parameters for filling a lumen in relation to a desired packing. The processor is configured to detect a change in one of the displayed values and, in response to the change, to automatically evaluate, change and display remaining values displayed on the display.
US09039611B2
Laparoscopic instruments and cannulas are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the C-shaped trocar sleeves or through the cannula and instrument holder unit provide markedly improved degrees of instruments' freedom during trans-umbilical laparoscopic procedures.
US09039610B2
A surgical access assembly for positioning within an opening in tissue including an outer frame positionable outside a patient and defining an opening therein dimensioned to receive a surgical instrument therethrough. The outer frame includes first and second portions. The first portion is biased into locking engagement with the second portion such that a first engagement structure is in locking engagement with a second engagement structure. An inner member is positionable within a patient and a flexible member extends between the inner member and outer member and is operatively associated with the outer member. The first portion is movable to overcome the bias to move the first and second engagement structures to a disengaged position, wherein in the disengaged position at least one of the first and second portions is movable with respect to the other portion to adjust the tension on the flexible member to retract tissue.
US09039608B2
In a robotic endoscope system, the orientation of a captured camera view at a distal tip of a robotic endoscope and displayed on a screen viewable by an operator of the endoscope is automatically maintained at a roll orientation associated with a setpoint so as not to disorient the operator as the endoscope is moved, flexed and its tip turned in different orientations. A processor generates a current commanded state of the tip from operator input and modifies it to maintain the setpoint roll orientation. To generate the modified current commanded state, the current commanded roll position and velocity are constrained to be a modified current commanded roll position and velocity that have been modified according to a roll angular adjustment indicated by a prior process period commanded state of the tip and the setpoint. The processor then commands the robotic endoscope to be driven to the modified commanded state.
US09039603B2
A propulsion apparatus for an endoscope includes a propulsion assembly for mounting on a tip device of the endoscope, for propulsion in a body cavity. First and second wire devices are disposed to extend from the tip device in a proximal direction, having a coil winding, for rotating to drive the propulsion assembly. First and second motors are connected with proximal ends of respectively the first and second wire devices, for rotating the first and second wire devices. A timer is actuated if a speed difference between rotational speeds of the first and second motors becomes equal to or more than a reference speed value, for measuring an elapsed time. A break detector detects breakage of the first wire device if the elapsed time becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined time. A controller controls the first and second motors in response to an output of the break detector.
US09039601B2
A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.
US09039600B2
Collection of biological fluids. At least some of the example embodiments are polymeric sleeves including: an elongate body that defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal central axis; a main passageway through the elongate body parallel to the central axis, the main passageway extends from the first end to the second end, and the main passageway defines a first aperture on the first end and a second aperture on the second end; a first member suspended over the first aperture on the first end, the first member defines a first initial passageway parallel to the main passageway, and the first member and first end define an interior volume; and a first vent opening defined in part by the first member, the first vent opening distinct from the passageways, and the first vent opening fluidly couples the interior volume to atmosphere pressure.
US09039595B2
The present invention generally relates to a control system for a rotary blood pump adapted to move blood in a patient. The control system comprises a means for measuring and varying the speed of the pump and a means for measuring the pulsatility index of a patient, and the control system is adapted to maintain the pulsatility index at or near a predetermined value by varying the speed of the pump. The pulsatility index is derived from the amplitude of the actual pump speed over a predetermined time period. Optionally, also, the control system can calculate the second derivative of instantaneous speed of the rotary blood pump and use the calculation of the second derivative of instantaneous speed to detect a suction event, and help prevent it.
US09039585B2
An exercise machine includes a frame, a pivotable body support assembly, a lifting mechanism in parallel linear engagement with the frame, and a counter balance assembly connected to the body support assembly, wherein the body support assembly is pivotable from a downward position to a top position. The lifting mechanism includes a foot plate, an ankle pad, and a foot pad. The lifting mechanism also includes a lifting assist mechanism, such as a spring or gas shock. The counter balance assembly partially balances a body weight of a user as the body support assembly is pivoted from the downward position to the top position. A method of using an exercise machine includes stepping onto the foot plate and securing the back of a user's foot against the ankle pad, releasing the lift assist mechanism, and bringing the foot plate to the toe pad.
US09039577B2
An elliptical treadmill has a main framework, guiding wheel set, rocker bar, upper connecting rod, pedal assembly and a crank set. Of which, the crank sets are fitted with first and second swinging arms arranged in pair at interval. The top of the first and second swinging arms is fixed by two pin joint members separately onto preset spaced locations of the upper connecting rod. The bottom of said first swinging arm is pivoted on the front side of the pedal linked to the lower connecting rod, while the bottom of said second swinging arm is pivoted on the rear side of the pedal. When the upper connecting rod shifts circumferentially along the rotary guiding wheel, the first and second swinging arms could swing by taking the pin joint member as a rotary pivot, increasing the swinging range and the step pitch during rotary shift of the pedal assembly.
US09039571B2
Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine system with a variable cam timing device. In one example, the variable cam timing device is operated to adjust engine valve timing differently at engine stop based on whether the engine stop is in response to an operator request or in response to an automatic controller initiated engine stop without an operator request.
US09039564B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
US09039558B2
An electric vehicle driving system includes an energy-storage apparatus (1), a first motor (2), a speed regulating motor (3) and a single row planetary mechanism. Said first motor (2) and said speed regulating motor (3) are connected electrically to the energy-storage apparatus (1). The single row planetary mechanism includes a sun gear (4), a gear ring (5) and a planetary carries (6) with planetary gears (7). The planetary gears (7) in the planetary carrier (6) mesh the gear ring (5) and the sun gear (4) separately. The output axle of the first motor (2) is connected to the gear ring (5), and the output axle of the speed regulating motor (3) is connected to the sun gear (4) by a brake (8). The invention takes the speed regulating motor and the single row planetary mechanism instead of the gearbox in a transmission driving system, and achieves a simple and compact structure, easy assemble, light weight, and low manufacturing cost. With the speed regulation of the speed regulating motor, the first motor works in high efficiency speed range, which increases energy utilization rate and endurance mileage.
US09039549B2
A hockey-stick blade includes a heel region, a toe region spaced longitudinally from the heel region, and a mid-region located between the heel region and the toe region. The toe region includes one or more reinforcing elements, optionally of different lengths, located at different vertical positions within the toe region. The blade further includes a hosel that optionally is tailored to substantially match the strength and stiffness characteristics of an attached or integral hockey-stick shaft. The mid-region of the blade exhibits improved feel and flexibility characteristics due to the increased stiffness in the toe region.
US09039547B2
A sports simulation robot for playing games and drills on a standard court or field during which the robot will simulate the competitive play of a human opponent with specific playing characteristics such as strategy, physicality, playing style and skill level. The robot is small enough and light enough to be easily stored, transported and deployed; has a ball storage device for retrieving, storing and dispensing the balls; can reload the balls into the ball storage device by catching them or by autonomously reloading them; has a ball firing system that is compact, lightweight and efficient, that can generate the shot dynamics that the corresponding human opponent would be capable of generating; has a drive system that makes it capable of moving around the court at speeds that are comparable to the speed of the human opponent that is being simulated; has the ability to call shots In or Out, keep the score, provide coaching, and keeps a record over time of the player's performance against different categories of simulated opponents.
US09039538B2
A ball-detent torque-limiting assembly has breakout means for maintaining an axial separation distance between opposing pocketed surfaces of the assembly once the primary balls of the assembly have rolled out of their pockets, wherein the axial separation distance maintained by the breakout means is at least as great as the diameter of the balls. The breakout means may include a plurality of secondary balls deployed in a breakout event. The breakout means assumes the axially directed spring load that urges the opposing pocketed surfaces together, thereby preventing the primary balls from entering and exiting the pockets in quick and violent succession following breakout and avoiding damage to the torque-limiting assembly. The torque-limiting assembly is resettable by counter-rotation following a breakout event.
US09039536B2
Systems and methods for a flexible, dynamically configurable, process of connecting together modules or elements of a hybrid game having an entertainment game component and a gambling game component over a network. The systems and methods enable the modules or elements of the hybrid game to dynamically connect, and then perform their functions, without having to be pre-compiled or integrated. Such systems and methods dynamically bring together modules or elements to create a gaming environment in conjunction with a game of skill in the context of a networked gaming environment, such as a communication network within a casino, or a wide area network, such as the Internet.
US09039534B2
In accordance with at least one embodiment, a gaming system is operable to determine a first gaming device being operated by a player and select a second gaming device to be controlled, via the first gaming device, by the player. In some embodiments, the gaming system is further operable to configure the second gaming device to be controlled via an interface of the first gaming device.
US09039529B2
Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels displayed onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The gaming machine also includes a display system for displaying video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also includes a light piping material positioned in front of the curved transparent material for illumination of the display. The gaming machine may further include light piping material placed in front of speakers associated with the gaming machine for illumination of the speakers. The illumination of the display or speakers may be synchronized with sound.
US09039527B2
A broadcasting method for broadcasting images with augmented motion data, which may utilize a system having at least one camera, a computer and a wireless communication interface. The system obtains data from motion capture elements, analyzes data and optionally stores data in database for use in broadcasting applications, virtual reality applications and/or data mining. The system also recognizes at least one motion capture data element associated with a user or piece of equipment, and receives data associated with the motion capture element via the wireless communication interface. The system also enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings, compliance, ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed, for example on a map or timeline or both. Furthermore, the system enables performance related equipment fitting and purchase.
US09039523B2
A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system is configured to establish a secure communication session between an electronic gaming machine and a portable electronic device. The system can confirm that a communication session is secure by displaying pre-selected content unique to the portable electronic device. The content can be continuously displayed on the EGM during the active communication session to indicate that the session is secure.
US09039516B2
Some implementations allow a player to control multiple gaming machines involved in a concurrent gaming session by interacting with only one of the machines. For example, a patron may be able to provide credit and/or user input for all gaming machines that are involved in a concurrent gaming session by interacting with only one gaming machine. A patron may be able to provide a player tracking card to only one gaming machine, but may obtain player loyalty points for all participating machines. A coordinated game presentation may be provided for some or all of the gaming machines. Game outcomes of two or more gaming machines may be combined to produce an outcome that could not be produced by an individual gaming machine.
US09039515B2
A gaming system including at least one gaming machine enabling a player to select at least one of a plurality of different selectable side bets. A side bet controller maintaining at least one side bet. A side bet revenue manager configured to communicate with the gaming machine and side bet controller to accept and track fund data associated with a side bet from the gaming machine; transfer fund data to the side bet controller; accept and track fund data from the side bet controller; and transfer fund data to the gaming device.
US09039513B2
Systems, gaming machines, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed. One method includes receiving player input to activate a primary game; activating the primary game; presenting the activated game on a single screen of a video display, the activated game comprising a primary game displaying one or more game icons in various locations on a main screen of the video display and upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the primary game appears to animate at least one of the displayed game icons and move one or more wild icons about the main screen of the video display over one or more of the game icons, and randomly replacing one or more of the game icons with the one or more wild icons; determining whether the resulting combination of game icons and wild icons form any winning combinations; and awarding a single game payout for the primary game.
US09039509B2
Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may utilize bingo mapping gaming options. The systems and methods may include bingo mapping functionality in a Class II environment.
US09039500B2
An air passage device for installation into a mounting opening (50) in a wall (51) for components generating waste heat, such as a switch box, includes a base housing (21; 221) with a fan support (25) and a design cover (80; 280), wherein the design cover (80; 280) has on an air inlet side a covering device (100) constructed as a fan grid (10; 210) with sheet elements (90, 90′; 290, 290′). At least one swivellable sheet element (90) or at least one flexible, tongue-shaped side wall section (235), separated from the remaining side wall surface by slits (332, 333) running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the side wall, is formed in the region of the upper side wall of the design cover (80; 280) facing away from the swivel axis (26; 226) for swivelling the design cover (80; 280), wherein the sheet element (90) and the tongue-shaped side wall section (235) are formed between the design cover (80; 280) and the base housing (21; 221) as a detachable and lockable detent connection (40; 240), that can be operated by a finger.
US09039494B1
A multi-rod hand-held sharpener includes a handle with an outer grip surface for a hand of a user, a first abrasive rod having a first outer abrasive surface with a first abrasiveness level, and a second abrasive rod having a second outer abrasive surface with a second abrasiveness level different from the first abrasiveness level. At least one guide surface extends toward the first sharpening surface at a selected guide angle non-orthogonal to the first sharpening surface. The user contactingly engages a side of the tool against the guide surface and a cutting edge of the tool against the first abrasive surface, and then advances the side of the tool away from the guide surface and the cutting edge against the first abrasive surface while maintaining the tool at the selected guide angle. An optional second guide adjacent the second abrasive surface at a different angle facilitates micro-beveling.
US09039487B2
Particularly, a thin-film solar cell panel or the like is processed without necessity of attaching and detaching of mask and washing steps with respect to a workpiece in a fine blasting employing a fine abrasive.A negative pressure space (20) and an opposing negative pressure space (40) having openings (22, 42) are opposed by being spaced at a movement allowable interval of the workpiece such as a thin-film solar cell panel or the like and so as to face one side edge in the same direction as a moving direction of the workpiece. Further, a fine abrasive is injected while relatively moving the workpiece in a moving direction (T) with respect to a blast gun (30) in which an injection hole (31) is disposed within the negative pressure space (20), and the fine abrasive injected into the negative pressure space (20) and/or the opposing negative pressure space (40) and a cut and removed cut scrap such as a thin film layer or the like are sucked and recovered through the intermediary of suction devices (21a, 21b) and/or an opposing suction device (41) respectively communicating with the spaces (20) and/or (40).
US09039482B2
A toy apparatus and method for interactive communication between a cellphone and a toy apparatus is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided, the method including: transmitting by the cellphone at least one signal; receiving by the toy apparatus the at least one signal; analyzing by the toy apparatus the at least one signal; determining by the toy apparatus at least one response to the at least one signal; and producing by the toy apparatus the at least one response.
US09039471B1
An air vent that passes from the deck of a surfboard through to its bottom. The vent may have a wide variety of shapes. The trailing boundary of the vent's lower portion is preferably inclined forward toward the surfboard's nose. The inclination serves to prevent water flowing upward. Instead, air is entrained by the water flowing across the vent's bottom exit and pulled downward. A portion of the entrained air flows rearward out of the bottom exit along the surfboard's bottom. This entrained air forms an air film between the board's bottom and the surrounding water, thereby reducing friction.
US09039467B2
The invention relates to an electrical contact device and, in particular, a crimp contact device for a cable. The crimp contact device includes a cable conductor connection region and a cable insulation crimp region. The cable insulation crimp region includes a fixing device disposed along an inner surface thereof.
US09039463B2
A connector includes one contact terminal including a contact portion to be in contact with an other contact terminal and a connecting portion to be connected to an electric wire, and a housing including a housing hole formed therein to house the contact portion of the one contact terminal. The one contact terminal contacts with the other contact terminal by inserting the other contact terminal into the housing hole, and the contact portion of the one contact terminal is housed in the housing hole so as to be movable in a direction of intersecting with the insertion direction of the other contact terminal into the housing hole.
US09039461B2
An electrical connector includes a metal body and an insulation body received in the metal body and having therein first terminals and second terminals. Each first and second terminal has a connecting segment extending outward and a bent formed on a distal end of the connecting segment.
US09039456B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, at least one conductive contact, a limiting element and a fastening element. The insulative housing defines an upper first receiving passage and a lower second receiving passage spaced from the first receiving passage along an up-to-down direction by a horizontal first partition wall, and a first restriction section and a second restriction section. The at least one conductive contact is received in the first and second receiving passages, and partially received in the first restriction section and the second restriction section. The limiting element is received in the second restriction section. The fastening element is received in the second receiving passage and located below the limiting element to cooperate with the limiting element to fasten the at least one conductive contact with the insulative housing. The fastening element defines at least one contact-restriction section in at least on sidewall thereof.
US09039454B2
In a busbar module for connecting a plurality of batteries of a battery unit, the batteries are arranged so that electrodes of each of the batteries having different polarities are disposed adjacent to each other. The busbar module includes a plurality of busbars, a plurality of terminals, a plurality of wires, a plurality of plates and a connector. The busbars connect the electrodes adjacent to each other. The terminals are connected to the busbars respectively to detect a voltage of the batteries. The wires are connected to the terminals respectively. The plates accommodate the busbar, the terminals and the wires, and provided above the battery unit. The connector connects the plates together.
US09039453B2
An electrical connector includes a body, a trace, a terminal, and an engaging element. The body includes a recessed groove. The trace includes a first contact portion and a connection segment. The first contact portion is formed on a surface of the body and connected to the connection segment. The connection segment is formed on an inner surface of the recessed groove. The terminal is supported by the body and comprises a second contact portion. The terminal is partially exposed in the recessed groove and the second contact portion extends out of the body. The engaging element is provided in the recessed groove and electrically connect the connection segment and the terminal.
US09039446B2
A coaxial cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to an electrical device includes a body, a threaded fitting, and an alignment mechanism carried and compressed between the body and the fitting so as to exert an axial force against the fitting to maintain electrical contact between the fitting and the body. The body of the connector includes an outer barrel formed with an inner compression band, and a compression collar carried on the outer barrel and formed with an inner compression band. In response to compression of the connector by a compression tool, the inner and outer compression bands deform and move from an uncompressed condition to a compressed condition crimped onto the coaxial cable so as to securely apply the connector to the coaxial cable.
US09039439B2
An interconnect device includes a contact assembly having a carrier holding an array of conductors configured to provide an electrical path between first and second electrical components. The interconnect device includes a frame defining a receiving space configured to receive the first electrical component therein. The frame includes corner frames configured to engage the first electrical component to locate the first electrical component within the receiving space. Each of the corner frames includes a base and an engagement member configured to engage the first electrical component as the first electrical component is received into the receiving space. The engagement member is configured to be resiliently deflected toward the base in a compliance direction via engagement with the first electrical component. Opposing spring beams mechanically connect the engagement member to the base. The spring beams are configured to spread apart from each other as the engagement member is deflected in the compliance direction.
US09039431B2
A lockout device configured to be lockingly secured to an external structure includes a housing defining an opening sized to receive the external structure, at least one gripping member disposed within the housing and positioned to receive the external structure, and a driving member assembled with the housing. The at least one gripping member is movable in an axial direction between a first position in which internal surfaces of the housing urge the at least one gripping member into gripping engagement with the external structure, and a second position in which the internal surfaces of the housing allow the at least one gripping member to expand to release the external structure. The driving member is operatively connected with the at least one gripping member for movement of the at least one gripping member between the first and second positions.
US09039429B2
A wire-to-board connector includes a plug attached to an electric wire and a receptacle mounted on a substrate. The plug and receptacle are formed by bending a metal plate. The electric wire is electrically connected to the substrate by fitting the plug with the receptacle. The receptacle includes an accommodating section formed in a tubular shape. The plug includes an insertion section to be inserted into the accommodating section. The insertion section has a claw and the accommodating section has an engaging surface. By inserting the insertion section into the accommodating section, the claw is engaged with the engaging surface and the plug is fitted with the receptacle. The claw and the engaging surface are configured so as to prevent a pull-out force acted on the electric wire from acting to disengage the engaged state between the claw and the engaging surface.
US09039427B2
An interdigitated chip capacitor (“IDC”) assembly including an IDC having a semiconductor block with a top portion, a bottom portion opposite the top portion, a plurality of sidewall portions extending between the top and bottom portions, and a plurality of terminals located on the sidewall portions; and a substrate having a top portion with a plurality of generally flat, vertically extending, nonconductive abutment surfaces thereon, the sidewall portions of the IDC being abuttingly engaged with at least some of the plurality of abutment surfaces.
US09039424B2
The present invention provides a DIN jack including a dielectric shroud defining a closed entry lead-in that helps prevent damage caused by a bent or misaligned signal pin of a mating DIN plug without adversely affecting the performance of the DIN connector. The present invention also provides a board lock feature that may be used to hold a DIN jack securely to a circuit board during the manufacturing process.
US09039414B2
According to one embodiment, a dental implant system for implanting a dental implant in bone tissue using an implant drill driver includes a shank and a drill guide. The shank is removably coupleable to the implant drill driver and includes an internal passage that has a non-round cross-sectional shape. When coupled to the implant drill driver, the shank is rotatable via operation of the implant drill driver. The drill guide pin includes a bone penetrating end portion and a shank engagement portion. The shank engagement portion includes a notched section having a non-round cross-sectional shape corresponding with the non-round cross-sectional shape of the internal passage of the shank. The notched section of the shank engagement portion is insertable within the internal passage of the shank. Moreover, engagement between the notched section and the internal passage facilitates co-rotation of the shank and drill guide pin.
US09039403B2
An extrusion line for the production of peroxide cross-linked polyethylene pipes includes a cross-linking oven (5, 13) having an actuated deflection roller (7). The cross-linking oven has a first heating section (A) that extends from an inlet to said deflection roller (7) and a second heating section (B) that extends from said deflection roller to an outlet. An element is provided for adjusting a height of the deflection roller (7) and an angle of the first and second heating sections (A, B) relative to a horizontal plane.
US09039402B2
There is provided an imprinting apparatus that transfers a pattern of a mold to a resin on a substrate, the imprinting apparatus including a deposition mechanism configured to deposit the resin onto the substrate; a first driving mechanism configured to change a relative position, on a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate, of the substrate and the mold; a second driving mechanism configured to change the relative position, on a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate, of the substrate and the deposition mechanism; and a control unit configured to control the deposition mechanism and the driving mechanism so as to perform a resin deposition process of depositing the resin onto the substrate and an imprint process of transferring the pattern of the mold to the resin on the substrate in parallel.
US09039398B2
An internal gear pump includes a ring gear and a pinion configured to mesh with the ring gear. The ring gear and pinion delimit a pump chamber extending from a suction region to a pressure region. The internal gear pump also includes an axial disk arranged on front faces of the ring gear and the pinion and includes a lubricant feed from the suction region between the axial disk and the ring gear and pinion. The lubricant feed includes a lubricant channel which passes through the axial disk. A wedge gap is delimited between the axial disk and the ring gear and pinion. The wedge gap communicates with the suction region and, when the ring gear and the pinion are driven in rotation, a lubricating film forms between the axial disk and the ring gear and pinion.
US09039396B2
A compressor is provided and may include a shell, a motor assembly, a drive shaft, a first compression mechanism, and a second compression mechanism. The motor assembly may be disposed within the shell. The drive shaft may be powered by the motor assembly. The first compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be driven by the motor assembly. The second compression mechanism may be driven by the motor assembly.
US09039389B2
A pump system containing no external parts or valves is provided. The pump system is characterized by a common type of actuating mechanism and incorporates reversibly expanding actuators, preferably electroactive actuators. Fluid is caused to move at a selected flow rate and direction by sequentially activating contiguous actuators located inside the pump. The pump may be used to pump a variety of fluids and may be used in various industrial, commercial, medical, aeronautical, or military applications.
US09039388B2
A compressor has a rotational driver in a hermetic container, a rotational shaft coupled to the rotation driver, and a compression mechanism coupled to the rotational shaft to inhale and compress refrigerant. In addition, a first bearing fixed to the compression mechanism supports the rotational shaft, and a second bearing is separated from the first bearing on the rotational shaft. The gap between the shaft and the first bearing is set to control a gap between the shaft and the second bearing.
US09039386B2
A tire inflation system including a drive mechanism having a rotational axis, a pump cavity positioned a radial distance away from the axis of rotation, and a force translator coupling the rotational axis to the pump cavity. The drive mechanism includes a cam comprising an arcuate bearing surface having a non-uniform curvature, the cam rotatable about the rotational axis, and an eccentric mass couple to the cam that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis. The pump cavity is rotatably coupled to the cam, wherein the pump cavity includes an actuating element and a chamber. The force translator couples the arcuate bearing surface to the actuating element, wherein the force translator includes an axis having an arcuate position fixed to an arcuate position of the pump cavity.
US09039355B2
An actuator system mounted to a gas turbine engine that communicates mechanical power for positioning variable guide vanes within the gas turbine engine. The actuator system includes a torque box having components for communicating mechanical power to the variable guide vanes for positioning the vanes and an actuator mechanically coupled to provide mechanical power to the components of the torque box used to communicate the provided mechanical power to the inlet guide vanes. The actuator is mounted to the torque box via a plurality of bolts.
US09039350B2
The present application provides an impingement cooling system for use with a contoured surface. The impingement cooling system may include an impingement plenum and an impingement plate with a linear shape facing the contoured surface. The impingement surface may include a number of projected area thereon with a number of impingement holes having varying sizes and varying spacings.
US09039349B2
A turbocompressor for use with a process fluid and including an axial expansion turbine for expanding the process fluid and a centrifugal compressor for compressing the process fluid. The turbine and compressor share a common shaft, all of which can be housed by a common housing that encloses sealed spaces. The axial expansion turbine has a rotor located between two main bearings, and the centrifugal compressor includes an impeller mounted to one end of the shaft. In one embodiment, the main bearings are lubricated by a portion of the process fluid so that the only fluid in the sealed spaces is the process fluid. The turbocompressor can be used in a power-cycle system that includes a heat source and, optionally, an electrical generator.
US09039344B1
A connector device enables universal compatibility and interchangeability between any work tool accessory having a boom feature and any skid steer loader as well as controlled support of the work tool accessory. The connector device also prevents machine instability issues.
US09039341B2
A wheelchair lift mounted on the rear of an automobile for transporting a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility device includes two or more sets of sensors. A first set of sensors is located at the distal ends of the wheelchair lift platform for use when the platform is horizontal. A 2nd set of sensors is located on the base of the wheelchair lift for use when the platform is folded vertically. The sensors alert a driver to the presence of objects in close proximity to the rear of the vehicle when driven in reverse. They switch automatically activates the base sensors when the platform is folded and the platform sensors when the platform is horizontal.
US09039336B2
The invention relates to a multi-blade solid carbide drill for cutting high-strength sandwich materials. The tool comprises a shaft section and an adjoining cutting part, into which a number of chip flutes that corresponds to the number of main blades is incorporated. In order to reinforce the curvature of the resulting chip, the chip flute of the drill comprises a chip flute rib in the region of the chip formation zone, said rib protruding from the chip flute surface and having a substantially wave-shaped cross-section (28), and said rib dividing the chip flute into two sections, a first chip flute section (30) forming the cutting rake and a second chip flute (32) forming the chip flute runout.
US09039335B2
A cutting insert includes a first surface having a first rake surface, a second surface having a second rake surface, a central axis of the insert extending between the first and second surfaces, four side surfaces extending between the first surface and the second surface, and four cutting edges. Each cutting edge has a first cutting edge component and a second cutting edge component and being associated with a respective one of the first and second surfaces and with two respective ones of the side surfaces. The first rake surface is identical to the second rake surface and the first rake surface and the second rake surface are oriented at a 90° angle to each other about the central axis of the insert.
US09039329B2
A pipeline insertion system may include an insertion device outside a tunnel that includes an insertion device frame and a movable clamp device in slidable engagement with the insertion device frame. A drive may cause the movable clamp device engaged with a pipeline to move between a first position and a second position along the frame. Inside the tunnel, the system may also include a plurality of support frames remote from the insertion device and remote from each other which support the pipeline on bearings as the pipeline is pushed (or pulled) by the insertion device through the bores of a plurality of housing segments mounted in the tunnel. A controller is operative to control the drive and the movable clamp device responsive to transducers which measure pipeline slippage, thrust force, and clamping pressure.
US09039325B2
System for containing liquid introduced onto a reusable load-supporting surface includes a plurality of interconnectable berm members configured to releasably sealingly engage the load-supporting surface to prevent leakage of liquid from the load-supporting surface around its perimeter.
US09039322B2
A paver for laying down a strip of concrete and inserting therein dowel bars parallel to the strip. A dowel bar inserter orients the bars and places them into the concrete. A pair of transport chains transverse to the travel direction extends across a width of the inserter. Pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups hold the bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the strip. The chains move in a single direction. A dowel bar holding magazine, above the chains, stores bars, and gravitationally moves the bars towards the chains for pick-up by cups as the chains move the cups past a bar loading station. Elastic bands extend about a bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliently bias the bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel.
US09039316B2
A writing instrument includes a body extending between a rear end and a front end of the body which has an opening, the body defining an inner volume; a writing member mounted inside the body and including a tip which protrudes from the front of the body; a protective element including a guide portion sliding along the body and a protective end which extends the guide portion and has an opening to allow the tip to pass through, the protective element being movable between a tip protection position and a retracted position for writing; an elastic return element coupled with the guide portion in order to bias the protective element towards the protection position; and a system for locking the retracted position.
US09039303B2
A compact multi-channel optical may include a multi-channel transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA), a multi-channel receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) and a circuit board configured and arranged to fit within a relatively small space. The multi-channel ROSA is spaced from the circuit board to allow circuit components to be mounted between the circuit board and the ROSA. The multi-channel ROSA may also be inverted and mounted proximate a transceiver top housing portion, for example, using an L-shaped ROSA support, to transfer heat from the ROSA to the transceiver housing portion. The optical transceiver may be used in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical system, for example, in an optical line terminal (OLT) in a WDM passive optical network (PON).
US09039296B2
A fiber optic connector structure contains a base, a covering member, and a fitting sleeve. The base includes a holding face, two contacting portions, and at least one slot. A respective one of the at least one slot has an opening and has a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the respective one of the at least one slot has at least one notch, and a respective one of the at least one notch has a first inserting segment and a second inserting segment. The covering member includes two resilient extensions corresponding to the two contacting portions and a sliding block sliding from the opening to the bottom portion. The fitting sleeve is fitted on the base and the covering member, and provides a force on the sliding block, so that the sliding block retains the fiber stub and the field fiber.
US09039293B2
A multiport optical fiber connection terminal with a compact footprint has a configuration that allows for easy accessibility and interconnection of cables, while providing several mounting options and including storage space within the terminal. The terminal may include cable connectors that are configured to allow for weather proof installation of pre-terminated fiber optic cables with the terminal ports.
US09039289B2
A bearing cage assembly (100) comprises a plurality of discrete bridge elements (206) disposed between adjacent rolling elements (112) and coupled between first and second axially spaced cage support wire rings (102, 104) which are appropriately tensioned. Spacers (110) are disposed between adjacent bridge elements and engage the bridge elements in a piloted engagement. The bridge elements maintain a separation between rolling elements, retain the rolling elements within the bearing assembly, and function as a lubrication reservoir for grease lubricated bearings. Profiled surfaces on the bridge elements position the bearing cage assembly on at least one axial end of the rolling elements.
US09039285B2
A synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made upper casing 2 which is fixed to a vehicle body side via a mounting member; a synthetic resin-made lower casing 3 which is superposed on the upper casing 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis O in a circumferential direction R relative to the upper casing 2; and a synthetic resin-made sliding bearing piece 5 disposed in a space 4 between the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3.
US09039283B2
A method for producing an X-ray projection image of a body region of a patient using a desired spatial location of a central ray, includes positioning a pointing element relative to the patient indicating a location of a pointing line and causing the location of the pointing line to coincide with the desired central ray location. A pointing line location and a central ray location currently set on an X-ray machine are recorded. A measure for deviation between the pointing line and the currently set central ray location is determined and used to set the desired central ray location. A medical apparatus includes an X-ray machine taking an X-ray projection image along a central ray, a pointing element indicating a pointing line, an acquisition unit detecting the pointing line location and the currently set central ray location, and a control and evaluation unit implementing software carrying out the method.
US09039279B2
A system and method are provided for monitoring in real time the operating state of an IGBT device, to determine a junction temperature and/or the remaining lifetime of an IGBT device. The system includes a differential unit configured to receive a gate-emitter voltage characteristic of the IGBT device to be measured and to differentiate the gate-emitter voltage characteristic to obtain pulses correlating with edges formed by a Miller plateau phase during a switch-off phase of the IGBT device. The system also includes a timer unit configured to measure the time delay between the obtained pulses indicating the start and end of the Miller plateau phase during the switch-off phase of the IGBT device, and a junction temperature calculation unit configured to determine at least one of the junction temperature of the IGBT device and/or the remaining lifetime of the IGBT device based on the measured time delay.
US09039278B2
A ratio meter includes a converter circuit, a first counter, a delay circuit, and a second counter. The converter circuit is configured to receive a temperature-independent signal, to convert the received temperature-independent signal into a first frequency signal during a first phase, to receive a temperature-dependent signal, and to convert the temperature-dependent signal into a second frequency signal during a second phase. The first counter is configured to receive the first frequency signal and to generate a control signal by counting a predetermined number of pulses of the first frequency signal count. The delay circuit is configured to delay the control signal for a predetermined time delay. The second counter is configured to receive the second frequency signal and to generate a count value by counting the second frequency signal.
US09039277B2
The invention relates to a temperature sensor comprising: a temperature-sensitive element (3); and a peripheral casing (7) accommodating the temperature-sensitive element (3) and having a closed end (9), the peripheral casing (7) being able to be inserted into a corresponding cavity (11), characterized in that the closed end (9) of the peripheral casing (7) has a peripheral portion (21) revealing, butted against the closed end, a flexible assembly stop (23) after said peripheral portion (21), said stop (23) being able to deform towards the peripheral portion (21) by shape cooperation with the bottom (15) of the corresponding cavity (11). The subject of the invention is also a process for manufacturing a temperature sensor as described above and a method of assembling said sensor.
US09039275B2
Disclosed herein are methods of preventing freezing of relays in electrical components operated in specific atmospheric conditions. One such method described herein comprises monitoring a temperature of a relay with a thermocouple located on a contact of the relay while monitoring ambient temperature within the relay. Operation of the electrical component is simulated in a sub-zero temperature and high humidity condition. A freeze potential of the relay is determined by plotting a temperature cross-over curve, wherein both the ambient temperature and the contact temperature are plotted during the operation and cool down period. If the high freeze potential is determined, one or both of the relay and the electrical component are modified with a modification configured to decrease the high freeze potential.
US09039274B1
A compact portable blender system features a base unit. A base unit top surface features a recess having an “L” shaped locking slot and a motor with a drive gear. A base unit bottom surface features a removable power supply. The base unit features a power charger, a removable cord, a cord storage cavity, a power switch, and a power indicator. The system features a blending container. A blending blade unit is located on a container bottom. A blade drive gear located on a blending blade unit bottom and a blending blade is located on a blending blade unit top. The blending blade unit features a locking tab located on a blending blade unit side wall. The system features a container lid having an aperture. The container lid features a cover located over the aperture on a container lid top.
US09039273B2
The present invention generally relates to multiple emulsions, and to methods and apparatuses for making multiple emulsions. A multiple emulsion generally describes larger droplets that contain one or more smaller droplets therein. The larger droplets may be suspended in a third fluid in some cases. These can be useful for encapsulating species such as pharmaceutical agents, cells, chemicals, or the like. In some cases, one or more of the droplets can change form, for instance, to become solidified to form a microcapsule, a liposome, a polymerosome, or a colloidosome. Multiple emulsions can be formed in one step in certain embodiments, with generally precise repeatability, and can be tailored to include one, two, three, or more inner droplets within a single outer droplet (which droplets may all be nested in some cases).
US09039270B1
A backlight module and a display device are provided. The backlight module includes a light guide, a bottom frame, and a first light bar. The light guide has a first light incident surface. The bottom frame has a clip portion, a first hole, and a first tongue piece, wherein the light guide is disposed in the bottom frame and clipped by the clip portion. A driver board is locked to the first tongue piece, and the first tongue piece is folded from the first hole. The first light bar is disposed between the first light incident surface of the light guide and the bottom frame, and the first light bar has a first connector. The first connector passes through the first hole, so that the first connector is outside the bottom frame.
US09039269B2
A backlight assembly includes a first light source unit including n light emitting members; and a light guide plate including a first side adjacent to the first light source unit, and a first groove adjacent to a first end of the first side.
US09039268B2
Embodiments of the invention disclose a backlight unit, including: a light guide plate, a light source member, a reflection film, wherein: the light guide plate (LGP) includes a light incident side, a light emission side and a bottom side opposite to the light emission side, the light guide plate is for emitting light entered from the light incident side through the light emission side; the light source member is disposed on the light incident side of the LGP and light emitted by the light source member enters the LGP through the light incident side of the LGP; the reflection film is at least disposed on the bottom side of the LGP and is for reflecting light back into the LGP; wherein a reflection structure is disposed on the bottom side of the LGP and a microstructure is disposed on the light emission side of the LGP.
US09039261B2
The present disclosure provides a vehicular lamp including a low-beam lamp and a daytime running lamp. The low-beam lamp includes a low-beam LED, a low-beam reflector, and a projection lens. The daytime running lamp includes a DRL LED, and a DRL reflector. The DRL LED is disposed at the rear side of the low-beam reflector to emit a light in a direction which intersects with the optical axis of the vehicular lamp. The DRL reflector includes an extension area that extends to at least the outer side of the projection lens when viewed from the front, and reflects the light from the DRL LED in the extension area to emit the light to the front side of the lamp through the outer side of the projection lens.
US09039255B2
A light source device which can prevent the removal of light source elements of a light source device within a projector casing, a projector and a light source fabrication method are provided. An excitation light shining device 70 has a lens holding structure 79 and a light source holding structure 80 which are integrated together with excitation light sources held therebetween. The lens holding structure 79 has through holes 79f which first screw members 84 penetrate, and the light source holding structure 80 has screw holes 80h and screw holes 80k communicating with the screw holes 80h substantially at right angles. With the first screw members 84 penetrating the through holes 79f to be screwed into the screw holes 80h, screw thread portions of the first screw members 84 are pressed to be deformed plastically by distal end portions of the second screw members 85.
US09039250B2
A reflector assembly for eliminating unwanted stray lights comprising a reflector body having a reflector body focal point on a reflector body optical axis where a light source is positioned and a front opening for receiving a lens, wherein the lens is configured to reflect light rays which emanate from the light source to strike the lens to the reflector body which is configured to reflect the light rays reflected by the lens back to the light source, and to reflect light rays which emanate from the light source and reflected by the reflector body to strike the lens back to the light source.
US09039248B2
A lens holder (6) has: a lens holding section (21), which elastically holds a flange (17) of a lens (5); a section to be pressed (22), which is positioned to surround the lens holding section (21), and is fixed to a substrate (3) by being pressed to the substrate by means of a holder fixing means (2); and connecting sections (23, 24), which partially connect to each other the lens holding section (21) and the section to be pressed (22). The height of the section to be pressed (22) from the substrate (3) is more than the height of the lens holding section (21) from the substrate (3), and the lens holding section (21) is not in contact with the holder fixing means (2).
US09039236B2
A lens for diverging light includes a bottom surface, a recess defined in the bottom surface, a lower inner curved surface in the recess, and an upper outer curved surface. The lower inner curved surface is configured for receiving light emitted from a light source. The lower inner curved surface includes an inwardly curved lower portion adjacent to the bottom surface, a flat surface portion arranged at a center of a bottom in the recess, and an inwardly curved intermediate portion connected between the lower portion and the flat surface portion. The upper outer curved surface faces away from the bottom surface.
US09039234B2
An illumination apparatus having an illumination function and an image projection function includes a light source for illumination, an image projection section including a light source portion having a light source for image projection different from the light source for illumination, an image formation portion that modulates light from the light source portion based on image information to be projected to form an image, and a projection lens that enlarges and projects the image, a connection section electrically connectable to an illumination apparatus fixture, a lamp cover attached to the connection section, accommodating the light source for illumination and the image projection section, and having a light transmissive portion that transmits illumination light from the light source for illumination and the image projected from the image projection section, and a control section having a function of controlling the light source for illumination and the image projection section.
US09039227B2
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a recharging device includes a recharging port that receives a flameless candle and recharges a battery in the candle. The recharging device includes a first stacking structure that has a top portion and a bottom portion. There is a top stacking contact on the top portion. An electrical power bus is connected with the top stacking contact. The electrical power bus is also configured to provide electrical power to the flameless candle through the recharging port. The top portion of the first stacking structure is configured to mate with a bottom portion of a first stacking structure of another recharging device.
US09039220B2
A light source device includes a circuit board having a light-emitting element mounted on a one surface; a support body positioned on the other surface side of the circuit board for supporting the circuit board; a rivet having a head portion, which is positioned on a side of the one surface of the circuit board and cannot be inserted into a first through hole provided on the circuit board and the support body, and a shaft portion having a tip side stopped and held on the support body in a penetration via the first through hole; and a reflection sheet arranged on the one surface of the circuit board for reflecting light. The light source device provides a second through hole having a diameter larger or smaller than the diameter of the head portion at the position corresponding to the head portion on the reflection sheet.
US09039210B2
A variable length light shield is disclosed for an electro-optical sensor within a nose cone. The light shield includes a base, a telescopic shade supported by the base, and a ring rotatably supported about the base. The light shield also includes a guide tube disposed proximate the ring with an end extending away from the ring about a side of the telescopic shade. The light shield further includes an extension spring supported by the guide tube with an end coupled to the telescopic shade. Additionally, the light shield includes a cable extending through the guide tube and the extension spring, with one end of the cable coupled to the ring and another end of the cable coupled to the telescopic shade. The extension spring is configured to exert a force on the telescopic shade to extend the telescopic shade. Rotation of the ring causes retraction of the telescopic shade.
US09039202B2
A multi-view display apparatus includes a screen, a projection lens, two spatial light modulators, light sources, an optical guidance system and a combining prism. The light sources can radiate light in turn. When one of the light sources radiate light, the optical guiding system can divide the light into two portions and guide the two portions of the light to the spatial light modulators respectively, and the spatial light modulators can reflect the light. The combining prism can transmit light that is reflected from the spatial light modulators to the projection lens, where the projection lens is aligned with the screen in an optical path so that the screen can receive the light that is projected from the projection lens.
US09039201B2
The present invention includes light valve section (10) having a plurality of shutter mechanisms (14) that switch between a transmitting state and a shading state of light emitted from light emitting element (25); and substrate (16) through which light that exits plurality of shutter mechanisms (14) is transmitted. The display element also has plasmon coupling section (11) that causes plasmon coupling to occur with light that exits the light valve section (10). Plasmon coupling section (11) includes carrier generation layer (17) that generates carriers with incident light that exits light valve section (10), plasmon excitation layer (19) that has a higher plasma frequency than the frequency of light that is generated in carrier generation layer (17) excited with the light emitted from light emitting element (25), and wave number vector conversion layer (22) that converts the light or surface plasmons generated in plasmon excitation layer (19) into light having a predetermined exit angle. Plasmon excitation layer (19) is sandwiched between first dielectric constant layer (18) and second dielectric constant layer (22).
US09039195B2
A projector system may include a camera, a controller unit and a projecting unit. The camera may pick up a first image of a projection surface by visible light and a second image of the projection surface by a decreased visible light. The controller unit may perform a keystone distortion correction processing on a basis of the first image and perform an interactive processing on a basis of the second image. The projecting unit may project an image based on the performed keystone distortion correction.
US09039187B2
The present invention seeks to realize a small etendu illumination optical system, a longer operating life and a higher brightness. The illumination optical system comprises: a laser light source that generates an excitation light; a fluorescent substance that generates a fluorescent light in response to the excitation light, a light tunnel that outputs the excitation light input at one end thereof to the fluorescent substance from the other end thereof, and that outputs the fluorescent light generated by the fluorescent substance from the one end thereof; and a mirror that is placed within a light path between the laser light source and the light tunnel, and that reflects the fluorescent light, the mirror having an aperture formed thereon that allows the excitation light to pass through.
US09039179B2
Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The physiological parameter is determined from a signal sensed from the eye of a subject when the eye of the subject is properly aligned with regard to an interrogation signal source and/or response signal sensor.
US09039174B2
The present application relates to novel monomers comprising polycarbosiloxane monomers useful in certain specific embodiments in the manufacture of devices. More particularly, the present application relates to certain ethylenically unsaturated free radical polymerizable monomers comprising polycarbosiloxane monomers. Even more particularly, the present application pertains to monomers comprising polycarbosiloxane monomers which further comprise at least two ethylenically unsaturated free radical polymerizable groups.
US09039171B2
A contact lens assembly includes a proximal layer formed from a gas-permeable material, a distal layer with an optical element, an air cavity disposed between the proximal layer and the distal layer, wherein oxygen concentration across the air cavity is substantially uniform, and an gas transport region surrounding the air cavity for communicating gas between the air cavity and atmosphere. The contact lens assembly may further include a plurality of fins disposed within the air cavity where the plurality of fins has openings therethrough. One or both of the upper and lower surfaces of the air cavity may have an anti-reflection coating formed thereon.
US09039170B2
A system and method for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens is described. In some examples, the system applies a back surface to a lens blank that includes an aspherical curve having two radii of curvature. In some examples, a back surface of a peripheral portion of the lens follows the curvature of a front surface of the lens in order to establish a rounded, non-sharp edge to a lens blank used during the manufacturing process of a prescription eyeglass lens.
US09039168B1
The present eyewear includes a pair of lenses, a pair of releasable connectors connected to respective inner ends of the lenses, temples pivotally connected to respective outer ends of the lenses and a rigid strap connected between the rear ends of the temples. The strap is further characterized as having parallel legs connected to the rear ends of the temples, transition segments having a first shape extending from the substantially parallel legs to an arc-shaped base which extends along the back of the user's head when worn The transition segments are bendable by a user causing them to change from their first shape to a second shape and to maintain the second shape unless bent further by the user.
US09039160B2
An image recording apparatus includes: a nozzle that discharges electromagnetic wave curable ink that is cured when an electromagnetic wave is irradiated onto a recording medium; and an irradiator for irradiating the electromagnetic wave, wherein a filter that transmits the electromagnetic wave is provided on the irradiator, and the filter has a first transmittance that causes the electromagnetic wave curable ink on the recording medium to be curable with respect to an electromagnetic wave that is incident at a first angle and a second transmittance that maintains a state in which the nozzle can discharge the electromagnetic wave curable ink with respect to an electromagnetic wave that is incident at a second angle.
US09039155B2
An ink system of an ink jet printer includes a fluid tank. The fluid tank includes a generally conically shaped side wall, the side wall sloping inwardly from a top portion to a bottom portion. A bottom surface is disposed adjacent the bottom portion of the side wall. A first fluid conduit is disposed in the fluid tank and includes an opening adjacent to and above the bottom surface of the fluid tank. A second fluid conduit is disposed in the fluid tank and includes an opening at a location above the opening of the first fluid conduit. A pump is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit. An ink supply line is in fluid communication with the pump. A print head is in fluid communication with the ink supply line.
US09039152B2
A liquid cartridge is detachably attachable to an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus. The liquid cartridge includes a cartridge case, an information memory element, and a holding unit. The cartridge case includes at least two dividable case parts. The at least two dividable case parts form a front face of the cartridge case to face the apparatus body when the liquid cartridge is attached to the apparatus body. An information memory element is held at the front face of the cartridge case. The holding unit is provided in one of the at least two dividable case parts to hold the information memory element with only the one of the at least two dividable case parts. The holding unit includes a groove to receive the information memory element and a displaceable claw to hold the information memory element between the groove and the claw.
US09039149B2
Ink in an ink tank is fed through a dissolved gas control filter to a printer head. A gas pressure changing mechanism reduces pressure in a gas pressure control tank. In response, the dissolved gas control filter removes gas dissolved in the ink. The gas pressure control tank is placed under pressure corresponding to a sum of the pressure reduced by the gas pressure changing mechanism and the pressure of the gas having been removed from the liquid. A gas pressure measuring part measures the sum of these pressures as pressure in the gas pressure control tank. Then, a controller determines when time of exchange of the dissolved gas control filter has come based on the magnitude of a gradient of gas pressure variation in the gas pressure control tank.
US09039147B2
A liquid feed valve unit is configured to switch between a releasing mode for forcibly opening a valve and a blocking mode for closing the valve, and the valve can therefore be opened and closed in a short time as needed. Since the releasing mode is implemented by pushing the peripheral part and the pressure-receiving part of the flexible member, the flexible member can be prevented from flexing toward the outside of the liquid accommodating chamber even in the case that the pressure-receiving part is pushed. In this case, since a residual pressure can be prevented from forming in the liquid accommodating chamber, there is no need to suspend operation, and it is possible to immediately proceed to the next operation. A fast-operating liquid feed valve unit can thereby be obtained.
US09039130B2
An ink composition for ink jet recording contains a polymer particle that has a core portion and a shell portion on a surface of the core portion. The core portion has a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or less, and the shell portion has a glass transition temperature of 20° C. or more. The difference between the glass transition temperature of the core portion and that of the shell portion is 30° C. or more.
US09039127B2
A driver apparatus includes a drive unit to move a moveable unit along a given path using a drive force; a movement detector to detect movement of the moveable unit; a drive control unit to control the drive unit using a given output for a given time to drive the moveable unit; a determination unit to determine whether the movement detector detects a movement of the moveable unit for a given distance or more in a driving direction when the moveable unit is driven under a control of the drive control unit; and an abnormality detector to determine occurrence of abnormal when the determination unit determines that the moveable unit does not move the given distance or more.
US09039123B2
A sheet is transported at a first transport speed when a rear edge of the sheet is on a platen during transporting of the sheet to a reversing mechanism according to a sheet returning process after completing printing on a front surface, and the sheet is transported at a second transport speed which is faster than the first transport speed when the rear edge of the sheet passes over the platen until the rear edge of the sheet is nipped by a transport roller. Due to this, it is possible to smoothly transport the sheet without the sheet being caught on the concave and convex section of the platen and it is possible to transport the sheet quickly to the transport roller when the rear edge of the sheet passes the platen.
US09039122B2
Systems and methods control the rate of cooling of a print media downstream of a drying process. One embodiment comprises a printing system. The printing system includes a print engine that applies colorant onto a continuous-form media. The printing system further includes a radiant dryer downstream of the print engine along a media path, and includes a drum downstream of the radiant dryer along the media path. The drum includes a heat source. The printing system estimates a temperature of the media, estimates a temperature of the drum, and adjusts heat applied to the drum utilizing the heat source to maintain the temperature of the drum below the temperature of the media within a threshold amount.
US09039118B2
An image forming apparatus is disclosed which reads a test pattern formed by ejecting liquid droplets onto a recording medium to adjust an ejection timing of the liquid droplets. The image forming apparatus includes a reading unit; a relative movement unit; a second detected data obtaining unit; a first detected data obtaining unit; a subtraction processing unit which subtracts a value comparable to a local minimum value of first detected data sets from each of the first detected data sets and second detected data sets; and a signal correction unit which calculates a proportion of the subtracted first detected data sets relative to the subtracted second detected data sets to align a local maximum value of the first detected data sets such that it is generally constant.
US09039114B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a head driving section that includes a drive pulse generator and a selector. The drive pulse generator generates, as the waveforms of drive voltage to be applied to the piezoelectric elements, a plurality of drive waveforms that includes an ink-ejection drive waveform defined according to the number of times of ink ejection to be made from the corresponding nozzle, and a reset waveform which causes greater drawing of the meniscus in the corresponding nozzle than by the ink-ejection drive waveform. With respect to each nozzle, the selector selects to apply which of the drive waveforms generated by the drive pulse generator or not to apply any of the drive waveforms to the corresponding piezoelectric element.
US09039110B2
A refrigerator is provided that includes a crisper system having one or more moveable and removable drawers. The drawers include rollers extending downwardly and outwardly from the drawers to provide maximum storage volume. The rollers are configured to work with channels formed in a support system, which may be integrally formed with a bottom floor of a compartment of the refrigerator. Therefore, the rollers and channels of the support system provide easy access and removability of the drawers of the crisper system.
US09039086B2
A vehicle seat includes a seat back, a seat cushion, a connecting arm that connects the seat back with the seat cushion, a seat arranging mechanism for changing the posture of the vehicle seat, and a fixing device. The seat arranging mechanism includes a base member at which the seat arranging mechanism is mounted to the connecting arm. The fixing device fixes the connecting arm to the seat cushion and also fixes the base member of the seat arranging mechanism to the seat cushion.
US09039085B2
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatpan coupled with a track assembly that has a rail and a slide. The vehicle seating assembly also includes a cushion assembly that has a movable cushion and a base cushion with a slot. The movable cushion is slidable between a forward position and a rearward position on the seatpan. In addition, the vehicle seating assembly includes a coverstock with a first portion that is disposed over a movable cushion. The coverstock also has a second portion that is disposed between the seatpan and the cushion assembly. The second portion of the coverstock is withdrawn through the slot when the movable cushion moves to the forward position. A gap is defined by the area between the base cushion and the movable cushion in the forward position. The gap is concealed by the coverstock when the movable cushion is in the forward position.
US09039083B2
More specifically, the crash indication system for a child safety seat includes a seat bottom. A base is provided for supporting the seat bottom, which is slidably connected to the bases so that the seat body is movable relative to the base, between a resting position and a ride down position, a position due to a change in environmental forces. The seat body is adjustably affixed to a carriage to set a recline position. An indicator member is attached to the carriage and moves therewith to visually track and monitor the movement of the seat. When ride down of the seat occurs due to a change in forces to the seat, the indicator member moves with the sliding carriage to reflect a ride down position of the seat bottom. A ratchet connection is provided to prevent the carriage from going back to its resting position.
US09039081B2
A wire harness for a vehicle seating assembly includes a body portion having a plurality of engagement hooks adapted for engagement with a vehicle seat cushion pan. A latticework of interconnected lateral support members are bound by a peripheral frame.
US09039073B2
First to third steel members are cut to form predetermined planar shapes using press machines and form an upper member, a reinforcement member and a lower member. The carbon content of the third steel member is set lower than the carbon content of the first and second steel members. The upper member, the reinforcement member and the lower member are then assembled. The reinforcement member is superposed on the upper member. The upper member and the lower member are partially superposed. The superposed portions of the upper member and the reinforcement member and the superposed portions of the upper member and the lower member are then respectively joined by spot welding to form a blank member. The spot welded blank member is then heated to a temperature of a transformation point or higher, and the blank member is hot press formed by one press machine.
US09039066B1
A foldable tonneau cover is disclosed and has two frame sections and at least one hidden-type hinge. Two frame members of two adjacent frame sections are correspondingly formed with two embedded holes. The hidden-type hinge is pivotally connected between the adjacent frame members. When the frame sections are horizontally extended relative to each other, the hidden-type hinge is substantially received in the embedded holes. When the frame sections are rotated or folded relative to each other, the hidden-type hinge is partially exposed out of the embedded holes. Thus, the occupied space of the hidden-type hinge and the gap between the adjacent frame sections can be minimized. The waterproof flexible strip can be continuously extended along the entire length of the two adjacent frame members without being interfered with by the hidden-type hinge substantially hidden within frame members, so as to enhance the waterproof reliability thereof.
US09039063B2
A tank recess for motor vehicles comprising a recess body having a device for fastening to a vehicle body opening from outside and having a tank feed line sealing portion, characterized in that the recess body has a fold-over sealing edge on the base portion, such that a flange on an inner metal plate of the vehicle body opening is encompassed by the fold-over sealing edge, such that in the installed position the sealing edge is able to be placed sealingly around the flange of the vehicle body opening.
US09039053B2
Apparatus and methods for pet waste disposal include using a portable waste collection receptacle disposed on a handle. A heat source is mounted together with the waste collection receptacle, capable of incinerating waste disposed in the waste collection receptacle.
US09039049B2
A bracket is provided for anchoring a flexible member such as a chain to a surface in such a way as to allow such member to be repositioned over a range of locations along the bracket, once the bracket has been fastened to the surface. The bracket includes an elongated slot along which the terminal end of the flexible member may slide, thereby permitting the anchoring end of the flexible member to be positioned over a range of positions along the bracket.
US09039047B2
A connector assembly includes a first connector having an outer tube and an inner tube, the outer tube being equipped with a pin having a first flow path, the inner tube being equipped with a first valve element opening and closing the first flow path; a second connector having a second flow path and a second valve element for opening and closing the second flow path; a locking device interconnecting, in an assembled state in which the first and second connectors are assembled together, the inner tube and the second connector; and an unlocking device for unlocking the connection between the inner tube and the second connector effected by the locking device. The first and second flow paths are interconnected in the assembled state. In this interconnected state, the connection between the inner tube and the second connector by the locking device cannot be unlocked by the unlocking device.
US09039046B2
A coupling includes an annular gasket, the annular gasket including at least one sealing surface directed radially inwardly and an outer surface directed radially outwardly; at least one segment, each segment being approximately semi-circular and including at least one inner surface, at least one outer surface, and at least two ends, each segment including a fastener pad protruding proximate to each end, each fastener pad defining a fastener hole, each end including at least one of a tongue and a groove, each tongue protruding circumferentially from at least one end, each groove defined circumferentially in at least one end; and at least one fastener, wherein at least one portion of a shaft portion of the fastener is sized to engage at least one fastener hole in at least one segment.
US09039039B2
An airbag apparatus for vehicle includes: an airbag body formed by joining outer peripheral portions of two base cloths, the two base cloths being superimposed on each other; an inflator introducing gas to an inside of the airbag body; and a vent hole formed on the airbag body and configured of a slit, the vent hole communicating between the inside and an outside of the airbag body, the slit being formed so as to be directed from the outer peripheral portions toward central portions of the two base cloths over the two base cloths.
US09039036B1
Interior panels having integrated airbag doors for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided herein. In one example, an interior panel comprises a substrate having outer and inner surfaces and an opening extending therethrough. A multi-shot injection molded airbag chute-door assembly is mounted to the substrate and comprises a chute wall that at least partially surrounds an interior space. A door flap portion is pivotally connected to the chute wall and at least partially covers the opening. A perimeter flange extends from the chute wall and has a flange section that overlies the outer surface of the substrate. A molded-in lip feature extends from the flange section and contacts the outer surface to form a seal between the flange section and the substrate. A skin covering extends over the substrate and a foam is disposed between the skin covering and the substrate.
US09039035B1
An airbag system for protecting rear seat occupants in dynamic side impacts using an improved packaging arrangement is provided. The system includes seat base and seat back frames. The seat back frame is movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The system further includes a unified airbag having a pelvic portion and a thoracic portion. The pelvic portion is positioned adjacent to the seat base frame. The thoracic portion is positioned adjacent to the seat back frame. The unified airbag is attached to the seat base frame by fixed anchors and to the seat back frame by a movable anchor. A grooved track is provided for attachment of the movable anchor. The airbag may be a strip shape or a triangular shape. One or more tethers may be attached to the unified airbag.
US09039034B2
A suspension system for a vehicle includes a frame mounting bracket for mounting to the vehicle. The suspension includes front and rear rubber torsion axle assemblies. Front and rear lever assemblies are respectively pivotally attached to the vehicle at front and rear lever pivot points. Outer housings of the rubber torsion axle assemblies are each respectively rigidly mounted to the front and rear lever assemblies. A rigid control arm is pivotally connected at one end to the front lever assembly at a front control arm pivot point and its other end is pivotally connected to the rear lever assembly at a rear control arm pivot point. When the suspension assembly encounters a force causing the front lever assembly to rotate in one direction about the front lever pivot point the rigid control arm causes the rear lever assembly to rotate about the rear lever pivot in an opposite direction.
US09039031B2
A gliding apparatus includes a gliding board, a first front boot-retaining device for ascending a slope and a second front boot-retaining device for the descent. The first front retaining device comprises a first boot-fastening mechanism, defining a boot pivot axis during the ascent. The second front retaining device comprises a second boot-fastening mechanism, including a movable element incorporating an interface surface capable of contacting a front portion of the boot, the movable element being separate from the first fastening mechanism. The second front retaining device is configurable in a first “inactive” configuration for which the interface surface is away from the boot front portion, and a second “active” configuration for which the interface surface contacts the boot front portion. The first boot-fastening mechanism is capable of cooperating with the movable element of the second front retaining device so as to maintain the second front retaining device in its active configuration.
US09039014B2
A seal for sealing between two component parts permits a leakage flow of fluid from an upstream side of the seal to a downstream side of the seal. The seal has a jet-producing formation which produces one or more fluid jets that impinge on and thereby restrict the leakage flow.
US09039011B2
A game apparatus and a method using trays as the game board with vertical support columns, two sets of playing pieces and two launching devices. The one or more vertical support columns attach to the one or more trays to support the trays horizontally above a support surface. On the surface of each of the trays is a matrix and each element of the matrix has a recessed compartment orthogonal to the surface of the tray. Each recessed compartment is sized to hold a multiplicity of both types of playing pieces in a stacked manner. The recessed compartments may also be created so that the order and the number of the playing pieces in each recessed compartment are observable for additional variety in game play.
US09039009B2
A sheet feed apparatus which includes a sheet feed tray in which a plurality of sheets is loaded in piles; a sheet feed roller which is provided at a forward position of the sheet feed tray in a sheet feed direction, and sends the loaded sheets inside thereof; and a lift detection sensor which detects, by using a movable lever, a lift of a sheet bundle which occurs when the sheet bundle, of which a rear or a side in a sheet feed direction is bound, is sent by the sheet feed roller therein, the lift detection sensor being provided at a side position of the sheet bundle in a width direction and at a backward position with respect to the center of the sheet bundle in the sheet feed direction.
US09039005B2
An image forming apparatus, including a chassis with an opening formed on one side thereof; a first placement section, on which a sheet inserted through the opening is placeable; a cover configured to be openable to expose and closable to cover the opening and configured to form, when in a position to expose the opening, an outer part of the first placement section outside the chassis; and a second placement section arranged in an upper position with respect to the first placement section, and on which a sheet inserted through the opening is placeable, is provided. The second placement section is detachably attached to the chassis through the opening.
US09038994B2
An air spring for a vehicle suspension includes a resilient spring body that is partially surrounded by a protective cover. The protective cover protects the resilient spring body from rupturing when used in harsh vehicle conditions. The protective cover is comprised of a rigid or flexible armor material that is resistive to munitions, such as projectiles and razor wire, for example.
US09038993B2
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a steam desuperheater which is integrated into a steam line. The steam desuperheater comprises a segment of steam pipe having one or more spring loaded spray nozzles attached thereto. Installed within the interior of the steam pipe of the desuperheater is a liner. The desuperheater is also provided with a steam flow measurement sub-assembly comprising a differential pressure transmitter including a pair of pressure gauges which are operatively connected to respective ones of a first pressure tapping which is formed in the steam pipe before the liner, and a second pressure tapping which is formed in the liner. The measurement of the differential pressure allows for a determination of steam flow through the desuperheater. In addition to the differential pressure transmitter outfitted onto the steam pipe, the steam flow measurement sub-assembly further preferably comprises pressure and temperature transmitters which are installed in the steam line upstream of the desuperheater for providing a density determination that is also required for the steam flow determination.
US09038992B2
An apparatus directed to reducing mineral buildup on drift eliminators of a cooling tower, using a control unit to selectively irrigate the drift eliminators based on the fluid temperature in the basin and the temperature inside and outside of the cooling tower.
US09038990B2
A cable winch device, particularly a cable winch device for a crane, has at least one cable winch with at least one cable, with the cable wound and/or unwound at least partially on the cable winch. The cable winch can be shifted and/or moved at least partially substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cable winch. A crane, particularly a deep sea crane, has at least one such cable winch device.
US09038988B1
A flow control valve element has a generally spherical ball. An inlet is formed in the ball. An outlet is also formed in the ball, the outlet opposing the inlet. A hollowed-out portion extends between the inlet and the outlet. A pair of opposing flats are formed in the ball, the flats each having a first flat portion formed in an external portion of the ball and an opposing second flat portion formed in the hollowed-out portion of the ball.
US09038987B2
For a flap assembly, in particular an exhaust gas flap assembly, with the flap mounted on both sides via bearing devices in the housing, the disclosure describes a design in which a bearing body is supported radially against an annular collar of the bearing device and, by way of the annular collar, is held braced in a radially spring-loaded manner in a predefined radial position.
US09038985B2
A valve, in particular a vacuum valve, in which, in order to close a passage opening, in particular of the valve, at least one closure member can be moved by a valve drive, starting from a maximum open position, in which the closure member opens the passage opening at least partially, first on a first partial path into an intermediate position, and the closure member can be moved, starting from the intermediate position, on at least one second partial path which is angled away from the first partial path into a closed position, in which the closure member closes the passage opening, the valve drive having at least two cylinder spaces which are loadable in each case with a pressure medium, at least one piston being mounted displaceably in each of the cylinder spaces, and the pistons being supported on one another by way of at least one prestressing element.
US09038978B1
A system includes a device chassis and a base. The base includes a first section on a first side of the base, a second section on a second side of the base, and a middle section between the first section and the second section. The middle section is arranged above the first section and the second section. The device chassis attaches to the middle section, and a space is provided between the middle section and the device chassis.
US09038973B2
A bracket assembly for electronic equipment support structures having an elongated main body, a mounting tab extending from a first edge of the main body, and first and second mounting arms extending from a second edge of the main body, opposite the first edge. The mounting tab has an aperture formed therethrough. The first mounting arm is positioned adjacent a first end of the main body and extends generally perpendicular to the main body and the mounting tab and the second mounting arm is positioned adjacent a second end of the main body, opposite the first end, and also extends generally perpendicular to the main body and the mounting tab. The bracket assembly can be mounted to a vertically oriented member of an electronic equipment support structure by: mounting the bracket assembly to the vertically oriented member; positioning the rack mountable equipment adjacent and generally parallel to the vertically oriented member such that the equipment is in a generally vertical orientation; and connecting the rack mountable equipment to the bracket assembly between opposing mounting arms of the bracket assembly.
US09038972B2
A tilt mechanism for an electronic display. A tilt mechanism including a counterbalancing mechanism having a compression spring assembly. Such tilt mechanism allowing an electronic display to be positioned at a variety of tilt angles. A tilt mechanism including a support that is pivotable with respect to a support surface.
US09038968B2
A plastic, polymeric or silicone grommet used as a dampener or insulator for round and/or hex style tube, pipe and conduit hangers, and particularly to a grommet having a channel portion and a rounded edge portion which directly surrounds the edges of hanger brackets used as pipe supports. Each flat surface of the grommet is substantially rounded to prevent the collection of liquids, dirt or debris.
US09038947B2
In conventional aircraft cargo compartments panels or similar flat floor elements are fastened to floor beams or similar supporting elements that are installed in the body of the aircraft. Subsequently functional units such as roller elements, latches or PDUs are mounted and connected to one another by way of appropriate control conductors. It is proposed to fasten the floor elements permanently to the supporting beams so as to form prefabricated floor modules and to install these floor modules in the aircraft.
US09038921B2
Apparatus and methods for generating and dispensing a mixture containing a pressurized gas and a fluid material. The apparatus includes a mixing device having a mixing chamber and a mixer inside the mixing chamber. A gas injection device, which is coupled with the mixing device, injects the pressurized gas into the fluid material in the mixing chamber. The mixer operates to combine the pressurized gas with the fluid material to form a mixture, which is subsequently dispensed from a dispenser coupled with the mixing device.
US09038919B2
This invention generally relates to systems and methods for the formation and/or control of fluidic species, and articles produced by such systems and methods. In some cases, the invention involves unique fluid channels, systems, controls, and/or restrictions, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention allows fluidic streams (which can be continuous or discontinuous, i.e., droplets) to be formed and/or combined, at a variety of scales, including microfluidic scales. In one set of embodiments, a fluidic stream may be produced from a channel, where a cross-sectional dimension of the fluidic stream is smaller than that of the channel, for example, through the use of structural elements, other fluids, and/or applied external fields, etc. In some cases, a Taylor cone may be produced. In another set of embodiments, a fluidic stream may be manipulated in some fashion, for example, to create tubes (which may be hollow or solid), droplets, nested tubes or droplets, arrays of tubes or droplets, meshes of tubes, etc. In some cases, droplets produced using certain embodiments of the invention may be charged or substantially charged, which may allow their further manipulation, for instance, using applied external fields. Non-limiting examples of such manipulations include producing charged droplets, coalescing droplets (especially at the microscale), synchronizing droplet formation, aligning molecules within the droplet, etc. In some cases, the droplets and/or the fluidic streams may include colloids, cells, therapeutic agents, and the like.
US09038917B2
A system and method for reading a bar code are disclosed which may include transmitting light pulsed at a selected frequency to illuminate the bar code; converting light received at the bar code reader from the bar code into an electrical signal; transmitting the electrical signal through a signal conditioning circuit to filter and amplify the electrical signal, to thereby provide a conditioned electrical signal; sampling the conditioned electrical signal at the selected frequency; removing energy due to light scattering within a housing of the bar code reader from the sampled, conditioned electrical signal; generating one of a logical “1” and a logical “0” output based on a value of the signal generated by the step of removing; and resolving output from the step of generating into data indicative of information on the bar code.
US09038915B2
A fleet management system for managing a fleet of encoded information reading (EIR) terminals can comprise one or more computers, a fleet management software module, and a payment processing software module in communication with the fleet management software module. The fleet management software module can be configured, responsive to receiving a customer initiated request, to generate an unlocking message upon processing a payment by the payment processing software module. The unlocking message can be provided by a bar code to be read by an EIR terminal, or by a bit stream to be transferred to an EIR terminal via network. Each EIR terminal can be configured to perform not more than a pre-defined number of EIR operations responsive to receiving the unlocking message.
US09038912B2
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates servicing a portion of a trade card via a web service. A web service can provide a portion of data to enhance a trade card, wherein the portion of data is at least one of a portion of trade card document-specific data, an intelligent gadget, or a feed driven component. A build component can leverage the web service to utilize the portion of data with the trade card.
US09038911B2
A laser scanning symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector. Each signal processing channel supports different stages of amplification and filtering using a different set of band-pass filtering and gain parameters in each channel, to produce multiple digital first derivative data signals, and/or multiple digital scan data intensity data signals, having different signal amplitudes and dynamic range characteristics for use in decode processing.
US09038908B2
A system and method for transmitting visual data by displaying a synchronization video that includes synchronization code sequences on a first device, capturing the synchronization video using a video camera of a second device, parsing and decoding the synchronization code sequences on the second device, displaying an indication of which of the synchronization code sequences are compatible for visual data transmission on the second device, receiving a selected synchronization code sequence of the synchronization code sequences on the first device, and displaying a data code sequence corresponding to the selected synchronization code sequence on the first device, wherein the data code sequence includes encoded data, and capturing and decoding the data code sequence on the second device.
US09038899B2
An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that obtains an end user assistance for an identified item within a geographic locale.
US09038895B2
Communication between a retailer and a customer is disclosed. A payment card and a communication identifier addressing a wireless transceiver of a mobile apparatus are registered to an electronic service. The mobile apparatus receives, with the wireless transceiver, a plurality of packets relating to payments with the payment card of a plurality of trades of various commodities between the user and a plurality of various retailers, from the electronic service, extracts from the received plurality of the packets transaction information relating to the payments and supplementary information, and communicates, with a user interface, the extracted transaction information and the supplementary information to the user.
US09038886B2
Apparatuses, methods, and systems pertaining to the verification of portable consumer devices are disclosed. In one implementation, a verification token is coupled to a computer by a USB connection so as to use the computer's networking facilities. The verification token reads identification information from a user's portable consumer device (e.g., credit card) and sends the information to a validation entry over a communications network using the computer's networking facilities. The validation entity applies one or more validation tests to the information that it receives from the verification token. If a selected number of tests are passed, the validation entity sends a device verification value to the verification token, and optionally to a payment processing network. The verification token may enter the device verification value into a CVV field of a web page appearing on the computer's display, or may display the value to the user using the computer's display.
US09038879B2
A web tensioner, a web slitter, a method of tensioning a web, and a method of slitting a web are provided. A corrugated edge nip is used in the tensioner, the slitter, and the methods of tensioning and slitting. The corrugated edge nip can provide a crossweb tension to a suspended web or film in a web line. The corrugated edge nip can be used in conjunction with, for example, a rotary shear slitter to improve slit edge quality.
US09038878B2
An archery compound bow cam cover and sling device is disclosed. The cam cover and sling device can include two cam covers operable to at least partially cover cams of a compound bow. The cam cover and sling device can also include two limb tensioning members coupled to respective cam covers, operable to extend along limbs of the compound bow, and configured to couple with the compound bow at limb ends opposite the cams. The cam cover and sling device can further include a central tensioning member coupled to the two cam covers and operable to extend between the cams, wherein the central tensioning member is configured to increase tension in the limb tensioning members to secure the cam covers about the cams. In addition, the cam cover and sling device can also include a sling coupled to the two cam covers to support, and facilitate carrying, the compound bow.
US09038873B2
An attachment system for tools includes a housing with a wall defining an open central region. The housing has a first slot and a second slot spaced from the first slot, each slot extending through the wall to the open central region. A rotating member is disposed in the open central region. A clip member has a clip protrusion with neck, head and tip portions, the neck portion sized to be slidably received in one of the slots. The tip portion is configured to engage the rotating member to cause it to rotate about a central longitudinal axis as the neck portion moves distally along one of the slots, causing a catch surface to align with the tip portion and a channel to align with a tip portion of a second clip member retained in the second slot, thereby retaining the first clip member and releasing the second clip member.
US09038869B2
A tool holder has a first tool pouch connected to the front surface of a substrate and defining a first tool compartment between the first tool pouch and the substrate. A second tool pouch is connected to the front surface of the substrate and defines a second tool compartment between the second tool pouch and the substrate, where the first tool pouch is at least partially disposed within the second tool pouch. A first retractor pocket is attached to the back surface of the substrate and defines a first retractor compartment that communicates through an opening in the substrate to the first tool compartment. A second retractor pocket attached to the first tool pouch front surface and defines a second retractor compartment between the second retractor pocket and the first tool pouch. The second retractor compartment communicates through a second retractor opening to the second tool compartment.
US09038867B2
A snorkel nozzle (10) having a double shell core (16, 26) that defines an annular gap (40) between the shells and that has an array of baffles (66) arranged in the annular gap to define a serpentine flow path for cooling gases that pass through the annular gap.
US09038866B2
An application tip and method for dispensing a fluid into a hole, the tip having a hollow housing or body with an open end and a closed end, the open end configured to be removably attached to and in fluid communication with a fluid source, the closed end including a nozzle having at least one passage or fluid outlet opening.
US09038865B2
In some embodiments, apparatus useful for assisting in controlling the discharge of material onto a conveyor from a material dispenser includes a carrier, first and second side restrictors extending downwardly from the carrier and at least one wiper extending downwardly from the carrier and transverse to the side restrictors. The side restrictors are configured to assist in preventing at least some material from overflowing off the sides of the conveyor, while the wiper is configured to level the top of at least some of the material dispensed on the conveyor.
US09038858B2
An aerosol device is provided with a set of two aerosol valves in an inch bead portion of an aerosol container, and different contents are separately packed in the aerosol container without being mixed. The different contents are separately introduced into the set of two aerosol valves, and the stem insertion portions of housings of the set of two aerosol valves project above the inch bead portion. The lower end of a fitting member whose inner peripheral shape corresponds to the outer peripheral shape of the set of two housings is fitted and fixed to the inner periphery of the inch bead portion. The outer periphery of the fitting member is covered with a cover, and the lower end of the cover is fixed to the outer periphery of the inch bead portion.
US09038857B2
A squeezable hollow thin walled dispensing container having an open ended main body is provided with a closure plug insertable into the open end, the plug having outwardly projecting ribs engaging the inside of the peripheral wall of the body, a locking member is received exterior of the body around the plug, and the plug and locking member entrapping portions of the wall therebetween to sealingly close the open end.
US09038853B2
A sanitized vending machine includes product and cup dispensing mechanisms and an actuation mechanism. The product dispensing mechanism, holding one or more product items, rotates through a product dispensing cycle to dispense them. The cup dispensing mechanism, holding a stack of cups, rotates through a cup dispensing cycle to dispense a cup to a predetermined position. The dispensing cycles occur in a predetermined sequence so as to enable the dispensed product items to be received in a previously dispensed cup. The dispensing mechanisms respectively include rotatable first and second driven gears drivingly interfaced to rotate during respective product and cup dispensing cycles. The actuation mechanism includes a handle and a rotatable drive gear drivingly interfaced with the first driven gear. When the handle is turned by a user through an actuation cycle the driven gears rotate the respective mechanisms through respective product and cup dispensing cycles.
US09038851B2
A cover for a pie pan or similar type of pan or plate has a ring and a lid pivotally attached to the ring by a flex joint. A pan is placed into the ring with a lip of the pan resting on top of the ring. The cover is folded over and pressed down onto the ring. Interlocking elements on tabs on the ring and lid engage each other and hold the lid down onto the ring, with the lip of the pan between them. The lid may include inwardly projecting teeth spaced apart on an inside surface of the lid, with the teeth adapted to hold the lip of a pan between the ring and the lid.
US09038849B2
Compositions for coating food or beverage containers comprising a resinous binder and 10 to 30 percent by weight of a polysilicone resin.
US09038840B2
A multi-compartmented food storage device having a top hermetic storage compartment, a bottom hermetic storage compartment and a central hermetic storage compartment that is interposed there between. Each of the top and bottom compartments being hingedly secured to the central compartment along an upper and lower end.
US09038836B1
The coupler system of a railway car truck is constructed such that basic overall appearance may be maintained, but the actual material of which it is constructed is changed. According to one embodiment, the coupler is constructed from cast austempered ductile iron; whereas cast iron has a density, 0.26 lbs/in^3, which is approximately 8% less than steel, 0.283 lbs/in^3, thereby allowing for a reduction in weight over steel. A suitable austempering process is used to produce the austempered metal coupler and components thereof. A second benefit of embodiments of the present invention provides for a more efficient use of materials, meaning less metal is used to make the same final shape, as a way of reducing the coupler weight. Both factures combined allow for a lighter weight coupler, while utilizing the standard designs. Alternate coupler configurations are disclosed for further reducing coupler weight.
US09038834B2
A shelving structure may include a predetermined number of shelf boards, rear plates, connecting members, and frame members. The shelf board is a rectangular board with two expanded side edges. The rear plate is a hexagonal plate with corners modified into arc-shaped inward recesses and with U-shaped slots extending inwards in the middle of the recesses. The U-shaped slot has continuous undulating bounding edges on both of its sides. The connecting member has two clamping planes linked by a base. The frame member has three equally distributed holding slots extending through both ends. Each outer surface between two neighboring holding slots of the connecting member has a recessed strip with regularly spaced extension plates for installing additional components. The shelving structure can be readily installed or uninstalled and can be modified or rearranged according to space restraint or other requirements.
US09038830B2
A filter device is disclosed. The device includes at least one substantially flat filter media that may be encapsulated between non-permeable films. Some embodiments comprise ports for introducing a fluid to be filtered and for evacuating the filtered fluid. Various substrates may be employed therein in cooperation with the at least one filter media to enhance device performance. Also disclosed are various apparatuses configured to contain at least one filter device.
US09038826B2
A stackable cup having a rigid handle with an open top, the open top shaped and dimensioned to receive a complementary handle of a stackable cup of the like such that one or more cups may be angularly stacked, the cup having a lip projecting from the open top and extending outwardly to a circular rim, which in turn extends downwardly to define the drinking cup.
US09038817B2
The present invention is directed to an ammunition package that includes a container having a bottom panel and an attached side panel. The inner face of the bottom panel is formed having a plurality of cartridge receiving sockets. An inner lid, foldable between an open position and a closed position, is attached at an upper edge of the container. Similarly an outer lid is attached to the container, in such a manner that the outer lid is foldable over the inner lid. In a preferred embodiment, an inner face of the inner lid is formed having a plurality of upper cartridge receiving sockets that align with the lower cartridge receiving sockets when the inner lid is positioned in the closed position. In the preferred embodiment, an upper face of the inner lid is formed as a tray when the inner lid is in the closed position.
US09038816B2
A medicine counting device including a rotary container broadening radially in an upward direction and configured to rotate around an axis of the rotary container; a guide member fixed with a predetermined gap on a top surface side of the rotary container, spirally extending from the central portion towards an outer circumference of the rotary container, and configured to guide a medicine moved by a rotation of the rotary container from the central portion towards the outer circumference of the rotary container. The medicine counting device further includes a detector provided outside of the rotary container and a regulator configured to feed a medicine having been moved to the outer circumference and being in contact with the guide member towards the detector but returns the medicines which are not being in contact with the guide member to the central portion side of the rotary container by overpassing the guide member.
US09038813B2
A device for transporting vehicle bodies, on which standardized holding components are provided. A guide device is provided for at least one continuous drive train which having a driving side and a slack side, and having a first return element and at least one second return element around which the at least one continuous drive train circulates. The at least one continuous drive train supports a plurality of coupling elements which are arranged and aligned in such a manner that they can work together with the standardized holding components provided on the vehicle body.
US09038803B2
An inflatable liner with vibratory function related to lining mining hoppers and other such devices. The inflatable liner has an exterior expandable layer and ceramic wear layer beneath that assists maintaining a long-use-life of the inflatable liner. Use of the air-control device to rapidly inflate and deflate exterior expandable layer vibrates in the exterior expandable layer and assist removing unwanted material/debris from the exterior lining of exterior expandable layer to further maintain a long-life use of the inflatable liner and lower maintenance of the machinery/hopper.
US09038800B2
The invention relates to a clutch assembly (8) for providing selective engagement with a rotatable shaft, in particular for selecting between manual and powered driving of an output drive such as a door, shutter or gate. The clutch assembly (8) comprises a stop (16) arranged to rotate with the shaft (18), a cam (20) arranged to move relative to the shaft (18), and a follower (24) arranged to rotate around the shaft (18) and axially movable along the shaft in and out of engagement with the stop (16). The follower (24) is operatively associated with the cam (20) so that movement of the follower relative to the cam brings the follower into engagement with the stop (16) by axial movement, so causing rotation of the shaft (18).
US09038789B2
A method of controlling an elastomeric damper. The damper is heated by passing an electric current through the damper or through a heating element in contact with the damper said heating causing a decrease in stiffness of the damper. The elastomeric damper may comprise an elastomeric material filled with electrically conductive particles, and the damper may be heated by passing an electric current through the elastomeric material. Alternatively the damper may be heated using a discrete resistive heating element, such as a coil embedded within the elastomeric damper or wound around it.
US09038786B2
A multifunctional castor with steering, directional and brake functions and is provided with a mounting seat, a rotary seat, an engaging member, a wheel, a brake swing member, a longitudinal rod assembly, an engaging assembly, a transverse rod, a brake pedal and a brake-release pedal. Pressing down or pushing up the brake pedal can activate the steering, direction and brake functions of the castor, and then the steering, direction and brake functions of the castor can be deactivated by controlling the brake-release pedal.
US09038775B2
An improved ladderway system 30 for an underground raise. The system comprises an elongate tube 32 made of a suitably rigid plastics material and adapted to be received in the raise. The tube has a series of steps 34 moulded into an interior side wall thereof so as to form a ladder extending substantially the full length of the tube 32.
US09038771B1
A firearm silencer for suppressing sound intensity generated by the discharge of a firearm, the discharge generating propellant gases, is disclosed. The firearm silencer includes an outer tube. The outer tube is generally hollow and generally cylindrical. The firearm silencer also includes a monolithic baffle stack inserted within the outer tube, and the monolithic baffle stack positions and constrains the outer tube coaxially and axially at a first and second end of the outer tube relative to a first and second end of the monolithic baffle stack using seals and retention seals, with such seals also providing an atmospheric sealing function. The monolithic baffle stack includes a first end that includes a first hole. The monolithic baffle stack also includes a second end that includes a second hole. The second end is located opposite the first end of the monolithic baffle stack. The monolithic baffle stack further includes a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other via a plurality of holes and annular void. The monolithic baffle stack also includes a plurality of recesses in fluid communication with the plurality of chambers via a plurality of through holes and annular void. The monolithic baffle stack also further includes plurality of protrusions and plurality of lands within the plurality of chambers where said lands and plurality of holes in chambers form an equivalent cylindrical bore dimension. Moreover, the firearm silencer includes a path extending from the first hole adjacent the first end of the monolithic baffle stack through the first hole adjacent the second end of the monolithic baffle stack. The plurality of chambers, the plurality of recesses, the plurality of through holes, the plurality of protrusions, the plurality of lands, the annular void, and the path are configured to allow propellant gases to travel there through.
US09038764B2
A motor control circuit includes a power relay, a converter division, a smoothing condenser, a control circuit and a motor drive circuit, and is connected to a battery as high voltage power and to an electrical motor. The battery is connected with a driving battery having the high voltage such as 288V etc. A step down circuit reduces the high voltage to a low voltage such as 36V etc., charges a low voltage charge device and supplies drive power to the motor drive circuit. When the vehicle collision is occurred, the control circuit detects the collision by a value of detected acceleration, a power change relay is turned on to change to the power source from the low voltage charge device after voltage of the smoothing condenser is reduced, thereby connecting the low voltage to the motor drive circuit.
US09038758B2
An ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile has a first ice scratcher end, a second ice scratcher end opposite the first ice scratcher end, a first coil spring having a first spring axis disposed at or near the first ice scratcher end, a first elongated member having a first end connected to the first coil spring, a second coil spring connected to a second end of the first elongated member, the second coil spring having a second spring axis, and a second elongated member having a first end connected to the second coil spring and a second end at or near the second ice scratcher end. Alternative embodiments of the ice scratcher are disclosed. A snowmobile having the ice scratcher is also disclosed.
US09038756B2
A propulsion system for a self-propelled vehicle comprises a motor body which is associated with a mechanical transmission conveying motion to the driving wheels of the vehicle, and which integrates and contains in a single body electric propulsion means, comprising at least several components of a brushless rotary motor; a clutch coupling located downstream of and mechanically connected to the electric propulsion means; and a gearbox with discontinuous gear ratios, having an input shaft connected to the clutch coupling and an output shaft coming out to the outside of the motor body and connecting to the mechanical transmission. The electric propulsion means comprise the components of at least two brushless motors, each equipped with a respective driving shaft provided with a pinion which is coupled by meshing with a predetermined ratio to a clutch coupling.
US09038755B2
An agricultural vehicle comprises front and rear axle assemblies supported in mutually spaced relation by one or more vehicle frame members that also support a drive train comprising: a) one or more air compressors; b) one or more fuel sources; c) a fuel cell comprising one or more fuel cell modules; and d) one or more electric motors, that are operatively connected together. The air compressor feeds air to the fuel cell, the or each fuel source feeds fuel to the fuel cell and the electric motors are connected or connectable to the fuel cell such that electrical power generated during operation of the fuel cell causes activation of one or more of the motors to power the vehicle.
US09038744B2
An exemplary embodiment of the jet hammer includes an outer sleeve, impact assembly, and a valve assembly. The impact assembly is positioned in sliding relation to the outer sleeve to provide the impact of the jet hammer. The valve assembly generally comprises a cap screw, adjustment sleeve, valve port, inner compression spring, outer compression spring, and lock nut. The inner compression spring is relatively less compressible than the outer compression spring. In operation, fluid enters the valve assembly and acts on the compression springs forming an operational seal between the valve assembly and the impact assembly thereby slidingly displacing the outer sleeve from the impact assembly. Once the pressure acting on the valve assembly is released, the main compression spring decompresses forcefully causing an impact which is translated onto the obstruction or item to be struck.
US09038740B2
A method of forming a plug in a wellbore includes disposing a work string in a wellbore. The work string includes a first tool comprising a port providing fluid communication between an interior space of the first tool to an exterior space to permit placement of a plug in a wellbore. The method includes introducing a first fluid volume via the work string to form a plug in the wellbore, and includes load testing the plug at least in part by applying an axial force on the plug with the work string to determine that the plug is set.
US09038738B2
A centralizer comprises a first body portion, a second body portion, a plurality of bow springs connecting the first body portion to the second body portion, and one or more expandable elements coupled to the first body portion and the second body portion. A method of centralizing a wellbore tubular comprises compressing a bow spring radially inward from a starting position to a compressed position, wherein the bow spring is coupled to a first body portion and a second body portion, applying a tensile force between the first body portion and the second body portion while the bow spring is in the compressed position, and restoring the bow spring from the compressed position to the starting position.
US09038723B2
A cutting tool for cutting pipe or the like from the inside out includes a housing assembly. A first blade actuating wedge assembly is inside the housing assembly and is movable along a longitudinal axis. The first blade actuating wedge assembly has multiple first tapered blade actuating wedges. Each cutting blade is supported in a manner such that a position of the cutting blade relative to the housing assembly along the longitudinal axis is substantially fixed. Each cutting blade is coupled to a respective one of the first tapered blade actuating wedges such that movement of the first tapered blade actuating wedge assembly along the longitudinal axis causes each cutting blade in the first plurality of cutting blades to move perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
US09038720B2
An apparatus for use in stage-cementing an oil well in the region of a lost-circulation zone that is proximate an annular space defined by the lower end of an outer casing surrounding an inner casing include a load-bearing annular steel plate of substantial thickness that is positioned on, and maintained stationary relative to the inner casing by supporting and retaining means secured to the inner casing, the outer diameter of the plate being less than the inside diameter of the outer casing so that the plate can be lowered with the inner casing string to the desired location inside of the outer casing and, with a layer of gravel, to provide a seal and support the cement poured into the annulus between the inner and outer casings.
US09038713B1
A shaped charge casing cutter is constructed with the cutter explosive formed into radial section modules aligned in a toroidal cavity between a pair of housing plates. The center sections of the plates are contiguously aligned with opposite parallel surfaces of a center disc. The plate rims are offset from respective center disc planes in opposite directions from each other to form a toroidal cavity. The toroidal cavity is enclosed by a circumferential belt secured to said plate rims. V-grooved shaped charge explosive in the form of multiple pi sections is distributed about the cavity to intimately contact a pair of frusto-conical liners.
US09038702B2
System and method of producing multi-layered aluminum alloy products are disclosed. A multi-layered aluminum alloy product may be formed by first heating a first aluminum alloy to a first temperature where the first temperature is at least about 5° C. lower than the eutectic temperature of the first aluminum alloy, second heating a second aluminum alloy to a second temperature where the second temperature is at least about 5° C. higher than the liquidus temperature of the second aluminum alloy, and coupling the second aluminum alloy to the first aluminum alloy to produce a multi-layered aluminum alloy product.
US09038701B2
Described herein are systems and methods for producing a hardwearing or wear-resistant material. In one aspect, a first group of materials comprising zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and one or both of calcium oxide (CaO) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) may be mixed, heated, and cooled to yield a first mixture. The first mixture may be used to generate granules that may then be mixed with a second group of materials comprising iron, nickel, manganese, titanium, carbon, chromium, and optionally, a paraffin, to yield a second mixture. The second mixture may then be compressed, cast, cooled, and heat treated to yield the hardwearing or wear-resistant material.
US09038699B2
The invention relates to a blind assembly comprising a blind web (11) which is provided with one respective flexible, flat guide strip (10) along both lateral edge areas. Said guide strip (10) is guided inside a guide along the direction of extension of the blind in order to stretch the blind web. The base of the guide strip (10) is guided parallel to adjacent areas of the blind web. The inventive blind assembly further comprises at least one blind coupling with which at least one of the guide strips engages in a removable, positive manner via an entraining element (12) and via which the guide strip can be extended along with the blind web.
US09038693B2
Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool, and a drive system. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by the drive assembly. The system further includes a clutch configured to resist movement of the barrier system unless directed by the drive system, and to release the barrier to allow manual egress when power to the drive system fails. The system further includes a latch configured to retain the barrier in a retracted position and to prevent the barrier from deploying when power fails and the clutch releases.
US09038692B2
The present invention concerns a wheel-clamping device for wheels on wheel-service-machines with only one drive unit and further a method for clamping wheels on a wheel-clamping device of wheel-service-machines with only one drive unit. The innovative wheel-clamping device for a wheel-service-machine according to the present invention comprises a frame 20 having a through-opening 22, and a spindle 30 being rotatably supported in the through-opening 22. Further, the spindle 30 has a through-hole 32 with a mounting-side end 30b and a driving-side end 30a, which is connectable to a drive means which is provided for a rotary movement for the spindle 30, wherein the spindle 30 has an external thread 34 on an external circumferential portion. Moreover, the wheel-clamping device comprises a sleeve 50 with a turntable 58 for the wheel to be clamped, wherein the sleeve 50 has an internal thread portion 52 which is in threaded engagement with the external thread-portion 34 of the spindle 30. Furthermore, a stopping or holding means 70 is able to temporarily hold the sleeve 50, and a clamping means 60 for the temporarily fixation of a fixing element 40 which is inserted through the mounting-side end 30b, to the spindle 30 is also provided in the innovative wheel-clamping device.
US09038687B2
A constraint system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage in which a lamination mandrel is adapted to receive and support a band of impregnated synthetic material. The lamination mandrel comprises a plurality of sectors angularly spaced about the axis and mobile between: an expanded lamination position and a contracted disassembling position. A constraint system is provided between each sector and the sectors adjacent thereto which guarantees a predetermined arrangement of the first sector with respect to the second sector adjacent thereto, preventing any translation along two directions which lie in an adjustment plane perpendicular to an axis RD which extends radially from the symmetry axis to the external surface.
US09038681B2
Side lug rows are provided at both side regions of a tread surface and are formed by a plurality of lugs defined by lug grooves opening to edges in the tread width direction, and a central block row aligned on the tire equator and formed by a plurality of blocks is disposed between positions at ¼ of the tread surface width from the tire equator. The tire has a directional tread pattern, with a designated rotation direction, formed by circumferential grooves and width direction grooves that define the blocks of the central block row and are narrow grooves with a narrower groove width than the lug grooves. The distance from the tire equator to the groove wall in each of the circumferential grooves defining the blocks is set to be larger at a leading edge of each block than at a trailing edge of each block.
US09038678B2
A reductant fill system is provided. A reductant tank is configured to store a reductant. A receiver is configured to receive a supply of the reductant from an off-board reservoir. A first valve is in communication with the reductant tank and is configured to control a reductant flow into the reductant tank. A reductant supply line is in fluid communication with the receiver. The reductant supply line is configured to provide the reductant flow to the first valve. The reductant level sensor is configured to generate a signal based on a level of reductant in the reductant tank. A controller is communicably coupled to the reductant level sensor. The controller is configured to purge a stranded reductant in the reductant supply line, based on the signal generated by the reductant level sensor.
US09038675B2
A pressure-stable cylinder/piston unit which blocks water vapor and oxygen and is designed for a needle-free injector, with a chamber arranged in a cylinder, which blocks water vapor and oxygen, and designed for long-term and sterile storage of an injection solution, an end wall with at least one nozzle bore or one outlet element, a pressure-stable outer cylinder, and a pressure-stable piston arranged movably in the chamber and blocking water vapor and oxygen. Methods for bubble-free, automatic or manual filling of the cylinder/piston unit, also at atmospheric pressure are also disclosed.
US09038673B2
A device for making a woven article from a plurality of strings includes a base, a post, first and second engagement devices and a stabilization device. The base has a plurality of slots formed therein. The first engagement device engages first ends of the strings and is fixedly attached to the base and fixed relative to the slots, thereby fixing the first ends relative to the base. The second engagement device is fixedly attached to the base and includes a plurality of slits each configured to secure a corresponding one of the strings. The slots formed in the base are disposed between and spaced apart from the first and second engagement devices. The stabilization device is removably engageable with a selected one of the slots and is configured to engage a selected portion of the strings between the first and second engagement devices to restrict twisting of the strings.
US09038671B2
An integral hose anti-collapse rib comprises a unitary body having a first cantilevered portion curved in a first direction. This first cantilevered portion defines a first end. A second cantilevered portion is curved in a direction opposite the direction of the first cantilevered portion, in a direction facing the first cantilevered portion. The second cantilevered portion also defines a second end disposed at an opposite extent of the rib from the first end. The hose anti-collapse rib also comprises a locking mechanism that locks the first end of the rib to the second end of the rib, such that the first and second cantilevered portions together form a generally circular shape. However, in a relaxed state in which the locking mechanism is not engaged, the rib preferably defines a non-circular, generally spiral shape.
US09038667B2
A valve operating device includes a mounting for attachment to a vehicle and an elongate arm, the free end of which is only moveable across the underlying ground. The joints of the arm pivot around vertical axes and the arm is locked into a desired orientation by a brake at each joint. A valve turning machine is at the free end of the arm. The brakes are engaged and released by a control on the valve turning machine.
US09038655B2
A diaphragm sealed flow cavity comprises a first body comprising a support surface, a diaphragm comprising an outer portion that is joined by a weld to the first body, a clamped portion, and an inner portion that is movable along an axis, with the clamped portion of the diaphragm being compressed between the bearing surface and the support surface. The diaphragm sealed flow cavity may include a cylindrical body having a crimped portion for joining the cylindrical body to the first body. The diaphragm sealed flow cavity may also include a member that applies a live load to the clamped portion of the diaphragm. In the exemplary embodiments, the diaphragm sealed flow cavity may be realized as part of a diaphragm flow control valve having a valve body, diaphragm and a housing.
US09038652B1
An inflatable device is provided, comprising a carcass and an internal air intake mechanism assembly. The carcass defines a surface of the device and surrounds an inner volume of the device, and has an opening. The internal air intake mechanism assembly comprises a primary one way valve mechanism joined to the carcass to cover the opening. The primary one way valve mechanism extends into the inner volume and is configured for enabling air to be directed into inner volume from an environment external to the carcass, while preventing or limiting air flow from the inner to the external environment.
US09038639B2
The invention relates to a rod-shaped body (1) comprised of one or more filaments (2) and of a non-ferromagnetic matrix material (3). The matrix material (3) surrounds the filament(s) (1) and/or adheres them to one another. The rod-shaped body is also comprised of a dopant consisting of particles that generate magnetic resonance tomographic artifacts that is introduced into the matrix material (3). Rod-shaped bodies of this type can be used to construct guide wires, catheters and other instruments to be used in minimally invasive surgical interventions.
US09038632B2
A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
US09038631B2
A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
US09038628B2
The present invention may be embodied as a system and/or a computer-based method for determining safe operation of a breathing gas system comprising the step of receiving a present oxygen concentration value from an oxygen concentration sensor. The method further comprises the step of receiving, at the computer, a present altitude value from an altimeter of the aircraft and using the computer to calculate an alarm flow rate, where the alarm flow rate is a function of the present oxygen concentration value and the present altitude value. The method may further comprise the step of receiving, at the computer, a present flow value from a flow meter, where the present flow value represents the rate of flow of breathing gas to the user. The method may comprise the step of comparing the calculated alarm flow rate to the received present flow value to determine a safe operation of the oxygen system.
US09038626B2
A liquid tank for an aerosol inhalator has a reservoir channel opening into air at one end thereof and containing flavor solution inside; a supply pipe connecting the other end of the reservoir channel to an inhalation passage of the aerosol inhalator and guiding the flavor solution to the inhalation passage through either one of inhalation pressure in the inhalation passage and capillary action; and an outflow valve located between the other end of the reservoir channel and the supply pipe, for allowing only the flow of the flavor solution running from the reservoir channel towards the supply pipe.
US09038624B2
A solar boiler includes a boiler support defining an axis along an inboard-outboard direction. A hanger rod is rotatably mounted to the boiler support. A bracket is rotatably mounted to the hanger rod, and a solar boiler panel is mounted to the bracket. The solar boiler panel defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular with the axis of the boiler support. The hanger rod connects between the boiler support and the bracket to support the weight of the solar boiler panel from the boiler support. The hanger rod and bracket are configured and adapted to maintain a substantially constant orientation of the bracket during inboard and outboard movement of the bracket relative to the boiler support.
US09038620B2
A multi-sided, portable outdoor fireplace convertible to an open grill, a rotisserie assembly, and a smoker assembly, the fireplace includes a carriage assembly with a pair of rotatable wheels and at least one leg member; a base pan assembly for containing a solid fuel heat source affixed to the carriage assembly; and a removable screen assembly residing on top of the base pan assembly. When converted to an open grill, the fireplace further includes a grill bracket removably attachable to the screen assembly. When converted to a smoker, the fireplace, in one embodiment, further includes at least one heat/wind shield attachable to the screen assembly; a smoker adaptor body residing on the screen assembly; an adjustable grate support bracket affixed to the interior of the smoker body and a cover.
US09038618B1
An archery stabilizer which, by utilizing a carbon fiber tube or a comparable material in a tube configuration, provides for preloading the tube in compression, thereby effectively increasing the stiffness of the tube. The stabilizer includes weights, and the preloading of the tube compensates for the bending moment applied to the tube by the weights attached to the end of the tube or contained within the tube. In effect, the present invention presents an apparatus and method for loading the tube so as to allow a user to adjust the elastic modulus of the tube.
US09038615B2
A bail guard for use with arm- or wrist-braced slingshots is disclosed. The bail comprises a thin, slightly arcuate body having upper and lower channels disposed on opposing sides, each upper and lower channel separated by a groove formed therebetween. The channels are dimensioned to receive and fictionally engage the distal ends of the arm or wrist brace of a slingshot such that the bail guard can be securely and removably mounted to the arm or wrist brace of the slingshot.
US09038613B2
As one example, a fuel rail assembly for supplying pressurized fuel to a plurality of cylinders of an engine is provided. The fuel rail assembly includes a fuel rail housing defining an internal fuel rail volume having at least a first region and a second region; a fuel separation membrane element disposed within the fuel rail housing that segregates the first region from the second region. The membrane element can be configured to pass a first component of a fuel mixture such as an alcohol through the membrane element from the first region to the second region at a higher rate than a second component of the fuel mixture such as a hydrocarbon. The separated alcohol and hydrocarbon components can be provided to the engine in varying relative amounts based on operating conditions.
US09038602B2
A device for injecting fuel over a cylinder head of an engine, including a tubular body, an injection nozzle forming an extension of the tubular body, a needle extending coaxially to the nozzle in a form of a rod, an end of which includes a head forming a valve on a seat supported by the injection nozzle, and an actuator configured to cause a movement of the head so as to open the valve, the needle configured to axially resonate when the same is subjected to axial pulses at a predetermined nominal frequency by the actuator. A system for mounting the device includes a spacer for bearing on the cylinder head, as well as on a front surface of the tubular body at the connection to the nozzle.
US09038597B2
An electronic throttle control apparatus has a construction which does not use a mechanical mechanism to restrict an operating angle of an electronic throttle valve, and continues motor control so as to prevent rapid opening and closing of the electronic throttle valve, even if an angle detection unit becomes abnormal. Upon detection of an abnormality, a control unit (1) controls, without using pieces of angle information (θ1, θ2) after the detection of the abnormality, a motor (2) for driving the electronic throttle valve (3) based on angle information (θb) before the angle detection unit (6) becomes abnormal, information of electric power supplied to the motor (2) before the angle detection unit (6) becomes abnormal, a period of time (Tbc) until the abnormality of the angle detection unit (6) is detected, and a preset rate of change of a throttle angle.
US09038592B2
Disclosed is an engine that comprises an engine block, and the engine block comprises a cylinder. The engine further comprises a cylinder head mounted to the engine block, and the cylinder head comprises an intake valve seat and a shroud. Further yet, the engine comprises a combustion chamber formed at least partially by the cylinder and the cylinder head. The intake valve is configured to travel between a fully closed position seated against the intake valve seat and an opened position displaced from the intake valve seat, thus allowing intake flow through the intake valve seat into the combustion chamber. The shroud only partially surrounds a periphery of the valve and extends along at least a portion of the travel of the intake valve so as to restrict intake flow along only a portion of the intake valve.
US09038586B2
A durable system is disclosed for controlling variable valve actuation of an engine valve corresponding to a cylinder of an automobile engine. The system is designed to have a durability that exceeds the expected life of a conventional automobile engine. The system includes first crowned cam having a first lift profile, a second crowned cam having a second lift profile, and a rocker arm assembly. The rocker assembly includes a first arm having an end connected to said engine valve, having a high impact roller following the first crowned cam operating the engine valves according to a first lift profile. The rocker arm assembly also includes a second arm having slider pads riding on the second crowned cam to operate said engine valve according to a second lift profile. The slider pads have a sliding surface covered with an impact-resistant multilayer coating with its outermost coating being a wear-resistant coating. A latch having adjustable latch lash secures the second arm relative to the first arm when in a latched position causing the valve to operate according to a second lift profile when the latch is in a latched position, and the valve is operated according to a first lift profile when the latch is not in a latched position.
US09038585B2
A valve timing control apparatus includes: a drive-side rotor rotating in synchronization with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine; a driven-side rotor arranged to have the same shaft center as the drive-side rotor, rotating in synchronization with a camshaft for opening and closing valves; a fluid pressure chamber formed between the drive-side driven-side rotors; a partitioning portion provided in at least one of the drive-side and driven-side rotors; a timing advance chamber and a timing delay chamber formed by partitioning the fluid pressure chamber by the partitioning portion; a lock mechanism including a lock member and a concave portion a lock release flow path through which operating fluid supplied and discharged to and from the concave portion is circulated; a valve arranged in the middle of the lock release flow path; and a control unit controlling the operation of the valve.
US09038583B2
In an internal combustion engine valve drive arrangement having cam elements which are supported on a camshaft so as to be axially displaceable and having switch gates which are coupled to the cam elements and have gate tracks with track segments and switching segments for displaceing the cam elements, the track segments and the switching segments are formed, at least in part, in partial areas of the switch gates.
US09038582B2
An internal combustion engine includes a first cylinder having an intake valve in fluid communication with an intake manifold, and a second cylinder having an exhaust valve in fluid communication with an exhaust manifold. A transfer passage fluidly connects the first cylinder with the second cylinder. A first fuel injector is configured to provide a first fuel to the first cylinder, and a second fuel injector is configured to provide a second fuel to the second cylinder. The first cylinder operates, at times, to push a first air/fuel mixture through the transfer passage into the second cylinder. The second fuel injector is configured to provide at least one fuel injection plume into the first air/fuel mixture.
US09038580B2
Methods and systems are provided for enabling engine dilution control. One or more engine diluents are combined to provide a desired engine dilution, the various diluents selected based on their respective combustion stability limits. A ratio of the various diluents used is further adjusted based on engine operating limitations.
US09038571B1
A hay bale holder having an enclosure that retains a hay bale within chain link fencing is disclosed. The hay bale holder includes a spring mechanism that causes the chain link fencing to tightly retain the hale bale. Hay can then pass through openings in fencing to allow animals to remove portions of hay from a comfortable height without excessive waste.
US09038558B2
A mooring system for a floating structure (1) in which a floating structure or fixed tower is provided with a turntable (80). A floating structure is moored to the turntable via at least one rigid arm (51,51′) and two tension members (41, 41′). The rigid arm is provided on one end with a ballast weight (61, 61′) and includes a damping system formed of least two separated liquid tanks (70, 70′) that are partly filled with liquids and placed at the same distance from the horizontal center line (100). The tanks (70, 70′) are fluidly connected with each other so that liquid can be exchanged between the tanks damps a swinging yaw motion of the rigid arm (51, 51′) around the vertical axis of the turntable (80).
US09038555B2
An adjustable skeg has a body formed by sidewalls including a closed bottom or base. The sidewalls converge to form a leading edge and a trailing end. The top is generally open and the top and sidewalls define a cavity for receiving a skeg or stub. The skeg may also be of unitary construction with the lower drive unit/gear case of a boat motor. The top and bottom portions of the trailing end project rearwardly to form extensions beyond a central portion of the trailing end. A torque vane is pivotally mounted between the top and bottom extensions. The vane is pivotable to subtend a preselected angle with a respective sidewall for eliminating steering torque. A plurality of receivers is positioned on either the top or bottom extension for locking the vane in place following adjustment. The receivers are identified by respective indicia for calibrating adjustment of the torque vane.
US09038553B2
A punching device including a punching die (5a) that can be connected to the needle bar and a punching matrix (5b) that can be fastened to a needle plate (7) of a sewing machine. The punching matrix (5b) is embodied as a lid of a clippings container (9). The planar object (23) to be processed is displaced via the tambour frame in a punching plane L2, with this punching plane L2 being arranged parallel above the sewing plane L1.
US09038544B2
A tiltable support apparatus (tilt device) for variably adjusting the height of any one of the four sides of a portable table that is optionally with an electronic device or as a pilot's kneeboard. The tilt mechanism is a flat, flexible layer that can be rolled into a rolled elevating device. An attachment system releasably attaches the tilt mechanism to the adjacent structures such as parts of the table, of an electronic device case, or of a thigh/lap attachment for a kneeboard. The attachment system further allows for attachment with variable increments of tilt possible. In one embodiment, the tiltable support apparatus is a multilayer device containing the flat, flexible layer as a middle layer securely but reversibly attached to upper and lower layers of a case. The case is easily insertable under an object to be tilted and easily stored when not in use.
US09038537B2
Systems and methods for applying customer-specific labels to an unprinted or non-displayed side of printed products.
US09038532B2
Rectangular baler comprising a bale chamber adapted to contain one or more bales; a compacting plunger for advancing crop material in a direction towards a discharge opening of the bale chamber; wherein the rectangular baler further comprises at least one friction block mounted moveably in a wall of the bale chamber such that at least a part of each friction block is moveable out of the wall; and biasing element adapted for biasing the at least one friction block in a position wherein the at least one friction block protrudes out of the wall.
US09038530B2
A beverage machine for preparing and dispensing a hot beverage having a pump dispensing system. Hot water passes through a water distributor to infuse material in a filter basket. A coffee tank receives the brewed beverage and maintains it at an appropriate temperature. On demand, a pump dispensing system delivers the beverage through an outlet chamber and spout into a user's cup. The user manipulates a switch to vary the rate at which the pump dispensing system dispenses the beverage.
US09038526B2
A hydraulic system is provided, having a pump, operably connected to a motor. It also comprises a controller-driven hydraulic actuator, operably connected to the pump and a hydraulic valve, operable to direct hydraulic fluid to and from either a rod side or a cylinder side of the hydraulic actuator. Rod and cylinder side pressures are pre-defined based on the instantaneous acceleration or deceleration required. Decelerating the hydraulic actuator could involve maintaining the current pressure in the meter-out side of the hydraulic actuator and decreasing the current pressure in the meter-in side by varying the speed of the pump. Deceleration of the hydraulic actuator could also include decreasing pressure on the meter-in side of the hydraulic actuator at a higher rate than on the meter-out side. Acceleration is achieved using a similar approach.
US09038523B2
Blast absorbing structures and system for use in absorbing blast forces exerted on a floor of a personnel cabin of a vehicle, are disclosed. The blast absorbing flexing structure comprises a bottom section forming a floor of the cabin, a first side section and opposing second side section, each side section extending from the bottom section and including a plurality of steps along a length of the second side section. The steps flex in response to a blast force. In another embodiment, the blast absorbing expanding structure comprises a force abatement device forming a floor of the cabin, a cover plate having a plurality of slots arranged around a perimeter of the plate. The cover plate is movable between a neutral position and a blast force position to diminish the blast forces prior to the blast forces to reaching an occupant of the cabin.
US09038522B2
The invention features a support system which can be attached to a ballistic shield. The system features at least one telescoping or retractable leg which is mounted to the shield to create a standalone shield. The shield is positioned between plates which receive pins that hold the shield in position in the system. The system features a resting platform which provides an area for resting a gun or rifle, for example. A bullet proof screen extends from the bottom area of the shield towards the base of the system and provides additional security to the user when the shield is in the system.
US09038519B2
Embodiments herein provide a modified pitch sprocket to provide an orientation of a saw chain link, such as a cutter link or drive link, with respect to the direction of travel of the link, as it traverses the sprocket that is different than the orientation of the link as it traverses a straight portion of the guide bar. In some embodiments, the modified pitch sprocket may orient the cutter link to provide radial extension for a depth gauge of the cutter link relative to a cutting element of the cutter link. This may facilitate shaping of the depth gauge and/or cutting element, such as by a sharpening element, as the cutter link traverses the sprocket.
US09038518B2
An automatic paper cutting device, includes: a paper reel frame for supporting the paper; and a core unit, wherein the core unit comprises a paper rolling shaft which a head portion of the paper reel rolls around, and the paper rolling shaft is connected to a cutting device. The present invention simplifies the internal structure for realizing the functional requirement that the structure are simpler and the accessories are fewer, the structure of the automatic paper cutting device is simpler, the automatic paper cutting device works more stable, the paper is outputted more smoothly, and the paper of different thickness and quality is capable of being cut automatically.
US09038517B2
A mandolin slicer having one or more safety features, including a food carrier having one or more guards to protect a user's hand and a food carrier delivery system that helps ensure uniform and predictable movement. The mandolin slicer also provides an ability to safely and effectively cut oversized, long, and awkwardly shaped food articles.
US09038510B2
A steady rest for centering a rotationally symmetrical workpiece in a space comprises: two housing halves arranged at a distance from one another and connected together, a plate-shaped middle piece arranged between the two housing halves, the middle piece mounted in the housing halves by means of an actuator piston so it can be moved in an axial movement direction to the workpiece, two linear guide grooves disposed in both opposite end faces of the middle piece, with the linear guide grooves running in a cross-shaped arrangement and at an angle to the movement direction of the middle piece, two outer steady rest arms, each of which has its free ends mounted in each of the linear guide grooves of the middle piece in a movable arrangement, and a middle steady rest arm attached to the middle piece between the outer steady rest arms.
US09038509B1
A single apparatus handles drill steel to position the drill steel pieces for tooling and repair by a lathe. Drill steel needing repair is accepted on rails of the apparatus. A drill steel piece to be repaired is moved along the rails and is moved onto hydraulic drive cylinders. The drive cylinders raise and move a first end of the drill steel piece into the lathe. Support cylinders raise to support the piece while it is being re-threaded and repaired by the lathe. The drive cylinders reverse to remove the drill steel piece from the lathe. A pivot raises to capture the drill steel piece and rotates the piece to present a second end of the piece to the lathe. The drive cylinders and support cylinders likewise present, support, and remove the second end to the lathe for re-threading and repair. A unitary frame supports the rails, the drive cylinders, the support cylinders, the lifting/rotating pivot cylinder, and the hydraulics of the apparatus.
US09038508B1
A ratcheting device includes a handle member including a first end and an opposed second end, a ratchet head pivotably connected to the first end of the handle member, and a ring grip pivotably connected to the second end of the handle member.
US09038506B1
A socket wrench with a positioning device contains: a body including an accommodating cavity, a first face, and a second face. A toothed holder is accommodated in the accommodating cavity and has a polygonal groove, a first circular portion, a second circular portion, and a ratchet protrusion between the first circular portion and the second circular portion. The first circular portion is inserted to the first face, the second circular portion is inserted to the second face, and the ratchet protrusion engages with a ratchet device. A positioning device includes at least one retaining element disposed on the first circular portion and horizontally moving in the polygonal groove. The first circular portion has a resilient element and a pressing loop which are fitted on the first circular, and the pressing loop has a recess defined on an inner face thereof to correspond to the at least one retaining element.
US09038499B2
There is provided an opening and closing apparatus for a fuel lid, including: a pushrod configured to shift between a locking posture and an unlocking posture and to reciprocate between a pushed-in position and a pushed-out position; a follower assembled to the pushrod so as to rotate relatively to the pushrod about the center line and to move together with the pushrod in the axial directions; and a case supporting the pushrod, the follower and a biasing member. The case includes a rod cam portion for rotating the pushrod and a follower cam portion for rotating the follower. The follower cam portion includes a plurality of follower securing portions for securing the follower so as to hold the pushrod in the pushed-in position against biasing force exerted by the biasing member.
US09038493B2
An automatic shift device for an automated transmission for a vehicle includes a rotation shaft, a clutch ring, a clutch hub, a sleeve, a dog clutch portion, a shaft moving apparatus, and a control portion. The control portion includes a push force reduction control portion performing a push force reduction control reducing a push force of the sleeve that the shaft moving apparatus applies on the clutch rear teeth in response to a back and forth movement of the sleeve after the sleeve reaches an end surface of the clutch rear tooth. The control portion includes a retry control portion performing a retry control that re-applies the push force of the sleeve in response to a predetermined retry condition after the push force reduction control is performed.
US09038492B2
A hydraulic arrangement by which a plurality of shift rails of a transmission are actuated, including one double acting cylinder per shift rail by which the respective shift rail can be moved back and forth. A first hydraulic valve is connected upstream of the plurality of shift rails and has a first output and a second output, by which a first shift pressure and a second shift pressure for actuating the shift rails can be provided. A second hydraulic valve is connected between the first hydraulic valve and two of the shift rails, and by which it is selectively possible for the first output of the first hydraulic valve to be associated with one of the double acting cylinders of the two shift rails, and the second output of the first hydraulic valve to be associated with the other double acting cylinder of the two shift rails.
US09038486B2
A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob. A pin forming part of the piston is engageable by a pin receiving recess in the piston body and ensures a predetermined orientation between a shank portion and the piston body, during assembly.
US09038484B2
A force/moment sensor for measurement of three orthogonal forces and three orthogonal moments, comprises an inner holding element which is surrounded by an outer holding element. The two holding elements are connected to each other by deformation elements. For each deformation element, at least one deformation transducer is provided. The force/moment sensor is preferably monolithic, and the deformation transducers, formed as strain gauges, are preferably arranged in one plane or in two preferably parallel planes.
US09038479B2
A compression fitting includes a housing, a compressible seal, a follower and a driving member. The housing includes an axial cavity having a lateral sidewall that includes an axial keyway therein. The cavity terminates at a first end portion thereof at a seat. The compressible seal may receive a signal transmitting lead therethrough, and is disposed within the cavity and seated on the seat. The follower is axially movable within the cavity for selective engagement with the seal for axially compressing the seal against the seat, the sidewall of the cavity and the signal transmitting lead. The follower includes an integral key that extends laterally outward therefrom and is received within the keyway, and an axial bore for accommodation therewithin of the lead. The driving member is rotatably mounted on the housing and engageable with the follower such that rotation of the driving member causes an axial translation thereof.
US09038477B2
A method, apparatus and system for testing the self-sealing properties of a concrete sample. The method may include providing an apparatus for creating a consistent and reproducible crack in a concrete sample and creating a consistent and reproducible crack in the concrete sample with the apparatus. The method may further include providing a fluidic delivery system that provides a consistent flow of fluid for testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample and testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample with the system.
US09038467B2
The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles.
US09038461B2
A gyro sensor according to the invention includes a first mass portion including a first detection portion, a second mass portion including a second detection portion, first drive portions vibrating the first mass portion in a direction of a first axis, and a force conversion portion fixed to an anchor portion. The first mass portion and the second mass portion are connected with the force conversion portion. The force conversion portion is displaced with the anchor portion as an axis, and vibrates the second mass portion in a direction of a second axis crossing the first axis in a plane view.
US09038454B2
Measuring flow rate of gas based on amount of heat transfer from gas to temperature-sensing resistors, comprises: substrate having hollow space formed therethrough; an insulating film deposited on the substrate so as to cover the hollow space; a heat-generating resistor formed on the insulating film; temperature-sensing resistors arranged adjacent to the heat-generating resistor; electrodes arranged at an edge of the semiconductor substrate so electrodes are parallel to the edge; and wiring connecting the electrodes and heat-generating resistors. Thermal resistance of a first area is made almost equal to thermal resistance of a second area, first area is defined by the side of the heat-generating resistor closer to the electrodes and by the side of the hollow space closer to the electrodes, and the second area is defined by the opposite side of the heat-generating resistor and by the opposite side of the hollow space.
US09038453B2
Methods and apparatus to determine aircraft flight conditions are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a gaseous packet generator to generate a gaseous packet adjacent an aircraft. The example apparatus also includes a sensor array disposed on the aircraft to acquire information related to the gaseous packet. The example apparatus further includes a processor to determine at least one of a first characteristic of air flowing along the aircraft or a second characteristic of the aircraft based on the information.
US09038452B2
An apparatus for measuring forces acting on a downhole tool is provided. The apparatus can include an annular body having an axial bore formed therethrough. A first fluid can be disposed within the bore. An annular sleeve can be disposed proximate an inner surface of the body. An annular chamber can be formed between the body and the sleeve, and a second fluid can be disposed within the chamber. A sensor can be coupled to the sleeve to measure a strain placed on the sleeve by a pressure differential between the first and second fluids. A pressure of the first fluid in the bore can be determined from the strain.
US09038448B2
The invention relates to a monitoring apparatus for monitoring a state of wear of a component of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine wherein an oil collection device is provided for the collection of lubrication oil from the cylinder so that a predetermined measured quantity of lubrication oil is suppliable from the cylinder to a measurement device.
US09038441B2
Improved high speed helium leak-detection system for storage tanks comprising a mobile enclosure for operation of electrical components of leak detection sensors in Class 1, Division 1, Group D hazardous locations, comprising a rapid exchange purge assembly having pressure control valves, pressure reference controller and vent, a mechanically actuated vortex-type cooler, a helium leak detector having a pumping manifold connected to a sniffer probe hose to provide sample gas from the tank probe to a pair of pumps oriented in parallel. The first pump, downstream of the helium leak detector, draws a sample through the detector, and a second pump provides a rapid transfer of probe sample. The enclosure includes a controller, display and alarm. The enclosure is maintained overpressure to prevent infiltration of hazardous vapors and is continuously purged with com-pressed air. The system provides response time of about 2 seconds, a 5-fold improvement over current systems.
US09038422B2
An apparatus and method for manufacturing glass objects comprising a blowing glass blowing pipe and a metal mounting insert configured to melt with glass to form a glass piece that is easily removed from the glass blowing pipe without the need to break the glass from the headstock of the glass blowing pipe. A method for manufacturing a glass object utilizing a metal mounting insert is described. A glass object having a metal mounting insert for installation and use in other applications is also described.
US09038421B2
A sag-bending glass sheet mold is disclosed. The sheet mold comprises a plurality of lateral support members, a plurality of longitudinal support members arranged perpendicular to the lateral support members, each of the plurality of lateral support members extending between two of the plurality of longitudinal support members, each of the plurality of longitudinal support members having an upper surface, and the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of longitudinal support members combined to form a mold support surface. The sheet mold can also comprise a glass-bearing support sheet disposed atop the mold support surface, the glass-bearing support sheet extending across the plurality of longitudinal support members and above the lateral support members, the glass-bearing support sheet having a curved upper surface.
US09038413B2
Separation method and apparatus for separating a gaseous mixture, for example, air, in a cryogenic rectification plant in which a compressed stream is divided into subsidiary streams that are extracted from a main heat exchanger of the plant at higher and lower temperatures. The two streams are then combined and expanded in a turboexpander to generate refrigeration for the plant. The flow rates of the two streams are adjusted to control inlet temperature of a turboexpander supplying plant refrigeration and to minimize potential deviation of the turboexpander exhaust from a saturated vapor state. Control of the expansion ratio can advantageously be applied to allow variable liquid production from the rectification plant.
US09038410B2
An ice making system includes a flavored liquid, an ice machine and a refrigerated storage bin. The ice making system continuously produces flavored ice pieces for storage in an ice storage bin. A refrigeration system cools the ice storage bin.
US09038406B2
Dehumidifying cooling apparatus and method are provided for an electronics rack. The apparatus includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger disposed at an air inlet or outlet side of the rack and positioned for air passing through the electronics rack to pass across the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is in fluid communication with a coolant loop for passing coolant therethrough at a temperature below a dew point temperature of the air passing across the heat exchanger so that air passing across the heat exchanger is dehumidified and cooled. A condensate collector, disposed below the heat exchanger, collects liquid condensate from the dehumidifying of air passing through the electronics rack, wherein the heat exchanger includes a plurality of sloped surfaces configured to facilitate drainage of liquid condensate from the heat exchanger to the condensate collector.
US09038400B2
Certain disclosed embodiments pertain to controlling temperature in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. For example, a temperature control system (TCS) can include an air channel configured to deliver airflow to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The TCS can include a one thermal energy source and a heat transfer device connected to the air channel. A first fluid circuit can circulate coolant to the thermal energy source and a thermoelectric device (TED). A second fluid circuit can circulate coolant to the TED and the heat transfer device. A bypass circuit can connect the thermal energy source to the heat transfer device. An actuator can cause coolant to circulate selectively in either the bypass circuit or the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit. A control device can operate the actuator when it is determined that the thermal energy source is ready to provide heat to the airflow.
US09038398B2
A gas turbine engine includes a heat exchanger, a bearing compartment, and a nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the bearing compartment. The heat exchanger exchanges heat with a bleed airflow to provide a conditioned airflow. The bearing compartment is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger. A first passageway communicates the conditioned airflow from the heat exchanger to the bearing compartment. A second passageway communicates the conditioned airflow from the bearing compartment to the nozzle assembly.
US09038396B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for cooling a transition piece of a combustor includes at least one wrapper disposed at the transition piece located outboard of the transition piece. At least one support boss is located between the at least one wrapper and the transition piece. The at least one support boss, the at least one wrapper, and transition piece define at least one cooling flow channel for directing flow for cooling the transition piece. A method of cooling a transition piece of a combustor includes flowing cooling flow into at least one cooling flow channel located at the transition piece, the at least one cooling flow channel defined by the transition piece, at least one wrapper located at the transition piece and located outboard of the transition piece, and at least one support boss located between the at least one wrapper and the transition piece. The cooling flow is directed via the at least one support boss and flows across an outer surface of the transition piece thereby cooling the transition piece.
US09038395B2
A combustor for a turbine engine is provided. The combustor includes a first liner and a second liner forming a combustion chamber with the first liner, the combustion chamber configured to receive an air-fuel mixture for combustion therein. The first liner defining an air admission hole for directing a first jet of pressurized air into the combustion chamber, and the air admission hole may have a non-circular shape. The combustor further includes an insert positioned within the air admission hole to guide the first jet through the air admission hole and into the combustion chamber.
US09038381B2
A device for actuating a flap, in particular a wastegate flap in an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, includes a control rod, which can be moved by an actuator substantially in an axial direction and is guided in a fist gate via a first pin at the side thereof facing away from the actuator. A carriage is articulated on the first pin and is guided in the first gate via a second pin on the side facing away from the first pin, wherein a pivot lever is articulated on the second pin and, on the side facing away from the second pin, the pivot lever is rotatably mounted in a machine housing, preferably a turbine housing, and the flap is arranged on the pivot lever on the side facing away from the second pin. By way of the articulated design, a non-linear adjustment of the flap is possible.
US09038380B2
A master cylinder device includes: a first pressurizing piston including a main body portion which defines a first pressurizing chamber for pressurizing a brake fluid, and a flange portion which is formed around an outer circumference of the main body portion and in front of which there is defined an opposing chamber; and an input piston which can be shrunk by operating a brake pedal. The master cylinder device further includes an electromagnetic open/close valve for making the opposing chamber and the inter-piston chamber communicate with a reservoir, and an electromagnetic open/close valve for prohibiting the shrink of the input piston. The master cylinder device with such a structure allows a pressurization of the brake fluid depending on an operation force in a state in which the shrink of the input piston is prohibited.
US09038373B2
A system includes an engine, an exhaust conduit for the engine, a first SCR catalyst fluidly coupled to the exhaust conduit, and a second SCR catalyst fluidly coupled to the exhaust conduit at a position downstream of the first SCR catalyst. The system further includes an ammonia sensor positioned between the first and second SCR catalysts. A reductant doser is positioned upstream of the first SCR catalyst. The system includes a controller that determines an amount of NH3 present from the NH3 sensor, and computes an actuator response function from at least one operating condition of the first SCR catalyst. The actuator response function includes a reductant injector response as a function of the amount of NH3, and the actuator response function includes a response discontinuity. The controller further determines a reductant injection amount from the amount of NH3 and the actuator response function, and provides a reductant injector command.
US09038371B2
In a supply arrangement for supplying a solution containing a reducing agent, in particular urea, to an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine wherein a supply line extending from a storage tank to an injector which is connected to the exhaust gas system includes an operating tank and a dosing arrangement, a return line extends between the dosing arrangement and the storage tank and the dosing arrangement includes a directional valve for directing solution to the injector during a first operating mode in which the engine is operating and, in a second operating mode in which the engine is shut down, directing the solution back to the storage tank for emptying the operating tank.
US09038369B2
Methods and systems for diagnosing inadequate performance and/or degradation of one or more components of an aftertreatment system are disclosed, the components including at least an oxidation catalyst that is positioned upstream from an SCR catalyst. A performance degradation analysis of the oxidation catalyst is based on a comparison of measurements received from a first nitrous oxide (NOx) sensor located upstream of the oxidation catalyst and a second NOx sensor located downstream from the oxidation catalyst.
US09038364B2
Thruster grid clear circuits and methods to clear thruster grids are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a low voltage grid clear circuit to apply first energy to a grid at a first voltage, and a high voltage grid clear circuit to detect a failure of the applied energy to clear a short circuit condition of the grid and to apply second energy to the grid at a second voltage higher than the first voltage.
US09038360B1
A combination includes a shackle with a pin and a locking ring. The shackle body has a closed geometry defining a primary opening therethrough and includes a first side member with a first aperture, a second side member spaced apart from the first side member and having a second aperture. The second aperture is positioned opposite from and aligned with the first aperture. End portions extend between and connect the first side member and the second side member. A pin has a body portion extending between a head portion and a tip portion. The pin defines an annular slot extending at least partially around the pin. An expandable retaining ring is configured to be installed on the pin and occupy the annular slot, where the retaining ring prevents removal of the pin from the shackle body when the pin is installed in the shackle body.
US09038355B2
An apparatus for unfolding folded plastic film having a first side joined to a second side along a longitudinal folded edge for use in forming a packaging tube. The folded film travels through a slot and the folded sides are separated at their respective outer longitudinal edges. The longitudinal left side is conveyed toward and over a guide plate left side edge and then over a left form tube section. The longitudinal right side is conveyed toward and over a guide plate right side edge and then over a right form tube section. The longitudinal middle section including the longitudinal folded edge and part of both the first and second sides adjacent the longitudinal folded edge is conveyed toward and over guide plate angular edges and then onto a carrying surface.
US09038348B1
The present subject matter is directed to a lattice tower covering and/or assembly for a wind turbine. The lattice tower assembly includes a plurality of structural members connected together to define an open lattice tower. The structural members include a plurality of supports, a plurality of inner cross-support members, and a plurality of outer cross-support members. The inner and outer cross-support members are connected between the supports so as to define one or more openings. The lattice tower covering includes one or more panel elements. Each of the panel elements are retained in position between the supports and cover at least a portion of one or more of the openings. Further, the lattice tower covering has a surface area defined by the plurality of supports and the one or more panel elements.
US09038346B1
A corner block has spaced-apart front and rear sections interconnected by two spaced-apart side sections that jointly define an internal cavity. Upper protrusions are provided on the top face of the block, and inner protrusions are provided inside the cavity at the bottom of the block. The upper and inner protrusions are configured and arranged relative to one another so that when two corner blocks are stacked one atop another with one block rotated 90° relative to the other, the upper protrusions of the lower block interlock with the inner protrusions of the upper block to interlock the two blocks. The corner blocks are constructed in two variants, a corner block A and a corner block B, which are mirror images of each other. The corner blocks A and B are alternately stacked upon one another to construct a 90° corner of a segmental wall structure.
US09038342B2
A unitary safety surface tile is provided. The tile may interlock with at least one other tile. The tiles may be configured for disposing on a base of loose fill and for receiving a covering of loose fill. The tiles may include a plurality of hollow inverted pyramidal shaped pockets. Each of the pockets may connect to at least two other pockets along a top edge of each pocket. Each of the pockets may engage the base of loose fill and/or receive the covering of loose fill. Each of the pockets may include one or more apertures for allowing passage of fluid through each of the pockets. Each tile may further include a plurality of edges. The edges may border the plurality of pockets. Each of at least two of said plurality of edges may be adapted for engaging at least one edge of at least one other tile.
US09038336B2
A system and method providing a facade for portable toilets and other structures includes a plurality of panels that mimic or emulate a more aesthetically pleasings structure. The facade may provide the appearance of a house or other structure to disguise the less appealing form of a portable toilet. One, two, three or more panels connect about a portable toilet structure and may partially or completely connect to the portable toilet structure itself. The facade is optionally comprised of lightweight and easily transportable material.
US09038330B2
An improved building roof tile for a sloping roof including a polyurethane foam tile that includes outer coating layers that are made of a uniquely fire resistant or retardant layered system that includes a first outer fire resistant layer of 100% solid aliphatic polyurea material and a second inner layer of an 100% solid intumescent non-halogenated phosphate material, said inner layer forming a fire blocking partition and said outer layer offering UV protection, featherweight, category 5 hurricane proof, yields a high R-value, offer low thermal transference into attic space, will retrofit any sloped roof without structural build-up, can be molded into single or triple units, cannot break under foot or when extreme pressures are applied, can produce upgradable solar energy, is easy to transport and install and can molded to look like slate, wood, flat roll tile or most other historical tiles.
US09038328B2
A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planar base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.
US09038327B1
A seamless sheet installation system preferably includes a seamless sheet and a plurality of sheet retention devices. The seamless sheet is retained on a tube. A pair of rotating retention devices may be inserted into ends of the roll. Each rolling retention device includes a tube plug and a rotating handle. An end of the seamless sheet is secured to the top eave flange. The seamless sheet is held against a bottom of the eave purlin web with one of the plurality of sheet retention devices. The sheet retention device may have any suitable design. The seamless sheet is rolled out to successive purlins, wrapped over the top flange and anchored to a bottom of the vertical web with one of the plurality of sheet retention devices. The seamless sheet wrapping process is terminated at an opposing eave purlin or a ridge purlin. Insulation is then inserted between adjacent purlins.
US09038324B2
An elevated building surface assembly including a plurality of surface tiles, a plurality of support pedestals disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface and having a support plate with a top surface operatively supporting the surface tiles in horizontally spaced-apart relation, and a plurality of elongate restraining members configured to restrict movement of the surface tile(s) in directions away from first and second adjacent support pedestals and/or relative to one or more adjacent surface tiles to advantageously limit movement or displacement of the surface tile(s) that may otherwise occur due to uplift forces (e.g., generated by winds and/or the like).
US09038323B2
Anchor positioning equipment for pre-fabricating panels of reinforced cement mortar (10) that includes a prestressed biaxial reinforcement (9). The panel has some versatile actuator means (6) embedded into the mass of cement mortar (10), that do not project from any of the faces (11) thereof, for handling and/or securing said panel to the structure of a building. The means (6) comprise, on the one hand, means for retaining (13) in the set mortar mass and, panel anchoring means (14). The equipment has a fixed base structure (2) for supporting stable seat elastic arrangements (5), which receive means (6) and, on the other hand, movable frameworks (1) comprising gripping arrangements (3) for gripping means (6). Movable frameworks (1) are responsible for removing means (6) from stable seat elastic arrangements (5).
US09038319B2
A seal member is provided with a retainer and a weatherstrip held by a pair of engagement parts of the retainer. The weatherstrip has a hollow shape formed by a base and a seal part. The base is configured to be inserted between the pair of engagement parts of the retainer, and the seal part is integral with the base. A center portion of the base has a substantially V cross section, the center portion being configured to come into elastic contact with a portion of the retainer other than each of the pair of engagement parts such that a counterforce is applied from the portion of the retainer other than each of the pair of engagement parts to the center portion of the base when the both sides of the weatherstrip are engaged with the pair of engagement parts.
US09038313B2
A safety guard or gate for placement in a frame of an opening to prevent a child or pet from passing though the opening. The present invention includes an adjustable means for adjusting the guard to fit the width of the frame, wherein the adjustable means has a first end and a second end to form an axis along which the means can be adjusted. The invention further includes an attachment means for securing the guard to the frame; and a securing means for securing the adjustable means to the attachment means. The securing means prevents the adjustable means from disengaging from the attachment means along the axis when in a locked position, and allows disengagement and reengagement of the adjustable means in direction that transects the axis when the securing means is in an unlocked position. The present invention further includes methods for using the safety guard, and systems that include elements of the safety guard.
US09038312B2
A planter for holding a plant includes a container having an open upper end. The container has side walls extending downward from the upper end and tapering inward to a lower end. A base at the lower end of the container has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the upper end. A circumferential ring surrounds the lower end of the container. The circumferential ring has an upper edge that extends outward from the container by a distance such that removal of the container and ring from a mold as a single unit would be inhibited. Accordingly, the container and the circumferential ring are molded from a thermoplastic material as separate components. The circumferential ring fits around the lower end of the container and is held in place by a mechanical interlock between the container and the ring.
US09038308B2
The current invention is a motion imparting decoy device that will help individuals to more effectively lure game animals into reasonable range.
US09038305B2
In some aspects a quick-detach (QD) accessory base mount includes a body. The body includes an accessory engagement interface configured to engage an accessory and a rail engagement interface defining a channel adapted to receive an accessory rail. A rail clamp is carried by the body and is moveable to selectively clamp the body to the accessory rail. A mounting arm extends outwardly from the body and is carried to rotate relative to the body between a first position and a second position. A cam is configured to support the rail clamp to grip the accessory rail and to clamp the body to the accessory rail when the mounting arm is in the first position and to release the rail clamp from gripping the accessory rail when the mounting arm is in the second position.
US09038302B1
A shock mitigation system for a weapon having a weapon-mounted device that mitigates (reduces and/or reshapes) the total and/or peak acceleration transmitted to the weapon-mounted device when the weapon is fired. The shock mitigation system includes a weapon interface coupled between the weapon and the weapon-mounted device and having a dampening mechanism. In one embodiment, the weapon interface further includes a guide system that allows the weapon-mounted device to move axially relative to the weapon, while substantially limiting non-axial movement, from a first position (static position prior to firing) to a second position (after firing) and return to the first original position. In one embodiment, the dampening mechanism operates to provide bi-directional dampening of both the primary recoil-induced acceleration and any secondary acceleration caused by overshoot. In another embodiment, the dampening mechanism is user-adjustable.
US09038298B2
A safety sign system comprises one or more traffic or informational signs, an expandable pole, a detachable umbrella canopy assembly, and a safety finial assembly. The signs are removably attached to a sleeve that surrounds a portion of a pole and rests upon a sign support. The sleeve with the signs attached swivels about the pole. The umbrella canopy assembly is attached to an upper end of the pole and may include additional features including reflective tape, vents, drop-down flaps, reflective coating, and lights. The safety finial assembly is removably attached to the top of the umbrella canopy assembly and may include flag supports, removable flags, and a safety light assembly. The safety sign system optionally further comprises a collapsible seat, a beverage holder, a satellite tracking device, a communication device, a base, and a control panel for operating the safety light and other features.
US09038292B2
A display tool is configured to maneuver a fabric swatch covering and includes a swatch deck and a support arm attached to a lifting tab to maneuver the lifting tab away from the swatch deck. A substrate is attached to the swatch deck and configured to support the support arm when the lifting tab is distant the swatch deck. A first swatch covering front side is attached to the support arm. A first plurality of support veins front side is attached to the first swatch covering back side and the first plurality of support veins back side is attached to the substrate. The support arm can be supported against the substrate to display the first swatch covering and the first plurality of support veins from the support arm.
US09038290B2
An iron (1), comprising: a water reservoir (10), configured to hold liquid water; a heatable soleplate (20), including at least one mist outlet opening (22); water atomization means (30), configured to atomize water from the water reservoir so as to generate a mist of water droplets at a mist generation site (32) mist distribution means (40), configured to distribute the mist from the mist generation site (32) to the at least one mist outlet opening (22), comprising: a distribution channel (42), extending from an air inlet (46), along the mist generation site (32), to the at least one mist outlet opening (22); and an air flow generator (44), disposed in or adjacent said distribution channel and configured to generate an airflow that transports the water droplets, from the mist generation site (32), through the distribution channel (42), to the at least one mist outlet opening (22).
US09038285B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a footwear sole including a midsole and an outsole. The midsole includes of a plurality of protrusions extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the midsole toward the outsole. The outsole may include a plurality of recesses positioned to mate with a corresponding protrusion from the midsole. The outsole may also include one or more protrusion extending downwardly from the bottom of the outsole. The outsole protrusions may correspond with an associated recess of the outsole top surface. The protrusions may be hemispherical in shape at their distal ends so that a portion of the distal end may be received by the corresponding recess of the outsole top surface.
US09038277B2
An accessory for a reciprocating saw, having a blade configured to cut a workpiece and a shoe including a guiding surface for engaging the workpiece, includes a body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The body includes a member proximate the second face for coupling the accessory to the shoe. A guiding surface is defined on the first face of the body for engaging a workpiece and an opening is formed in the body for receiving the blade. The guiding surface constitutes a modified surface configured to differ from the guiding surface of the shoe by at least one characteristic.
US09038276B2
A hair clipper has a base structural housing with a blade set operably secured thereto. The blade set has a stationary blade and a reciprocating blade. The base has at least one support for a rotary motor. A flexible motor vibration and noise damper fits over half of the motor, and a motor cover is secured to the base structural housing over the vibration damper. A secondary housing cover is secured to the base structural housing over the motor cover.
US09038274B2
A casting guide and a method of making a concrete pile using the casting guide, the casting guide including a casting guide end plate, at least two lock rod forms including a first set of crosswise through-holes, and at least two lock socket forms including a second set of crosswise through-holes. The first and second sets of crosswise through-holes configured to removably receive a casting guide pin extending substantially across the casting guide end plate and interconnecting the crosswise through-holes the lock rod forms or lock socket forms when the casting guide is inside a casting chute.
US09038270B2
In a method of making a tubular body, material is pressed through a die of a forming tool into a first mold cavity disposed in downstream relationship to the die to produce a first end piece. A mandrel is then moved in a direction of the die to thereby displace the mold cavity in the same direction and to extrude a tubular center piece to adjoin the first end piece. The mandrel is then replaced by a mold having a second mold cavity to mold a second end piece to adjoin the center piece.
US09038263B2
Arrays of resonator sensors include an active wafer array comprising a plurality of active wafers, a first end cap array coupled to a first side of the active wafer array, and a second end cap array coupled to a second side of the active wafer array. Thickness shear mode resonator sensors may include an active wafer coupled to a first end cap and a second end cap. Methods of forming a plurality of resonator sensors include forming a plurality of active wafer locations and separating the active wafer locations to form a plurality of discrete resonator sensors. Thickness shear mode resonator sensors may be produced by such methods.
US09038255B2
A seat assembly machine includes a plurality of grippers useful for securing a piece of trim to a seat cushion. In a disclosed example, each gripper includes a plurality of prongs that are moved between neutral, closed and released positions that each facilitate a different portion of the assembly process. In one example, each gripper includes a sleeve within which the prongs are moveable so that the prongs are manipulated between the neutral, closed and released positions. A disclosed example sleeve includes an interior channel having a contour that manipulates the prongs between the different positions based on the location of the prongs within the sleeve.
US09038253B2
A system for lifting a first casing section relative to a second casing section is disclosed. The system may generally include a guide member configured to be coupled to the second casing section so as to generally extend lengthwise in a lift direction of the first casing section and a sleeve member configured to be coupled to the first casing section. The sleeve member may be movably disposed on the guide member such that the sleeve member is displaced along a length of the guide member as the first casing section is lifted in the lift direction.
US09038251B1
A buckle assembly structured for quick release and including a gripping assembly structured to removably retain an end connector in a locked position. Two locking segments are movably connected to one another and disposable between a closed orientation and a release orientation. The locked position includes the locking segments disposed in gripping engagement with the connector when the connector is disposed between the locking segments. A quick release assembly may be selectively positioned into a separating engagement with the locking segments to at least partially define a positioning thereof from their closed orientation into their release orientation. A secondary release assembly is connected to the gripping assembly and is independently operable to release the connector from the gripping engagement with the locking segments.
US09038250B2
The invention relates to a seat belt buckle (10) comprising a locking mechanism for a plug-in latch and a casing (12) that encloses the locking mechanism and includes an inserting opening (14) for inserting the plug-in latch as well as a release opening (16) in which a release element (20) for releasing the locking mechanism is disposed. There is provided a sealing device (22) for sealing the inserting opening (14), when the plug-in latch is not inserted, and/or the release opening (16).
US09038247B2
A rope clasp device for securing a rope eliminates the need for a knot in a rope by selectively clasping and encasing at least one portion of a rope in a toothed clamp. The rope clasp device comprises a base, at least one, but generally two swinging doors, and a lock. The swinging doors are pivotably coupled to the base in order to be moved between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, a pair of channels for passage of a rope is defined between the base and the doors. The channels are defined by a plurality of clasping teeth to retain the rope therein.
US09038239B2
A grommet device and method of using a grommet device is provided. A top structure has a top surface. An aperture having a central axis is positioned interior of the top structure. A sidewall is formed around the aperture and connected to the top structure. The sidewall is positioned substantially perpendicular from the top surface of the top structure. At least two upper protruding structures are connected to the top structure at different locations along the top structure, wherein each of the upper protruding structures extends into the aperture. At least two lower protruding structures extend from the sidewall at different locations along the sidewall, wherein each of the lower protruding structures have a flexing portion extending into the aperture, wherein each of the upper protruding structures are substantially radially aligned with the flexing portion of each of the lower protruding structures, respectively.
US09038237B2
A squeegee assembly for wiping a surface comprises a front flexible blade having an outer surface, an inner surface and a floor engaging edge, a rear flexible blade having an outer surface, an inner surface and a wiping edge, a support upon which the front and rear flexible blades are mounted, a vacuumized chamber bounded by the front blade, rear blade, support, and the surface, and a suction tube coupled to the support and positioned between the front and rear flexible blades. The rear flexible blade includes at least one aperture extending between the outer surface and the inner surface and spaced from the wiping edge.
US09038230B2
A cleaning device for a safety razor having single or multiple parallel blades is disclosed. A hollow connector is affixed to a water tap of a bathroom sink allowing water to flow therethrough into a body depending from the connector, rotating a brush held in the body and exiting through a slot in the body. The shaving head of the razor is positioned with the slot such that the blades within the head are embedded within the bristles of the brush. As the brush rotates, its bristles remove shaving debris from between the blades and immediate surrounds. After use, the device can easily be disassembled to facilitate cleaning of all components thereof.
US09038227B1
A multi-pin grooming brush having multi-sectioned bristles on the brush pad to provide a triple combing action. The brush has an outer layer of fixed pin tufts which encircle the exterior of the brush pad and preferably are metal pin tufts. The brush has a middle layer of flexible tufts preferably made of pure boar bristles and which are surrounded by the fixed pin tufts. As the brush is moved through a pet's hair or human hair, the outer layer of fixed pin tufts gently yet thoroughly detangles the coat, removes larger particles and provides a gentle massage effect, then the middle layer of pure boar bristles conditions the hair by distributing natural oils, leaving a healthy shine and a protective layer over the pet's coat, and then the opposite section of fixed pin tufts passes through the hair once again to smooth and separate the conditioned hair.
US09038226B1
The toothbrush having light emitters on a bottom side includes a handle that may be gripped by a user. The handle is positionable proximate the user's mouth. A bristle is coupled to the handle. The bristle engages the user's teeth when the handle is positioned proximate the user's mouth. A processor is coupled to the handle. A light emitter is coupled to the handle. The light emitter is operationally coupled to the processor. The light emitter selectively emits light. The light emitter may communicate the maximum duration of time. An actuator is coupled to the handle. The actuator is operationally coupled top the processor. The actuator selectively actuates the processor.
US09038215B2
A bed with an integral toilet includes a frame, a mattress and a support for supporting the mattress on the bed frame. The mattress and support define an opening extending through the mattress and support. A robotic system removes and replaces a cushion for filling the opening and for replacing the toilet in alignment with the opening. An integral bidet, a source of clean water, a nozzle, a variable speed pump and mechanism for connecting a source of water to the bidet are included. A second opening in a lower portion of the toilet is connected to a waste storage tank. An odor eliminator is provided and a remote control allows a patient to control the unit.
US09038210B2
A portable shower apparatus includes a shower head, funnel adapter, mounted on an air evacuator tube, for use with a conventional fluid container. The shower head includes a shower face plate having a plurality of fluid dispensing holes; shower face plate is circumvented by a ring connector having internal threads. The funnel adapter includes two opposing openings having cylindrical connector pieces, a first cylindrical connector piece and a second cylindrical connector piece; first connector piece having a greater diameter than the second connector pieces. The shower head ring connector is threadably coupled to the first connector piece while a preexisting filled fluid container is coupled to the second connector piece. When the portable shower is inverted, fluid, preferably water, flows from the fluid container towards the user. Other embodiments are disclosed including a variety of transitional adapters to use with a variety of sizes of conventional fluid containers.
US09038202B2
This invention relates to a means of securing a lens member into a snow goggle frame member, wherein the goggle frame member includes first insertion apertures, with first locating blocks at front edge, the lens member has a lens secured thereon, the lens includes first troughs to receive a corresponding first block therein, a pair of first rails are formed at respective sides of the first trough, each first rail has a first notch which includes a pair of second notches thereat, retainers are secured to the goggle frame and lens frame respectively, one end of the first insertion aperture includes a first insertion post at one end and a first insertion section at the other end thereof to receive the first insertion post therein, the first insertion section is then inserted into the first notch. The goggle may be replaced with various lenses and secured firmly.
US09038198B2
An adapter frame assembly is provided to receive and support an extra-large 110 mm×110 mm ADF, safety lens and diopter within the viewing window of an existing welding helmet. The adapter frame assembly provides for replacement of the safety lens without removing the ADF and installation or removal of a diopter without removing the safety lens or diopter. The ADF, safety lens and diopter are all easy to install and change.
US09043933B2
A method is provided to process data so that the data can be externally stored with minimized risk of information leakage. A framework (virtual execution framework) based on virtual machines (VMs) is utilized as a substitute for a trusted institution. Encryption of consolidated data can reduce risk of information leakage and enhance security. Since the virtual execution framework can control connection and direction of communication, financial institutions are allowed to apply encryption to data on their own, which makes the data further appropriate for external storage. By allowing financial institutions to apply their own decryption, it is possible to prevent one of two financial institutions from retrieving externally stored data into the external execution framework without intervention of the other. Additionally, associated acting subjects can be provided with freedom depending on the degree of information leakage risk.
US09043923B2
Technologies are presented for automatically generating accelerator code for datacenter users, detecting multiple hardware tenants with overlapping accelerator needs, and managing the accelerator needs of the tenants so that they can share use of programmable accelerator hardware. In some examples, the accelerator code may also be customer supplied. In other examples, a delay that simulates accelerator programming for a user first accessing an accelerator that was virtualized from a pre-existing one may be applied. By simulating the delay, co-location detection (a form of side channel attack) may be prevented.
US09043922B1
A computer-implemented method for determining malicious-attack exposure levels based on field-data analysis may include (1) receiving a plurality of attack reports from a plurality of computing systems, wherein at least one attack report includes an identifier of a software component of a computing system within the plurality of computing systems from which the attack report was received and an indication that a malicious attack was detected at the computing system, (2) determining a number of attack reports within the plurality of attack reports that identify the software component, (3) analyzing the plurality of attack reports to determine, based at least in part on the number of attack reports, a level of exposure to malicious attacks of the software component, and (4) making, based at least in part on the level of exposure, a security determination related to the software component. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09043921B2
A method of determining a metric of software code may include generating a flow graph for software code that includes multiple flow graph nodes, including an entry point node, a termination point node, and a metric node. The method may also include generating a contracted flow graph based on the flow graph that includes multiple contracted flow graph nodes. The method may further include determining a through path count within the contracted flow graph based on the contracted flow graph nodes between a first contracted flow graph node that includes the entry point node and a second contracted flow graph node that includes the termination point node. The method may also include determining a metric entry path count within the contracted flow graph based on the contracted flow graph nodes between the first contracted flow graph node and a third contracted flow graph node that includes the metric node.
US09043908B1
Detection of an encryption or compression application program may be based on similarity between read files read by a process of the application program and write files written by the process. Read fingerprints of the read files and write fingerprints of the write files are generated. A listing of the read fingerprints is searched for presence of matching write fingerprints to find matched fingerprints. The similarity is calculated based on the read fingerprints and matched fingerprints.
US09043907B1
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for control of applications using preliminary file filtering. An example method includes intercepting, by a processor, an operation on a file performed by an application; selecting at least a part of the file; applying one or more file filters to the selected part of the file; determining a set of file characteristics based on outcomes of the file filters; determining a decision, based on the set of file characteristics, whether to exclude the file from further analysis by a client of an application control system; and based on the decision, excluding the file from the further analysis by the client of the application control system or providing the file to the client of the application control system for further analysis whether to allow or prohibit the operation on the file.
US09043901B2
A medical information navigation engine (“MINE”) includes a medical information interface, a reconciliation engine and an intent-based presentation engine. The medical information interface receives medical information from a plurality of medical sources, which is subsequently reconciled by the reconciliation engine. The intent-based presentation engine clusters the reconciled medical information by applying at least one clustering rule to the reconciled medication information. The clustered reconciled medical information can be presented to a user.
US09043893B1
Systems and methods for web application firewall tunneling are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include (1) receiving a plurality of characters entered by a user into a field of a HTML page that is executed in a client runtime environment of a client device; (2) executing a client tunneling application to encode at least some of the characters; (3) passing the plurality of characters through the web application firewall; (4) executing a server tunneling application to decode the encoded characters; and (5) providing the plurality of characters, including the decoded characters, to a host application. Parts of the method may be performed by at least one computer processor.
US09043889B2
In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for secure and reliable computing. One embodiment of an end-to-end security system for protecting a computing system includes a processor interface coupled to at least one of an application processor and an accelerator of the computing system, for receiving requests from the at least one of the application processor and the accelerator, a security processor integrating at least one embedded storage unit and connected to the processor interface with a tightly coupled memory unit for performing at least one of: authenticating, managing, monitoring, and processing the requests, and a data interface for communicating with a display, a network, and at least one embedded storage unit for securely holding at least one of data and programs used by the at least one of the application processor and the accelerator.
US09043879B1
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating enforcement of PRL restrictions are provided. The method includes receiving a registration request from a user device. The registration request includes a device identifier that identifies the user device and a network identifier that identifies a network selected for use. The device identifier is used to reference a list of networks permitted for use or prohibited for use by the user device. Thereafter, it is determined that the network selected for use by the user device is unauthorized based on a comparison of the network identifier that identifies the network selected for use to the list of networks permitted or prohibited for use by the user device. Based on the determination that the network selected for use by the user device is unauthorized, the user device is prevented from utilizing the selected network for voice or data services.
US09043877B2
A root user identifier of a computing system is disabled. Thereafter, and in response to determining that a problem with the computing system requires root privileges to the computing system to solve, a code patch for installation on the computing system is received from a third party. The code patch is installed on the computing system, resulting in a user identifier temporarily having the root privileges to the computing system. The user identifier is different than the root user identifier is. A password for the user identifier is provided to the third party to permit the third party to solve the problem with the computing system using the root privileges, via the user identifier temporarily having the root privileges to the computing system. The code patch is computer code installable on the computing system.
US09043872B2
An information handling system includes a host mapped general purpose input output (GPIO), a shared memory, a board management controller, and a cryptography engine. The host mapped GPIO includes a plurality of registers. The board management controller is in communication with the host mapped GPIO and with the shared memory, and is configured to control accessibility to the plurality of registers in the GPIO, and to control write accessibility of the shared memory based on a private key received from a basic input output system requesting accessibility to the plurality of registers and write accessibility of the shared memory. The cryptography engine is in communication with the board memory controller, and is configured to authenticate the private key received from the board management controller.
US09043870B1
An automated system for signing up users invited to join a site based on their existing identity includes an invitation generator, an invite processor, a federated authentication module, a user information retrieval module, an account population and creation module, and a user interface module. The automated sign up module is responsive to an invite request. The automated sign up module sends an authorization request, receives the authorization response, verifies the response and retrieves user data. The automated sign up module uses the retrieved data to populate a sign up form and initialize an account. The automated sign up module sends new account information to a user for confirmation. Once confirmation has been received, the automated sign up module creates the new account and allows the user to access the system. The present disclosure includes a method for signing up users invited to join a site based on their existing identity.
US09043853B2
Systems and methods for optimizing system performance of capacity and spectrum constrained, multiple-access communication systems by selectively discarding packets are provided. The systems and methods provided herein can drive changes in the communication system using control responses. One such control responses includes the optimal discard (also referred to herein as “intelligent discard”) of network packets under capacity constrained conditions. Some embodiments inspect a video stream to determine priorities for various elements of the video stream. The elements may be discarding using the priorities. In various embodiments, the elements include frames, slices, macroblocks, and data partitions.
US09043850B2
An electronic device with one or more processors, memory and a display receives a first request to display a first video stream on the display. In response to receiving the first request, the electronic device displays the first video stream on the display. While displaying the first video stream on the display, the electronic device receives a second request to display a second video stream on the display. In response to receiving the second request, the electronic device displays at least a portion of the first video stream on the display concurrently with at least a portion of the second video stream, where the second video stream was received, at least in part, from a content source in response to a request from the electronic device to the content source for delivery of the second video stream from the content source.
US09043845B2
The present technology concerns cell phones and other portable devices, and more particularly concerns use of such devices in connection with media content (electronic and physical) and with other systems (e.g., televisions, digital video recorders, and electronic program directories). Some aspects of the technology allow users to easily transfer displayed content from cell phone screens onto a television screens for easier viewing, or vice versa for content portability. Others enable users to participate interactively in entertainment content, such as by submitting plot directions, audio input, character names, etc., yielding more engaging, immersive, user experiences. Still other aspects of the technology involve a program directory database, compiled automatically from information reported by network nodes that watch and identify content traffic passing into (and/or out of) networked computers. By identifying content resident at a number of different repositories (e.g., web sites, TV networks, P2P systems, etc.), such a directory allows cell phone users to identify the diversity of sources from which desired content can be obtained—some available on a scheduled basis, others available on demand. Depending on the application, the directory information may be transparent to the user—serving to identify sources for desired content, from which application software can pick for content downloading, based, e.g., on context and stored profile data. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.
US09043841B2
A display device such as a TV has both HDMI and IP network interfaces and uses the HDMI interface to exchange IP network parameters with an audio video application module (AVAM) upon HDMI connection. In this way, an IP-based peer-to-peer or client-server network connection can be automatically established to promote faster communication when sharing and executing applications between the devices than is typically available over the CEC link of HDMI.
US09043840B2
A system and method are described that provide television content broadcast system subscribers with convenient access to aggregated web feed content. In one embodiment, a television content broadcast system (20) maintains a database (21) linking one or more particular subscribers with one or more sources of web feed content. The television content broadcast system (20) downloads web feed content for a subscriber from the one or more sources associated with the subscriber, either at the user's request or to a cache (22). The television content broadcast system (20) sends the downloaded web feed content through a web content interface (30(2)) to a television receiver (41), or through a web content interface (30(3)) to a local memory (51) in a set-top box (50). In another embodiment, the television content broadcast subscribers also have accounts on a web content aggregation system (10). Web content aggregation system (10) retrieves web feed content associated with the user, and sends the web feed content to television content broadcast system (20) for forwarding to the appropriate subscriber.
US09043833B2
A system and method in a television system for presenting information associated with a user-selected object in a television program is provided. An identity of a user-selected object in a television program being presented to a user is determined. Based at least in part on the identity of the user-selected object in the television program, information to present to the user is determined. The determined information is presented to the user on a television display.
US09043832B2
An early warning system is provided. The early warning system includes a plurality of sensors, a server, and an information appliance device. The sensors produce status information. The server produces event information according to the status information of the sensors, transforms the event information into a first multimedia signal, and transmits the first multimedia signal to the information appliance device through a computer network. The information appliance device is connected to a display device, wherein the information appliance device transforms the first multimedia signal into a second multimedia signal capable of displaying through the display device. The disclosure further provides an early warning server, an early warning method, and a computer program product for report information.
US09043827B1
A method and system of providing conditional access to encrypted content includes receiving unsolicited multiply encrypted video content and first decryption data over a broadcast network. Partially decrypted video content is obtained by decrypting a first layer of encryption of the encrypted video content using the first decryption data. The partially decrypted video content is stored. A request for viewing the encrypted video content is transmitted and second decryption data is received. A second layer of encryption of the encrypted video content is decrypted using the second decryption data.
US09043826B1
User-based parental controls (UBPC) are provided. UBPC are provided to users according to a user profile associated with a specific user. Parental controls may be tailored to meet a parental control need according to each user. User profiles may be created by one or more administrative users and may include restrictions according to a TV, movie, application, or game rating system, specific channels, or specific programs. User profiles may be stored in a remote database allowing for various media content receiving and/or viewing devices to access the user profiles for applying parental control features according to a specific user profile. A user profile may be altered by one or more administrative users who may create an override access code which may allow the administrative user to manage other users' parental controls.
US09043825B2
Example apparatus and methods concern selectively accepting or rejecting content based on ratings identifier information included in the content. Example apparatus and methods facilitate identifying a content fragment (e.g., f-MP4 fragment) to be rejected based on an identifier located in the fragment rather than information located in some external source (e,g., Event Information Table (EIT)). One example method includes identifying a fragment based on a ratings identifier encoded as a universally unique identifier (UUID) in the fragment and then selectively accepting or rejecting the fragment based on the rating. Rather than rely only on a predicted start time, a predicted end time, a predicted source, and a pre determined coarse-grained rating, example apparatus and methods may be better prepared to account for unanticipated start times, ending times, schedule changes, and source changes, and may provide finer grained user control based on ratings carried in content.
US09043824B2
In one embodiment, a broadcast transmitter includes: a viewer information memory configured to store viewer information regarding a viewer who signs up for a subscription; a generator configured to generate individual information regarding a conditional access of a content including a first expiration time indicating an expiration time of the individual information and a second expiration time set independently of the first expiration time for each the viewer who signs up for the subscription based on the viewer information; and a transmitter configured to transmit a broadcast signal including the generated individual information.
US09043811B2
Two or more virtual machines may be co-located on a same physical machine, and the virtual machines may communicate with each other. To establish efficient communication, memory mapping information for respective virtual machines can be exchanged between the respective virtual machines. An instance of a virtualized network interface can be established, and a direct communications channel can be mapped between respective virtualized network interfaces. Data packet routing information can be updated, such that data packets transferred between two of more co-located virtual machines can be transferred using the virtualized network interface communications channel.
US09043807B2
An application gateway enables controlled communication between application components within a browser based environment while maintaining a level of isolation of the individual application components. A dispatching API wrapper and a listening API wrapper are registered for each of a plurality of application components. The registered API wrappers are used to send and receive communications from the associated application components. For example, a first application component can dispatch an action to a second application component via the first application component's dispatching API wrapper. The second application component can receive the action via the second application component's listening API wrapper. As another example, a first application component can dispatch an event that broadcasts a state to other application components via the first application component's dispatching API wrapper. A listening API wrapper of at least one other application component receives the state and may perform other functions dependent on the state.
US09043804B2
There is provided a parallel computer system for performing barrier synchronization using a master node and a plurality of worker nodes based on the time to allow for an adaptive setting of the synchronization time. When a task process in a certain worker node has not been completed by a worker determination time, the particular worker node performs a communication to indicate that the process has not been completed, to a master node. When the communication has been received by a master determination time, the master node performs a communication to indicate that the process time is extended by a correction process time, in order to adjust and extend the synchronization time. In this way, it is possible to reduce the synchronization overhead associated with the execution of an application with a relatively large variation in the process time from a synchronization point to the next synchronization point.
US09043803B2
According to an embodiment, based on task border information, and first-type dependency relationship information containing N number of nodes corresponding to data accesses to one set of data, containing edges representing dependency relationship between the nodes, and having at least one node with an access reliability flag indicating reliability/unreliability of corresponding data access; task border edges, of edges extending over task borders, are identified that have an unreliable access node linked to at least one end, and presentation information containing unreliable access nodes is generated. According to dependency existence information input corresponding to the set of data, conversion information indicating absence of data access to the unreliable access nodes is output. According to the conversion information, the first-type dependency relationship information is converted into second-type dependency relationship information containing M number of nodes (0≦M≦N) corresponding to data accesses to the set of data and containing edges representing inter-node dependency relationship.
US09043800B2
A video player instance may be prioritized and decoding and rendering resources may be assigned to the video player instance accordingly. A video player instance may request use of a resource combination. Based on a determined priority a resource combination may be assigned to the video player instance. A resource combination may be reassigned to another video player instance upon detection that the previously assigned resource combination is no longer actively in use.
US09043795B2
Techniques for adaptive thread scheduling on a plurality of cores for reducing system energy are described. In one embodiment, a thread scheduler receives leakage current information associated with the plurality of cores. The leakage current information is employed to schedule a thread on one of the plurality of cores to reduce system energy usage. On chip calibration of the sensors is also described.
US09043789B2
Methods and systems for managing a removal of a passthrough device from a guest managed by a hypervisor in virtualized computing environment. A hypervisor receives a request from the guest for access to a passthrough device. The hypervisor sets, in a memory, a last accessed state associated with a virtual machine executing the guest. The hypervisor forwards the request to the passthrough device and configures the host CPU to send a subsequent access request directly to the passthrough device. In response to a virtual machine reset, the hypervisor clears the last accessed state and instructs the host CPU to send a post-reset access request to the hypervisor.
US09043785B1
A method and apparatus are disclosed of monitoring a number of virtual machines operating in an enterprise network. One example method of operation may include identifying a number of virtual machines currently operating in an enterprise network and determining performance metrics for each of the virtual machines. The method may also include identifying at least one candidate virtual machine from the virtual machines to optimize its active application load and modifying the candidate virtual machine to change its active application load.
US09043783B2
The present invention relates generally to client-server architectures for allowing generic upload and download functionality between a web application at a server and a client. One exemplary method includes sending a download/upload request to a web application at the server, where the download/upload request specifies at least one file to download/upload; receiving a transmission from the server; parsing the transmission to identify a download/upload command and an associated download/upload manifest, where the download/upload manifest includes executable code that, when executed on the client, will perform the download/upload of the at least one file.
US09043766B2
A method is provided for providing consistent logical code across specific programming languages. The method incorporates preprocessor macros in a source computer program code to generate a program control flow. The preprocessor macros can be used to describe program control flow in the source programming language for execution in the source computer program code. The preprocessor macros can also be used to generate control flow objects representing the control flow, which converts the source computer program code into a general language representation. The general language representation when executed is used to output computer programming code in specific programming languages representing the same logical code as that of the source computer program code.
US09043765B2
A single software project in an integrated development environment (IDE) may be built for multiple target environments in a single build episode. Multiple different output artifacts may be generated by the build process for each of the target environments. The output artifacts are then deployed to the target environments, which may be homogeneous or heterogeneous environments. The same source project may be used to generate multiple output artifacts for the same target environment.
US09043764B2
Techniques for automatically partitioning a multi-platform data transform flow graph to one or more target output platforms are provided. The techniques include performing type inference on a transform graph, wherein the transform graph comprises one or more data transforms, automatically partitioning the transform graph to one or more target output platforms based on one or more policies, performing an optimization of the partitioned transform graph, and generating code, from the partitioned transform graph, for each set of the one or more data transforms based on the one or more target output platforms.
US09043757B2
An aspect of the present invention identifies differences between source codes (e.g. of different versions of a software), when each source code is organized using incorporated files. In one embodiment, in response to receiving identifiers of a first and second source codes (each source code being organized as a corresponding set of code files), listings of the instructions in the first and second source codes are constructed. Each listing is constructed, for example, by replacing each incorporate statement in the source code with instructions stored in a corresponding one of code files. The differences between the first and second source codes are then found by comparing the constructed listings of instructions.
US09043740B2
A magnetic tunneling junction device and fabrication method is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes processor executable instructions. The instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to initiate deposition of a capping material on a free layer of a magnetic tunneling junction structure to form a capping layer. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to initiate oxidization of a first layer of the capping material to form a first oxidized layer of oxidized material.
US09043735B1
In one embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit (IC) design tool is provided for synthesizing logic, including one or more software modules to synthesize a gate-level netlist of a squarer functional block. The software modules include a bitvector generator, a bitvector reducer, and a hybrid multibit adder generator. The bitvector generator multiplies bits of a vector together to generate partial products for a plurality of bitvectors and then optimizes a plurality of least significant bitvectors. The bitvector reducer reduces the partial products in the bitvectors of the squarer functional block down to a pair of final vectors. The hybrid multibit adder generator generates a hybrid multibit adder including a first adder and a second adder coupled together by a carry bit with bit widths being responsive to a dividerbit. The hybrid multibit adder adds the pair of final vectors together to generate a final result for the squarer functional block.
US09043733B2
In one example, a method includes receiving an indication of an input gesture detected at a presence-sensitive input device, where the input gesture includes one or more input points and each input point is detected at a respective location of the presence-sensitive input device. The method may also include determining a focal point of the input gesture, and determining a radius length. The method may also include determining a shape centered at the focal point and having a size determined based on the radius length. The method may also include responding to a change in a geometric property of the shape by scaling information included in a graphical user interface, where the scaling of the information being centered at the focal point.
US09043731B2
Systems and methods of a 3D mobile user interface with configurable workspace management are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, of a three-dimensional, multi-layer user interface of a mobile device in a mobile network. User environment may include one or more layers or levels of applications, services, or accounts that are all easily accessible to and navigable by the user. For example, an indicator can be used to access a workspace in 3D representing a category or grouping of services or applications for the user. The user can customize or create a unique, non-mutually exclusive grouping, aggregation, or category of applications, services, accounts, or items. The grouping of indicators can be used to swiftly and efficiently navigate to a desired application, service, account or item, in a 3D-enabled user environment.
US09043727B2
When a user enters text into an application, the application can utilize an auto-complete feature to provide the user with estimations as to a complete term a user is attempting to enter into the application. Visualization can be provided along with an estimation to disclose the likelihood the estimation is what the user intends to enter. Furthermore, a rationale can be provided to the user for the reason an estimation was provided to the user.
US09043725B2
To improve the consumer experience with portable electronic devices, a user interface combines the use of capacitive sensors with tactile sensors in an input device. When a user places a finger, stylus, or other input instrument near a given key button, a capacitive sensor causes the display to display temporarily an indication of the function of that key in an enlarged format. The user may then press the associated key button to activate the desired function. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive sensor fixes the functionality to the function indicated in the display. In this embodiment, a tactile input applied to any key, whether the correct key, multiple keys, or a single incorrect key, results in activating the function indicated in the display as a result of the capacitive input.
US09043719B2
A message screen display comprises a static non-scrollable display area for display of at least part of a first message, the first message having an associated first message time. The message screen display further comprises a scrollable display area for display of at least part of a second message, the second message having an associated second message time. The message screen display further comprises a feature applied to at least part of the first message that varies based on time as referenced to the associated first message time.
US09043718B2
An electronic device for text prediction in a virtual keyboard. The device includes a memory including an input determination module for execution by the microprocessor, the input determination module being configured to: receive signals representing input at the virtual keyboard, the virtual keyboard being divided into a plurality of subregions, the plurality of subregions including at least one subregion being associated with two or more characters and/or symbols of the virtual keyboard; identify a subregion on the virtual keyboard corresponding to the input; determine any character or symbol associated with the identified subregion; and if there is at least one determined character or symbol, provide the at least one determined character or symbol to a text prediction algorithm.
US09043714B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for adapting user interfaces for devices that include widescreen displays. In one aspect, a method includes determining a size characteristic of a display of a mobile device, determining a size characteristic of content that is to be displayed on the display, and comparing the size characteristic of the content to the size characteristic of the display. The method also includes selecting one or more controls to display in a portion of the display that is not to be used to display the content based on comparing the size characteristic of the content to the size characteristic of the display, displaying the content, and displaying the selected controls in a portion of the display that is not used to display the content.
US09043709B2
An electronic device and a method for providing a menu are disclosed. The electronic device displays a plurality of words on the screen, detects a first action specifying selection of at least one of the displayed words, searches an option item related to the word selected by the first action, generates at least one menu item based on the selected word and the searched option item, and displays the generated menu item in a first area of the screen.
US09043707B2
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product provide the ability to display representative properties of a three-dimensional scene view. A 3D scene and a 3D representation of a coordinate system of the 3D scene are displayed. Different faces of the 3D representation represent and correspond to different viewpoints of the 3D scene. Different statistics for features of the 3D scene are reflected on the different faces of the 3D representation based on the viewpoint corresponding to each face. Manipulation of the 3D representation identifies and selects a different viewpoint of the 3D scene which is then reoriented accordingly.
US09043705B2
A service distribution device is provided that, when acquiring services to be used in an information terminal mounted in a vehicle or used in its passenger compartment, recognizes service availability beforehand, thereby improving usability of the services. A service distribution device includes an information correlation unit for correlating information that denotes service utilization conditions in relation to travel condition of the vehicle with the services. The service distribution device distributes to an information terminal the information that denotes the service utilization conditions correlated by the information correlation unit along with contents of the relevant service so that the information and the contents can be visibly displayed on a display unit in the information terminal.
US09043677B2
A method of operating a memory controller to control a memory device includes reading a read vector from the memory device and correcting one or more errors in the read vector, where a power consumed at the correcting is varied according to the number of errors in the read vector.
US09043672B2
According to one embodiment, a memory controller includes: a first flash encoding unit that performs flash encoding on user data according to a first scheme to generate user data flash codes; an encoding unit that performs an error correction encoding process on the user data flash codes to generate parities; a second flash encoding unit that performs flash encoding on the parities according to a second scheme to generate parity flash codes; and a memory I/F that writes the user data flash codes and the parity flash codes to the nonvolatile memory.
US09043670B2
Within a radio communication network infrastructure transmitting data organized into a sequence of symbols to a receiving device over a plurality of radio links, data to be transmitted is encoded according to an error correction coding scheme in order to produce a set of systematic symbols and a set of corresponding redundancy symbols; the systematic symbols and a first subset of the corresponding redundancy symbols are transmitted, over a first radio link among said plurality of radio links, in broadcast mode, and a second subset of the corresponding redundancy symbols, distinct from the first one, is transmitted over a second radio link among said plurality of radio links.
US09043669B1
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus, method, and/or sequence for a distributed ECC that may be used in a storage system. In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for handling distributed error correction code (ECC) operations, includes: a plurality of ECC engines configured to perform ECC operations in parallel on multiple data parts; the plurality of ECC engines distributed in parallel to receive some of the multiple data parts that are read from storage media devices and to receive some of the other multiple data parts that are to be written to the storage media devices; and the plurality of ECC engines configured to use respective ECC bytes corresponding to respective ones of the multiple data parts.
US09043668B2
Method and apparatus for managing data in a memory. In accordance with some embodiments, a first data object and an associated first ECC data set are generated and stored in a non-volatile (NV) main memory responsive to a first set of data blocks having a selected logical address. A second data object and an associated second ECC data set are generated responsive to receipt of a second set of data blocks having the selected logical address. The second data object and the second ECC data set are subsequently stored in the in the NV main memory responsive to a mismatch between the first ECC data set and the second ECC data set.
US09043654B2
A system, method and computer program product for avoiding a processing flaw in a computer processor triggered by a predetermined sequence of hardware events. The system may include a detecting unit and a power-on reset unit. The detecting unit detects that the predetermined sequence of hardware events is going to occur at the computer processor. The power-on reset unit initializes the computer processor to a state stored in computer memory in response to detecting the sequence of hardware events.
US09043651B2
Aspects of the present invention provide a tool for analyzing and remediating an update-related failure. In an embodiment, a failure state of a computer system that has been arrived at as a result of an update is captured. A semantic diff that includes the difference between the failure state and at least one of an original state or a completion state is then computed. This semantic diff is transformed into a feature vector format. Then the transformed semantic diff is analyzed to determine a remediation for the update. Failure and/or resolution signatures can be constructed using the semantic diff and contextual data, and these signatures can be used in comparison and analysis of failures and resolutions.
US09043650B2
The invention in particular has as an object detecting incompatibility between equipment items of a on-board system. A logic interface associated with one equipment item comprises at least one input while a logic interface associated with another equipment item comprises at least one output. The input and the output are connected. After a minimal data definition level associated with the input and a data definition level associated with the output have been obtained (505), the said minimal data definition level associated with the input is compared (515) with the said data definition level associated with the output. Following this comparison, if the said minimal data definition level associated with the input is lower than the said data definition level associated with the output, an alarm indicating an incompatibility of these two equipment items is generated (545).
US09043645B2
A malfunction analysis apparatus (100) is provided with a malfunction-analysis processor (107), an attribute-extraction processor (108), and an outputter (105). The malfunction-analysis processor (107) obtains a malfunction-contribution degree, which indicates a degree that individual malfunctions (to be called malfunctioning elements, hereafter) contribute to the malfunctioning of the object being analyzed, on the basis of the relative relationship between the data to be analyzed that has, as elements thereof, values generated on the basis of a plurality of indicator values of the object being analyzed, and representative values for the plurality of indicators corresponding to each of the plurality of malfunctions. Then, the malfunctioning elements being generated is specified, on the basis of the obtained malfunction-contribution degree. The attribute-extraction processor (108) specifies, when a malfunctioning is taking place that is a combination of the malfunctioning elements, the indicators that are estimated as the cause of the specified malfunctioning elements, on the basis of the representative values of the plurality of indicators, and the values of each of the elements of the data to be analyzed that was stored. The outputter (105) outputs the specified malfunctioning elements and/or the indicators.
US09043640B1
A system, method, and computer readable medium for asynchronous live migration of applications between two or more servers. The computer readable medium includes computer-executable instructions for execution by a processing system. Primary applications runs on primary hosts and one or more replicated instances of each primary application run on one or more backup hosts. Asynchronous live migration is provided through a combination of process replication, logging, barrier synchronization, checkpointing, reliable messaging and message playback. The live migration is transparent to the application and requires no modification to the application, operating system, networking stack or libraries.
US09043638B1
Various examples of the present technology provide systems and methods for testing whether there is any memory error in a server system, determining physical memory addresses corresponding to a detected memory error on one or more memory devices of the server system, and preventing the physical memory addresses corresponding to the detected memory error from accessing by an operating system, application programs, and/or other components of the server system.
US09043637B2
Services are promptly resumed at the time of a failure recovery in an information processing system. Before a first server system 3a resumes service during the failure recovery, a second server system 3b sends the first server system 3a directory images of directories of a highest-level tier to a predetermined lower-level tier out of data of files stored in a second storage apparatus 10b, and the first server system 3a restores the directory images in a first storage apparatus 10a. When the request is transmitted from the first server system 3a, the second server system 3b reads an additional directory image from the second storage apparatus 10b and transmits the additional directory image to the first server system 3a. If a re-stubbing occurrence frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the second server system 3b suppresses transmission of directory images to the first server system 3a.
US09043636B2
A method of fencing in a cluster system including network devices and a management network device is disclosed. Each network device may run an application program and comprises a fence device. A first network device receives a fence operation command from the management network device. The fence operation command contains information of a target network device and information of a target application. The first network device may determine a fence device on the first network device that corresponds to the fence operation command and activates the determined fence device such that the fence device performs a fence operation on the target application program according to the fence operation command.
US09043626B2
Power consumption in a microprocessor platform is managed by setting a peak power level for power consumed by a multi-core microprocessor platform executing multi-threaded applications. The multi-core microprocessor platform contains a plurality of physical cores, and each physical core is configurable into a plurality of logical cores. A simultaneous multithreading level in at least one physical core is adjusted by changing the number of logical cores on that physical core in response to a power consumption level of the multi-core microprocessor platform exceeding the peak power level. Performance and power data based on simultaneous multi-threading levels are used in selecting the physical core to be adjusted.
US09043623B2
A system and method for low-cost, fault tolerant, EMI robust data communications, particularly for an EV environment. A data communications method, including a) enabling a transmission of a wake signal from a host to a remote client through an isolator disposed at the remote client when the wake signal is asserted from the host at a host-portion of the isolator concurrent with a periodic enablement of a client-portion of the isolator by the remote client; and thereafter b) transmitting the wake signal from the host to the remote client through the isolator; c) controlling enablement of the client-portion responsive to the wake signal transmitted through the isolator; and thereafter d) disabling the transmission by deassertion of the wake signal at the host.
US09043620B2
A data processing system on an integrated circuit includes a core that performs switching operations responsive to a system clock that draws current from the power supply network. An IR-drop detector includes a resistor ladder having outputs representative of an IR-drop caused by the core during the switching operations. The system further includes a plurality of amplifiers coupled to the outputs indicative of the IR-drop, a plurality of flip-flops coupled to the amplifiers, and a variable clock generator. The variable clock generator outputs a sampling clock comprising a group consisting of a variable phase or a variable frequency to the plurality of flip-flops. The flip-flops are triggered by the sampling clock so that the IR-drop at a time during a clock cycle of the system clock can be detected, and the peak IR-drop value for can be tracked.
US09043618B2
A source device to provide power through a network cable and a user device is to draw power from the network cable. A database is to store a parameter associated with the user device. The source device is to access the stored parameter based on receipt of information related to the user device and is to compare at least one of a current power drawn and an additional power requested by the user device to a power limit of the user device based on the accessed parameters. The source device is to send a power message to the user device based on the comparison, the power message to relate to an amount of the power the user device is to draw.
US09043617B2
A device incorporating a data communication function 15 having a power supply circuit 38 of a dispersed power supply system is provided with a terminal 51-2 for receiving power supply from another device 14 which initiates data communication and a drive circuit 53-2 for performing the data communication with the another device 14, wherein when the terminal 51-2 is supplied with power, the power supplied to the terminal 51-2 is supplied to the drive circuit 53-2 in an off state of the power supply circuit 38. It thereby reduces self-power-loss and ensures reliability of performance.
US09043616B2
A method begins with a processing module obtaining data to store and determining whether substantially similar data to the data is stored. When the substantially similar data is not stored, the method continues with the processing module generating a first encryption key based on the data, encoding the first encryption key into encoded data slices in accordance with an error coding dispersal storage function, and storing the encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module encrypting the data using an encryption key of the substantially similar data in accordance with an encryption function to produce encrypted data, compressing the encrypted data in accordance with a compression function to produce compressed data, storing the compressed data when the substantially similar data is stored.
US09043607B2
An exemplary system includes a spatial input subsystem configured to detect gestures made by a plurality of users within a physical user space associated with a display screen. The system further includes a shared display subsystem communicatively coupled to the spatial input subsystem and configured to authenticate the plurality of users by identifying a plurality of user identities corresponding to the plurality of users based on characteristics of the plurality of hands, and execute a multi-user shared display session that provides the plurality of authenticated users with concurrent control of a display on the display screen. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.
US09043592B1
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for communicating trust models to relying parties are provided herein. A method includes receiving a first item of cryptographic information from a first entity, wherein said first item of cryptographic information is derived from a second item of cryptographic information provided by an authentication source; receiving a request for access to the first item of cryptographic information from a second entity, wherein the request comprises the second item of cryptographic information; and providing identification information associated with the first item of cryptographic information to the second entity in response to said request.
US09043573B2
Various systems and methods are described for configuring a logical data storage container. In one embodiment, an instruction to perform an operation to modify an attribute of the logical data storage container that is an abstraction of a plurality of pertinent storage containers is received. A translated instruction to perform a sub-operation associated with the operation is transmitted to each of a number of the plurality of pertinent storage containers. A level of success of the performing of the operation on the logical data storage container is detected based on a comparison of a threshold value to a level of success of the performing of the sub-operation on each of the number of the plurality of pertinent storage containers. A report of the detected level of success is communicated.
US09043567B1
Machine implemented method and system for generating a disaster recovery copy of an expandable storage volume having a namespace for storing information for accessing data objects stored at a data constituent volume is provided. A transfer operation for transferring a point in time copy of the expandable storage volume from a first location to a second location is generated. Information regarding the expandable storage volume from the first location is retrieved and a destination expandable storage volume is resized to match components of the expandable storage volume at the first location. Thereafter, the point in time copy of the expandable storage volume is transferred from the first location to the second location and configuration information regarding the point in time copy is copied from the first location to the second location.
US09043554B2
Systems, processors, and methods for keeping uncacheable data coherent. A processor includes a multi-level cache hierarchy, and uncacheable load memory operations can be cached at any level of the cache hierarchy. If an uncacheable load misses in the L2 cache, then allocation of the uncacheable load will be restricted to a subset of the ways of the L2 cache. If an uncacheable store memory operation hits in the L1 cache, then the hit cache line can be updated with the data from the memory operation. If the uncacheable store misses in the L1 cache, then the uncacheable store is sent to a core interface unit. Multiple contiguous store misses are merged into larger blocks of data in the core interface unit before being sent to the L2 cache.
US09043544B2
A Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) controller receives new data that is to be written, wherein the new data is indicated in blocks of a first block size. The RAID controller reads old data, and old parity that corresponds to the old data, stored in blocks of a second block size that is larger in size than the first block size. The RAID controller computes new parity based on the new data, the old data, and the old parity. The RAID controller writes the new data and the new parity aligned to the blocks of the second block size, wherein portions of the old data that are not overwritten by the RAID controller are also written to the blocks of the second block size.
US09043538B1
A memory system comprises a master control module, a memory control module, a nonvolatile memory and a cache, wherein the memory control module is connected with the master control module, the nonvolatile memory and the cache are respectively connected with the memory control module; and the memory control module is configured to, when the master control module sends a write command for the nonvolatile memory, store data to be written in the nonvolatile memory in the cache according to the write command, and release the cache used for storing the data to be written in the nonvolatile memory after finish of the write operation to the nonvolatile memory.
US09043536B2
A method of recording mapping information for a rewritable non-volatile memory module is provided. The method includes configuring a plurality of logical addresses, establishing at least one logical address mapping table, and storing the at least one logical address mapping table into the rewritable non-volatile memory module. The method also includes receiving data to be stored into a plurality of continuous logical addresses from a host system, writing the data into a plurality of physical programming units, updating mapping relations between the continuous logical addresses and the physical programming units in a corresponding logical address mapping table loaded to a buffer memory, storing a continuous mapping table in the buffer memory, and recording a continuous mapping record corresponding to the continuous logical addresses in the continuous mapping table.
US09043530B1
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for storing data within a hybrid storage aggregate comprising a lower-latency storage tier and a higher-latency storage tier. In particular, frequently accessed data, randomly accessed data, and/or short lived data may be stored (e.g., read caching and/or write caching) within the lower-latency storage tier. Infrequently accessed data and/or sequentially accessed data may be stored within the higher-latency storage tier. Because the hybrid storage aggregate may comprise a single logical container derived from the higher-latency storage tier and the lower-latency storage tier, additional storage and/or file system functionality may be implemented across the storage tiers. For example, deduplication functionality, caching functionality, backup/restore functionality, and/or other functionality may be provided through a single file system (or other type of arrangement) and/or a cache map implemented within the hybrid storage aggregate.
US09043523B2
A universal serial bus (USB) dongle device includes a USB interface that receives selection data from a host device that indicates a selection of a first video format from a plurality of available formats. The USB interface also receives an input video signal from the host device in the first video format and a power signal from the host device. An encoding module generates a processed video signal in a second video format based on the input video signal, wherein the first video format differs from the second video format. The USB interface transfers the processed video signal to the host device.
US09043513B2
A memory system includes a CPU that communicates commands and addresses to a main-memory module. The module includes a buffer circuit that relays commands and data between the CPU and the main memory. The memory module additionally includes an embedded processor that shares access to main memory in support of peripheral functionality, such as graphics processing, for improved overall system performance. The buffer circuit facilitates the communication of instructions and data between CPU and the peripheral processor in a manner that minimizes or eliminates the need to modify CPU, and consequently reduces practical barriers to the adoption of main-memory modules with integrated processing power.
US09043512B1
Systems, mediums, and methods are provided for scheduling input/output requests to a storage system. The input output requests may be received, categorized based on their priority, and scheduled for retrieval from the storage system. Lower priority requests may be divided into smaller sub-requests, and the sub-requests may be scheduled for retrieval only when there are no pending higher priority requests, and/or when higher priority requests are not predicted to arrive for a certain period of time. By servicing the small sub-requests rather than the entire lower priority request, the retrieval of the lower priority request may be paused in the event that a high priority request arrives while the lower priority request is being serviced.
US09043511B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a selection signal generation unit configured to generate a plurality of selection signals that are sequentially activated, a path selection unit configured to select a transmission path of sequentially input information data in response to the plurality of selection signals, a plurality of first storage units, each configured to have a first storage completion time and store an output signal of the path selection unit, and a plurality of second storage units, each configured to have a second storage completion time, which is longer than the first storage completion time, and store a respective output signal of the plurality of first storage units.
US09043506B2
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for controlling a memory device. One method for controlling a memory device embodiment includes storing device class dependent information and a command in one or more of host system memory and host controller memory, setting a pointer to the command in a register in a host controller, directing access to the one or more of host system memory and host controller memory with the memory device via the host controller; and executing the command with the memory device.
