US09057520B2
A dual outlet fluid valve capable of obtaining a closed state operation mode for both outlet ports, a low flow operation mode for either operating port either individually or combined, or a high flow operation mode for either outlet port individually or combined such that at least five distinct operating conditions can be obtained. The fluid valve is not charged with fuel when in a closed position.
US09057506B2
A light module is disclosed. The light module includes a first printed circuit board, a second printed circuit board, a light source, and a fixing casing, wherein the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board each has a fixing part, and the fixing part of the second printed board is attached to the fixing part of the first printed board. The light source is disposed on the first printed circuit board to couple to the first printed board and the second printed board. The fixing casing has a contact surface. When the fixing casing is fixed onto the fixing parts of the second printed circuit board and the first printed circuit board, the contact surface contacts the fixing part so that the second printed circuit board is clamped between the contact surface and the first printed circuit board.
US09057503B2
In various embodiments, an illumination device includes a primary light source for providing direct illumination, a secondary light source for providing decorative illumination, and a housing having reflective and transmissive regions.
US09057495B2
An illuminating lamp and a vehicle head lamp, using a light emitting diode, respectively, are capable of not only keeping the same brightness as obtained at the time of lighting after many hours from the lighting, but also being usable for many hours without deterioration in efficiency besides advantages of providing a high output in low power consumption, a long service life, and a simple structure. The illuminating lamp comprises a light source support made up of an upper structure and a lower structure, the upper structure being linked with the lower structure via the heat conduction bar, wherein the light source support is inserted into an aluminum heat-release mount, thereby causing heat generated from the light emitting diode to be released into the aluminum heat-release mount through cooling of the heat conduction bar.
US09057493B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of LED-based lights for use in fluorescent fixtures that emanate light in a plurality of directions. One embodiment disclosed herein of an LED light for use in a fluorescent light fixture comprises a housing and a circuit board having a first surface configured to face an illumination area, the circuit board mounted in the housing and defining a plane conceptually dividing the housing into a first portion and a second portion. At least one LED is mounted on the first surface of the circuit board and is configured to emanate light in a first direction. Light distribution means is configured to distribute a portion of the light emanated in the first direction to at least a second direction different than the first direction.
US09057476B2
Binder support apparatus may be configured to support binder covers apart from one another. The binder support apparatus may include two or more portions configured to be coupled to opposing binder covers. At least one portion of the binder support apparatus may be configured into locked and unlocked positions.
US09057474B2
A robot uses a multi-output differential gear to generate outputs. The robot includes a driver; a differential gear configured to receive a driving power from the driver, and to drive in an interlocked manner with the driving power to generate at least three outputs differentiated from the driving power; and a motion section configured to drive in an interlocked manner with an output generated from the differential gear, and to apply an external resistance to the differential gear.
US09057471B2
Disclosed are a method and a device for tapping and tracing a conduit that is obstructed from view such as a subterranean pipe. The invention allows the conduit to be traced while the conduit continues to function. The device includes a tapping tee for tapping into a conduit with an entry port at an acute angle to the conduit, a flexible fiberglass rodder that includes a conductor, a stuffing box removably attached to the tapping tee for inserting the rodder into the tapping tee, a signal transmitter operably attached to the rodder, and a signal receiver that receives the signals transmitted by the transmitter through the rodder and through the obstruction.
US09057469B2
A quick connector contains a body, an air inlet seat, a piston pushing device, a fitting device, and a driving device. The body includes an outer screwing section, an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a first air inlet, an air outlet, a connecting tube, an oil seal, and a first fixing orifice. The air inlet seat includes a first end coupling with an air supply pipe and includes a second end screwing with the body. The piston pushing device includes a head member and a piston rod, and the head member has a venting orifice, the piston rod includes a valve. The fitting device includes a flange spacer ring, a resilient element, a gasket, and a positioning loop, the flange spacer ring includes an abutting face. The driving device includes a controlling member with a second fixing orifice, an opening, an elastic element, a shaft, and a stopping block.
US09057456B2
A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic device including a chamber which contains a fluid sample, a channel which is connected to the chamber and through which the fluid sample flows, and a valve which controls flow of the fluid sample through the channel; an irradiation apparatus which irradiates electromagnetic energy; and a diffuser which diffuses and distributes the electromagnetic energy irradiated by the irradiation apparatus to an irradiation region of the microfluidic device.
US09057449B2
A fluid control valve includes: a resin valve main body including inlet and outlet ports in opposite side surfaces, a valve chamber communicating between the inlet and outlet ports and opening at the upper surface center of the main body, and a valve seat provided in an inner wall of the chamber; a valve element movable into or out of contact with the valve seat; and a valve upper body including a drive part to drive the valve element. An inflow passage is formed like an L shape extending through the inner wall to communicate between the inlet port and the chamber via the valve seat. The inner wall is cylindrical having a thick-wall portion to have a wall thickness thicker on the inlet port side than on the outlet port side. The valve main body is provided, at a center of a lower surface, with a resin injected part.
US09057446B2
A first resilient member generates a resilient force to urge a valve portion in a valve-closing direction. A second resilient member generates a resilient force against the resilient force of the first resilient member. The resilient force of the first resilient member and the resilient force of the second resilient member are set to be balanced with each other when the valve portion is placed in a lift position that is between a full-closing position of the valve portion, in which the valve portion is seated against a valve seat to fully close a fluid passage, and a full-opening position of the valve portion, in which the valve portion is fully lifted away from the valve seat to fully open the fluid passage.
US09057439B2
An infinitely variable transmission includes an input assembly, an output assembly, an input/output planetary ratio assembly and a torque feedback control is provided. The input assembly is coupled to receive input rotational motion. The output assembly provides a rotational output. The output assembly is configured to be rotationally coupled to a load. The input/output planetary ratio assembly sets an input to output speed ratio. The input/output ratio assembly includes a first and a second stator. The torque feedback control assembly provides torque feedback to the input/output planetary ratio assembly to at least in part control the input to output speed ratio of the input/output planetary ratio assembly. The torque feedback control assembly includes a phase relation system operationally coupled to the first and second stator and a torque system operationally coupled to the output assembly. The phase relation system further is in operational communication with the torque system.
US09057438B2
A compression control device for a continuously variable transmission is provided in which when estimating the torque ratio, which is the ratio of the actually transmitted torque relative to the maximum transmittable torque of the continuously variable transmission, based on the transmission characteristics for transmitting the given variable component of the input shaft to the output shaft via an endless belt, a slip identifier, which is an indicator for the ratio of the amplitude of the variable component between the input shaft and the output shaft, or a phase lag, which is an indicator for difference in phase of the variable component, is used. It is possible to improve the control responsiveness and reduce the computation load of the control device and to improve the power transmission efficiency of the continuously variable transmission while preventing the endless belt thereof from slipping.
US09057435B2
A start request detection unit detects a start request for a vehicle. A hydraulic pressure control circuit controls torque transmitted by a lock-up clutch by controlling an engagement force of the lock-up clutch. A rotation speed detection unit detects an output rotation speed of a torque converter. An engagement control unit issues an instruction to the hydraulic pressure control circuit such that the lock-up clutch is placed in slip engagement and is able to transmit the torque when the following conditions are both satisfied: a predetermined time period has elapsed since detection of the start request by the start request detection unit; and the output rotation speed has increased to a predetermined rotation speed or higher.
US09057431B2
Differential apparatus capable of guiding and supplying a sufficient amount of lubricant oil to the lubrication elements accommodated in the differential apparatus (6). The differential apparatus comprises a differential case (11), a differential carrier (21), a carrier cover (22), a differential mechanism housed in the differential case, and a ring gear (14) secured to the ring differential case. The differential case has a through bore (35,36,42) radially formed in differential case to have the inner space of the differential case held in communication with the outer space of the differential case. The differential carrier has a lubricant oil reservoir portion (28) positioned below the differential case to reserve the lubricant oil therein. The carrier cover is secured to the differential carrier and has a lubricant oil flow guide portion (64) vertically extending in the vicinity of and in side-by-side relationship with the outer circumferential portion of the ring gear to guide the lubricant oil of the lubricant oil reservoir portion stirred up with the rotation of the ring gear and to discharge the lubricant oil toward the central portion of the differential mechanism.
US09057430B2
A four-wheel drive vehicle includes: a driving force transmission system which transmits torque of a drive source to front wheels and rear wheels via gear mechanisms; a clutch provided in the driving force transmission system and capable of controlling an amount of the torque transmitted to the rear wheels; and a pressing mechanism which presses the clutch by transforming a part of the torque transmitted to the rear wheels into axial thrust. In the driving force transmission system, gear ratios of the gear mechanisms are set such that a direction of a differential rotation between a drive shaft connected to an input side of the clutch and a drive shaft connected to an output side of the clutch is not reversed even when a steered angle of the front wheels changes to a maximum value while the four-wheel drive vehicle is traveling forwards.
US09057408B2
A coupling device installed between an output shaft of an electric motor and an input shaft of a reducing gear of an actuator for driving a screen or a hatch that is part of home-automation equipment for closure, solar protection, or projection and which includes a first member rotatably secured to the output shaft, and which is provided with at least one longitudinal outer groove, and a second member rotatably secured to the input shaft, and which is provided with at least one longitudinal outer groove and wherein the coupling device further includes an element for coupling the first and second members together in rotation, and which has, on at least one surface thereof, at least two series of lugs which project from the at least one surface, wherein the lugs are inserted into the longitudinal outer groove of the first member and the longitudinal outer groove of the second member, respectively.
US09057403B2
A method for mounting a hydrodynamic sliding bearing of a shaft, in particular a magnetic coupling pump, wherein the hydrodynamic sliding bearing includes a bearing bushing disposed between a bearing sleeve and a bearing housing includes the steps of A coating a clamping ring on at least one of its surfaces with a friction-increasing coating, B heating the clamping ring and applying to the bearing bushing so that a pre-assembly unit is formed, and C heating the bearing housing, wherein the pre-assembly unit is inserted in the bearing housing. A double pressure bond is thus advantageously provided where a radial prevention of rotation and an axial prevention of displacement is achieved without any axial pinning as prevention from rotation and axial tensioning (e.g. L-profile ring) of the bearing bushing being required.
US09057399B2
A stub shaft is disclosed. The stub shaft may have an elongated cylindrical body having a base end configured to be secured to an engine block and an opposing distal end. The stub shaft may also have a collar formed at the base end of the elongated cylindrical body. The collar may be configured to be inserted into a cavity in the engine block to guide attachment of the stub shaft to the engine block. The stub shaft may further have an axial bore formed in the elongated cylindrical body and passing from the base end to the distal end. The stub shaft may also have a radial passage formed in the elongated cylindrical body and in fluid communication with the axial bore. The stub shaft may additionally have a thrust face formed between the base end and the radial passage.
US09057393B1
A window hardware anchor formed from a base and a pair of walls defining a central channel therebetween. The walls each form a spreadable projection at the end opposing the base and combine to define an anchor head. A pair of shoulders are attached in opposing relation on the outside of different walls, such that when a fastener is received in the central channel, the head and the shoulders laterally displace to form a stable attachment platform for desired window hardware.
US09057390B2
An electro hydrostatic actuator includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump driven to supply operation oil to the actuator body, and an electric motor configured to drive the hydraulic pump. Each of the hydraulic pump and the electric motor is placed so as to surround the outer periphery of the actuator body, and the hydraulic pump and the electric motor are arranged in a direction along a center axis.
US09057382B2
A fan impeller structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The fan impeller structure includes a hub and multiple securing sections. The hub has a top section, an annular section and multiple recesses. The annular section axially extends from a circumference of the top section. The annular section and the top section together define a receiving space. The recesses are formed at a junction between the top section and the annular section. The securing sections are disposed in the receiving space and formed oppositely between the recesses. The manufacturing method of the fan impeller structure enables the manufacturing process to be simplified. Moreover, by using the securing sections, magnetic members can be quickly connected with and secured to inner circumference of the hub to save working time.
US09057381B2
An oil-retaining bearing fan structure includes a fan base seat, an oil-retaining bearing and a fan impeller. The fan base seat has a bearing cup on one side. At least one magnetic member is enclosed in the bearing cup. The magnetic member serves to apply a magnetic attraction force to a shaft of the fan structure to make the shaft quickly restore to its optimal operation position so as to reduce wear and lower the noises and vibration of the fan structure in operation. Therefore, the lifetime of the fan structure can be prolonged.
US09057377B1
A pump for pumping molten metal includes a refractory base that can be submerged in a bath of molten metal. A refractory shaft sleeve has upper and lower end portions. The base includes an impeller chamber and includes at least one inlet opening and outlet opening. The pump includes a motor. A refractory shaft extends in the shaft sleeve and is connected to a motor. A refractory impeller is connected to the shaft and is rotatable in the impeller chamber. A gas source flows inert gas into the shaft sleeve under pressure. In one aspect the shaft sleeve can be spaced from the base so as to leave a gap between the shaft sleeve and the base. A regulator regulates at least one of flow rate and pressure of the gas so as to avoid cavitation of the pump while the gas is released from the shaft sleeve. Also featured is a method of operating the pump so as to reduce dross formation in the molten metal.
US09057376B2
A tube pump for transferring molten metal includes a refractory tube having upper and lower end portions. A motor is disposed near the upper end portion of the refractory tube. A refractory shaft extends in the refractory tube and is connected to the motor near the upper end portion of the refractory tube. A refractory impeller is connected to the shaft in the lower end portion of the refractory tube. An upper outlet extends from upper end portion of the refractory tube through which molten metal flows upon rotation of the impeller. The refractory tube is enclosed at its upper end portion. A gas source flows gas into the refractory tube at or near its upper end portion under a pressure which prevents overflow of the molten metal above the outlet. Flux may be directed into the refractory tube alone or with gas.
US09057371B2
A pump device is operated according to a method for varying the duration of a supply stroke of a pump element, the supply stroke of which is actuated by a rotatably driven pump shaft (P) over a predetermined rotational position range of the pump shaft. In the method, the pump shaft (P) is rotatably driven by a drive shaft (A) and the angular speed of the pump shaft, at a constant angular speed of the drive shaft, is increased and decreased at least once during one revolution of the pump shaft.
US09057360B2
The object of the invention is to provide a wind power generator whose yaw bearing can be replaced by a simple device. A wind power generator has a nacelle, a tower that supports the nacelle at a high location, a yaw bearing that is located between a first bearing seat that is provided on the bottom section of the nacelle and a second bearing seat that is provided on the top section of the tower, first and second jack seats that extend to the outer diameter side of the first and second bearing seats, a jack-up unit that is located between the first and second jack seats so that there is a space though which the yaw bearing can be removed or installed in the radial direction of the yaw bearing, and that can jack up the nacelle, and a suspension unit that is provided on the nacelle and that can move while suspending the yaw bearing.
US09057359B2
A blade, for a rotor of a wind turbine has a profiled contour in a radial direction is divided into a root region with a substantially circular or elliptical profile closest to the hub and an airfoil region with a lift generating profile furthest away from the hub. A transition region between the root region and the airfoil region has a profile gradually changing in the radial direction from the circular or elliptical profile of the root region to the lift generating profile of the airfoil region, and the airfoil region comprises at least a first longitudinal segment extending at least 20% of a longitudinal extent of the airfoil region. The first longitudinal segment has a first base part with a cross-sectional profile such that, when impacted by an incident airflow at an angle of attack of 0 degrees has a lift coefficient, which is 0 or less.
US09057356B2
A method is provided for determining a voltage bounding range defining a range of a wind turbine reference voltage for a wind turbine for controlling an output voltage of the wind turbine at a wind turbine output terminal. The method includes obtaining information regarding an electrical characteristic of a transmission line connecting the wind turbine output terminal to a point of common coupling to which plural other wind turbines are connectable. The method further includes defining the voltage bounding range based on the electrical characteristic of the transmission line.
US09057345B2
A canister for a vehicle, and more particularly, a canister with dual air flow paths is configured to divide an inner space of an air entrance of the canister into two spaces and allow air to flow in from an outdoor atmosphere through one space between two spaces in a purging operation and discharge fuel evaporation gas to the outdoor atmosphere through the other space when the fuel evaporation gas is discharged in order to prevent pressure in a fuel tank from being raise raised.
US09057342B2
The invention relates to a system for controlling a plurality of actuators (15) that can displace a mobile panel (13, 17) pertaining to a nacelle (1) of an aircraft, said system comprising at least two motors (16) that can drive the actuators (15). The system also comprises two separate control units (33, 35), each unit being configured in such a way as to control and feed at least one motor that is not fed or controlled by the other control unit. The invention also relates to a nacelle comprising such a system.
US09057340B2
A cylinder block assembly is provided. In one example, the cylinder block assembly includes a crankshaft support with a single structural frame attachment feature. The single structural frame attachment feature may reduce stress within the cylinder block assembly.
US09057338B2
A diagnostic system for a vehicle includes an error module, an equivalence ratio (EQR) module, a threshold determination module, and a fault indication module. The error module determines an error value based on a difference between an amount of oxygen in exhaust measured by an exhaust gas oxygen sensor (EGO) upstream of a catalyst and an expected value of the amount. The EQR module selectively controls fuel injection based on the error value. The threshold determination module determines an error threshold based on a flow rate of fuel vapor from a vapor canister to an intake manifold of an engine. The fault indication module selectively indicates that a fault is present in the EGO sensor based on the error value and the error threshold.
US09057331B2
A control device for an internal combustion engine is mounted on a vehicle, and includes an engine, a catalyst and a control unit. The engine is a bifuel engine using gas fuel and liquid fuel as its fuel source. The control unit makes an air fuel ratio rich and increases a proportion of the gas fuel if a temperature of the catalyst is higher than a predetermined upper limit value at a time when the liquid fuel is used.
US09057329B2
An inlet assembly for a turboprop engine system is provided. The inlet assembly includes an inlet plenum defining first inlet configured to receive air from the atmosphere; an expansion plenum coupled to the inlet plenum and configured to receive the air from the inlet plenum, the inlet plenum and the expansion plenum defining a flow path for the air with a bend of at least 90°; and a second inlet coupled to the expansion plenum and configured to receive the air from the expansion plenum.
US09057325B2
The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate. In some embodiments, engines include rotary mechanisms and are used in, for example, ground vehicles, marine vehicles, aircraft, or devices.
US09057321B2
A first fuel charge having low reactivity (low cetane number) is injected into a rotary engine, such as a Wankel engine, sufficiently early during the intake stroke that a subsequent higher-reactivity injected fuel charge forms one or more stratified high-reactivity regions within the engine chamber. Compression ignition then begins at the high-reactivity regions and propagates to the lower-reactivity regions. Appropriate choice of the timings, quantities, and other parameters of the injections can allow control of the timing and rate of combustion, such that work output can be maximized, unburned fuel can be minimized, and chamber temperature can be controlled to reduce heat losses and NOx emissions. As a result, rotary engine efficiency can be enhanced while emissions are reduced. Since the invention can be implemented in a lightweight and compact rotary engine, it is well suited for use in hybrid and compact vehicles.
US09057320B2
Provided is a control device for an internal combustion engine, which improves acceleration performance while maintaining fuel performance in a non-supercharging operation range. A bypass passage (33) which bypasses a turbine (32c, 32d) of a supercharger is provided. In the bypass passage (33), a wastegate valve (33a) for adjusting a flow-path area of the bypass passage (33) by a wastegate actuator (33b) is provided. For an operation in the non-supercharging operation range, an opening degree of the wastegate valve (33a) is set to fully close the wastegate valve (33a) when a ratio of a pressure (Pb) of an intake manifold (22) and an atmospheric pressure (P1) is smaller than a threshold value.
US09057318B2
A radiator for a vehicle may include an inlet tank adapted to receive coolant from an engine; an outlet tank disposed apart from the inlet tank and adapted to discharge the coolant back to the engine; a heat-exchanging portion fluidly connecting the inlet tank and the outlet tank and provided with a plurality of tubes and radiation fins to cool the coolant flowing in the tubes by exchanging heat with air; and a bubble separating unit connected to the inlet tank and adapted to separate bubble contained in the coolant discharged from the engine and to continuously discharge the coolant from which the bubble is separated to a reserve tank to supply the coolant from which the bubble is separated to the heat-exchanging portion.
US09057315B2
A vehicle having an engine is disclosed. The vehicle includes an exhaust pipe receiving exhaust gas from the engine and a muffler connected to the exhaust pipe. An oxygen concentration sensor is disposed in a boss defining a port in the exhaust pipe. The boss includes a diameter greater than a widest dimension of the oxygen concentration sensor which may be in the form of a fin.
US09057300B2
The invention relates to a reducing agent metering system for injection of a reducing agent into the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine for selective catalytic reduction, with a delivery pump (2) by means of which the reducing agent is delivered from a reducing agent tank (1) via a delivery line (3) and is introduced into the exhaust gas flow of the internal combustion engine via at least one nozzle (7), a metering chamber (4) being integrated into the delivery line (3) and being divided into two separate volumes (10, 20) by means of a position-variable element (5), each of the two volumes (10, 20) having at least one input (11, 21) and at least one output (12, 22). Furthermore the invention relates to a method for operating such a reducing agent metering system for injection of a reducing agent into the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine for selective catalytic reduction.
US09057299B2
A wall flow type particulate filter is arranged inside the exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine where combustion is performed under an excess of oxygen. The particulate filter carries an ash atomization agent. To remove the ash from the particulate filter, ash atomization processing for rendering the state of the particulate filter a state where the exhaust gas which flows into the particulate filter is lowered in concentration of oxygen and the particulate filter is raised in temperature is temporarily performed.
US09057296B2
A muffler having a shell of a double-layer structure includes an inner shell that is formed by fixing ends of a tubularly rolled plate material to each other through a lock seam, and an outer shell that is formed substantially in the same manner as the inner shell. In this muffler, a through-hole is provided through the inner shell at a position where the inner shell overlaps with a lock seam portion of the outer shell.
US09057295B2
An engine assembly includes an engine and an intake assembly. The engine defines a combustion chamber and a crankcase, and the intake assembly includes an intake manifold in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. An air-oil separator is provided with the engine and defines a separator volume, an inlet and an outlet, where each of the inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the separator volume. The inlet of the air-oil separator is provided in fluid communication with the crankcase, and the outlet of the air-oil separator is provided in fluid communication with the intake manifold. The air-oil separator further includes an interior surface that abuts and surrounds the separator volume, and defines a plurality of depressions, and each depression is respectively configured to retain a respective volume of fluid.
US09057294B2
A single cylinder engine includes a crankcase having a crank chamber, a crankshaft disposed in the crank chamber of the crank case and having a crank web with a side surface perpendicular to a rotating shaft of an engine, and a lubricating structure for lubricating oil to components in the engine. The lubricating structure includes an oil reservoir communicating with the crank chamber through an oil discharge port formed to the crank chamber under the crank chamber, and an oil discharge groove formed to the crankcase for discharging oil flying from the crank web into the oil reservoir, the oil discharge groove being provided in a side wall of the crankcase facing a side surface of the crank web in the crank chamber.
US09057290B2
A switching roller finger follower, including: first and second rotatable outer arms; and a locking mechanism including a locking pin with a first outside diameter and first and second ends. The locking mechanism includes first and second locking sleeves: separate from the locking pin; fixedly secured to the first and second ends, respectively; and having second and third outside diameters, respectively, larger than the first outside diameter. The locking pin is displaceable such that: in a locked mode, the first and second locking sleeves contact the first and second outer arms, respectively, to block rotation of the first and second outer arms in a first rotational direction; and in an unlocked mode, the first and second locking sleeves are free of contact with the first and second outer arms, respectively.
US09057284B2
A geared architecture for a gas turbine engine includes a lubricant manifold for directing lubricant flow to the geared architecture. The manifold including annular channel and a bowl member received within the annular channel for defining a passage for directing lubricant.
US09057281B2
An axial turbomachine including a rotor-blade cascade is provided. The turbomachine includes a casing in which the cascade is installed and a guide-blade carrier which encloses the cascade and is integrated into the inner side of the housing. The guide-blade carrier is arranged immediately adjacently to the blade tips faulting a radial gap, wherein the guide-blade carrier is mounted in the housing, such that it may be displaced parallel to the axis of the axial turbomachine, and includes an adjusting ring which is supported on contact surfaces on the housing and guide-blade carrier and may be rotated about the axis, wherein the contact surfaces of the adjusting ring and of the housing and/or of the guide-blade carrier are set with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis, so that, when the adjusting ring is rotated about the axis, the guide-blade carrier is displaced axially by the adjusting ring.
US09057279B2
A labyrinth seal impedes leakage flow though a gap between confronting static and moving parts in a turbomachine. The seal includes axially spaced and circumferentially extending sealing fins arranged in leakage flow series and projecting across the gap from at least one of the confronting parts into sealing proximity with the opposing confronting part. The fins have at least a distal portion that is curved or inclined in the upstream direction of the leakage flow to deflect the leakage flow in the upstream direction. Successive fins define chambers that accommodate recirculating vortices produced by the deflected leakage flow.
US09057275B2
The present application provides a steam turbine driven by a flow of steam. The steam turbine may include a rotor, a number of nozzles positioned about the rotor, and a number of nozzle diaphragms. One or more of the nozzle diaphragms may include an inducer.
US09057263B2
An apparatus for treating a medium, the apparatus including structure for generating a flow of a working fluid in a flow path, treatment structure for subjecting the medium to treatment and a delivery device for delivering the medium to the treatment structure, the treatment structure and the delivery device being operable in response to the flow of working fluid. A refuge chamber and method utilize such apparatus.
US09057246B2
Present embodiments are directed to a tubular catcher system configured to detect a falling tubular through a drilling rig and grip the tubular before it drops into the wellbore. A sensor configured to detect the velocity or acceleration of the tubular activates an actuation mechanism when the velocity or acceleration exceeds a specific threshold, indicating a falling tubular. The actuation mechanism forces a gripping mechanism into contact with the tubular, catching the tubular and sending energy from the tubular to a hydropneumatic shock absorber coupled to the actuation mechanism and/or the gripping mechanism.
US09057245B2
A method of optimizing underground drilling in which the Specific Energy, such as the Mechanical Specific Energy, is determined at a plurality of weight on bits and drill bit rotary speeds. The drilling operation is optimized by drilling at the operating conditions, including weight on bit and drill bit rotary speed, at which the standard deviation in Mechanical Specific Energy is a minimum. The drilling operation is monitored by determining the Mechanical Specific Energy and changing the operating parameters if the standard deviation in the Mechanical Specific Energy exceeds a predetermined value.
US09057237B2
A method for recovering a hydrocarbon resource from a subterranean formation may include applying radio frequency (RF) power to the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation to upgrade the hydrocarbon resource and producing the upgraded hydrocarbon resource from the subterranean formation to a wellhead. The method may also include, at the wellhead, performing an additional upgrading operation on the upgraded hydrocarbon resource using RF power. The method may further include supplying the upgraded hydrocarbon resource to a pipeline for transportation therethrough.
US09057235B2
An apparatus for continuously flowing drilling fluid along a drill string includes a continuous circulation device having at least a first fluid path in fluid communication with a top drive and a second fluid path in communication with a diverter. The diverter is in selective fluid communication with a pipe stand associated with the drills string. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor that estimates at least one operating parameter associated with the continuous circulation device. A related method includes using a continuous circulation device as described to manipulate the drill string and controlling the continuous circulation device using at least one sensor configured to estimate at least one operating parameter associated with the continuous circulation device.
US09057233B2
Boost system and method for dual gradient drilling where a marine riser (1) has a mud return line (14) connected at a first connection position (18) below the lowest foreseeable mud level (12) in the marine riser (1), and where a mud return pump (16) is connected to the mud return line (14), and where a recirculation line (20) that has a recirculation pump (22), is connected to the marine riser (1) at a second connection position (24) below the lowest foreseeable mud level (12) in the marine riser (1), and at a third connection position (26) on the marine riser (1) below said second connection position (24).
US09057228B2
A wellbore tool includes a non-hydrocarbon-based grease disposed between a first component and a second component. The grease remains substantially impermeable to hydrocarbons at temperatures up to at least about 150° C. and possibly up to at least about 200° C., and pressures up to at least about 27 MPa and possibly to at least about 50 MPa. Methods of forming such wellbore tools include selecting a grease to comprise a non-hydrocarbon-based grease that remains at least substantially impermeable to hydrocarbons at temperatures up to at least about 150° C. and possibly up to at least about 200° C., and pressures up to at least about 27 MPa and possibly to at least about 50 MPa; and disposing the grease at an interface between a first component of a wellbore tool and a second component of a wellbore tool.
US09057224B1
A method and device for moving racked tubulars, such as pipe and casing joints on pipe racks at oil and gas well sites. The pipe moving tool comprises a wheel assembly with a long straight handle. The wheels fit inside the pipe, which is then moved by simply pushing or pulling the handle forward or backward, as needed. Several wheel assemblies of different diameters may be used interchangeably with a single handle. An extension handle also may be included. The use of this tool makes moving the pipe safer as the worker's hands are not exposed to injury. Additionally, the handle on the tool makes it possible to easily and more safely reach and move shorter pipes racked above or below longer pipes in a multi-level pipe rack; it is not necessary for the worker to lean over or under the longer pipes.
US09057221B2
A seat module for an industrial machine. The industrial machine includes a base, a body, and a cab module supporting the seat module. The seat module includes a seat, a control panel mounted on the seat, one or more monitors attached to the control panel, and a plurality of controls positioned on the control panel. The seat module also includes a controller having a processor and connected to the control panel. The controller is configured to receive information from the plurality of controls and to control the operation of the industrial machine based on the received information.
US09057213B2
A hinge assembly with a moving axis is disclosed. The hinge assembly includes a shaft, a first bracket and a second bracket. The shaft includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion. The first bracket includes a first rotating portion and a first flexibly connecting portion. The first rotating portion is pivoted to the first rod portion of the shaft, and the first flexibly connecting portion extends from the first rotating portion. The second bracket is pivoted to the second rod portion of the shaft and for driving the shaft to activate the first rotating portion such that the first flexibly connecting portion is stretched and bent and the shaft is moved.
US09057211B2
The present invention relates to a lock unit (1) comprising at least one catch (2), wherein the catch (2) has a primary position (8) and a first position (9), a main pawl (3) having an axis of rotation (4), a blocking pawl (5), which blocks the main pawl (3) upon engagement with the catch (2), and a first pawl (6), which is rotatably disposed on the axis of rotation (4) of the main pawl and is engageable with the catch (2), wherein the lock unit (1) comprises at least one elastic element (7) that biases the blocking pawl (5) and the first pawl (6) against each other, at least part of the time, such that the tension between the blocking pawl (5) and the first pawl (6) is preferably the largest in the open position of the catch.
US09057209B2
A low-cost switch sensor remote dead bolt status indicator includes a switch sensor within a key body of a door key which starts a sensor at a door lock location upon sensing of a dead bolt entering into a locked position. The sensor is provided with a self shut-off feature operating after a fixed duration of minutes length has elapsed. The indicator also includes a receiver in the hand held key, which is capable of receiving signals from the sensor after the user presses an inquiry button on its surface. The hand held key has two indicators for alternately displaying the lock's dead bolt status as being locked or unlocked.
US09057206B2
Portable combination umbrella and tent and method of providing and making the same are disclosed. The umbrella has a frame, a handle, a first tier covering, and a second tier covering. The first tier covering and the second tier covering are coupled to the frame so that an overlapping area exists between the first tier covering and the second tier covering. A tent support is movably coupled to the frame. The tent support can be moved and adjusted in a number of tent positions and also stowed away as part of the umbrella. A tent covering is coupled to the umbrella. The tent support can support the tent covering in the tent positions. At least part of the tent covering can be folded up and stored in the overlapping area so that the portable umbrella and tent can be used as an umbrella.
US09057201B2
A leveling assembly for an interior wall system includes an elongate floor channel secured to the floor, a floor rail longitudinally disposed within the floor channel for supporting the wall panel, and levelers positioned along the floor channel. The levelers each include a base resting on the floor channel, a threaded rod projecting upwardly from the base, an outer threaded sleeve capable of telescoping movement over the threaded rod, and a threaded nut secured in an opening defined in a bottom surface of the floor rail. The threaded nut supports the floor rail. The levelers vertically space apart the floor rail from the floor channel.
US09057189B2
Retractable screen systems and methods for catch basins are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a retractable screen apparatus includes a retractable center screen coupled to a retracting spring-loaded tube assembly secured to a portion of the catch basin. Two independently-operating side screens may each be coupled to the retractable center screen. Each side screen may be spring loaded such that each side screen is capable of opening and closing horizontally based on a predetermined fluid flow rate of water flowing into the catch basin.
US09057186B1
This integrally formed water and space saving lavatory-toilet fixture enables hand washing with potable water from an existing toilet, recycles effluent completely, and provides sanitary, seamless, one-piece, full perimeter tank closure. A flexible hose re-directs supply away from the overflow through an interior fixture cavity and top cast opening toward a basin, that drains back into the reservoir as effluent; supplementing the required volume of water to complete one flush cycle. A cast sidewall basin opening is formed allowing potential drainage to flow through an internal hollow cavity directly into the tank reservoir below. The integrally formed fixture also includes a sloped front wall allowing additional hand washing space, vertically aligned space saving side and rear walls, and, an integrally formed perimeter rim conforming to the shape of the toilet tank edging below, providing hygienic, continuous tank containment and secure, detachable mounting.
US09057168B1
An improved erosion and sediment control gabion multi-cell device, which includes a first end cell having four rigid upright walls, each wall having a plurality of flow openings therethrough; an interior space defined by the four walls, into which a water permeable material such as sand or rock material is placed; a second end cell of similar construction to the first end cell; a center cell engaged to and sharing a sidewall with each of the first and second cells, the center cell having flexible upright wire mesh front and rear walls to allow the multi-cell gabion to flex upward and downward or side to side to accommodate the terrain onto which the gabion is set in place; and a geotextile fabric liner positioned in each cell to help restrict flow of soil through the device.
US09057162B2
A portion of a street surface to be removed for access to a manhole cover is defined by placing a design mask on the street with a cutout overlying an electronic marker embedded in the street proximate the manhole. The design mask is oriented such that a larger cutout overlies the manhole cover, by aligning the design mask along an established direction. The design mask can be a template with a circular cutout, or a stencil with a ring cutout. When the marker is located proximate a curb line, the established direction may correspond to a normal from the curb line. A rectangular design mask can be oriented by keeping an edge of the design mask which is closest to a curb line parallel with the curb line. Alternatively, a compass heading may be used, and a pointer feature of the design mask can be aligned with the compass heading.
US09057160B2
A self-contained, controlled access, triathlon complex is described that includes a dedicated artificial body of water having a swimming starting point and a swimming finish point; dedicated biking roadway having a biking starting point adjacent the swimming finish point, and a biking finish point; a dedicated running path having a running starting point adjacent the biking finish point, and a running finish point; and an access limiting boundary surrounding the body of water, biking roadway and running path, the boundary including at least one gate for allowing controlled access to the complex.
US09057153B2
The present subject matter provides a dryer appliance. The dryer appliance includes an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation in order to urge a flow of air through a drum of the dryer appliance. The impeller assembly includes a base plate and an annular front plate spaced apart from the base plate. A plurality of blades extends between the base plate and the annular front plate. The size and position of the base plate, the annular front plate and the plurality of blades relative to one another can assist with urging the flow of air through the drum of the dryer appliance.
US09057149B1
The present invention discloses an embroidery that includes a backing layer, an element situated at a desired position, and coupled with the backing layer to form an integrated layer, with the integrated layer positioned on a main layer and embroidered.
US09057145B2
A method for electrodepositing a metal layer from an electrolytic bath is described, wherein the concentrations of at least two components of the electrolytic bath are monitored by carrying out the following steps: (a) a sample is taken from the electrolytic bath; (b) the sample is supplied to a column for solid phase extraction, which contains a solid sorbent material; (c) the column is subjected to a washing procedure with a first eluent, wherein the at least two components remain on the column, and undesired components are eluted from the column; (d) the at least two components are eluted from the column by a second eluent; (e) the concentrations of the at least two components in the eluate obtained in step (d) are determined without separating the components from each other. In this method the use of poly(divinyl benzene-co-N-vinyl pyrrolidone) for solid phase extraction is particularly advantageous.
US09057136B2
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a process for electrochemical hydrogen production is provided. The process includes providing an electrochemical cell with an anode side including an anode, a cathode side including a cathode, and a membrane separating the anode side from the cathode side. The process further includes feeding molecules of at least one gaseous reactant to the anode, oxidizing one or more molecules of the gaseous reactant at the anode to produce a gas product and protons, passing the protons through the membrane to the cathode, and reducing the protons at the cathode to form hydrogen gas.
US09057130B2
A transport cylinder for the vacuum treatment of substrates includes a roll body and at least one spacer element arranged on the roll body and enveloping the roll body. The spacer element is made of a knitted tube containing metallic or/and metallic threads.
US09057121B2
Methods for the manufacture of the above-mentioned titanium alloy for use in combustion engine exhaust systems are disclosed herein. An exemplary method of the disclosed subject matter for the manufacture of titanium alloy for use in a high temperature and high stress environment includes performing a first heat treatment of the titanium alloy at a first temperature, rolling the titanium alloy to a desired thickness, performing a second heat treatment of the titanium alloy at a second temperature, and performing a third heat treatment of the titanium alloy at a third temperature. In some embodiments, the first temperature is selected such that recrystallization and softening of the titanium alloy is optimized without substantial coarsening of second phase particles and can be approximately 1500-1600° F. In some embodiments, the rolling of the titanium alloy reduces the thickness of the titanium alloy by at least than 65%.
US09057119B2
A method for leaching molybdenum and/or rhenium from a sulfide ore and/or concentrate containing such, the method comprising the steps of: Exposing the ore and/or concentrate to an aqueous solution of chlorine-based oxidizing species in which the sum of the concentrations of hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid is at least 10 mol % of the chlorine-based oxidizing species; Allowing and/or facilitating the oxidation of the molybdenum and/or rhenium by the hypochlorite and/or hypochlorous acid, thereby decreasing the pH such that the predominant chlorine-based oxidizing species becomes chlorine; Allowing and/or facilitating the oxidation of the molybdenum and/or rhenium by the chlorine thereby producing a pregnant leach solution; and Passing the pregnant leach solution to a means for metal recovery.
US09057116B2
The invention relates to the hydrometallurgical treatment of laterite ores in order to recover valuable metals. More specifically, the invention presented relates to a method for improving precipitation and solid-liquid separation in conjunction with the leaching of laterite ores. According to the method the slurry exiting the leaching of laterite ores is neutralized, after which part of the slurry is routed to solid-liquid separation. Iron is precipitated from the solid-liquid separation overflow by neutralizing the solution and the solution that is formed, which includes jarosite seeds, is routed to an appropriate point in the process to control the precipitation of iron and to enhance the filterability of the solids.
US09057114B2
A method for producing a structural and/or safety-related motor vehicle component having at least one hot-formed and press-hardened part constructed from high-strength steel includes the steps of partially heat-treating a region of the motor vehicle component by heating the region to a heat-up temperature in a temperature range between 500° C. and 900° C.; maintaining the heat-up temperature for a duration of a holding time; and cooling down from the heat-up temperature in one or more phases. A body component constructed as a structural and/or safety-related motor vehicle component from a steel sheet blank that has been hot-formed and press-hardened includes joining flanges and/or coupling locations and/or safety-related parts, wherein the joining flanges, coupling locations and/or safety-related parts are partially heat-treated in several steps with the disclosed method.
US09057111B2
A method of diagnosing bacterial vaginosis in a woman, which involves determining an amount of each of more than one BV-associated bacterium in a vaginal sample obtained from the female and assessing a BV status of the female based on the amount of each of the more than one BV-associated bacterium in the sample.
US09057097B2
This disclosure describes kits, reagents and methods for Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of a target DNA that exploit the properties of recombinase and related proteins, to invade double-stranded DNA with single stranded homologous DNA permitting sequence specific priming of DNA polymerase reactions. The disclosed kits, reagents and methods have the advantage of not requiring thermocycling or thermophilic enzymes, thus offering easy and affordable implementation and portability relative to other amplification methods.
US09057095B1
The present invention provides a kit and a method of testing for carbamates in amine cured epoxies. The method and kit are based on the use of an enzyme that is inhibited by carbamates. A specific embodiment of the kit includes acetylthiocholine (ATC), dithio-bis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), and acetyl-cholinesterase (ACh-E). In the corresponding method embodiment, the method comprises the steps of collecting carbamates from the epoxy, adding the collected carbamates to a solution, adding acetyl-cholinesterase (ACh-E) to the solution, adding acetylthiocholine (ATC) to the solution, adding dithio-bis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) to the solution, and ultimately measuring the intensity of the yellow color of the solution.
US09057091B2
Screening isolates for phosphate accumulation by quantitative methods requires investment of time, labor and chemicals. There has been paucity of a medium and method for screening phosphate-accumulating microorganisms (PAOs) from the environment. Therefore, a new screening strategy is needed towards isolating effective PAOs in environments with diverse microbial populations and limited organic resources, where it is possible that PAOs are often out-competed by organisms capable of utilizing available nutrients more rapidly. In view of these problems, a medium optimal for an efficient screening of P-accumulating microorganisms was developed, which is rapid and allows many PAOs to be screened. Thus, the present invention utilizes Toluidine Blue-O (TBO) a blue colored dye, which decolorizes due drop in the concentration of phosphate in the medium, as an indicator to quickly evaluate the P-accumulating microorganisms based upon visual observations. Fast decolorization of the dye is an indicator of a superior phosphate accumulating microbe. Therefore, colorimetric reaction using PAM-TBO of the present work was further applied in a novel, extremely high-throughput manner to detect individual microbial isolates, growing on a PAM Petri plate. Adaptation of PAM-TBO assay in screening PAOs in environmental samples for microtitre plate assay enhanced the effectiveness of the assay system efficiently and effectively.
US09057084B2
There is provided a method for producing an aqueous acrylamide solution by reacting a composition including acrylonitrile with water to produce acrylamide, in which the composition including acrylonitrile includes 3 to 15 mg of propionitrile per 1 kg of the total weight of the composition including acrylonitrile. According to the present invention, a production method with which it is possible to suppress acrylamide polymerization without lowering quality and thereby obtain a stable aqueous acrylamide solution can be provided.
US09057083B2
The present invention relates to fungal Δ12 desaturases (responsible for conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid (18:2, LA)) and Δ15 fatty acid desaturases (responsible for conversion of LA to α-linolenic acid (18:3, ALA)). Amino acid motifs diagnostic of Δ12 desaturases and Δ15 desaturases are also provided. Methods of altering enzyme specificity towards Δ12 desaturation or towards Δ15 desaturation and/or increasing production of specific ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids by over-expression of the fungal desaturases are also described.
US09057081B2
The present invention relates to cell wall degradative systems, in particular to systems containing enzymes that bind to and/or depolymerize cellulose, hemicellulose and other carbohydrates. These systems have a number of applications.
US09057080B1
The present invention relates to microorganisms capable of producing isolable amounts of styrene and/or 7-methyl-1,3,5-cyclooctatriene (MCOT) and uses thereof. The present invention also relates to methods for biosynthetically preparing styrene and/or 7-methyl-1,3,5-cyclooctatriene (MCOT) utilizing microorganisms capable of producing isolable amounts of styrene and/or 7-methyl-1,3,5-cyclooctatriene (MCOT).
US09057068B1
Compositions comprising therapeutic oligonucleotide compounds that target the expression of genes associated with tumorigenesis or cell transformation are provided. Methods are described to manipulate and treat the oncogenic deregulation of the TP53-associated apoptosis pathway. Markers for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and uses thereof are described.
US09057064B1
A method of extracting DNA from a biological sample includes the steps of freezing a biological sample; mechanically breaking down the sample to produce a processed sample; mixing the processed sample with a lysis solution; and cycling the mixture through a series of pressure fluctuations to produce a resulting lysate. The method may further include the steps of exposing the lysate to a material that binds to DNA present in the sample and collecting the DNA from the sample using an elution solution. An apparatus for practicing the method includes a first segment for mechanically breaking down the sample; a second segment for pressurizing a mixture of the processed sample and lysis solution to produce a lysate; and wherein the first segment is fluidly coupled to the second segment. The apparatus may also include a third segment in which the lysate is exposed to the binding material.
US09057061B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a desired protein (such as a desired heterologous protein) comprising: (a) providing a host cell comprising a first recombinant gene encoding a protein comprising the sequence of a first chaperone protein, a second recombinant gene encoding a protein comprising the sequence of a second chaperone protein and a third gene, such as a third recombinant gene, encoding a desired protein (such as a desired heterologous protein), wherein the first and second chaperones are different; and (b) culturing the host cell in a culture medium to obtain expression of the first, second and third genes.
US09057056B2
The N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III activity is enhanced in a cell carrying retrovirus-origin gag-pol gene and env gene. By constructing a retrovirus vector with the use of the above cell, a retrovirus vector having a modified sugar chain structure can be obtained. The retrovirus vector constructed by this method shows a high infection efficiency particularly in the presence of a functional substance.
US09057055B2
It is herewith provided methods of obtaining circulating cancer cells (CCCs)-enriched cellular populations based on the removal of CD45-positive cells from an apheresis product. It is also provided methods of obtaining circulating stem cells (CSCs)-enriched cellular population from a CCCs-enriched cellular population based on a selection either using the specific cellular markers or through culture. It is further provided methods of obtaining circulating tumor cells (CTCs)-enriched cellular population from a CCCs-enriched cellular population based on a selection using the specific cellular markers. It is also provided screening assays for the selection of (chemo)therapeutic agent as well as personalized medicine application based on drug sensitivity/resistance or cancer markers.
US09057054B2
The present invention provides compositions, methods, and systems for generating antigen-specific long-term memory T-cells using mTOR pathway inhibitors. The present invention provides compositions, systems, and methods for administering antigen-specific long-term memory T-cells to a subject (e.g., to a subject with cancer in adoptive transfer type of procedures).
US09057053B2
Methods, compositions and kits for producing functional neurons, astroctyes, oligodendrocytes and progenitor cells thereof are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in producing neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and progenitor cells thereof for transplantation, for experimental evaluation, as a source of lineage- and cell-specific products, and the like, for example for use in treating human disorders of the CNS. Also provided are methods, compositions and kits for screening candidate agents for activity in converting cells into neuronal cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and progenitor cells thereof.
US09057047B2
A device for cell culture includes a container body, which has an internal compartment to contain a quantity of cells to be cultured and a culture surface for the cells placed in the internal compartment; an introduction opening for introducing the cells to be cultured in the internal compartment; the container body having a first half shell and a second half shell, which can be fixed in mutually facing relation by a removable fixing system and which together define the internal compartment and the culture surface; and at least one out feed opening for a transport and/or culture fluid for the cells.
US09057045B2
A method of distributing a plurality of cells in a bioreactor of a cell expansion system includes manipulating an orientation of the bioreactor such that a net impulse due to gravity acting on the plurality cells in the bioreactor is reduced. One method includes (a) rotating the bioreactor at an angular velocity ω about an axis of rotation and through an angular displacement θ, the bioreactor rotating from a first orientation to a second orientation; (b) holding the bioreactor still at the second orientation for a first period of time t1, wherein t1 substantially equals 2/ω; (c) rotating the bioreactor at the angular velocity ω about the axis of rotation and through the angular displacement θ; and (d) holding the bioreactor still for a second period of time t2, wherein t2 substantially equals t1.
US09057044B2
The present invention describes a laminar flow bioreactor with improved laminar flow lines of fluids. The bioreactor housing defines a chamber adapted to receive a scaffold. An inlet aperture at one end of the chamber is in fluid communication with an outlet aperture at the opposite end of the chamber. A bypass mechanism selectively operable from an open position to a closed position consisting of an iris assembly directs a portion of fluid flowing through the chamber around the scaffold-receiving area. This bioreactor is inserted in a bioreactor system.
US09057028B2
Described herein are gradual oxidation systems that receive and process solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels. The system can include a solid fuel gasifier that extracts and cleans gas fuel from a solid fuel. The system can also include a reaction chamber that receives the gas fuel and maintains a gradual oxidation process of the fuel. In some embodiments, liquids containing contaminants can be oxidized within the gradual oxidation chamber. Liquid fuels and gas fuels may be communicated to the oxidation chamber separately or in combination.
US09057025B2
The invention is a process for removing impurities from an aromatics stream and apparatus for the practice thereof, whereby trace olefins and dienes are removed from aromatic plant feedstocks using a reactor design that enables the product to be backmixed with the feedstock and that enables a feed/effluent heat exchanger.
US09057021B2
An object comprising a low rare earth mineral photoluminescent structure incorporated onto or into one or more portions of the object, the object being a photoluminescent object is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method for fabricating the object. An object comprising a low rare earth mineral photoluminescent composition incorporated onto or into one or more portions of the object, the object being a photoluminescent object is also disclosed, as well as, a method for fabricating the object.
US09057011B2
Fluids comprising oil; and an organophilic clay comprising a smectite clay modified by reaction with a protonated amphoteric surfactant. The smectite clay may be montmorillonite, beidellite, nontronite, or a combination thereof. The protonated amphoteric surfactant may be cetyl/myristyl amine oxide, a stearyl amine oxide, a stearyl betaine, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the fluid may also include water and/or a solid reactive metal.
US09057008B2
A porous silica material disclosed in the present application is a porous silica material in which a plurality of silica particles are connected to one another three-dimensionally, wherein: a density of the porous silica material is less than 220 kg/m3; a particle diameter of the silica particles is 3.5 nm or more; and the water content of the porous silica material is 8 wt % or less.
US09057004B2
A composition and a method for chemical mechanical polishing. The composition includes a surfactant anion an alkyl alcohol and a diluent. The composition further includes abrasive particles and an oxidizer. The method includes providing the composition on a surface to be polished and polishing the surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad.
US09056995B2
An inkjet recording ink set, which contains at least: a black pigment ink; and a color pigment ink, wherein the black pigment ink contains a black pigment treated with an anionic surfactant, and a black pigment coated with a resinous polymer, and water, and the black pigment ink is a pigment dispersion liquid where the black pigment treated with the anionic surfactant and the black pigment coated with the resinous polymer are dispersed in the water, and wherein the color pigment ink contains a color pigment, a nonionic surfactant, and water, and the color pigment ink is a pigment dispersion liquid where the color pigment is dispersed in the water with assistance of the nonionic surfactant.
US09056989B2
An insulating silicone rubber composition superior in reliability is provided that has excellent antistatic property while being free from bleeding, blooming, and discoloration. The insulating silicone rubber contains silicone rubber, ionic liquid having an alkoxysilyl group, and preferably a crosslinking agent. The content of the ionic liquid is preferably within a range from 0.001 to 5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the silicone rubber and the crosslinking agent.
US09056967B2
A film that is biodegradable and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. More specifically, the film contains a combination of a biodegradable polyester and a water-sensitive thermoplastic starch. The desired water-sensitive attributes of film may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the film is formed, and so forth.
US09056961B2
The invention relates to foam comprising hollow microbeads and intended for sound absorption, comprising from 40 to 85% by weight of open-cell polymer foam and from 15 to 60% by weight of hollow microbeads with flexible external layer, where the D50 value of the hollow microbeads is at least 70 μm and at most 250 μm, based on the total weight of polymer foam and hollow microbeads, and also to a process for producing the same, comprising the following steps: I) impregnation of an open-cell polymer foam with a liquid dispersion comprising expandable hollow microbeads, II) if appropriate, pressing/compression and/or drying of the polymer foam, and III) heat-treatment of the impregnated polymer foam at a temperature above the expansion temperature and below the decomposition temperature of the expandable hollow microbeads, for the expansion of the hollow microbeads.
US09056939B2
The present description relates to an olefin block copolymer with enhanced processability as well as excellences in elasticity and heat resistance, and a preparation method for the same. The olefin block copolymer includes first and second segments, each containing an ethylene or propylene repeating unit and an α-olefin repeating unit at different mole fractions, where the second segment is dispersed in the form of a closed curve as a dispersed phase on the first segment according to a TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) image.
US09056936B2
Provided is a copolymer of a conjugated diene compound and a non-conjugated olefin, the copolymer being a random copolymer including randomly arranged monomer units of the conjugated diene compound and of the non-conjugated olefin, in which the non-conjugated olefin is preferably an acyclic olefin, the non-conjugated olefin preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and specific examples of the non-conjugated olefin preferably include ethylene, propylene, and 1-butene.
US09056931B2
A method for producing an olefin polymer including: polymerizing one or more α-olefins each having 6 to 20 carbon atoms in the presence of a metallocene catalyst to obtain an olefin polymer, and diluting a polymerization reaction liquid with a solvent before or simultaneously with deactivation of the catalyst, thereby to lower the liquid viscosity of the polymerization reaction liquid to 10 mPa·s or less to promote deactivation and decalcification of the catalyst.
US09056923B2
Mimetic peptides having anti-angiogenic and anti-tumorigenic properties and methods of their use for treating cancer, ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, and other-angiogenesis-dependent diseases are disclosed. More particularly, active non-cysteine analogs (mimetics), which exhibit anti-angiogenic activity in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and tube formation assays, anti-migratory activity in human breast cancer cells in vitro, anti-angiogenic and anti-tumorigenic activity in vivo in breast cancer xenograft models, and age-related macular degeneration models are disclosed. The presently disclosed mimetic peptides also exhibit anti-lymphangiogenic and directly anti-tumorigenic properties.
US09056913B2
The present invention is directed to methods of preventing reactivation of active and latent M. tuberculosis infections by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nucleic acid encoding a Mtb72f fusion protein, or a Mtb72f fusion protein or an immunogenic fragment thereof, for example together with an adjuvant. The Mtb72f nucleic acid or fusion protein can be administered with one or more chemotherapeutic agents effective against a M. tuberculosis infection. The methods also provide for shortening the time course of a chemotherapeutic regimen against a M. tuberculosis infection.
US09056910B2
The invention provides anti-PMEL17 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same.
US09056907B2
The invention provides antibodies or antibody fragments that bind to insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 receptor (IGF-1R) or IGF-2, as well as method of using the antibodies for inhibiting the IGF-mediated signaling pathway, inhibiting IGF-1R signaling, and treating cancer. The invention also provides a method of detecting the presence of IGF-1R or IGF-2 in a sample using the inventive antibodies and antibody fragments.
US09056903B2
The present invention provides novel molecules, compositions, methods and uses for treating microvascular disorders, eye diseases respiratory conditions and hearing disorders based upon inhibition of the RTP801 gene and/or protein.
US09056896B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for removing even small viruses from a high concentration monoclonal antibody solution using a membrane, and thus for recovering the antibody within a short time at high yield in the form of a filtrate. The present invention provides a method for producing a preparation containing a monoclonal antibody, which comprises a step of removing viruses by filtering viruses in a monoclonal antibody solution using a virus-removing membrane, wherein (1) the monomer content of the monoclonal antibody accounts for 90% or more; (2) the monoclonal antibody concentration in the monoclonal antibody solution ranges from 20 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml; (3) the monoclonal antibody solution contains at least a basic amino acid; and (4) the parvovirus removal rate of the virus-removing membrane satisfies the following conditions: LRV (Log Reduction Value: logarithmic reduction value)≧4.
US09056888B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the following formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a stereoisomer or a mixture of stereoisomers in any proportion, in particular a mixture of enantiomers, and particularly a racemate mixture, in which R represents a (C1-C10)alkyl group substituted with one or more, preferably one or two, groups chosen from COOH and NHR1, with R1 representing a hydrogen atom or a -Alk, —C(O)-Alk or —C(O)O-Alk group, Alk representing a (C1-C6)alkyl group, as well as a method for preparing them, and their use as a medicine, notably for treating an infection with a retrovirus such as HIV.
US09056887B2
Minor groove binder phosphoramidites having the formula M-L-PA, wherein M is a minor groove binder comprising a protected heteroaromatic amine, L is a linker, and PA is a phosphoramidite group, have been synthesized. Preferred methods of synthesis include synthesizing a minor groove binder intermediate containing a transiently protected hydroxyl group, protecting heteroaromatic amines of the corresponding minor groove binder intermediate as carbamate intermediates, reacting the carbamate intermediate to remove the transient protecting group to yield carbamate-protected minor groove binder agent as an intermediate with a free hydroxyl group, and converting the intermediate with a free hydroxyl group to the desired minor groove binder phosphoramidite. These minor groove binder phosphoramidites are useful in the preparation of oligonucleotide conjugates, particularly those for use as probes and primers. In preferred methods, an oligonucleotide sequence is synthesized using nucleoside phosphoramidites and the minor groove binder phosphoramidite is incorporated into the oligonucleotide sequence to form a protected oligonucleotide-minor groove binder conjugate. Then, deprotection produces the oligonucleotide-minor groove binder.
US09056886B2
The present invention relates to a novel modified oligonucleotide comprising at least one guanosine molecule and a modified nucleic acid with therapeutic efficacies. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition having cell apoptotic activity against cancer cells for preventing or treating cancer comprising a guanosine-rich modified oligonucleotide with at least one therapeutically effective modified nucleic acid (N), or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt as active ingredient.
US09056879B2
A method for manufacturing a hydrophilic silicone prepolymer is disclosed. The method comprises ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclosiloxanes, hydrosilylation of polysiloxanes, copolymerization, and end-capping reaction. After the above processes, the hydrophilic silicone prepolymer can be obtained.
US09056870B2
Provided are an organic electroluminescence device, which shows high luminous efficiency, is free of any pixel defect, and has a long lifetime, and a material for an organic electroluminescence device for realizing the device. The material for an organic electroluminescence device is a compound having a π-conjugated heteroacene skeleton crosslinked with a carbon atom, nitrogen atom, oxygen atom, or sulfur atom. The organic electroluminescence device has one or more organic thin film layers including a light emitting layer between a cathode and an anode, and at least one layer of the organic thin film layers contains the material for an organic electroluminescence device.
US09056864B2
Crystalline form of abacavir that is essentially free of solvent of formula (I), in particular crystalline Form I, and its preparation process which comprises the following steps: a) crystallizing abacavir from a solution of said compound in a (C1-C4)-alcohol, dichloromethane, acetonitrile/water, or mixtures thereof; b) isolating the crystalline form of abacavir that appears in the prior step; and c) removing the solvent from the crystalline form of abacavir thus obtained. Crystalline Form I can also be obtained by dispersion of abacavir in acetonitrile. The crystalline form of abacavir that is essentially free of solvent is useful for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of HIV infections.
US09056851B2
This invention provides a compound having the structure wherein R1 is H, wherein n and q are independently an integer from 0 to 8; A is absent or present and when present is wherein m is an integer from 0 to 8; R3 is an amino, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, diol, piperazine, morpholine, piperidine, triazole, azide or biphenyl, each with or without substitution, branched or unbranched, or and R4 is alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, each with or without substitution, branched or unbranched, R2 is H, CH3, or alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, pyrrole, diazole, or triazole, each with or without substitution, branched or unbranched, or wherein n and q are independently an integer from 0 to 8; A is absent or present and when present is and R6 is azide, methoxy, trifluoromethyl, biphenyl, substituted phenyl, substituted triazole, or alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, with or without substitution, branched or unbranched, when R1 is H then R2 is other than H or CH3, and when R2 is H or CH3 then R1 is other than H, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09056848B2
Process for preparing sodium or potassium salts of 4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-3-carboxylic esters, comprising the reaction of a malonic ester with potassium hydroxide to give the corresponding malonic ester potassium salt of the formula (III) which is then reacted further with a chloroacetic ester to give a compound of the formula (V) followed by a ring closure reaction in which the compound of the formula (V) is reacted with a sodium or potassium alkoxide of the formula ZOR1 where R1, R2, R3 and K are each as defined in the description.
US09056834B2
The present invention provides a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, A3, A4, L, B1, B2, B3 and B4 are as defined herein. The compounds of Formula I have been found to act as glucagon antagonists or inverse agonists. Consequently, the compounds of Formula I and the pharmaceutical compositions thereof are useful for the treatment of diseases, disorders, or conditions mediated by glucagon.
US09056832B2
The invention relates to substituted pyridine compounds of Formula (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates thereof, wherein R1a, A1, A2, E, G, Z1, and Z2 are defined as set forth in the specification. The invention is also directed to the use of compounds of Formula I to treat a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium channels. Compounds of the present invention are especially useful for treating pain.
US09056819B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an isocyanate production process, which is free of the various problems found in the prior art, and which uses a composition containing a carbamic acid ester and an aromatic hydroxy compound when producing isocyanate without using phosgene, as well as a carbamic acid ester composition for transferring or storing carbamic acid ester. The present invention discloses an isocyanate production process including specific steps and using a composition containing a carbamic acid ester and an aromatic hydroxy compound, as well as a composition for transfer or storage of carbamic acid ester comprising the carbamic acid ester and the specific aromatic hydroxy compound.
US09056815B2
Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water. Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine. A method of taming an acid includes adding the solution of hydrogen glycine to the acid in an effective amount for substantially preventing corrosion and fuming during an application of a mixture thereof.
US09056809B2
The present invention disclosed a preparation method of parylene AF4, which provides a reactant and a reducing agent with the use of catalyst or exposure to UV light with photo-initiator, to shorten the reaction time as a result of minimized the byproduct(s) formation, and obtain high purity (>99.0%) of parylene AF4 product under high concentrated reaction mixture.
US09056800B2
The present invention relates to an additive for use in the molding of a ceramic material, which exhibits satisfactory water absorption performance in a ceramic green ceramic clay, can highly achieve both high fluidability and low loading performance during extrusion molding and high shape-retaining performance after extrusion at the same time, and comprises polymer microparticles. This additive for use in the molding of a ceramic material comprises polymer microparticles, is characterized in that the polymer microparticles have an average particle size between 10 and 150 μm when the polymer microparticles are swollen with ion exchange water until the swollen polymer microparticles reach a saturated state and can absorb 10-60 mL/g of ion exchange water under ordinary pressure, and is also characterized in that an aqueous dispersion prepared by dispersing 1 part by mass of the polymer microparticles in 110 parts by mass of ion exchange water has an electrical conductivity of 1500 μS/cm or less at 25° C.
US09056797B2
To provide a high zirconia fused cast refractory which has high corrosion resistance to molten glass and which is scarcely susceptible to cracking during its production. A high zirconia fused cast refractory which has a chemical composition comprising from 96.5 to 98.5 mass % of ZrO2, from 0.8 to 2.7 mass % of SiO2, from 0.04 to 0.35 mass % in a total amount of Na2O and K2O, and from 0.02 to 0.18 mass % of B2O3, wherein contents of Na2O, K2O and B2O3 satisfy the relation of the following formula (1) at the same time: 0.03≧CB2O3−(CNa2O+CK2O) (1) wherein CNa2O is the content of Na2O, CK2O is the content of K2O, and CB2O3 is the content of B2O3, and each of these contents represents mass % in the refractory.
US09056792B2
A method of curing cementitious material comprising added a fibrillated carboxyalkyl cellulose, cellulose alkylsulfonic acid, phosphorylated cellulose or sulfated cellulose having a degree of substitution of 0.01 to 0.45 to the material during mixing. The fibrillated carboxyalkyl cellulose, cellulose alkylsulfonic acid, phosphorylated cellulose or sulfated cellulose may also include bleached or partially bleached wood pulp fiber. The fibrillated carboxyalkyl cellulose, cellulose alkylsulfonic acid, phosphorylated cellulose or sulfated cellulose has a substituent content of from 10 to 150 meq/100 g cellulose fiber. The fibrillated carboxyalkyl cellulose, cellulose alkylsulfonic acid, phosphorylated cellulose or sulfated cellulose is 0.1 to 5% by weight of the dry weight of the cementitious material. The structure produced by the method. The autogenous shrinkage of the cementitious material is reduced.
US09056791B2
A composition comprising cement and nano-sized crystalline particles of boehmite alumina or nano-sized crystalline particles of boehmite alumina which have been modified by the inclusion of silicon oxide, calcium oxide, or magnesium oxide. The boehmite alumina has an average crystallite size from about 2 nm to about 80 nm and a content of non-crystalline alumina of less than about 25 mol percent based on total aluminum.
US09056788B2
A glass ceramic sinter is disclosed. The glass ceramic sinter includes a glass matrix, and anorthite grains, fersmite grains and quartz grains, all of which are in the glass matrix. A total content of the glass matrix, the anorthite grains, the quartz grains, and the fersmite grains is 98% or more by mass of the glass ceramic sinter.
US09056784B2
A high-efficiency water softening process is disclosed. The softening-process is particularly effective for the treatment of water process streams containing a broad array of contaminants, such as Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr, iron, aluminum, manganese, copper, zinc, silica, TOC, oil, and grease. The softening-process includes steps of: (a) adding carbonate ions and hydroxide ions to said water process stream until the process stream pH is raised to between at or about 10.5 and at or about 14.0; (b) optionally adding a coagulation aid so as to facilitate the creation of separated solids comprising a substantial portion of the contaminants; (c) optionally adding a polyelectrolyte so as to facilitate the creation of separated solids comprising a substantial portion of the contaminants; and (d) phase-separating the separated solids so as to remove the contaminants and produce a highly purified water process stream.
US09056781B2
Provided is a method of synthesizing high-purity calcite capable of controlling a grain size thereof, by reacting an aqueous calcium chloride solution with CO2 gas under strong alkaline condition, to crystallize into white and ultra-fine grain calcite. The method of synthesizing fine-grain calcite according to the present disclosure can decrease super-saturation by producing calcite under the strong alkaline conditions, thereby suppressing generation and growth of grain, resulting in controlling the grain size. Therefore, the above method is useful in producing high-purity ultra-fine grain calcite and can control the grain size of calcite from several hundreds of nanometers to several tens of nanometers by regulating the concentration of an aqueous caustic soda solution.
US09056775B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing inorganic hydrogels with alkali halides such as common salt (NaCl) and methods of making such hydrogels. The present invention provides hydrogels that may be formed by the self-assembly or may be brought about by a change in one or more characteristics of the solution. A characteristic of the solution that may change includes pH, temperature, and concentration of one or more specific ion. This invention further discloses the use of only inorganic components towards the formation of inorganic hydrogels.
US09056772B2
It is avoided that the sulfur compounds originating from the castable is mixed into produced synthesis gas, the mixed sulfur compounds are separated and collected with carbon dioxide, the collected carbon dioxide is recycled as raw material gas and then the sulfur compounds is directly supplied to the reformer to consequently degrade the reforming catalyst in the reformer by sulfur poisoning. The carbon dioxide separated and collected in the carbon dioxide removal step is introduced into the desulfurization apparatus of the desulfurization step or the sulfur compounds adsorption apparatus before being recycled to the reformer to remove the sulfur compounds.
US09056755B1
A compact air compressor and vehicle jack comprises a case, an air bladder, and an air compressor. The case comprises a durable two-piece construction further comprising a plurality of latches and a carrying handle. The air bladder comprises a durable inflatable vessel located internally within the case. The bladder is capable of withstanding the weight of a car. An internal electric air compressor inflates the air bladder. Power to the air compressor is provided via a cigarette lighter adapter. In use, a user would undo the latches, place the case beneath the vehicle, supply power to the air compressor using an external switch, and inflate the bladder until the vehicle achieves a desired height.
US09056751B2
A hoisting device includes a hoisting cable, a winch, a crown block and a traveling bottom block provided with a load attachment device. Both the crown block and the traveling bottom block include one or more sheaves having an essentially horizontally extending rotation shaft about which sheaves the hoisting cable is reeved. At least some of the traveling bottom block sheaves are associated with a releasable connector, and are thereby detachable from the load attachment device and displaceable to an inoperative position. The rotation shaft of multiple traveling bottom block sheaves and multiple crown block sheaves is essentially perpendicular to the rotation shaft of remaining multiple traveling bottom block sheaves and remaining multiple crown block sheaves.
US09056748B2
The lifting system and method comprises a winch and pulley system, the pulleys being adapted to be mounted to a wall of a structure, the winch being mounted to a tube assembly, said tube assembly comprising a tube and winch plate, wherein said tube is slideably and removably coupled to a receiver portion such that the winch may be removed when not in use or may be moved to be used in another system; wherein said receiver portion is coupled to a substructure upon which a cooler structure is mounted; wherein, a first pulley is mounted to an outside wall of said structure; wherein said second pulley is positioned at an end of a lifting arm, said arm being coupled to an inside wall of the structure; wherein a through opening is provided in said wall so that a winch cable may be threaded from the winch outside the structure, through the first pulley, through said wall opening, and over said second pulley; and wherein an end of said cable may be secured to a motor in the interior of said structure.
US09056746B2
The present disclosure is directed at an adaptable vehicle that includes a pair of primary rollers for rolling along a surface on which the vehicle is travelling. At least one of the rollers is rotatably powered. The adaptable vehicle also includes two sets of linking arms, one of which is coupled to one of the rollers and the other of which is coupled to the other of the rollers such that moving the sets of linking arms can shift the axes of rotation of the rollers without impeding rotation of the rollers. The sets of linking arms are connected to and rotatable about an actuatable hub. Actuation of the hub causes at least one set of the linking arms to rotate about the hub and shifts the axis of rotation of at least one of the rollers to allow the vehicle to adapt to its surroundings.
US09056741B2
Disclosed is a sheet-like medium stacking apparatus provided for bearing and arranging sheet-like medium. The apparatus comprises: a bearing plate for receiving and bearing sheet-like medium delivered by the conveyance channel; a blocking mechanism facing an outlet at the end of the conveyance channel and used for preventing the sheet-like medium from continuing to move forward, the blocking mechanism comprising a storage part baffle plate in a lap joint with the bearing plate to form an accommodating chamber accommodating the sheet-like medium; and an arcuate section extending and curving towards the storage part baffle plate, is provided at the end of the bearing plate remote from the conveyance channel, the arcuate section overlapping the storage part baffle plate. The sheet-like medium stacking apparatus can effectively solve the problem of bills delivered at high speed becoming folded up or even blocking the outlet.
US09056739B2
A sheet inverter having two spaced apart sheet transport units and a rotation device, the rotation device supporting the sheet transport units in a rotatable manner about a common axis of rotation, the sheet transport units each includes at least one transport element, which provides a direction of transport that extends parallel to the axis of rotation; and a controllable drive unit for driving the transport element. The rotation device moves the sheet transport units in an alternating manner between an input position and an output position, wherein the sheet transport unit in the input position is aligned with a transport unit arranged upstream to the sheet inverter and the sheet transport unit in the output position is aligned with a transport unit arranged downstream from the sheet inverted.
US09056736B2
A system is described for tracking a position of a receiver medium as it travels along a media path. A heat source provides heat to the receiver medium in a localized area sufficient to form a hole through the receiver medium thereby forming a reference mark. A light source illuminates a first side of the receiver medium, and a sensor located on a second side of the receiver medium senses light transmitted through the receiver medium thereby providing a sensed light level signal. The sensed light level signal is analyzed to determine a position of the receiver medium by detecting light transmitted through the hole through the receiver medium associated with the reference mark.
US09056729B2
A carrying segment comprises a first surface for receiving objects, a second surface, and at least a third and a fourth surface connecting said first surface and said second surface, a first engaging member arranged on said second surface and configured to be guided by a first guide of a slat conveyor, and a second engaging member arranged on said second surface on one side of the first engaging member and configured to be guided by a first switch of said slat conveyor.
US09056728B2
Disclosed herein is a chassis assembly device of a vehicle assembly line used to assemble a plurality of components on a vehicle body in an assembly process including a main lift disposed on a carriage and configured to move along a carriage line, support a vehicle body, and lift upward or downward; and a sub lift unit disposed on the carriage to lift the plurality of components to an assembly position of the vehicle body.
US09056723B2
The invention relates to a device for transporting individual products (1) of, in particular, predefined dimensions in a transport direction A, wherein the device includes two upper belt segments (2, 3) adjacent to each other at a transition point (8), having variable length in the transport direction and each extending from an inner deflection (7, 8) at the transition point (6) to an outer deflection (9, 10) at the other end, wherein the two upper belt segments (2, 3) each are supported by a plurality of support means (11) spaced apart from each other in the transport direction, the distance between same changing as the length of the upper belt segments (2, 3) varies.
US09056720B2
A conveying device for conveying a product, comprising a plurality of individually movable conveying elements (2, 2′) for conveying the products, a stationary, circumferentially arranged guide rail (3), which defines a running path for the conveying elements (2, 2′), and a linear motor drive device (4) for driving the conveying elements (2, 2′), said conveying elements (2, 2′) each having permanent magnets (5, 5′) which are actively connected to the coils (6) of the linear motor drive device (4), each conveying element (2, 2′) having at least one first sub-component (21) and one second sub-component (22) which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of a hinge (7), each sub-component (21, 22) having at least one permanent magnet (5, 5′), each conveying element (2, 2′) having a reflux plate (15), and the hinge (7) being arranged on the reflux plate (15) in such a way that the reflux plate (15) is sub-divided into a first plate part (16) and a second plate part (17), which are connected to one another via the hinge (7).
US09056714B2
A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming at least one flexible substrate. A liquid impermeable coating is applied by a robotic applicator to the upper surface of the substrate such that an edge segment of the substrate remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate in an indoor enclosure having a flat surface. The coated substrate is delivered to the site of the tank and extended across the ground adjacent to the tank. At least a pair of the substrates are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the substrate overlaps the uncoated segment of the second substrate to form a seam. An adhesive substance is then applied to the seam to fasten the first and second substrate together.
US09056710B1
A non-self supporting containment bag used in conjunction with a dumpster container. The bag has a center opening that extends across the top of the bag, substantially centered on the top of the bag. The top of the bags is formed with sufficient spare material at the ends of the rectangular shaped bag to allow the top to be inverted over the sides of the container. The opening when closed, has sufficient material to form opposing triangular folds that extends above the top of the bag and the top of the container, when the bag is lining the container.
US09056709B2
The side container includes one oblong under-frame; one oblong upper-frame; corner posts be installed on the four corners between under-frame and upper-frame; top surface panel, front end panel, back end panel and two side panels installed on the corner posts. The side panel has two side doors. At least one turnable locking bar should be installed on the upper area of the side door, and a latch hook should be installed on the bottom area of each locking bar. Cam keepers will be fixed on the under-frame. There is a cant hook installed between two permanent seats. When the under-frame is in a horizontal position, the cant hook is located above the latch hook. The side container can be fully open on an oblong side, while the side doors and the under-frame can still be securely locked, when the under-frame deforms downward during a full load condition.
US09056707B2
A protection case for receiving an electronic device. The protection case includes a receiving body for receiving the electronic device, a pair of winding mechanisms correspondingly set at two opposite sides of the receiving body, and a pair of belts correspondingly being wound on the winding mechanisms. The belts extend retractably out from the winding mechanisms to fasten the receiving body to a user.
US09056706B2
A variable-diameter tank construction system is provided. The tank construction system uses sets of wedges (shims) and bevel-faced spacers (washers) in conjunction with the field connections of the vertical edges of adjacent modular tank wall panels, so as to create an angular deviation between the tangent lines of the watt panels immediately adjacent to and on either side of the vertical joint between the connected panels.
US09056702B2
Closures for containers and methods for using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a closure having a top portion (12), a bottom portion (14) and a side portion (16), an aperture (18) extending though the closure, a projection (20) extending from the closure and at least two rib members (36) on an interior of the projection. The projection may also include a cover. In another embodiment, a method for using a closure includes inserting a spike member into a projection, piercing a membrane (28) that hermetically seals a medical container, pushing rib members within the projection to center the spike member inserted into the projection, and tearing the membrane to create a vent hole in the membrane.
US09056701B1
A closure comprises a hub with a central opening and a head positionable within the hub, the head sealing the central opening when in a closed position, a spool rotatable about a post extending from the head, wherein rotation of the spool causes axial movement of the spool along the post, a plurality of radial arms extending from the spool to a plurality of locking segments.
US09056681B2
An aircraft that includes a cabin that has a floor, side walls, a ceiling and an interior, a first class section positioned in the interior that includes a longitudinally extending first aisle extending therethrough, a first door positioned fore of the first class section, an economy class section positioned in the interior and aft of the first class section, and a longitudinally extending second aisle that extends parallel to the first aisle and that does not extend through the first class section. An economy class passenger that enters through the first door travels down the second aisle to enter the economy class section and never enters the first class section.
US09056663B2
A Variable Speed Drive (1) for subsea installations (20), subsea vessels or subsea vehicles, as well as to a corresponding subsea installation (20), subsea vessel or subsea vehicle, has an alternating current/alternating current converter (2) having a current-controlled capacitor-less direct current link (7).
US09056659B2
The boat cleats of the invention are typically mounted on the watercraft and docks adjacent to the water for tying watercraft to piers as well as to other watercraft and disclose a solar powered modular structure supported within a boat cleat mechanical housing support structure. This arrangement provides savings associated with the provision of through-the-dock wiring access, easy removability for replacement, maintenance and servicing, and which is sealed against the environment. The self contained solar powered modular structure may have communications capabilities to enable distributed control and sensing.
US09056657B2
An offshore pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on a seabed includes a pipeline-laying installation having a preassembly line; an inspection station; an assembly line with a pipeline assembly station to assemble a pipeline to be launched from the vessel by joining multi and/or single length pipe sections end to end; and a conveyor system for transporting multi and single length pipe sections, said conveyor system comprising an entry-and-exit location, wherein the conveyor system is configured to allow transportation of multi and/or single length pipe sections at least along the following routes: directly from the entry-and-exit location to the assembly line; indirectly from the entry-and-exit location to the assembly line via the preassembly line and said inspection station; and from the entry-and-exit location to the preassembly line and said inspection station, and after passing said inspection station directly to the entry-and-exit location.
US09056652B2
A bicycle pedal is provided with a pedal spindle, a pedal body, a first cleat engagement member and a positioning member. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle. The cleat engagement member is movably mounted to the pedal body between a release position and an engagement position. The positioning member is movably coupled relative to the pedal body between a first position and a second position. The positioning member moves the first cleat engagement member to the release position while the positioning member is moving from the second position to the first position. The positioning member moves the first cleat engagement member to the engagement position while the positioning member is moving from the first position to the second position.
US09056646B1
A bicycle including a frame, a fork rotationally coupled to the frame within a head tube of the frame, and a wheel rotationally coupled to the fork. The fork has a steerer tube, and the bicycle further includes a stem that is coupled to the steerer tube, and a handlebar coupled to the stem for steering the wheel. The handlebar supports an actuator adapted to control a bicycle component. The bicycle also includes a cable housing that is disposed in the handlebar, and a cable that is coupled to the actuator and routed internally within the handlebar and the stem toward the head tube. The portion of the cable within the handlebar is routed through the cable housing, and the portion of the cable within the stem is exposed.
US09056643B2
The invention provides a generator for a bicycle. The generator has one or more driving magnets fixed to a wheel of the bicycle and an induction structure that is fixed to a frame part of the bicycle. The induction structure comprises an induction magnet and a coil. A fixture allows fixing of the driving magnets at locations where they, during operation of the bicycle, repeatedly moves towards and away from the induction magnet. The generator comprises means for reorienting the induction magnet so that it is optimally oriented when a driving magnet approaches. Such means comprises a first driving magnet or a structure of magnetisable material which is magnetisable by the driving magnet.
US09056634B2
A front portion structure (2) of a vehicle body (1) includes: a pair of front side frames (11) that extend along a vehicle body front-rear direction on both sides in a vehicle width direction; a lower member (12) that extends along the vehicle body front-rear direction on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the front side frame (11); a bumper beam (13) provided in the front of the front side frame (11) and extending along the vehicle width direction; a bumper beam extension (14) provided between the front side frame (11) and the bumper beam (13); and a gusset (23) that connects a front end portion of the front side frame (11) and a front end portion of the lower member (12) and that is formed in a protrusion protruding forwardly, wherein the bumper beam (13) is configured to have a concave shape opening rearwardly and to be capable of fitting the gusset (23).
US09056625B2
There is provided a vehicle steering system that facilitates fine steering of a vehicle body regardless of the operated state of a steering wheel. The steering wheel is provided with a lever used to operate the steering wheel. A support mechanism supports and rotates the lever relative to the steering wheel such that the lever is tiltable in the rightward direction and the leftward direction relative to the vehicle body regardless of a turning angle of the steering wheel. The support mechanism includes a support member fixed to the steering wheel, a base disposed on the support member and rotatably supported by the support member, and a gear mechanism used to rotate the base as the steering wheel is turned.
US09056622B2
Maneuverable strollers are disclosed herein. An example stroller includes a frame, front wheels and rear wheels to support the frame, and an intermediate wheel between the front wheels and the rear wheels. The intermediate wheel is to provide a pivot point to turn the stroller. The intermediate wheel has a first diameter, the front and rear wheels have respective second and third diameters, where the first diameter is larger than the second diameter and the first diameter is larger than the third diameter.
US09056611B2
An engine start control apparatus/method for a series hybrid vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an engine, a motor/generator, a battery unit chargeable with electric power generated by the motor/generator, and a traction motor operable to receive electric power from the battery unit or motor/generator. A demanded power level is determined based on a sensed vehicle speed level and a sensed accelerator pedal position. A discharge capacity level of the battery unit is determined in terms of a power level available from the battery unit. The engine starting procedure is initiated upon the determined demanded power level reaching a predetermined relationship with the determined discharge capacity level so that the motor/generator is enabled to generate electric power before the determined demanded power level reaches the determined discharge capacity level.
US09056607B2
The present invention provides a method of selecting an economy mode shift schedule for a transmission coupled to a motor vehicle. The method includes calculating vehicle acceleration and determining a change in accelerator pedal position. Also, a net tractive effort force of the vehicle is determined for a current gear range of the transmission. Also, the method includes comparing the net tractive effort force for the current gear range to a maximum tractive effort force for a desired gear range and selecting the economy mode shift schedule for the transmission based on the comparison. The method further includes controlling shifting between one or more gear ranges of the transmission according to the economy mode shift schedule.
US09056603B2
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a downshift determination module and a speed control module. The downshift determination module determines when a closed-throttle downshift occurs. The closed-throttle downshift is a downshift of a transmission when a throttle valve of an engine is closed. The speed control module controls engine speed based on turbine speed during the closed-throttle downshift. The turbine speed is a speed of a turbine in a torque converter that couples the engine to the transmission.
US09056602B2
A vehicle brake device is provided with a regulator for generating a servo pressure acting on a master piston in a master cylinder, based on a pilot pressure. The regulator is provided with a brake fluid absorbing section communicating with a first pilot chamber for absorbing the brake fluid as the pilot pressure in the first pilot chamber in the quantity depending on the fluid pressure in the first pilot chamber. The brake fluid absorbing section comprises a piston receiving portion formed in a second piston and opening to the first pilot chamber, a pressure receiving piston slidably received in the piston receiving portion and making the first pilot chamber variable in capacity, and an urging member urging the pressure receiving piston toward the first pilot chamber side.
US09056599B2
A retarding control system for a machine is disclosed. The retarding control system may include a locator, configured to sense a location of the machine. Additionally, the retarding control system may include a sensing system configured to sense at least one a parameter indicative of a retarding of the machine. The retarding control system may also include a retarding system configured to retard the machine and a braking system configured for braking the machine. The retarding control system may also have a map configured to store at least one known retarding condition and at least one known retarding location. Further, the retarding control system may include a controller. The controller can be in communication with the locator, the sensing system, the retarding system, the braking system and the map. The controller may be configured to update the map based on the location, and the retarding condition.
US09056598B2
In a method for setting the clamping force applied by a parking brake, which is generated by an electromechanical brake device and additionally by a hydraulic brake device as needed, the hydraulic pressure is ascertained, and the pressure is assigned a pressure reference path which is compared with an actuator path.
US09056590B2
One bracket assembly constructed of aluminum; however any metal, modern plastic or composite material may be substituted. Bracket assembly consists of a front mounting plate (FIG. 2) and a base mounting assembly or plate (FIG. 3). The base mounting assembly or plate contains a pull pin (FIG. 3, 15) locking device, which is attached to the base plate by square aluminum nut (FIG. 3, 17) welded to the tube. The front mounting plate consists of a notch (FIG. 2, 9) in the rod (8) that the pull pin (FIG. 3, 15) locks in to. This allows for assembly of the bracket and quick removal of the front mounting plate (FIG. 2) when desired. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US09056586B2
A carrier device for carrying and fixing a housing for at least one of a sensor system, an electronic system, a drive unit or a camera in or on a motor vehicle.
US09056584B2
A vehicular rearview assembly with a mirror element having a curved or rounded edge on the first surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, a complex peripheral ring, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. The mirror element is supported by a hybrid carrier co-molded of at least two materials, a portion of which is compressible between the housing shell and an edge of the mirror element. The peripheral ring may include multiple bands. Electrical communications between the electronic circuitry, the mirror element, and the user interface utilize connectors configured to exert a low contact force, onto the mirror element, limited in part by the strength of adhesive affixing the EC element to an element of the housing of the assembly.
US09056583B2
An operating apparatus and operating control method of a side step of a vehicle controls the opening operation of the side step by being operated in conjunction with an operation of a vehicle door and by detecting whether an obstacle is present or not in an opening operation space of a side step of left front, left rear, right front and right rear side steps (11, 12, 13 and 14), opens the side step when it is determined that no obstacle is present in the opening operation space of the side step, and provides an alarm to a user when it is required to avoid the opening of the side step.
US09056580B2
A loading floor for a vehicle including a plurality of elongate profiled elements in a longitudinal direction, arranged adjacent to one another and connected together, wherein the loading floor has at least one through-channel in the longitudinal direction and at least one lamp for illuminating an interior of the vehicle, wherein at least one supply line is guided in the channel for supplying power to the lamp. A profiled element for such a loading floor is also provided.
US09056578B2
A single board is adaptable to lamps for a vehicle of various designs. A lamp for a vehicle includes: an LED light source; a board having a mounting portion on which the LED light source is mounted; and a reflector member which is arranged such that the reflector member covers the LED light source, the reflector member reflecting light emitted from the LED light source with the directivity, wherein the mounting portion is formed of a plurality of mounting portions which are arranged at least in one direction out of the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle lateral direction such that the arrangement of the LED light source is selectable from plural kinds of arrangements, and the reflector member is detachably attached to the board such that the reflector member having a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the LED is selectable.
US09056575B2
A recreational vehicle body structure having expandable body defined by two nesting chambers housed within an enclosed rigid body shell with openings on both side walls for the chambers to extend out. One of the chamber is an enclosed box with interior and exterior entry doors. The other chamber is an open box with only exterior entry door. The recreational vehicle body structure may be part of a towable trailer or a motorized recreational vehicle. In the deployed configuration, the chambers are extended laterally and independently, thereby providing additional living space to the recreational vehicle. In the travel configuration, the chambers are retracted with the enclosed box chamber nesting within the larger open box chamber and the outside walls of the chambers are flush with the body shell sidewalls, thereby reducing the body structure to within the maximum allowable exterior dimensions in length, width, and height for highway bound travel.
US09056572B2
An apparatus for placing and retrieving traffic devices in an efficient manner and with improved safety features is disclosed. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use with traffic barrels and other large items needed to block off roadway construction areas. The apparatus is also suitable for use with existing trucks, reducing the need to purchase expensive and complicated equipment, and may be adapted to allow traffic devices to be placed or retrieved from either side of the truck. The time required for placing traffic devices and the safety of operators is improved with use of the apparatus according to the invention.
US09056568B2
A seat back structure for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention including a headrest, a seat back frame, a pad disposed in front of a surface of the seat back frame, a backrest surface of the pad, and right and left side supports each provided on either side of the backrest surface in a seat width direction, in which a right slit portion and a left slit portion are provided between the backrest surface and the right and the left side supports, respectively, each of the right slit portion and the left slit portion penetrating the pad in the thickness direction of the pad and extending in a vertical direction of the pad, and the right and the left slit portions are spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction.
US09056555B1
A robotic electric vehicle charging device operable to automatically plug in an electric charging connector to charge the battery pack of an electrically powered vehicle. When charging is completed, the device will disconnect itself from the vehicle and move away from the vehicle.
US09056553B2
A system for use in controlling a charging system for an electric vehicle is provided. The system includes a computing device. The computing device includes a memory device and a processor coupled to the memory device. The processor is configured to store, in the memory device, data relating to at least one charging session of the electric vehicle. The processor is also configured to receive, from a user input device, at least one selection relating to at least one of a charging rate setting and a charging preference setting for controlling a charging rate at which a charger in the electric vehicle draws current from a power supply.
US09056550B2
A system includes a GPS receiver that generates a signal that is representative of a posted speed limit at a location where a vehicle is located and a device that generates a signal that is representative of an actual speed of the vehicle. A controller is responsive to the GPS receiver signal and the actual speed sensor signal for either (1) generating an alarm or (2) limiting or otherwise controlling the speed of the vehicle when the actual speed of the vehicle is greater than the posted speed limit.
US09056548B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for improving operability of a work vehicle. In accordance with one implementation, a work vehicle is disclosed. The work vehicle includes a first PTO shaft and a second PTO shaft, the first and second PTO shafts being removably mounted to a vehicle body rear structure and fitted to a power receiving unit on an implement side. The work vehicle also includes a PTO drive mechanism comprising a PTO transmission mechanism, the PTO drive mechanism transmitting rotational power from a power source to the first PTO shaft, and a storage unit storing the second PTO shaft. The work vehicle further includes a PTO transmission operation lever allowing a transmission operation to be performed on the PTO transmission mechanism, wherein the PTO transmission operation lever and the storage unit are provided in the vehicle body rear structure.
US09056545B2
A transmission partly overlapping clutches as viewed from an axial direction of a crankshaft is disposed below an inclined cylinder axis of an engine main body. A speed change actuator is disposed in a position such that the transmission is interposed between the speed change actuator and the crankshaft. An exhaust pipe connected to a lower side wall of a cylinder head is extended so as to pass above the transmission and partly overlap an upper portion of the speed change actuator as viewed from the axial direction of the crankshaft.
US09056539B2
A display apparatus for a control unit in an environmental control system; the display apparatus including: a display area presenting a plurality of first loci, a plurality of second loci and at least one third locus; each respective first locus of the plurality of first loci being responsive to pressure for effecting a respective response; each respective second locus of the plurality of second loci presenting information using a fixed segment data format; at least one third locus of the at least one third locus presenting information using a dot matrix data format, the display apparatus configured to allow a display of parameters to be toggled.
US09056529B2
A technique for comprising the compression fatigue rupture strength of the carcass reinforcement external layer (3) of an aeroplane tire in the region of bending on the rim (7). The distance (d) between a point (A) on the bead external face (6) and the carcass reinforcement external layer (3), measured along the straight line perpendicular at this point to the bead external face, is at a maximum at the point (M) on the bead external face that is the orthogonal projection of the radially external end (E) of the filling element (5) onto the bead external face, and the distance (dmax) between the orthogonal projection (M) of the radially external end (E) of the filling element (5) onto the bead external face (6) and the carcass reinforcement external layer (3) is at least equal to 1.3 times the distance (d1) between the orthogonal projection (L) of the center (O) of the bead wire core (4) onto the bead external face and the carcass reinforcement external layer.
US09056526B2
Provided is a polymerization method of a modified copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon. A multi-functional vinyl benzene-based compound is reacted with an organic alkali metal compound to form a star shaped compound with multiple active sites. A conjugated diene monomer, a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, and the star shaped compound with multiple active sites are reacted with each other to form a copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon. The copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon is then reacted with a modifier to form the modified copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon.The modifier is represented by formula 1, wherein R1 is a C2-C4 alkylene group; R2 is a group at least consisting of a C2-C4 alkylene group and a C1-C3 alkoxy group; m is an integer of 5 to 30; and n is an integer of 5 to 35.
US09056525B2
A method of increasing the friction between a tire of a vehicle and an icy surface includes dispensing a cooling agent such that at least a portion of the dispensed cooling agent is distributed between the tire of the vehicle and the icy surface.
US09056515B2
An inkjet printable media comprises a paper base containing a surface coating comprising calcium chloride and a synergistic amount of a sulfate salt. When the printable media is printed with an inkjet ink containing a black pigment, a KOD value of the printed media is equal to or greater than that of a comparative inkjet printed media comprising up to 12 kg calcium chloride/T media and lacking the sulfate salt.
US09056514B2
A thermal transfer donor element has a polymeric support having at least a portion thereof coated with a thermal transferable protective transparent film. This film comprises: (1) a poly(vinyl acetal) in an amount of at least 50-70 weight %, (2) a second polymer, and (3) colloidal silica. In addition, (a) the molecular weight of the second polymer is greater than the molecular weight of the poly(vinyl acetal), (b) the weight ratio of the poly(vinyl acetal) to the second polymer is at least 5:1 and up to and including 12:1, (c) the weight ratio of colloidal silica to the second polymer is at least 1.5:1 and up to and including 3:1, and (d) the amount of colloidal silica is at least 10 weight % and up to and including 20 weight %, based on total thermal transferable protective transparent film dry weight.
US09056496B2
A recording substrate treatment apparatus includes a transporting mechanism for transporting a sheet of a recording substrate; a suction device to provide an underpressure force at an outer surface of the transporting mechanism arranged for holding down a sheet of a recording substrate; a heater for directly heating the recording substrate; and a blower for providing a flow of a gaseous medium at the outer surface of the transporting mechanism, wherein in operation the blower receives the gaseous medium from the suction device.The present invention also pertains to a printing system comprising such a recording substrate treatment apparatus and a method of drying a recording substrate using such a recording substrate recording apparatus.
US09056493B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a conveyance roller configured to convey recording sheets; a brush motor configured to drive the conveyance roller to rotate; and a control unit configured to control a rotational speed of the brush motor, wherein while the conveyance roller conveys a recording sheet, (i) the control unit applies voltage to an outer circumferential surface of a commutator of the brush motor to drive the brush motor to rotate by a predetermined rotation amount, so as to perform a cleaning operation to remove a film deposited on the outer circumferential surface, and (ii) the control unit reduces the rotational speed of the brush motor while not performing the cleaning operation, so as to correct a conveyance distance of the recording sheet.
US09056490B2
In an optical scanning device, a first deflector rotates about a first axis in a first direction and deflects light to scan the deflected light, and a second deflector rotates about a second axis parallel to the first axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction and deflects light to scan the deflected light. The light detecting unit detects the light deflected by the first deflector and the light deflected by the second deflector. As viewed in an axial direction along the first and second axes, the light detecting unit is disposed on one side relative to a first line and between second and third lines, the first line passing through the first and second axes, the second line passing through the first axis and being perpendicular to the first line, and the third line passing through the second axis and being perpendicular to the first line.
US09056489B2
An optical scanning device includes a rotating polygon mirror, a motor, a substrate, a heat releasing member and a heat transfer member. The rotating polygon mirror deflection scans light emitting by a light source. The motor rotatively drives the rotating polygon mirror. The substrate has a drive circuit part for controlling the motor. The heat releasing member releases heat generated from the substrate. The heat transfer member is sandwiched between the substrate and the heat releasing member to be compressively deformed. A receiving portion that part of the heat transfer member compressively deformed enters is formed in a first part of the heat releasing member in which the heat transfer member is provided.
US09056487B2
A printing method comprising a printhead and rollers for printing. A page of a print job is printed which causes depressions in the non-printed side of the print medium. The print medium is heated to reduce the depressions before printing the non-printed side.
US09056482B2
The cartridge comprises a plurality of printing material supply ports. The plurality of printing material supply ports are projecting from a first surface in a −Z axial direction to correspond to each of a plurality of printing material supply pipes provided on the printing device. A groove section is provided to be concave more to a +Z axial direction side than the first surface, and provided between two of the printing material supply ports adjacent to each other. The groove section receives the partition plate when the printing material supply ports are connected to the printing material supply pipes.
US09056480B2
A drop in the throughput of continuous printing operations caused by refilling a subtank with ink is suppressed. The control unit of an inkjet printer 1 fills subtanks 11a-11d with ink whenever ink consumption exceeds a reference volume q during continuous printing. Ink is suctioned by producing negative pressure in subtanks 11a-11d during the ink refill operation while ink continues being supplied to the inkjet head 7 from pressure adjustment chambers 13a-13d disposed between subtanks 11a-11d and inkjet head 7. Ink ejection from the inkjet head 7 can therefore continue even during the ink refill operation. By setting the volume of the pressure adjustment chambers 13a-13d greater than at least the amount of ink that is ejected during the ink refill operation, there is no need to interrupt printing in order to replenish the ink supply.
US09056479B2
A pressure bag for in a fluid cartridge having an opening in open connection with a channel in a wall of the fluid cartridge.
US09056475B2
An inkjet printer includes: (a) a pagewidth inkjet printhead having a plurality of nozzles for delivering ink onto print media fed past the printhead; and (b) a maintenance assembly for maintaining the printhead. The maintenance assembly includes: (i) an elongate web of material; (ii) rollers for supporting the web; (iii) a maintenance member positioned opposite the printhead; (iv) a web-feeding mechanism for advancing the web past the printhead; and (v) an actuating mechanism for configuring the printer in either one of a maintenance position and a printing position. A gap is defined between the web and the printhead in the printing position.
US09056472B2
A fluid ejector includes a substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface. A non-wetting coating can cover at least a portion of the exterior surface and can be substantially absent from the flow path. A non-wetting coating can be formed of a molecular aggregation. A precursor of a non-wetting coating may flow into a chamber at a higher temperature higher than the substrate. A non-wetting coating can be over a seed layer. An outer portion of the seed layer can have a higher concentration of water molecules or a greater density than an inner portion. The outer portion can be deposited at a ratio of partial pressure water to partial pressure matrix precursor that is higher than the ratio for the inner portion. An oxygen plasma can be applied to a seed layer on the exterior surface, and the non-wetting coating can be applied on the seed layer.
US09056471B2
A method of forming a nozzle of a fluid ejection device, the nozzle having a straight mouth portion and a cavity portion, wherein the mouth portion is formed in a bottom surface of the substrate, and, after passivating the walls of the mouth portion, a wet etch process is applied from the bottom surface of the substrate for forming a part of the cavity portion with walls that diverge from the mouth portion, characterized in that a wet etch process is also applied from a top surface of the substrate for forming a part of the cavity portion which diverges towards the bottom surface and merges with the part that is etched from the bottom surface.
US09056470B2
Various embodiments and methods relating to an adhesive paste layer (34, 134) sandwiched between a flexible circuit (30) and a fluid delivery system (26) to form a seal at least partially about a print head (28) are disclosed.
US09056461B2
A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a liquid discharge head which includes; a discharge port to discharge a liquid; and a substrate including: an energy generating element for generating thermal energy to discharge the liquid from the liquid discharge port; a pair of electrodes connected to the energy generating element for driving thereof; an insulating layer of an insulating material provided to cover the energy generating element; and a metal layer of a metal material provided corresponding to the energy generating element to cover the insulating layer; and a driver unit which sets a first potential of one of the pair of electrodes substantially equal to the potential of the liquid and a second potential of the other one of the pair of electrodes lower than the first potential to drive the energy generating element.
US09056459B2
An inkjet recording device may include a plurality of pressure-generating chambers compartmented by walls including electromechanical conversion devices for generating a pressure; nozzles connected to the pressure-generating chambers; an ink supply portion; and a drive pulse generation device for driving said electromechanical conversion devices. The pressure-generating chambers may be separated into a plurality of groups. The pressure-generating chambers in each group may be driven in series so as to eject ink drops from said nozzles.
US09056454B2
An actuator includes a base member and an electro-mechanical transducer element including a first electrode, an electro-mechanical transducer film, and a second electrode. Further, the base member includes a thin wall part having a concave shape, the electro-mechanical transducer film is formed in a manner such that a film thickness of the electro-mechanical transducer film is gradually reduced from a center part of the electro-mechanical transducer film to both end parts of the electro-mechanical transducer film in at least one direction crossing a film thickness direction of the electro-mechanical transducer film.
US09056449B2
Methods of manufacturing electrochemical cells having a current collector which, at least in part, underlies a catalyst layer are discussed. A method comprises patterning a current collector to have at least one electrolyte opening, disposing an electrolyte into or through the at least one opening, and disposing a catalyst, at least in part, over the disposed electrolyte. Optionally, the method comprises pattering a substrate and attaching a patterned current collector to each side thereof. Patterning of the current collector can include patterning a continuous sheet, which comprises at least a first and a second separable current collector. In one such example, a continuous carbon-fiber sheet impregnated or laminated with a non-porous material is patterned. In another such example, a continuous plastic material sheet impregnated with one or more electrical conductive particles is patterned. Among other things, the pattern of the current collector can include an extruded slot or adjacently-disposable strips.
US09056440B2
A holding seal material includes inorganic fibers, skin layers provided around the inorganic fibers, inorganic particles included in the skin layers, a first main surface, and a second main surface. Thicknesses of the skin layers satisfy X>Y≧Z. X is a thickness of the skin layer of the inorganic fibers in a vicinity of the first main surface. Y is a thickness of the skin layer of the inorganic fibers in a vicinity of a center of the holding seal material in a thickness direction. Z is a thickness of the skin layer of the inorganic fibers in a vicinity of the second main surface.
US09056437B2
A surface-coated sintered body includes a sintered body of cubic boron nitride (cBN) and a surface coating layer formed on a surface thereof, the sintered body of cBN containing 20 to 99.5% by volume of cBN and a binder, the surface coating layer including an adhesion layer and at least one hard coating layer, the adhesion layer being a metal layer containing at least W and being formed to cover a portion of the surface of the sintered body of cBN, the hard coating layer being formed to cover the sintered body of cBN and the adhesion layer, a ratio of cBN particles in contact with the adhesion layer to a total number of cBN particles in contact with the adhesion layer or the hard coating layer in the surface of the sintered body of cBN being 0.01 to 20%.
US09056433B2
A camera module according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes a lens holder configured to support a plurality of sheets of lenses, an actuator configured to be arranged at an upper surface of the lens holder, an outermost lens configured to move along an optical axis by the actuator, and a light blocking layer configured to be positioned on a surface of the outermost lens.
US09056424B2
A method of transferring graphene includes forming a sacrificial layer and a graphene layer sequentially on a first substrate, bonding the graphene layer to a target layer, and removing the sacrificial layer using a laser and separating the first substrate from the graphene layer.
US09056414B2
Exemplary hot pressing equipment for forming spherical portions of light guide bodies includes a top pressing plate, a bottom pressing plate facing to the top pressing plate, a heating unit located in the top pressing plate or the bottom pressing plate to raise the temperature of the top pressing plate and the bottom pressing plate, and a cooling tube located between the top pressing plate and the bottom pressing plate. Grooves having spherical end surfaces array on the top pressing plate and the bottom pressing plate. The cooling tube delivers cooling fluid to reduce the temperature of the top pressing plate and the bottom pressing plate.
US09056413B1
A composite resin part is fabricated by laying up a composite part on the mandrel mounted on a portable cart. The cart is used to transport the part layup as it is being cured by a heating and air circulation system on-board the cart.
US09056404B2
An automated process facilitates the fabrication-oriented design of a mold for an inflatable, deformable balloon. The automated process comprises a computational balloon design process that, given a desired shape of an inflated balloon, computes an optimal rest shape of the balloon that, when inflated, approximates the desired shape as closely as possible. In such a design process, the optimal rest shape of the balloon is solved for numerically using a physics-driven shape optimization method combining physical simulation of inflatable elastic membranes with a dedicated constrained optimization algorithm. Once the optimal rest shape is determined, a dip mold can be fabricated that is suitable for manufacturing balloons having such a rest shape.
US09056403B2
The invention relates to a process for the simultaneous preconcentration and preselection of at least one group of used polymer materials of various compositions, as a mixture with one another and with contaminant materials, originating from the destruction, by grinding, of durable consumer goods that have reached the end of life, which can be recycled in the fields of plastics processing. This process is characterized in that it includes, in order, a) a step of separation in a hydraulic medium, the density of which is adjusted to a value ds between 1.100 and 1.900, b) a step of separation of the supernatant fraction from a), a step of grinding c) the supernatant fraction from b), then a step d) of mechanical separation of the fraction originating from c) followed by a wetting step e) and a final step f) delivering preconcentrated and preselected used synthetic polymer materials.
US09056398B2
The present invention is to provide a knife including a blade and a handle, wherein the blade has a first end provided with a projection and two resilient elements, each resilient element has one end protrudingly provided with an engaging portion, and the handle has a receiving space for receiving the blade and has a first track and two second tracks provided longitudinally thereon. The projection can be movably inserted in the first track. The distance between each pair of the corresponding ends of the second tracks corresponds to the distance between the engaging portions. Thus, when the engaging portions are respectively engaged in a pair of the corresponding ends of the second tracks, the engaging portions cannot move along the second tacks, such that either the blade is completely received and positioned in the handle, or a second end of blade is extended and positioned outside the handle.
US09056391B1
A locking mechanism includes a sleeve, a body, a pawl and a lever. The sleeve is non-movably connected to a grip and formed with teeth. The body is non-movably connected to a knob, partially inserted in the sleeve, and includes a recess in communication with a cavity. The pawl is movably inserted in the recess and formed with teeth. The lever includes an end for pressing the pawl and another end pivotally connected to the body. The lever is movable in the cavity of the body between a first position to press a first portion of the pawl to engage the teeth of the pawl with the teeth of the sleeve and a second position to press a second portion of the pawl to disengage the teeth of the pawl from the teeth of the sleeve.
US09056387B2
A device for removing a coating formed in a slot of a stator core. The device includes a carriage movably attached to a first guide rail assembly to enable movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction. The device also includes a first drive screw wherein rotation of the first drive screw moves the first guide rail assembly in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the device includes a second guide rail assembly that is attached to the carriage wherein the second guide rail assembly enables movement of the carriage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Further, the device includes a second drive screw wherein rotation of the second drive screw moves the carriage in the transverse direction. The carriage includes a nozzle that moves within the slot in either or both the longitudinal or transverse directions wherein the nozzle sprays an abrasive media for removal of the coating.
US09056381B1
A support pole has upper, lower and intermediate extents. A motor with a drive shaft is coupled to the lower extent of the support pole. A grinding component is coupled to the drive shaft. The grinding component includes an annular plate below, a cylindrical sleeve above and a hemispherical dome there between. The sleeve is adapted to receive the drive shaft. The annular plate has a downwardly facing abrasive surface. The dome ventilation apertures. A bushing is coupled to the drive shaft for axial securement of the dome and abrasive surface to the motor.
US09056377B2
A router apparatus is provided. The router apparatus includes a plurality of panels stacked vertically; a router bit which cuts the panels simultaneously; a first supporting unit connected to one end of the router bit, and a second supporting unit connected to the other end of the router bit. A guide rail is formed in the second supporting unit in order to guide a movement of the router bit.
US09056367B2
A conduit constructed from a coiled wire having an oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape.
US09056360B2
Described is a multi-blade cutting and drilling finishing tool for machining deep or stepped bores. The tool comprises at least a first blade set having a nominal diameter and blades distributed essentially uniformly over the circumference. In order to make it easier to guide the tool along the central axis, a guiding strip set in the form of very accurately positioned cutting inserts is located axially behind the first blade set with respect to the axial direction of the tool in which the tool advances forward to machine the deep or stepped bores. Each of the cutting inserts is aligned with one of the blades of the first blade set in a direction parallel to an axis of the tool, and each of the cutting inserts has a nominal diameter which is smaller than the nominal diameter of the first blade set by essentially twice the size of a lubrication gap forming between the guiding strip set and the deep or stepped bores when the tool is used.
US09056357B2
A machining tool comprising at least one plate-shaped cutting insert made of impact- and/or wear-resistant cutting material at least in some sections and which is adhesively bonded to a cutter holder directly by means of an adhesive layer in an immovable manner by means of a contact surface arrangement, the cutting insert substantially prism-shaped. A base area of the prism is adhesively bonded to the cutting insert holder substantially over the full area, a jacket surface arrangement of the prism adjacent to the cutting edge for spatially fixing the cutter is drawn to the tool, and a section of the jacket surface arrangement substantially opposite the cutting edge is caught in a fitting groove of the cutting insert holder.
US09056354B2
A method of forming a ceramic layer on a metal substrate. A substrate (40) is formed (54) from a powder (24) of the metal, and may optionally be partially sintered (56). A layer (43) of powdered ceramic is formed (58) on or applied against the substrate (45). The ceramic powder may include a proportion of nano-sized particles effective to reduce the ceramic sintering temperature and to increase the sintering shrinkage of the ceramic layer to more closely match that of the metal substrate. The substrate and layer are then co-sintered (21, 60) at a temperature and for a duration that densifies and bonds them, producing a metal/ceramic layered material system with low interface stress that is durable to temperature variations in a gas turbine. Spark plasma sintering (32, 34, 36) may be used to sinter and/or co-sinter substrate and layer materials that normally cannot be sintered.
US09056351B2
A stent and a method for manufacturing a stent are provided. The stent includes a first ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, a second ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, and a connector that connects one of the peaks of the first ring to one of the valleys of the second ring. The connected peak of the first ring includes a deformed portion that extends towards the connected valley of the second ring. The method includes forming a first ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, forming a second ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, deforming a portion of at least one of the peaks of the first ring, and connecting the deformed portion of the peak of the first ring to one of the valleys of the second ring.
US09056347B2
A press-die is provided with a lower die and an upper die. The lower die includes a drawing punch, a blank holder, and a cushion part. The upper die includes a drawing die part, and a trimming part. The blank holder includes a first holder part disposed to face to an end portion of the drawing die part, and a second holder part disposed to face to the trimming part. The second holder part has a drawing support portion that supports a first portion of a bottom surface of the first holder part. The drawing punch has a trimming support portion that supports a second portion of the bottom surface of the first holder part. The first holder part has a lower trimming blade at an outer edge thereof. The trimming part has an upper trimming blade at an inner edge thereof.
US09056342B2
A detail thermal model memory has stored detail thermal models each including a mathematical formula using parameters describing a temperature variation of a rolling material in a prescribed cooling interval, an influence coefficient calculator calculate an influence coefficient as necessary for a control of temperature variation of the rolling material, a simple cooling pattern calculator calculate a simple cooling pattern in a simplified form of a preferable detail cooling pattern being necessary for the rolling material to have a preferable material quality, strength, or ductility, a detail cooling pattern calculator calculate a detail cooling pattern of the rolling material in the prescribed cooling interval, and a cooling controller takes the detail cooling pattern as a basis to control a cooling of the rolling material.
US09056339B2
A fume hood includes a ventilated chamber having an access opening. A first elongated airfoil assembly is attached to an edge portion of a floor that extends from the opening. A sash is slidably mounted at the access opening and a second elongated airfoil assembly is attached to a lower edge of the sash. The first elongated airfoil assembly includes a plurality of elongated vanes in vertically spaced-apart relationship that define air flow channels. The second airfoil assembly includes a pair of elongated vanes in vertically spaced-apart relationship that define air flow channels that extend into the chamber. A baffle assembly is located in front of a rear wall of the chamber and includes a primary panel having a plurality of vertical air-exit slots adjacent a lower edge, and a buffering panel having a plurality of horizontal air-exit slots adjacent an upper portion.
US09056330B2
A functional roll comprises a shaft body, a roll body, flanges, and bearings. The roll body is formed by stacking multiple module functional rolls. The module functional rolls are formed by stacking multiple nonwoven fabric sheets. The module functional rolls have a bore in which the shaft body is inserted. A module function roll is united.
US09056328B2
The air gun comprises a substantially cylindrical-shaped external case (2), provided at one end with a connection element (8) suitable to enable the connection of the air gun (1) with a device for supplying a fluid to be sprayed, and provided at the opposite end with an expulsion device (10) suitable to enable the outlet of the fluid to be sprayed towards the outside. Inside the case (2) is arranged a vortex generator device (9) provided with a plurality of internal walls (91) having curvilinear profiles. The walls (91) define a plurality of separated helical pipes (93), in order to give the fluid to be sprayed a helical rotatory motion.
US09056325B2
Disclosed is a misting shower head having a plurality of atomizing, solid cone spray nozzles for providing a soft showering device adapted to reduce water consumption and reduce the size and intensity of outgoing water droplets. The shower head comprises a housing having a fluid inlet directing water to a plurality of spray nozzles. The flow rate entering the housing is controlled by a straight through valve that is adjustable via a dual-handled arm that actuates the valve stopper mechanism, and thus varies the rate of fluid entering the shower head housing. The nozzles break up the flow of water into atomized droplets and increase the projected area in which the water is dispersed therefrom. The atomized spray from all nozzles creates a uniform cone of low intensity water, which reduces point pressure associated with higher intensity shower heads for treating sore muscles or experiencing an encompassing mist of water.
US09056315B2
The catalyst systems include a dual phase catalyst system that includes a water soluble acid catalyst and a solid acid catalyst.
US09056307B2
A catalyst comprising a plurality of catalyst gauzes that are arranged in series is provided. Each catalyst gauze is made of a first noble-metal-containing wire and a second noble-metal-containing wire which is embedded in the catalyst gauze and which gives the catalyst gauze a preferential direction. The catalyst gauzes according to the invention are arranged in series such that the angles between the preferential directions of neighboring catalyst gauzes are between 0° and 180°. The catalyst ensures a product yield that is reproducible over time and has a long service life.
US09056302B2
The present invention relates to microcapsules comprising a capsule core and a capsule wall, obtainable by a process comprising the free-radical polymerization of an oil-in-water emulsion which comprises the following constituents: 30 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers of one or more monomers (monomers I) from the group comprising C1-C24-alkyl esters of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid and itaconic acid 10 to 70% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers of one or more ethylenically unsaturated crosslinkers (monomers II), where at least 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers I, II and III, is a highly branched polymeric crosslinker, 0 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers of one or more monounsaturated monomers (monomer III), which are different from the monomers I, and a hydrophobic core material, to a process for their preparation and to their use.
US09056301B2
The present disclosure relates to a reducing method of carbon dioxide using sunlight and hydrogen, and an apparatus therefor.
US09056300B2
In the present invention, a gas pipe integrated block has a plurality of internal pipe paths. The plurality of internal pipe paths are connected to an ozone generator, control means, a raw gas supply port, an ozone gas output port, and cooling water inlet/outlet ports, to thereby form a unit in which a raw gas input pipe path and an ozone gas output pipe path are integrated. The raw gas input pipe path extends from the raw gas supply port through an automatic pressure controller to the ozone generator. The ozone gas output pipe path extends from the ozone generator through a gas filter, an ozone concentration meter, and a flow rate controller, to the ozone gas output port.
US09056287B2
An air distribution and mixing device is arranged in the vicinity of the bottom of a flotation cell for distributing air to the slurry for forming froth and mixing the slurry in the flotation cell. A rotor part of the air distribution and mixing device has air distribution apertures and is attached to the lower end of a drive shaft extending vertically in the flotation cell. The drive shaft has a hollow interior, which constitutes a flow channel for conducting flotation air to the air distribution holes of the rotor part. An electric motor for rotating the drive shaft is supported by a separate supporting framework, which is on top of the flotation cell. The electric motor is a permanent magnet motor having a vertical rotor shaft, the lower end of which is in permanent contact directly with the upper end of the drive shaft.
US09056283B2
Certain embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from an aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream. The apparatus includes a membrane support, and a hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix disposed on the membrane support. The hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix includes an effective amount of polyvinyl alcohol and an effective amount of sodium alginate. The apparatus further includes a carrier agent bonded to the hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix using a cross-linking agent. The carrier agent exhibits a greater affinity for aromatics compared to aliphatics. The apparatus further includes a membrane housing configured to hold the membrane support. The membrane housing includes an inlet, a permeate outlet, and a retentate outlet, the inlet being operable to receive the aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream, the permeate outlet being operable to discharge a permeate stream, and the retentate outlet being operable to discharge a retentate stream.
US09056281B2
A purification module is provided comprising a plurality of purification cartridges, a support for the cartridges, a manifold and a bowl. In one embodiment the support for the cartridges has two pitched partial screw threads on opposing surfaces which mate with pitched screw flights on the manifold when the partial screw threads are rotated into the screw flights. The support includes fluid passageways for directing filtered fluid from the filtration cartridges, through the support and into the manifold. In another embodiment, a purification module is provided comprising a purification cartridge, a manifold and a bowl. The purification cartridge has two pitched partial screw threads on opposing surfaces of the cartridge outlet which mate with screw flights on the manifold when the partial screw threads are rotated into the mating screw flights.
US09056273B2
A wet type flue gas desulfurization apparatus desulfurizes flue gas existing inside an absorption tower by causing the flue gas to come into gas-liquid contact with an absorbent, and the absorbent is fed through a header pipe and sprayed through nozzles. In the apparatus, the absorbent accumulated inside the absorption tower is fed to the nozzles to circulate in the absorption tower. The apparatus includes: a bypass pipe feeding the absorbent through the nozzles from a downstream of the nozzles into the absorption tower; a tank arranged at an intermediate location on the bypass pipe; a perforated plate arranged inside the tank; and an access port opening on a side surface of the tank above the perforated plate to communicate between an inside and an outside of the tank. The absorbent that freely falls and passes through the perforated plate while scales or impurities are collected above the perforated plate.
US09056263B2
Chalcogenide compounds, including ternary and quaternary tin and antimony chalcogenides, for use as absorbents in the remediation of hazardous materials are provided. Also provided are methods for using the chalcogenides in the remediation of ionic and elemental metals from aqueous and non-aqueous fluids.
US09056261B2
An improved water desalination system is disclosed, in which contaminated water such as seawater or brackish water is preheated and fed into a primary pressure vessel through a distribution head. The seawater is distributed from the distribution head over a non-adherent surface such as a plurality of silicone chords hanging below a distribution tank or a cone- and cylindrical-shaped surface. The water is exposed to a high temperature steam environment in the chamber to cause at least a portion of the water in the contaminated water to evaporate, while the remaining concentrated salts from the contaminated water fall to the bottom of the chamber. A portion of the steam in the primary pressure vessel is withdrawn to be condensed into fresh water. The energy withdrawn with the steam extracted from the primary pressure vessel is made up by a supplemental energy apparatus, such as a steam generator.
US09056260B2
A toy construction system includes a block component and a connector component. The connector component has a connector-to-block coupling section for releasable coupling to the block component and a connector-to-connector coupling section for releasable coupling to a substantially similar connecting component. The connector-to-block coupling section defines a connector block contacting surface for contacting the block component. The coupling aperture defines a peripheral edge retaining section made out of a substantially resiliently deformable material. The peripheral edge retaining section is configured, sized and positioned so that when the block and connector components are in a component assembled configuration, the connector block contacting surface substantially deforms the peripheral edge retaining section to a retaining configuration for positively retaining the latter; and when the connector block contacting surface is spaced from the peripheral retaining section, the latter resiliently springs back to a non-retaining configuration.
US09056257B2
A first list of available players is provided to each individual user who then selects a first fantasy lineup, where selections by another individual user does not preclude other individual users from also selecting the same player. First fantasy lineups are received from each individual user, the fantasy lineups comprising one or more players selected from the first list of available players. Each individual user may provide a replacement lineup prior to the end of a game. A subsequent list of available players is provided to each user and does not include players from the first fantasy lineup. Subsequent fantasy lineups from each individual user are received comprising only players selected from the subsequent list of available players. None of the players of the first fantasy lineup for an individual user is included in any subsequent fantasy lineup of the individual user.
US09056253B2
Techniques for configuring and operating a fantasy sports interleaver service are described herein. In some examples, a content feed is associated with each of a plurality of games (e.g., a plurality of football games). A plurality of clips may be created from each content feed. Fantasy point information may be associated with at least some of the clips. For example, if a football quarterback throws a touchdown pass within a clip, fantasy points may be awarded to the quarterback and/or assigned to the clip. The clip may be transmitted to a client device of a user of the fantasy sports interleaver service based at least in part upon a fantasy sports account of the user (e.g., based upon an athlete on the user's fantasy roster that is depicted in the clip).
US09056249B2
A streaming music based video game and device for the generation of the same. The device receives a transmission stream through a cable, satellite, wireless, or other communications system with audiovisual information and game data. The device generates a music based video game from the audiovisual information and game data and provides the audiovisual information and video game information to a display.
US09056242B2
The board game that allows girls be the first one to complete the makeover of their chosen girl on the sketch pad. Players move around the board trying to land on the designated spots to color or apply make-up to their girl. The first one to finish (brows, eye shadow, blush, lips and earrings), and get tiara without having the facemask on wins the game.
US09056239B2
An assembly including a gliding board and a device for retaining an article of footwear on the board, the device extending longitudinally from a rear end to a front end, the board having a receiving zone provided to receive the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board. The assembly includes a wedge device which inclines the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board, so that the retaining device is angled downwardly from the front end to the rear end.
US09056235B1
A gantry assembly for use with one or more suspended exercise objects is provided. The gantry assembly includes a plurality of opposing support members and a main beam assembly supported by the plurality of support members. One or more suspended exercise objects is connected to the main beam assembly. The gantry assembly is configured to support the weight of the one or more suspended exercise objects and further configured to support the impact and rotational forces created during use of the suspended exercise objects.
US09056221B2
User-manipulated exercise equipment of the type utilizing a weight-plate stack comprises a stack of weight plates, of which a user-selected portion moves as a unit along a pair of guide rods in response to an exercise movement by the user. The selected portion of the stack moves with virtually no cross-wise (i.e., lateral) shifting among the plates and virtually no friction between the moving portion of the stack and the guide rods because (1) a keystone bushing below the weight plate stack provides virtually error free alignment with the guide rods by setting the non-selected portion of the stack at a highly accurate “home” position that resets the moving stack if it has shifted laterally during movement, even if that shift is very slight, and (2) the guide rod holed in the weight plates carry bushings which align with the bushings of the adjacent weight plates to prevent the plates within the moving portion of the stack from shifting laterally with respect to each other and thereby contacting a guide rod. Preferably, the topmost weight plate in the moving portion of the stack carries bushings forming a smaller gap with the guide rods than the bushings of the remaining weight plates so that, at worst, only the topmost plate will contact a guide rod resulting in negligible friction.
US09056211B2
A vacuum anchor for securing a fall protection system to a surface has a gas inlet to receive pressurized gas from a gas container and generates a vacuum to secure the anchor to a surface. An attachment enables a fall protection system to be connected to the anchor, the attachment being rotatably mounted to the anchor. A container mounting device is provided for mounting the gas container to the anchor in connection with the gas inlet, the container mounting means being rotatable with the rotatable. Alternatively or additionally, the gas inlet is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the attachment means.
US09056208B2
A personal care composition that comprises: a) a sugar infused with at least one additive, in particular, hair and/or skin benefit agent, wherein the infused sugar is coated with a hydrocarbon layer of selected viscosity and melting point; b) at least 10 wt % water, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein the infused and coated sugar is suspended in the composition as a disperse particle phase.
US09056207B2
At least two energy storage devices are used to realize biphasic defibrillation therapy. One of the energy storage devices is the primary energy storage device and the other (e.g. second) energy storage device is the auxiliary energy storage device. The first energy storage device is used to implement both the first and second phase pulses of biphasic pulse therapy to the patient, and the second energy storage device can be used to assist in the first and/or second phase pulse. In other words, the second energy storage device may be combined with the first energy storage device to discharge electricity to the patient to realize the first and/or second phase pulse.
US09056203B2
Cells that are in the process division are vulnerable to damage by AC electric fields that have specific frequency and field strength characteristics. The selective destruction of rapidly dividing cells can therefore be accomplished by imposing an AC electric field in a target region for extended periods of time at particular frequencies with particular filed strengths. Some of the cells that divide while the field is applied will be damaged, but the cells that do not divide will not be harmed. This selectively damages rapidly dividing cells like bacteria, but does not harm normal cells that are not dividing. Since the vulnerability of the dividing cells is strongly related to the alignment between the long axis of the dividing cells and the lines of force of the electric field, improved results can be obtained when the field is sequentially imposed in different directions.
US09056199B2
The invention comprises a charged particle beam, rapid patient positioning system including steps of: positioning a patient relative to a table in a substantially vertical orientation, optionally constraining motion of the patient with one or more constraints, transitioning the table through a semi-vertical orientation, such as with a robot arm, and orientating the patient and table in a substantially horizontal orientation, such as in a position for tumor therapy. Preferably, the robot arm is in common with an arm used to move the patient in traditional proton therapy. Optionally, the robot arm is used to re-orientate the patient into a substantially vertical orientation at the conclusion of a charged particle therapy session.
US09056196B2
A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrode assemblies partially embedded in a flexible body configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea. Each of the electrode assemblies includes a flexible electrically conductive material forming a plurality of support structures and an electrode pad attached a support structure, the electrode pad having a surface that is configured to be exposed to cochlear tissue and fluids and has a charge transfer to the cochlear tissue and fluids that is higher than the flexible electrically conductive material.
US09056194B2
Single-use electrical leads for a nerve stimulator are disclosed. The nerve stimulator has a “test mode” that determines a current value for treatment, and a “therapy mode” that administers treatment with the chosen current value. Preferably the fuse is electrically isolated from the leads that contact the patient.
US09056189B2
A guide wire includes a first wire disposed on the distal side, and a second wire disposed on the proximal side and made from a material having an elastic modulus larger than that of the first wire. The first wire and the second wire are joined to each other by welding. The second wire has, in the vicinity of the welded portion, a small cross-sectional area portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of a proximal end portion of the first wire. The outer diameter of the small cross-sectional area portion is gradually reduced in the direction toward the distal end. The first wire and the second wire may be welded to each other by a butt resistance welding process. Since the change in rigidity of the guide wire becomes smooth in the longitudinal direction, the operationality and kink resistance of the guide wire are improved.
US09056187B2
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) and secures the instrument in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the anchor device may allow the anchor device to be used after medical instrument is already in place without the need for a second penetration point for the anchor device.
US09056186B2
A universal device for securing a catheter on a patient includes a base which optionally has one or more locating elements for positioning or securing a catheter or catheter fitting of various shapes or sizes. The base optionally includes a recessed or flat receiving area defined by locating elements arranged to hold or receive a catheter or catheter fitting. Additional locating elements may be positioned elsewhere for receiving or holding a flange or wing of a catheter fitting. A cover is removably or permanently connected to the base and may optionally have one or more top openings for receiving tabs or extensions of a catheter fitting. The cover may optionally include one or more capture ridges for restraining a catheter or catheter fitting of various shapes or sizes on the base or on the retention plate. The cover may also include one or more tabs or contact bars.
US09056183B2
A catheter includes an elongated tubular body including a first wall and second wall defining first and second lumens, respectively. Each wall extends to a distal end and defines a distal opening. The first and second walls may each include one or more side openings disposed proximal of the distal end. The first and second lumens are separated by a septum. The septum includes a septum extension extending distally from the septum. The septum extension is adapted to articulate relative to the septum in response to fluid flow into and out of the distal openings of the first and second lumens. The septum extension is dimensioned to partially obstruct fluid flow into the catheter through one of the distal openings upon the articulation of the septum extension.
US09056168B2
A system and method for automatically adjusting parameters for predicting blood glucose levels and/or controlling the dispensing of insulin. In one embodiment, the system is a stand-alone system. In one embodiment, the system is part of a system for controlling the dispensing of insulin.
US09056166B2
An infusion pump is provided for pumping fluid though an administration set at a constant flow rate. The pump includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid and operates at a pulse frequency, and a controller controls the pulse frequency. Additionally, the pump has one or more sensors configured for measuring at least one characteristic value relating to a status of the infusion pump. The controller is configured for causing the pumping mechanism to operate at a first pulse frequency, and the one or more sensors measure the characteristic value intermittently. When the measured characteristic value meets a threshold value, the controller causes the pumping mechanism to operate at a second pulse frequency different from the first pulse frequency.
US09056154B2
Polymer surfaces coated with organometallic layers, wherein the organometallic layers and polymer surfaces have functional groups that react to bond the organometallic layer to the polymer surface with organometallic functional groups remaining unreacted for the subsequent covalent attachment of organic overlayers. Coating methods and coated articles are also disclosed.
US09056150B2
In certain described embodiments, implantable medical materials comprise a scaffolding material, a liquid organic binder, and entrapped calcium-containing particles. The medical materials can incorporate an osteoinductive factor such as a protein. The scaffolding material can bind the factor. In additional described embodiments, implantable medical materials include an osteoconductive scaffolding material, an incorporated osteoinductive factor, and a biodegradable barrier material effective to delay release of the factor from the scaffolding material. The scaffolding material can bind the factor. Also described a methods for preparing and implanting the described medical materials.
US09056145B2
A flow through aqueous liquid sterilization apparatus which employs substantially fixed temperatures and pressures and variable flow rates through the apparatus for controllably processing aqueous liquids to achieve predetermined values of SALs. This apparatus is also self-contained and self-cleaning using steam generated by reducing pressure during normal operation, as well as inhibiting growth of contaminating species during intermittent system shut-down periods.
US09056142B2
The present invention relates to a method for the generation of 223Ra of pharmaceutically tolerable purity comprising: i) preparing a generator mixture comprising 227Ac, 227Th and 223Ra in a first aqueous solution comprising a first mineral acid; ii) loading said generator mixture onto a DGA separation medium (e.g. resin); iii) eluting said 223Ra from said DGA separation medium using a second mineral acid in a second aqueous solution to give an eluted 223Ra solution; and iv) stripping the DGA separation medium of said 227Ac and 227Th by flowing a third mineral acid in a third aqueous solution through the DGA separation medium in a reversed direction; The invention further relates to high purity radium-223 formed or formable by such a method as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such radium-223 of pharmaceutical purity.
US09056140B2
Provided is a compound comprising: (a) a first component capable of binding to ER+ cell receptors; and (b) a second component; wherein the second component is a ribosome inactivating toxin and is conjugated to the first component.
US09056138B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
US09056137B2
The present invention provides thermo-sensitive, mucoadhesive biopolymer formulations that enhance the penetration of therapeutics across the skin or mucosal surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the biopolymer formulation comprises co-polymer of poloxamer 188 and propylene glycol, laurocapram and, optionally, one or more therapeutic agents. Also provided are uses of the biopolymer formulations for topical therapy of cancer including cervical cancer.
US09056136B2
The present invention incorporates weakly basic substituents (pKa about 8 or greater) such as pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine and azapane moieties in halogenated 2-nitromidazoles for the non-invasive detection of cellular hypoxia in normal and malignant tissues. The compounds of the invention can be used in 18F positron emission tomography, 19F magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and 19F magnetic resonance imaging.
US09056134B2
The present invention is in the fields of medicine, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, endocrinology and cardiology. The invention provides compositions comprising a statin, an inhibitor of the angiotensin converting enzyme, an antiplatelet compound and an anti-hyperglycemic compound for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cardiometabolic risk factors of Metabolic Syndrome and treatment and/or prevention of Metabolic Syndrome. The present invention provides for the use of such compositions in the manufacture of products for treatment and/or prevention of Metabolic Syndrome. The biguanide metformin of the composition could be present in extended release form allowing its use together with the other drugs in a single dosage form at low dose. This combination of drugs in a single daily dosage greatly improves compliance and adherence to treatment which is a critical factor for treating patients with Metabolic Syndrome.
US09056129B2
A method of preparing multifunctionalized nanoparticles involves using a modular system of half-linkers to attach functional moieties that serve to deliver the nanoparticles to a desired target, exert an effect at the target, or track the nanoparticles within a cell or an animal. The modular chemistry of the half-linker system permits the custom design and synthesis of functionalized nanoparticles bearing multiple groups and therefore results in precise delivery to desired cell types and intracellular locations. The functionalized nanoparticles can be used to treat or diagnose a variety of medical conditions, including neoplastic diseases, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases.
US09056124B2
A method for preventing and treating one or more disease states including the steps of altering the diet of an individual and then administering a drug to the individual. Plasma vitamin C level is reduced from a first level to a second level that is lower than the first level, such that a pharmacological response of the body of the individual to a drug at the first level is different from the pharmacological response of the body of said individual to the drug at the second level.
US09056122B2
The present invention provides a method for inhibiting blood phosphorus level elevation, including administering to a patient in need thereof a composition comprising a lactic acid bacterium as an active ingredient. The method may further include encapsulating the composition comprising a lactic acid bacterium in a capsule. The inhibitor for blood phosphorus level elevation of the present invention is highly safe, is readily administrable, and can sufficiently inhibit a blood phosphorus level elevation.
US09056118B2
An extract for preventing or treating thrombotic diseases, particularly, an extract of at least one of leeches and earthworms having a molecular weight of no more than 5,800 daltons is provided, wherein the extract includes 15% to 38% amino acid, 40% to 60% saccharide and 0.3% to 1% hypoxanthine. Processes for preparation, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof are also provided. Compared to conventional arts, the extract has safety greatly improved and drug actions maintained and even improved.
US09056114B2
The present invention describes a method of inducing lactation in non-human mammals by using a single administrations of an estrogen compound, a dopaminergic antagonist, and oxytocin. For example, the estrogen compound may be a long acting composition and is administered at least one week before the dopaminergic antagonist. However, the oxytocin administration may be given the day after the dopaminergic antagonist, after which lactation may begin immediately. Preferred compounds may comprise a non-17β estradiol and domperidone. Such an injection protocol has resulted in the production of commercially viable volumes of milk from transgenic pigs.
US09056108B2
The present invention relates to a method for the treatment or prevention of atrial fibrillation and/or atrial flutter comprising coadministration of a synergistically therapeutic amount of dronedarone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or salts thereof and a synergistically therapeutic amount of ranolazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or salts thereof. Also provided are methods for modulating ventricular and atrial rhythm and rate. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations that are suitable for such combined administration.
US09056107B1
A solid oral controlled-release oral dosage form of hydrocodone is disclosed. The dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a sufficient amount of a controlled release material to render the dosage form suitable for twice-a-day administration to a human patient, the dosage form providing a C12/Cmax ratio of 0.55 to 0.85, said dosage form providing a therapeutic effect for at least about 12 hours.
US09056103B2
Methods of treating, preventing or managing leukemias are disclosed. The methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound of the invention known as Revlimid® or lenalidomide. The invention further relates to methods of treatment using this compound with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy. Pharmaceutical compositions and single unit dosage forms suitable for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US09056096B2
The present invention is directed to KIAA1199, which is a novel factor involved in decomposition of hyaluronic acid, and to use thereof. More specifically, the invention is directed to a hyaluronic acid decomposition-promoting agent containing the KIAA1199 gene and a protein encoded by the gene; to a hyaluronic acid decomposition-inhibiting agent characterized by inhibiting the activity or expression thereof (including an siRNA or a monoclonal antibody); and to a method for screening a novel hyaluronic acid decomposition-controlling agent, in which the method contains employing the expression of KIAA1199 as an index.
US09056089B2
The present invention discloses a process of preparing jambu extract that results in a jambu extract free from chlorophyll and derivatives of this compound. It is a method for isolating the components of interest in a simplified way, with quite high process yield, higher than 85%. The present invention further relates to the use of this extract in preparing cosmetic compositions, the cosmetic compositions comprising said extract, and to cosmetic products comprising said cosmetic compositions.
US09056076B2
The present invention features the use of compstatin and complement inhibiting analogs thereof for treating and/or preventing age related macular degeneration and other conditions involving macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, and/or retinal neovascularization. The invention also provides compositions comprising compstatin or a complement inhibiting analog thereof and a second therapeutic agent. The invention also provides compositions comprising compstatin or a complement inhibiting analog thereof and a gel-forming material, e.g., soluble collagen, and methods of administering the compositions.
US09056067B2
A pharmaceutical composition is used to enhance immunity of the human body. The composition contains potent components of lanostane compounds. A method is devised to obtain an extract from metabolite, sclerotium, or fermentation product of Poria cocas (Schw) Wolf. The extract contains 5-60% of the lanostane compounds by weight of the extract. The extract is devoid of secolanostane capable of inhibiting immunity development.
US09056065B1
One or more hair care products and/or techniques for creating such hair care products are provided. For example, a hair care product comprises one or more carriers, such as a coconut oil, an evening primrose, and/or a hemp oil. The hair care product comprises one or more oils, such as a lavender oil, a tee tree oil, a nettle leaf oil, a horsetail extract, a clary sage oil, a rosemary oil, a basil oil, a lemongrass oil, a cypress oil, a cinnamon leaf oil, and/or a roman chamomile. The hair care product may be used for restructuring (e.g., relaxing) a natural growth pattern of hair. The hair care product may stimulate hair follicles so that protein and/or moisturizing portions of the hair care product may seep into the scalp for growing and sustaining healthy hair. The hair care product may treat or mitigate eczema, dryness, breakage, sores, and/or fungal bacteria.
US09056059B2
Cosmetic compositions include a Clostridial neurotoxin component and a microsphere component. In certain compositions, the composition includes a botulinum toxin and a plurality of swellable microspheres. The compositions are administered to individuals, by injection and the like, to treat a cosmetic defect of deficiency.
US09056055B2
The subject of the present invention is a flavored therapeutic composition containing a clay as the active principle, and characterized in that the clay is a dioctahedral smectite and the flavor is encapsulated.
US09056054B2
Aspects of the present invention are directed to abuse resistant oral dosage forms comprising a compressed microtablet that is coated with a water-retardant polymer. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to an oral dosage form comprising an opioid agonist and at least one compressed microtablet coated with a water retardant polymer. The compressed microtablet may comprise an opioid antagonist.
US09056048B2
The invention relates to compositions and methods for a one-step synthetic technique for making cationic steroid pharmaceutical compositions for use in treating inflammation and other diseases and disorders.
US09056043B2
Dental compositions are described comprising an addition-fragmentation agent comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated terminal group and a backbone unit comprising an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl; at least one monomer comprising at least two ethylenically unsaturated group; and inorganic oxide filler. The addition-fragmentation agent is preferably free-radically cleavable. The addition-fragmentation agent preferably comprises at least two ethylenically unsaturated terminal groups, such as (meth)acTylate groups. In some embodiments, the addition-fragmentation agent has the formula: wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently Zm, -Q-, a (hetero)alkyl group or a (hetero)aryl group with the proviso that at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is Zm-Q-; Q is a linking group have a valence of m+1; Z is an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group; m is 1 to 6; each X1 is independently —O— or —NR4—, where R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl; and n is 0 or 1. Also described are dental articles prepared from a dental composition comprising an addition-fragmentation agent and methods of treating a tooth surface.
US09056036B2
A motorized vehicle assembly having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, and one or more wheels in communication with the frame, where the frame may have a central plane extending therethrough. The motorized vehicle assembly may include a first wheel and a second wheel in communication with the frame and configured to rotate about a wheel axis, where the first wheel and the second wheel may be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the central plane of the frame. A weight may be supported by the frame and the weight may be positioned at least partially offset toward a second side of the central plane of the frame. The seat may include a cut-in portion supported by a first side of the central plane of the frame. The motorized vehicle assembly may be a powered wheelchair.
US09056032B2
A wearable article having an outer backsheet is disclosed. The outer backsheet may be formed of at least two layers of material, including an outward-facing layer formed at least in part of multicomponent fibers. The multicomponent fibers may have a polyolefin fiber component and a non-polyolefin fiber component.
US09056029B2
A disposable pull-on wearing article including a pant-shaped chassis and an absorbent panel. A pull-on wearing article includes a pants-shaped chassis and an absorbent panel. The chassis has a front portion including a front waist region and part of a crotch region and a rear portion including a rear waist region and part of the crotch region. The front portion has a plurality of front waist elastics extending in a width direction and the rear portion has a plurality of rear waist elastics extending in the width direction. A bottom elastic of the front waist elastics and a bottom elastic of the rear waist elastics are in a stretched state in front peripheral edge portion and rear peripheral edge portion of respective leg-openings and in a relaxed state in a portion of the crotch region defined between a pair of the leg-openings.
US09056026B2
Transdermal therapeutic system with high rate of utilization of active substance and dosing accuracy
Transdermal therapeutic system for administering at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient which is involatile at room temperature with a daily dose not exceeding 30 mg, comprising a backing layer which is impermeable for the active ingredient and faces away from the skin, an adjoining polymer layer which is remote from the skin and is based on polyisobutylenes with a rate of application of at least 80 g/m2, an adhesive skin-contact layer which is adjacent to the polymer layer remote from the skin and is based on acrylate copolymers with a rate of application of not more than 50 g/m2, and a protective layer which can be detached from the skin-contact layer and is impermeable for the active ingredient.
US09056022B2
A suspension liner sleeve adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket, and having outer and inner surfaces. The liner sleeve includes an elongate, generally conical body portion formed from at least one material segment defining the liner outer surface. The at least one material segment being at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxed non-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas. The liner sleeve includes a layer of polymeric material disposed on the at least one material segment and defining the liner sleeve inner surface, and a plurality of resilient seal elements protruding radially from the liner sleeve outer surface. The plurality of seal elements extend around at least one peripheral portion of the liner body portion. A pair of opposed annular recesses may be adjacently located above and below each of the at least one seal element.
US09056016B2
Prostheses, systems, and methods are provided for replacement of natural facet joints between adjacent vertebrae using polyaxial attachment mechanisms for securing the prostheses to the vertebrae. A cephalad prosthesis attached to a superior adjacent vertebra replaces the inferior half of a natural facet joint. A caudal prosthesis attached to an inferior adjacent vertebra replaces the superior half of a natural facet joint. Both the cephalad and caudal prostheses are configured with artificial facet joint structures that include articulating surfaces that cooperate and form an artificial articular configuration. The polyaxial attachment mechanism permits adjustment of the position of the artificial facet joint structure along more than one axis at or after the time the cephalad or caudal prosthesis is attached to a vertebra.
US09056002B2
In a method of accessing and closing a vessel, a vessel is percutaneously accessed through a first opening in the vessel wall at a first location. A stent-graft is delivered through the first opening to a second location. The stent-graft is deployed at the second location. The vessel is then accessed through a second opening through the vessel wall at the second location, wherein the second opening is generally aligned with a fenestration through the graft material of the stent-graft. A delivery device is advanced through the second opening, the fenestration, and the stent-graft lumen to a third location spaced from the first location and the second location. After the delivery device is retracted through the lumen of the stent-graft and out of the fenestration and the second opening, the stent graft is rotated or translated such that the fenestration is not aligned with the second opening.
US09055997B2
Single filter and multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodged or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.
US09055993B2
An improved denture system is disclosed. An improved denture system has a support bar and an artificial denture base. The denture base has an oversize cutout and a corresponding cavity and the support bar has a plurality of reference posts which mechanically interface with the corresponding cavity so that the support bar is connected to the artificial denture base and provides reinforcement and stability to the denture system. The shape and position of the reference posts fully constrains the support bar in a fixed position with reference to the denture base. In one embodiment, the denture base snap-fits onto the support bar.
US09055992B2
A carpule for a dental syringe provides an internal piston disposed between a front septum and a rear plunger. The internal piston is hollow and includes a thin membrane front. The internal piston is designed to offer minimum resistance to movement in the carpule body to allow for aspiration and for easy dispensing. The internal piston divides the carpule into two anesthetic chambers, allowing an anesthetic without a vasoconstrictor and an anesthetic with a vasoconstrictor to be dispensed sequentially in a single injection and without causing undue trauma to the patient.
US09055988B2
A dental implant adaptor which is particularly suitable for dental crown implantation using a screw-retained protocol has a hollow body that can be mounted on a dental implant. The body includes a crown-receiving portion on which a dental crown can be mounted. The portion has a distal end and a proximal end and includes a first anti-rotation formation to prevent rotation between the adaptor and the crown. The body also has a laterally projecting collar at the proximal end of the crown-receiving portion which, in use, locates on the implant. There is also a second anti-rotation formation shaped for non-rotational engagement with the implant. The crown-receiving portion and collar together have an overall axial length in the range 3.5 mm to 7 mm and the collar has an axial thickness of 1.5 mm or less. Another described is an implant assembly incorporating the adaptor.
US09055983B1
The present invention provides a unique way to provide a self-locking screw opening that has no separate parts. The self-locking feature (20) is formed in the wall (11) of the screw receiver opening (12) and automatically locks a screw (100) from backing out. During insertion of the screw (100) into bone, the screw head (110) passes one or more, preferably two nubs (20) or one or more projections (20) formed into the surface wall (11) of the receiver opening (12), and as the screw (100) is threaded into the bone, the screw head (110) contacts the nubs (20) or projection (20) and the screw (100) is deflected slightly in a direction opposite the nubs (20) or projection (20) allowing the screw head (110) to pass by the nubs (20) or projection (20) locking the screw (100) from backing out.
US09055976B2
A mandibular distractor can include an elongated main body having a central longitudinal axis extending in the elongate direction between a first end and a spaced apart second end. A first bone mount can be secured to the main body and a second bone mount can be positioned on the main body. A drive mechanism configured to selectively move the second bone mount longitudinally along the main body can also be included. A third bone mount configured to be moved longitudinally along the main body can also be included.
US09055973B2
Surgical device to allow an easy delivery of the fetus during a Cesarean Section when fetal head is deeply wedged in the female pelvic cavity. The device consists of inflatable portion to lift the fetal head attached to foldable base plate that can be folded with the inflatable portion for insertion of the device into the female vagina below the fetal head. The inflatable portion is inflated by injecting biocompatible fluid by pressurizing device such as syringe, pressure bag, hand pump or powdered pump. The device can also be of use in other situations like abdominal delivery of a premature or small baby and when cord prolapse has occurred.
US09055970B2
A skin graft mesher including a cutting roller and a guide roller rotatably mounted to a fixture. A skin graft may be advanced through the mesher between the rollers to form a pattern of perforations in the skin graft. The cutting roller includes cutting rings disposed on an axle and rotatable therewith. The cutting roller further includes a tissue clearing structure positioned between adjacent cutting rings with the axle extending through the tissue clearing structure and rotatable relative to the tissue clearing structure. The tissue clearing structure may clear tissue from between adjacent cutting rings during operation of the skin graft mesher. The tissue clearing structure may be eccentrically rotated about the axle between adjacent cutting rings with the tissue clearing structure extending radially outward beyond the outer diameter of the cutting ring around less than the entire outer circumference of the cutting ring.
US09055967B1
Tissue severing devices having dual reciprocating looped blades are disclosed herein. The severing devices described herein can be used during laparoscopic surgery to cut tissue of a predetermined diameter using the two looped blades.
US09055964B2
A medical device for removing a material from a hollow anatomical structure is provided. The device may include a shaft member. The device may include an expandable centering element near the distal end of the device. The device may include a macerator element either attached to the shaft or independent and freely moveable from the shaft. Alternatively, the device may include a rotating wire attached to the macerator element. The device may include an aspiration lumen in for removal of material. The device may include a drive shaft attached to a motor and used to rotate the macerator element. The device may be used in combination with a distal occlusion element, which may be either a radially expandable filter or balloon member.
US09055963B2
The invention relates to a device for the removal of foreign bodies and thrombi from body cavities and blood vessels using a guide wire provided with a distal element with said distal element being provided with an orthogonal structure.
US09055962B2
A surgical instrument that includes a housing linkable with a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, a shaft coupled to the housing, a force transducer on a distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of fiber optic strain gauges on the force transducer is disclosed. The plurality of strain gauges are coupled to a fiber optic splitter or an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexer, which can be coupled to a fiber optic connector. A wrist joint coupled to an end effector is coupled to a distal end of the force transducer. A robotic surgical manipulator that includes a base link coupled to a distal end of a manipulator positioning system, and a distal link with an instrument interface, and a fiber optic connector optically linkable to a surgical instrument. A method of passing data between an instrument and a manipulator via optical connectors is also provided.
US09055954B2
A method of using a guide system for resecting a bone through incisions of the type utilized for arthroscopic procedures is provided. The guide system comprises a first alignment pin, a second alignment pin and a wire saw. The first alignment pin is configured to be inserted through a first incision into a bone in a first orientation. The second alignment pin is configured to inserted through a second incision into the bone in a second orientation. The first alignment pin and the second alignment pin are configured and oriented to define a resection plane of reference through which the bone is to be resected and the wire saw is configured to be inserted through the first and second incisions to be guided by the first and second alignment pins while being moved to resect the bone.
US09055939B2
A tissue ligating device to which a suture is attached and which ligates a tissue includes a suture fix member which is attached to the suture, and which includes a housing part which one part of the suture can be hooked; and a hooked suture locking part configured to prevent the suture hooked in the housing part from disengaging from the housing part.
US09055936B2
A device, system and method for dilating a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member sized to be movably received within an inside diameter of the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a vertical slot running through a side of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The retractor has a proximal end including at least one mounting member protruding outwardly from a side surface of the retractor and a distal end including at least one fanned blade protruding outwardly from the side surface. When the inner tubular member is oriented in a first position the vertical slot is in a closed state, when the inner tubular member is oriented in a second position the mounting member is permitted to travel downwardly a predetermined distance in the vertical slot, and when the inner tubular member is positioned in a third state the mounting member is permitted to freely travel through the vertical slot.
US09055933B2
A vascular closure assembly includes a suture placement device and a sealant delivery device. The suture placement device is operable to position at least one suture across the puncture to form a primary seal of the puncture. The sealant delivery device includes a sealant delivery tube having a first lumen sized to receive the at least one suture, and a second lumen configured to deliver a volume of sealant to the puncture after forming the primary seal to create a secondary seal of the puncture. The sealant delivery device is slidable along the at least one suture to the puncture.
US09055921B2
A system and method are disclosed that facilitate generating visual representations of characterized tissue based upon ultrasound echo information obtained from a portion of an imaged body. The system includes a first filter having a first filter band that is applied to a near range portion of the ultrasound echo information to render near range filtered echo information. A second filter, having a second filter band that covers a frequency range of the first filter band, is applied to a far range portion of the ultrasound echo information to render far range filtered echo information. The system furthermore includes a set of characterization criteria that are applied to the near and far range filtered echo information. The characterized near and far range image data are thereafter combined into a single tissue-characterization image.
US09055908B2
Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for delivering bone conduction stimuli for measuring the gravitation receptor functions of the inner ear. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include (i) an impactor operatively linked to a guide disposed within a housing and (ii) an electrically driven actuator enclosed within the housing. The electrically driven actuator may be configured to cause the impactor to (i) travel to a striking point to deliver a mechanical bone conduction stimulus for transmission to a skull bone and (ii) controllably decelerate prior to the instance of stimuli delivery.
US09055907B2
The present embodiments provide a surgical access port comprising at least one channel having proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therebetween. The at least one channel comprises a first state in which the proximal end is positioned proximal to the distal end, and comprises a second state in which the at least one channel is everted by advancing the proximal end through the distal end, such that the proximal end is positioned distally beyond the distal end. An expansion member of the surgical access port is configured for insertion through a surgical incision in a contracted state, and expands to a diameter larger than the surgical incision in an expanded state. In one embodiment, the expansion member comprises a toroidal balloon that comprises a material adapted to flex and conform to tissue distal to the surgical incision in the expanded state.
US09055901B2
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
US09055898B2
A lancing device comprises a lancet holder and a lancet-release mechanism. The lancet holder forms an aperture. The aperture is adapted to receive a lancet assembly therein. The lancet holder is adapted to move the lancet assembly between a resting position, a cocking position, and a puncture position. The lancet-release mechanism includes a release button located adjacent to and external from the lancing device and a beam attached to the release button. The beam extends into the lancing device and the lancet holder. The beam is adapted to engage the lancet assembly. The release button and attached beam are adapted to eject the lancet assembly from the lancet holder.
US09055897B2
A method of measuring an otoacoustic emission (OAE) is provided. The method comprises generating a frequency OAE graph with N plot lines, by performing frequency sweeping on N signals having different levels, wherein N is a natural number of at least 2; and when there are plot lines that overlap each other in the frequency OAE graph, compensating values of the N plot lines of the frequency OAE graph in a predetermined frequency section including a frequency section where the plot lines overlap each other.
US09055896B2
An ophthalmoscope for observing an eye comprises a converging first lens system for generating a real intermediate image of a region in the eye in an intermediate image plane as well as an observation apparatus having an imaging optics for imaging the real intermediate image in an imaging plane in the observation apparatus and for imaging an aperture of the observation apparatus in a pupil of the eye. Between the first lens system and the imaging optics of the observation apparatus, a diverging second lens system is provided for enlarging a working distance between the first lens system and the pupil and for enlarging a field angle.
US09055895B2
An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus includes a light source configured to emit photographing light for illuminating a subject's eye through an illumination optical system, a changing unit configured to change a light emission amount of the light source, a selecting unit configured to select at least one of a plurality of photographing modes for photographing the subject's eye, a storage unit configured to store the changed light emission amount by the changing unit as a changed value during the photography in the photographing mode selected by the selecting unit, and a setting unit configured to set a light emission amount at a start of the photography to a light emission amount which is set beforehand as an initial state of the light source or to the changed value according to the plurality of photographing modes.
US09055892B2
Systems and methods for improving ophthalmic imaging by correlating the location of a measurement on the pupil of the eye with a quality of the measurement and further controlling subsequent measurements based on the quality are presented. Aspects of the invention include obtaining optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements through cataracts or other media opacities, obtaining B-scans with minimized tilt, and automated OCT data acquisition of select structures in the eye. Embodiments of the invention directed towards imaging tissues with angle dependent layer contrast and mapping the size and location of cataracts in the eye are also described.
US09055883B2
A surgical navigation system including an ultrasound catheter is disclosed herein. The ultrasound catheter includes a flexible catheter housing defining a distal end, a transducer array disposed at least partially within the catheter housing, and a motor coupled with the transducer array. The motor is configured to rotate the transducer array in order to image a three-dimensional volume. The ultrasound catheter also includes a tracking element adapted to provide an estimate of a position and/or orientation of the distal end of the catheter housing. The tracking element is disposed within the catheter housing and immediately adjacent to the distal end.
US09055881B2
Systems and methods for endoscopic procedures employ a first technique to ensure initial correct alignment of an endoscope (100) with a desired target (10). A reference image (51) is then acquired from an imaging arrangement associated with the endoscope. During a subsequent stage of the procedure, tracking of the endoscope position relative to the target is performed partially or entirely by image-based tracking by comparing features in real-time video image (52) produced by imaging arrangement with features in the reference image (51). The feature comparison may be performed visually by a user, or may be automated to offer more specific corrective suggestions to the user.
US09055866B2
There is provided an inside observation apparatus of an endoscope and the like which can perform an inside observation for irradiating an illumination light to a minute area of a surface of an object (for example, a living tissue) having a light scattering property and detecting a back-scattered light of the illumination light, can increase a detected light amount by a simply and low cost configuration by making an area of a detection region larger than an illumination region, and can reduce a time necessary to detect an body (for example, a blood vessel) to be observed and detect a region deeper than a conventional region.
US09055855B2
A dishwasher includes a dishwasher cavity having a base, a sump below the dishwasher cavity base, a collecting channel that catches liquid leaking over an upper edge of the sump, and a drainage element that drains liquid collected in the collecting channel past an electrical component that is in a region of the sump.
US09055852B2
A floor cleaning tool is disclosed. The floor cleaning tool comprises a mop head including a perimeter, a working surface and back surface, opposite the working surface. The working surface includes a contact surface and a recessed surface. The contact surface is on a portion of the working surface for making contact with the surface to be cleaned. The contact surface includes a first capturing edge and a second capturing edge. The recessed surface is on a portion of the working surface and includes a first side surface recessed from the first capturing edge of the contact surface and a second side surface recessed from the second capturing edge of the contact surface. The entire contact surface is nonlinear.
US09055844B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide a novel utensil for transferring ingredients into a container with a small opening and for minimizing ingredient spillage during the transfer. In some embodiments, the utensil comprises a hollowed-out scoop, a cover that folds over the scoop to cover ingredients in the scoop, a funnel through the bottom of the fold-over cover, a handle for orienting the scoop, a hinged element that is connected at opposite sides to the scoop and the cover at a scooping end of the hinged element and is connected to the handle at the other end of the hinged element.
US09055842B2
A cooking container for an electronic oven includes a housing unit having an entrance through which hot air enters; and a support unit on the housing unit, configured to have placed thereon one or more cooking objects to be cooked by the hot air.
US09055841B2
A solid state thermite reaction composition is provided comprising a fuel component, an initiating oxidizer, a primary oxidizer, a fluxing agent and a thermal diluent. According to other aspects, a heating device, a heating element and an activation mechanism are provided. The heating device comprises a heating chamber defining an interior space for receiving and storing a substance to be heated, a reaction chamber disposed within the heating chamber, a solid state thermite reaction composition disposed within the reaction chamber such that it is physically isolated from and in thermal communication with the interior space of the heating chamber, and an activation mechanism having an actuator. The activation mechanism is in communication with the composition disposed within the reaction chamber and the reaction composition is inert until the activator mechanism is actuated.
US09055836B2
The present invention is to provide a tea brewer, which includes a container main body having a top side concavely provided with a receiving space for receiving liquid and coffee powder (or tea leaves) and a bottom side formed with a through hole in communication with the receiving space, at least one engaging element each provided on the bottom side and having at least one groove, a water-stopping plate having a post which extends into the receiving space through the through hole and peripherally provided with at least one guide rail each of which is movably received in the corresponding groove, and a water-stopping block detachably connected to the post and located in the receiving space. Since each guide rail extends into the corresponding groove with ease and without being compressed or deformed, it is easy for a user to remove the water-stopping plate from the tea brewer for cleaning.
US09055828B2
Shelving units having an adjustable width. The shelving units here provide structural stability and simple adjustment of width to accommodate varying product sizes. The distance between side walls of the shelving units can be adjustable in two manners. First, the distance is continuously adjustable from within a range established by slots located in a base portion of side wall components. Second, a further range of shelving unit depth may be generated by changing the orientation of the side wall components. The side wall components of the shelving units may be formed in an L shape with one side longer than the other. By rotating the side wall components, a new range of product widths may be accommodated by the shelving unit. The shelving units may also include a simple mechanism that can be used to advance products toward the front of the shelf.
US09055821B2
A multifunctional furniture includes a stationary seat frame, a supporting frame, a back frame pivotally connected to the stationary seat frame to move between a sitting mode and a bedding mode, and a leg frame arrangement, which is provided underneath the stationary seat frame, the back frame and the supporting frame. When the back frame is in the sitting mode, the back frame is pivotally extended from the leg frame arrangement to form a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the stationary seat frame while the leg frame arrangement is arranged to support the stationary seat frame, wherein when the back frame is in the bedding mode, the back frame is pivotally moved to align with the seat frame to form a sleeping area, while the leg frame arrangement is operated to provide extensive support to both the back frame, the stationary seat frame and the supporting frame.
US09055816B2
Some embodiments generally relate to portable easel devices for supporting and/or displaying objects such as canvas, other paintable substrates, or even sheet music. Embodiments may include one or more collapsible elements rendering the device readily storable and/or easier to carry or transport.
US09055807B2
The wedge-shaped paintbrush is a paintbrush with characteristics ideal for trim work. The wedge cross-sectional shape creates a narrow trailing edge, resulting in a fine line for working close to corners and other edges. The wide leading edge acts as a storage location for paint due to its large quantity of bristles. The synergistic result is a paintbrush that has the narrow trailing line of a trim brush, but with the paint-carrying capacity of a larger brush. This allows the novice, who lacks the ability to control the large number of bristles in a larger brush, to effectively cut in a room in a short period of time, minimizing the quantity of times he must reload the brush with paint, or wipe off areas unintentionally painted.
US09055804B2
An applicator for applying a cosmetic composition comprising an applicator element. The applicator element may be elongated along a longitudinal axis. The applicator has a first portion and a second portion separateable from the first portion and capable of moving independently from the first portion along the longitudinal axis. The first and/or second portions of the applicator element include means for holding a charge of cosmetic composition and transferring it to an integument on contact therewith.
US09055799B2
A portable reverse isolation box (PRIB) for protecting an object from the environment and/or protecting a user from the object. The PRIB includes a housing comprising a container and a lid, wherein the container has structural integrity and at least a portion of the lid is transparent, and further wherein the housing forms an airtight and watertight isolation bay when the lid is mounted on the container; a port formed in the container; and a disposable flexible element mounted in the port in an airtight and watertight relationship, the flexible element being capable of assuming a concave configuration so as to permit a user to manipulate the object within the isolation bay without opening the lid.
US09055796B2
Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel, and a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels.
US09055795B2
A neckpiece wearable by a user includes opposing arm segments operatively connected to each other and configured such that each arm segment defines a tethering element configured to removably retain a cable to the neckpiece. The arm segments may be arranged to retain the neckpiece to the user's neck intermediate the shoulders and jaw of the user, such that the neckpiece when worn by the user is not in contact with the user's shoulders and/or is not supported in position by the user's shoulders. An access opening allows the user to don and doff the neckpiece, and is preferably less than 35% of the perimeter of the neckpiece. The neckpiece may include a grasping interface to exert a grasping pressure on the user's neck. The neckpiece may include a physiological sensing element. The arm segments may be formed of wire. A connecting element may detachably connect the opposing arm segments.
US09055785B2
An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes a foundation element, a tensile strand, and a securing strand. The tensile strand is located adjacent to an exterior surface of the foundation element and substantially parallel to the exterior surface for a distance of at least five centimeters. The securing strand joins or secures the tensile strand to the foundation element. Although the thicknesses may vary, a thickness of the tensile strand may be at least three times the thickness of the securing strand. In some configurations, a backing strand may also assist with joining the securing strand to the foundation element.
US09055783B2
A footwear article comprising a generally elongate sole for engagement with and support of the foot of a person, said sole having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first portion being for interaction with at least the heel region of the foot of the person and a second portion for interaction with at least the metatarsal region of the foot of the person; and a foot engagement means for securing the footwear article to the foot of a person. The footwear article being characterized in that a first portion of the sole includes a first material having a first material property and the a second portion of the sole includes a second material having a second material property; and said first portion and said second portion extend at least to the upper surface of the sole and first material property provides for dampening of load imparted to the foot of the person upon contact with a surface.
US09055782B2
A shoe structure for foot strike energy dissipation employs compressible members each having an internal void containing a first working fluid. A set of mating compressible members are each connected to a related one of the first compressible members through a fluid conduit such that the first working fluid is transferred from the related compressible member to the mating compressible member responsive to compression induced by foot strike. Resilient structural members are placed intermediate the compressible members to deform responsive to compression of the foot bed induced by foot strike provide both energy dissipation and resilient recovery of the compression cylinders to their uncompressed state. A cavity contains a second working fluid that is transmissible between the compressible members responsive to compression of the foot bed. Cooling tubes are provided for energy dissipation of the second working fluid which bathes the compressible members, conduits and resilient elements.
US09055777B2
A decorative light string including a first group of light elements electrically connected in parallel to each other, a second plurality of light elements electrically connected in parallel to each other, and a third plurality of light elements electrically connected in parallel to each other. The first, second, and third groups of lights are electrically connected in series. A first wire stabilizer is located between the first group of lights and the second group of lights, and a second wire stabilizer is located between the second group of lights and the third group of lights. The first and second wire stabilizers secure wire ends forming first and second gaps in the wiring of the light string.
US09055760B2
Disclosed are sweetened consumables and methods of forming said sweetened consumables that comprise certain sweeteners and at least one sweetness enhancer in a concentration near its sweetness detection threshold. The sweeteners include sucrose, fructose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, inositol, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, neotame, sucralose, saccharine, or combinations thereof. The sweetness enhancer is selected from naringin dihydrochalcone, mogroside V, swingle extract, rubusoside, rubus extract, rebaudioside, and stevioside.
US09055758B2
Various embodiments are described herein of a method and apparatus that can be used to extend the shelf-life of potatoes without adding preservatives or chemicals.
US09055756B2
An apparatus for the heat treatment of a product, in particular a product contained within a hermetically sealed pouch or other plastic container, the apparatus having, a heating unit to contain a product as product is brought towards a treatment temperature and pressure, a sterilization unit to contain product at a pre determined treatment temperature and pressure to sterilize product, and a cooling unit to bring a product from the treatment temperature and pressure towards ambient; each unit being selectively sealable from another unit, the apparatus further having: a plurality of conduits carrying heat-exchange fluids allowing heat to be transferred between units; and having a heater, preferably producing steam, to supply heat to the apparatus; a heat-exchange unit enabling heat energy to be transferred from one conduit to another; and a hot well to retain a reservoir of heat exchange fluid at the highest temperature required by the apparatus.
US09055755B2
The invention relates to a container for the accommodation of products during a high pressure treatment of the products, whereby the container comprises an outer wall and a cavity situated within the outer wall for the accommodation of the products. With the container according to the invention at least one section of the outer wall is formed by a large number of mutually coupled chain links, which are arranged in the form of at least one multi-dimensional chain link matrix.
US09055754B2
A chewing gum sheet is formed without substantial use of a powdered non-stick agent by extruding a slab having a tacky surface of heated chewing gum composition onto a moving conveyor; cooling the slab on the conveyor sufficiently to cool the surface of the slab; and passing the slab from the conveyor through at least one cooled roller to form a chewing gum sheet with predetermined dimensions.
US09055753B2
Disclosed is a container-packed black coffee beverage which has an excellent hypertension ameliorating effect and can be ingested in an ordinary manner. A container-packed black coffee satisfying the following requirements (A) to (C): (A) a chlorogenic acid: 0.01 to 1% by mass; (B) hydroxyhydroquinone: 0.1% by mass or less relative to the mass of the chlorogenic acid; and (C) the chlorogenic acid/a coffee solid content ≧0.025 (by mass).
US09055748B2
The invention relates to herbicidal compositions, their preparation, and their use for controlling unwanted vegetation. The compositions include an effective amount of an active compound combination that includes: (a) a substituted thien-3-yl-sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone of formula (I-2) or salts thereof; and (b) at least one of the known herbicides listed in the disclosure and, (c) optionally a safener.
US09055743B2
The present application relates to novel alpha, beta-unsaturated imines, to processes for their preparation, to their use for controlling animal pests including arthropods and in particular insects and to their use in the control of vectors.
US09055737B2
A life like three-dimensional version of a predatory animal, used to scare off nuisance animals, is disclosed. A three-dimensional animal unit is mounted to a mounting unit which allows for installation in any type of pervious or non-pervious surface. A joint mounting system penetrates through a body cavity of the animal unit which allows for the animal unit to move with minimal air breezes, mimicking real life movement.
US09055730B2
A food processing vat is provided with a zoned heat transfer system that provides zoned temperature control to the vat. The zoned heat transfer system selectively transmits heat to or removes heat from different portions of a bottom wall and/or side wall(s) of the vat. A heat transfer fluid may be directed through the zoned heat transfer system along a flow path that is selected based on a target size and/or a target temperature of a batch of food product being processed in the vat.
US09055728B1
A soybean cultivar designated 38401184 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 38401184, to the plants of soybean cultivar 38401184, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 38401184, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 38401184. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 38401184. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 38401184, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 38401184 with another soybean cultivar.
US09055723B2
A jalapeno pepper inbred line designated Line 437 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pepper Line 437, to the plants of pepper Line 437, and to methods for producing a hybrid plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the pepper Line 437 with itself or another pepper plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a pepper plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other pepper lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the pepper Line 437.
US09055722B2
The invention relates to a product for use in agriculture or horticulture comprising a capsule dissolving or disintegrating in the presence of humidity wherein at least a seed and a controlled release system comprising an agrochemical compound is located.
US09055715B2
A self-propelled forage harvester includes a main frame with frame parts, a preparation and conveyor device with a chopping assembly, a post-chopping device and a conveying device, a tower connected to an upper discharge chute, a heat exchanger, an engine, lateral covering elements enclosing an engine compartment and a compartment partially enclosing the preparation and conveyor device. The covering elements extend from a rear region to a region adjacent to a driver's cab, are guided at a bow-shaped supporting element connected to the main frame such that the covering element is pivotable about a horizontally extending pivot axis provided at the upper edge or horizontal leg of the supporting element and, about a substantially vertically extending pivot axis provided at one end of the horizontal leg.
US09055714B2
The invention relates to a self-propelled outdoor power equipment unit, an attachment for use with such a unit and associated methods. The unit may be in the form of a mower having a mower deck. The attachment includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper. The conveyor assembly has operational and stored positions, the latter of which provides a narrower profile of the attachment and unit. The attachment and mower deck may be mounted on the frame of the unit together or separately. The attachment is configured for rapid mounting and dismounting on the frame of the unit, and provides additional functionality to a mower or other unit on which the attachment is mounted.
US09060461B2
In a laminated ceramic electronic component, a side surface outer electrode circles around a ceramic element body, a first electrode portion includes a first side surface electrode portion on first and second side surfaces of the ceramic element body and a first wrap-around electrode portion extending from the first side surface electrode portion and wraps around portions of third and fourth side surfaces, and a second electrode portion includes a second side surface electrode portion on the third and fourth side surfaces and a second wrap-around electrode portion extending from the second side surface electrode portion and wrap around portions of the first and second side surfaces. External appearance configurations in which the first and second wrap-around electrode portions are recognizable from outside are provided to the first and second wrap-around electrode portions.
US09060458B2
A method for manufacturing a multi-layer printed circuit board includes: forming first bumps on one surface of a first copper layer at a predetermined interval; providing, on the first copper layer, an insulating layer through which the first bumps are penetrating; stacking a second copper layer on a top of the insulating layer; forming circuits by patterning the first copper layer and the second copper layer; laminating insulating films on top and bottom surfaces of the insulating layer on which the circuits have been formed; forming second bumps on one surface of a third copper layer and of a fourth copper layer at a predetermined interval; and stacking the third copper layer and fourth copper layer, provided with the second bumps, on the top and bottom surfaces of the insulating films.
US09060457B2
A structure including a first intermetallic compound and an alloy layer parallel to a sidewall of an opening and separating a diffusion barrier from a conductive material, the diffusion barrier is in direct contact with the alloy layer, the alloy layer is in direct contact with the first intermetallic compound, the first intermetallic compound is in direct contact with the conductive material, the first intermetallic compound is a precipitate within a solid solution of an alloying material of the alloy layer and the conductive material, and is molecularly bound to both the alloy layer and the conductive material, the alloy layer excludes the conductive material, and a first high friction interface located between the diffusion barrier and the alloy layer extending in a direction parallel to the sidewall of the opening, the first high friction interface results in a mechanical bond between the diffusion barrier and the alloy layer.
US09060452B2
The present invention provides: a method for manufacturing an insulated conductive pattern, wherein a conductive film and an insulation layer pattern are formed on a substrate, and the insulation layer pattern is reformed to cover a conductive pattern after formation of the conductive pattern by etching the conductive film using the insulation layer pattern as a mask; and a laminate manufactured thereby. According to the present invention, the number of processes is sharply reduced in comparison with the existing processes, and economic efficiency can be greatly improved.
US09060446B2
A printed circuit board includes an accommodating layer, chip capacitor devices accommodated in the accommodating layer, and a buildup structure formed on the accommodating layer such that the buildup structure covers the chip capacitor devices in the accommodating layer. The buildup structure has mounting conductor structures positioned to mount an IC chip device on a surface of the buildup structure such that the IC chip device is mounted directly over the chip capacitor devices, each of the chip capacitor devices has a dielectric body having a surface facing the buildup structure, a first electrode formed on the dielectric body and extending on the surface of the dielectric body, and a second electrode formed on the dielectric body and extending on the surface of the dielectric body, and the dielectric body is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US09060444B2
A server includes a storage module, a processing module, a motherboard and a fixing assembly. The fixing assembly includes a carrier, a stopper, a tray, a first locking part and a second locking part. The stopper is securely located on the carrier. The storage module is securely located on the tray. A bottom wall of the tray has a fixing hole. The stopper engages with the tray through the fixing hole to make the tray securely attached to the carrier when the tray is located at the second position. The stopper is removed from the tray when the tray is located at the first position. The tray moves between the first position and the second position when the first locking part is located at the first state. The first locking part cooperates with the second locking part to lock the tray at the second position.
US09060439B2
A locking system for fitting and securing modules in a housing includes at least one module, which is surrounded by a chassis and provides a plug connection at a rear side. The front side of the module disposed opposite to the rear side provides a chassis front-plate connected to the chassis. Each module can be locked by a snap-in locking device in a housing, into which the module is pushed. In order to release the snap-in locking device, an opening tool engages in the chassis front-plate. A pulling stress can be exerted on the chassis front-plate by the opening tool, and the module can be withdrawn from the housing.
US09060438B2
According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes an operation plate, a supporting plate which supports the operation plate, a vibrating body which vibrates the operation plate, a base arranged opposite to the supporting plate through a space, and a frame body provided on the base so as to surround the operation plate and the supporting plate. The supporting plate includes an extending portion that extends outward from the operation plate. The frame body includes a protruding portion that protrudes inward so as to be opposed to the extending portion. The extending portion is connected to the protruding portion through a first variable member.
US09060434B2
Electronic displays and metal micropatterned substrates are described comprising a graphic defined by a contrasting area adjacent the graphic. In one embodiment, the graphic is visible when the display is viewed with reflected light and the graphic is substantially less visible or invisible when viewed with backlighting transmitted through the metal micropatterned substrate. The graphic and contrasting area have a total metal micropattern density that differs by no greater than about 5% and more preferably by no greater than 2%.
US09060433B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus comprising a flexible circuit having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of longitudinal conductors. Further, the apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical retractor capable of retracting the flexible circuit around an exterior surface. Further still, the apparatus includes a plurality of thermal energy transfer turrets attached to the flexible circuit near the plurality of longitudinal conductors.
US09060431B2
Provided is a copper-clad laminate obtainable by bonding a copper foil on which roughening treatment including copper-cobalt-nickel alloy plating is performed and a liquid crystal polymer to each other, wherein the copper-clad laminate is free from a roughening particle residue on a surface of the liquid crystal polymer resin after copper foil circuit etching. The copper-clad laminate obtainable by bonding a copper foil and a liquid crystal polymer to each other, wherein the copper foil includes a copper primary particle layer formed on a surface bonded to the liquid crystal polymer and a secondary particle layer formed on the primary particle layer and made from a ternary alloy including copper, cobalt, and nickel; the primary particle layer has an average particle size of 0.25 to 0.45 μm; and the secondary particle layer has an average particle size of 0.05 to 0.25 μm.
US09060423B2
A laminated wiring board includes a plurality of wiring layers that are stacked with the intermediary of an insulating layer between the layers and have a four-layer wiring unit obtained by disposing a power supply layer, a ground layer, a first signal wiring layer, and a second signal wiring layer sequentially from one side to the other side of a layer stacking direction with the intermediary of an insulating layer between the layers. One of the first signal wiring layer and the second signal wiring layer includes a data signal line and the other includes a clock signal line. The data signal line and the clock signal line are so disposed as to be prevented from overlapping with each other in a view perpendicular to the layer stacking direction at least at a place where both lines are disposed as parallel lines.
US09060416B2
Systems and methods provide power to a device via a dock. A mounting base may include a mounting component, including a receiving area configured to removably receive a mating device at a plurality of orientations within a plane, wherein the mounting component comprises one or more indexing members and the mating device comprises one or more indexing elements, or the mating device comprises one or more indexing members and the mounting component comprises one or more indexing elements, the indexing members and elements configured to engage each other to align the mating device with the mounting component in one or more rotational orientations on said plane. A detector, configured to detect the presence of the mating device, and a driver circuit may be included. A device may be configured to control power sourced to the mating device by the driver circuit after the detector detects the mating device.
US09060412B2
An ion drive for a spacecraft, including a high-frequency generator for generating an alternating electromagnetic field for the ionization of a propellant and an acceleration system for the charge carriers, is provided. The ion drive includes a voltage source with which the high voltages that are necessary for the acceleration system can be derived from the currents and/or voltages generated by the high-frequency generator for generating the alternating electromagnetic field.
US09060405B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the operation of an LED and to a method for controlling the drive current thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the operation of an LED, which is capable of driving a direct current-operated LED module or an alternating current-operated LED module using alternating current power, and to a method for controlling the drive current of the apparatus. According to the present invention, the drive current of an LED array can be output in the form of a sine wave by a constant-current regulation or constant-power regulation even when input voltage varies, thus suppressing harmonics, improving the power factor, minimizing flicker, and preventing a temperature increase in the LED array and in an LED operation control circuit.
US09060403B2
A light emitting diode (LED) driving apparatus and an LED backlight system using the same are provided. The backlight control circuit suitable for driving an LED string includes a complex function pin, a driving circuit and a backlight control circuit. The backlight control circuit includes a control current generating unit, a first current comparing unit and a second current comparing unit. The control current generating unit receives a dimming control signal and an enable control signal from the complex function pin to generate a control current accordingly. The first and the second current comparing units are respectively configured to compare the control current with first and second predetermined currents to respectively generate a first and a second control signals. The driving circuit determines to be turned on or off according to the second control signal, and further adjusts a luminance of the LED string according to the first control signal.
US09060387B2
An object of the invention is to control the penetration of condensed water into an insulation member or a heater element in an electric heating catalyst (EHC). The EHC according to the invention includes a heater element that generates heat by supply of electric current to heat a catalyst, a casing that houses the heater element, an insulation member provided between the heater element and the casing to provide electric insulation, and an electrode connected to the heater element through an electrode chamber, which is a space located between the inner wall surface of the casing and the outer circumferential surface of the heater element. The EHC is further provided with a bypass passage, one end of which is connected to a bottom part of the casing at a position upstream of the upstream end face of the insulation member. The bypass passage bypasses the insulation member.
US09060364B2
The present invention discloses a scheduling method and a device, which may avoid a conflict between scheduling performed by a first system on a UE and using, by the UE, a second system on a frequency band adjacent to a frequency band of the first system, such as receiving or sending, by the UE, data or a message of the second system. In this way, the problem of mutual interference in message reception and transmission that are performed by the UE in two systems on adjacent frequency bands is solved.
US09060359B2
The present description relates to a method in which a station transmits data in a wireless LAN system, comprising the following steps: receiving, from an access point, control information containing station group configuration information, which indicates the configurations of station groups and uplink resource allocation information on the resource allocated to each station group; determining, on the basis of the control information, the station group to which the station belongs; and transmitting uplink data to the access point by contending with other stations in the determined station group.
US09060350B2
The invention relates to the setting up of a connection between an originating terminal and a terminating terminal. Both terminals may connect via the same access network. The access network accesses a core network through an access gateway. The access gateway transmits and/or receives connection set-up signalling transmitted along a signalling path through at least the core network. Using an information element in the connection set-up signalling, information on media plane access needs of nodes in the signalling path is collected and provided for determining whether a local shortcut of a media path can be established in the access network.
US09060347B2
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for paging devices in a communication network. A network device providing mobility management through control messaging can be assigned a number of cell sites in multiple tracking areas. The network device such as a mobility management entity (MME) can use a subscriber-aware implementation to provide a hierarchy for contacting a mobile device with a page. The subscriber-aware implementation can be tailored to analyze subscriber activity such as frequency and timing, to page a subset of the total number of cell sites in multiple tracking areas based on the subscriber activity, and to expand the subset after unsuccessful attempts to page the mobile device.
US09060342B2
The system and method of the present invention provides a mobile node (e.g., target), such as an aircraft, vehicle or mobile piece of equipment, the ability to determine its own position by passively listening to wireless time synchronization communications, such as IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) messages, exchanged between nodes over a wireless network.
US09060337B2
Methods and systems for preserving the life of a power source of a wireless end node of a wireless communication system for use in a mobile environment are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes wirelessly transmitting a wireless end node acknowledgment message to a network coordinator during a normal operation mode of the wireless end node. The method also includes the wireless end node monitoring for a network coordinator acknowledgment message from a network coordinator in response to the wireless end node acknowledgement message during the normal operation mode of the wireless end node. Also, the method includes incrementing a missed acknowledgment counter value stored in a memory storage of the wireless end node when the network coordinator acknowledgment message is not received. Further, the method includes increasing a time period of a sleep timer of the wireless end node when the missed acknowledgment counter value equals a missed acknowledgment threshold.
US09060335B2
Method of receiving a disaster warning message using a paging message in mobile communication system
A method and device for receiving a warning message in a mobile communication system. The method includes receiving a paging message from a network. The paging message is used to inform the terminal about a presence of the warning message. The paging message includes a warning message indication indicating that there will be a transmission of the warning message through a downlink channel. The method includes after receiving the paging message, receiving system information in a system information block (SIB) through a control channel. The system information includes scheduling information for the warning message. The method includes receiving the warning message through the downlink channel according to the scheduling information. The warning message is an Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) message.
US09060331B2
The present disclosure discloses a method and network device for home VLAN identification for roaming mobile clients. Specifically, the disclosed method and system detects that the mobile client has roamed away from a first network to a second network, maintains a mapping between a virtual local area network (VLAN) corresponding to the mobile client and a tunnel corresponding to a foreign agent in the second network, and forwards packets to or from the mobile client on the VLAN based on the mapping between the VLAN and the tunnel via which the packets are received. Therefore, the disclosed method and system allows for identification of home VLANs for roaming mobile clients without merging VLAN policy configurations at the home agent and the foreign agent.
US09060327B2
A data transmission method is provided. The method includes: receiving from a plurality of receiving stations, which include base stations and relay stations, a state information value corresponding to the receiving stations; measuring signal strength with respect to the receiving stations; selecting any one receiving station from among the receiving stations which have a great signal strength value obtained by measuring the signal strength and which have a small state information value; and transmitting data to the selected receiving station. Accordingly, radio resources can be prevented from ineffective use caused by relay transmission.
US09060326B2
An RSS provision method and system and portable device is provided for facilitating subscription to RSS channels and update of the subscribed RSS channels by providing RSS channels classified as being in the same category as that of a requested RSS channel. The Rich Site Summary (RSS) channel information provision method includes transmitting an RSS channel information request message from a mobile terminal, the RSS channel information request message indicating a target RSS channel; searching a database for addresses of other RSS channels classified as being in the same category as that of the target RSS channel; transmitting, when no address of other RSS channel is found, a second type RSS channel information request message to a web server; transmitting an RSS channel information response message from the web server to the gateway in response to the second type RSS channel information request message, the RSS channel information response message containing information regarding the target RSS channel and other RSS channels classified as being in the same category as that of the target RSS channel; and displaying, at the mobile terminal, the information on the target RSS channel and other RSS channels extracted from the RSS channel response message.
US09060325B2
Various embodiments provide simplified methods and apparatuses for creating and administering an independent basic service set, or ad hoc wireless cell. A user is presented with a unified user experience that reduces the time and expertise required to utilize the independent basic service set functionality.
US09060319B2
Idle mode reselection is presented herein. A virtual neighbor component can create at least one virtual neighbor object and associate the at least one virtual neighbor object with wireless access points. Further, a reselection component can facilitate idle mode reselection between a base station and a wireless access point of the wireless access points based on the at least one virtual neighbor object.
US09060309B2
The present invention relates to a method in which a management station divides radio resources for base stations which belong to a plurality of groups in a wireless communication system, and comprises the steps of: receiving a first message requesting an increase in resource allocation from at least one base station which belongs to a first group within a first cluster; receiving a second message requesting an increase in resource allocation from at least one base station which belongs to a second group within a second cluster; and changing each of the resource division ratios of the first group and the second group within the first cluster and the second cluster, wherein the resource division ratios of the first group and the second group are changed based on necessary resource information within the first message and the second message.
US09060306B2
Methods, a user equipment and a radio network node relating to estimation of a channel quality indicator, CQI, are provided. A first reference signal is carried by a downlink channel of a radio communication system. The user equipment receives from the radio network node information about scheduling of a downlink transmission to the user equipment and information about a second reference signal being different from the first reference signal. Furthermore, the user equipment receives from the radio network node the downlink transmission. The downlink transmission comprises the first reference signal and the second reference signal. Next, the user equipment estimates the CQI based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.
US09060296B1
An IP endpoint comprising a processor; a memory; and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor receives from a mobile communications device a mobile device report indicating congestion experienced by data transmitted by the mobile communications device during an interval, receives from a network element an element report indicating congestion experienced by data transmitted by the network element during another interval, and generates a congestion model based on the mobile device report and the element report.
US09060295B2
Methods and systems for prioritizing application data in a wireless user device are disclosed. A user device receives, at an application transport bearer (ATB) entity of a protocol layer of a network interface of a user device, at least a portion of a data packet originating from an application identified for prioritized data transfer on the user device. Then, the ATB entity of the user device schedules the data packet ahead of any data packets processed at any network-established data radio bearer (DRB) entities on the same protocol layer as the ATB entity. The ATB entity of the user device is also configured to operate on a protocol layer of a subset of protocol layers on the user device and is configured by the user device with a higher priority parameter than any of the network-established DRB entities on the same protocol layer as the ATB entity.
US09060291B2
The present invention provides a precise location-based information service method and apparatus for mobile terminal browser users. The method includes: acquiring at least two types of positioning references based upon a positioning service request from a user; establishing correlation relationships among the positioning references based on the acquired positioning references; and performing integrated positioning and cross-validation on a precise location of the user based on the correlation relationships to determine final positioning service information. This invention can implement precise location-based services (LBS) and precise Point of Interest (POI) push service by analysis and extraction of the user's location information and behavioral data acquired and accumulated with the user's consent. This satisfies the needs of the mobile phone browser user for precise LBS and personalized nearby information service.
US09060289B2
A method of configuring small cell base stations in a cellular network is disclosed. A constraint on a performance-related metric associated with at least a portion of the cellular network is received. In some embodiments, the constraint on the performance-related metric comprises a constraint on a performance-related metric associated with one or more macrocells. Measurement data from one or more small cell base stations is received via a control interface. One or more optimized values of one or more parameters associated with one or more small cell base stations are searched. The searching is based at least in part on the received measurement data and subject to the constraint on the performance-related metric associated with the at least a portion of the cellular network. The one or more optimized values of the one or more parameters to the associated small cell base stations are transmitted.
US09060280B2
A method, system and device are provided for avoiding in-device coexistence interference between different radio technologies deployed in adjacent bands on the same device by allocating a non-interfering downlink signaling channel for downlink reception of interference avoidance instructions at the UE device. In operation, a user equipment device detects IDC interference and sends an IDC indication message to the radio network to get an appropriate solution, but instead of waiting at the current frequency to receive the IDC response from the radio network, the user equipment device moves to a non-interfering downlink signaling channel for downlink reception of interference avoidance instructions.
US09060274B2
Some embodiments of a smart card accessible over a personal area network have been presented. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wireless transceiver to communicatively couple to a personal area network (PAN) to receive an authentication request via the PAN from a device. The device may include a computer. The apparatus further includes a storage device to store a digital certificate that uniquely identifies a user. An authentication module in the apparatus may authenticate the user in response to an authentication request from the device using the digital certificate, wherein the user is allowed to access the computer upon authentication.
US09060270B2
A method, a device, and a system for establishing a security mechanism for an air interface are provided in embodiments of the present invention. The method includes: performing security processing for a shared key of an access link according to a shared key between a relay node and a mobility management entity; and sending the shared key of the access link after the security processing to the relay node to enable the relay node to obtain the shared key of the access link based on the shared key between the relay node and the mobility management entity. The present invention reduces the possibility at which the air interface link is hacked, thereby improving the security of the air interface link.
US09060263B1
A method and article for authenticating a mobile station subscribed to a home network, in a visited network, includes the steps of receiving, at a visited proxy controlled by the visited network, a request to authenticate the mobile station on the visited network. Then, authorizing the mobile station on the visited network based on a parameter in the request and a policy stored on the visited proxy. The proxy communicates a denial of authorization to the visited network when the policy identifies a denial of service and the proxy communicates with the home network the request to authenticate the mobile station on the visited network, when the policy identifies an acceptance of service.
US09060257B1
Systems and methods for multimedia messaging are provided. When a multimedia messaging service center (MMS-C) receives an MMS message for an intended recipient, the MMS-C forms an MMS notification message that includes the MMS message. The MMS-C then sends the MMS notification message to an intended recipient independent of receipt of a retrieval request from the recipient.
US09060248B1
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that dynamically updates a geofence of a mobile business. During operation, the system establishes a first location and a first geofence for the mobile business. Next, the system receives a second location of the mobile business different than the first location of the mobile business. The system then generates an updated geofence for the mobile business based on the second location of the mobile business. The system subsequently broadcasts the second location of the mobile business to a set of mobile clients monitoring the mobile business.
US09060233B2
Examples of a rechargeable canal hearing device and charging systems are described. An exemplary rechargeable hearing device includes a battery module and a main module adapted to be removably couple together to form a modular canal hearing device assembly configured to be inserted inconspicuously in the ear canal. The modular canal hearing device assembly may include electrical contacts or an inductive charging system to couple charging energy from a charging station. According to examples described, the charging station includes a receptacle cavity shaped to partially accommodate the modular canal hearing device assembly including its handle. The receptacle cavity includes features operable to manipulate the handle as an actuator for automatically disengaging the battery module from the main module upon insertion of the lateral end into the receptacle cavity.
US09060232B2
A hearing aid device has a directional microphone system with a first microphone outputting a first microphone signal and a second microphone outputting a second microphone signal. A delay unit generates a directivity by delaying the second microphone signal or a fourth microphone signal derived therefrom by an internal time delay and associating it with the first microphone signal or a third microphone signal derived therefrom for generating a directional microphone signal. A cross-correlation analysis unit receives the first or the third microphone signal and the second or the fourth microphone signal and determines a value of a cross correlation of the two microphone signals. A control unit adjusting the time delay depending on the value of the cross correlation of the two microphone signals. A classifier determines audio conditions in which the hearing aid device is currently situated, and the time delay is adjusted depending on the audio conditions.
US09060231B2
Disclosed herein, among other things, is a system for frequency translation by high-frequency spectral envelope warping in hearing assistance devices. The present subject matter relates to improved speech intelligibility in a hearing assistance device using frequency translation by high-frequency spectral envelope warping. The system described herein implements an algorithm for performing frequency translation in an audio signal processing device for the purpose of improving perceived sound quality and speech intelligibility in an audio signal when presented using a system having reduced bandwidth relative to the original signal, or when presented to a hearing-impaired listener sensitive to only a reduced range of acoustic frequencies.
US09060230B2
The invention provides apparatus and methods for cleaning an ear canal. The ear cleaning apparatus includes an elongated support member having an outer surface and first and second ends, and a bristle member that is attached to one end of the support member. The bristle member includes a plurality of flexible elongated members that are configured to contact a surface of an ear canal when the support member/bristle member assembly is inserted into the ear canal.
US09060227B2
One or more embodiments are directed to encapsulating structure comprising: a substrate having a first surface and housing at least one conductive pad, which extends facing the first surface and is configured for being electrically coupled to a conduction terminal at a reference voltage; a cover member, set at a distance from and facing the first surface of the substrate; and housing walls, which extend between the substrate and the cover member. The substrate, the cover member, and the housing walls define a cavity, which is internal to the encapsulating structure and houses the conductive pad. Moreover present inside the cavity is at least one electrically conductive structure, which extends between, and in electrical contact with, the cover member and the conductive pad for connecting the cover member electrically to the conduction terminal.
US09060223B2
An audio signal processing method and circuitry that processes an input audio signal by filtering the input audio signal with a high pass filter to produce a filtered audio signal, which is input to a compressor. A first intermediate audio signal is produced based on the compressor output signal. The filtered audio signal is also input to a harmonics generator that produces harmonics of the filtered audio signal. A second intermediate audio signal is produced based on such harmonics. A third intermediate signal is produced based upon the input audio signal. An output audio signal is produced by combining the first intermediate audio signal, the second intermediate audio signal and the third intermediate audio signal. The compressor can be configured to reduce the dynamic range of components of the filtered audio signal that contribute to the first intermediate audio signal relative to the dynamic range of the harmonics that contribute to the second intermediate audio signal, thus enhancing the input audio signal.
US09060219B2
The invention provides, in one aspect, a loudspeaker that has electrodynamically-driven piston mounted in one external wall and that has movable panels in one or more other external walls. Those panels are air-coupled to the piston, e.g., via air within the enclosure, such that vibrational motion of the piston causes the vibration of the panels, thereby, improving the overall air coupling of the piston to the external environment, e.g., the listening room. Further aspects of the invention provide an improved driver for use, e.g, in the aforementioned loudspeaker. The driver comprises a three-part piston having first and second diaphragms coupled back-to-back with one another and having a voice coil face-mounted (or front-mounted) within the second diaphragm.
US09060217B2
A system and apparatus for constructing a displacement model across a frequency range for a loudspeaker is disclosed. The resultant displacement model is centered around the distortion point. Once a distortion model is constructed it can be incorporated into an audio driver to prevent distortion by incorporating the model and a distortion compensation unit with a conventional audio driver. Various topologies can be used to incorporate a distortion model and distortion compensation unit into an audio driver. Furthermore, a wide variety of distortion compensation techniques can be employed to avoid distortion in such an audio driver.
US09060208B2
Methods and apparatus for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a cable network. In one embodiment, the method comprises predicting which content will be requested by a set of users based upon the exhibited viewing habits of those users (and/or others). A server process gathers viewership data comprising a listing of programs requested by users at various times of the day. The server process aggregates the viewership data, identifies patterns within the aggregated data, and extrapolates a schedule of programs likely to be requested. In certain embodiments, the server process additionally gathers the capabilities of each cable device in an associated subnetwork. Based upon these capabilities, and based upon the total bandwidth predicted to remain available in the network over a target broadcast period, the server process may also select an optimal compression scheme and video quality level before broadcasting a certain program.
US09060194B2
The present invention is directed to a technique capable of preventing resources from being wastefully used due to continuous reproduction of video data which cannot be viewed by a user as the video data does not exist in a display range of a window or preventing the user from missing the video data. A CPU of a video transmission apparatus determines whether a reproduction frame of video data during reproduction is within a display range of a window. As a result of the determination, if the reproduction frame is not within the display range, the reproduction of the video data is stopped and a reproduction position is stored.
US09060190B2
Techniques enable locating a position within a file that corresponds to a desired seek time without having access to an index specifying the desired seek time's position. An iterative process may be used to estimate the position that corresponds to the desired seek time. The process may iterate through multiple estimations until a difference between a time corresponding to an estimated position and the desired seek time is within an acceptable amount or until the process reaches an iteration threshold. The file may then be played beginning at or near the desired seek time. The techniques may therefore allow a user to seek within a file while the user progressively downloads or streams the file.
US09060184B2
Systems and methods for adaptive streaming with augmented video stream transitions using a media server in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a media server includes multimedia content including a set of alternative streams of video data and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive a request to stream multimedia content, stream a first stream of video data, where the first stream of video data is one of the set of alternative streams of video data contained in the multimedia content, receive a request for a second stream of video data, where the second stream of video data is one of the set of alternative streams of video data contained in the multimedia content, transmit an image in response to the request for the second stream of video data, and stream the second stream of video data.
US09060179B2
A method for encoding an intra prediction mode according to the present invention selects an intra prediction mode for a current block, determines the number of valid MPM candidates by checking the validity of MPM candidates of the current block, and if the number of valid MPM candidates is less than a previously set number, adds additional intra prediction modes as MPM candidates. MPM candidates can be adaptively added on the basis of the directionality of valid MPM candidates. Additionally, during the encoding of residual intra prediction modes, residual intra prediction modes are realigned on the basis of the directionality of valid MPM candidates. Accordingly, the present invention minimizes the information for encoding the intra prediction mode of the current block by adding MPM candidates or realigning the residual intra prediction modes on the basis of the directionality of valid MPM candidates.
US09060169B2
Apparatus and methods for scalable block pixel filtering are described. A block filtering instruction is issued to a processing element (PE) to initiate block pixel filtering hardware by causing at least one command and at least one parameter be sent to a command and control function associated with the PE. A block of pixels is fetched from a PE local memory to be stored in a register file of a hardware assist module. A sub-block of pixels is processed to generate sub-block parameters and the block of pixels is filtered in a horizontal/vertical edge filtering computation pipeline using the sub-block parameters.
US09060168B2
Overlapped block disparity estimation and compensation is described. Compensating for images with overlapped block disparity compensation (OBDC) involves determining if OBDC is enabled in a video bit stream, and determining if OBDC is enabled for one or more macroblocks that neighbor a first macroblock within the video bit stream. The neighboring macroblocks may be transform coded. If OBDC is enabled in the video bit stream and for the one or more neighboring macroblocks, predictions may be made for a region of the first macroblock that has an edge adjacent with the neighboring macroblocks. OBDC can be causally applied. Disparity compensation parameters or modes may be shared amongst views or layers. A variety of predictions may be used with causally-applied OBDC.
US09060165B2
The disclosure includes a 3-dimensional (3D) video communication method, a 3D video sending device, a 3D video communication system, an image reconstruction method, and an image reconstruction system. The method includes: obtaining timestamped video image data of a scene collected by image collecting apparatuses, where the video image data includes at least one depth image and at least two color images; and encoding the video image data and sending the encoded video image data. The system includes a sending device and a receiving device. The sending device obtains at least one depth image and at least two color images of the scene through the image collecting apparatuses, the obtained depth images are accurate and reliable, and the collection of the video images is highly real-time. When reconstructing the images at the viewpoints, the receiving device can repair the reconstructed images by using the obtained color images.
US09060156B2
A method and system for capturing, storing, and streaming over the air broadcasts based on user requests and at their command is disclosed. The system and method utilize subarrays of antenna elements for receiving over the air broadcasts. Processing pipelines are used to demodulate, transcode and index the content transmissions to produce content data that are streamed to users. In this way, the feeds from antennas can be accessed by users over a network connection.
US09060151B2
A broadcast service receiving method of a broadcast receiving device is provided. The method includes: receiving a trigger; receiving a triggered object; when a target of the received trigger is the triggered object, performing a trigger action on the triggered object at a trigger time; receiving real-time data available for the triggered object by an operation of the triggered object according to the performing of the triggered action; and providing a service by using the real-time data.
US09060150B2
According to one embodiment, an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a sheet conveyed by a conveyance unit includes a first illumination unit to irradiate the sheet with visible light, a second illumination unit to irradiate the sheet with visible light and infrared light from an angle different from that of the first illumination unit, and an imaging unit to receive visible light and infrared light reflected from the sheet and to capture a visible image and an infrared image.
US09060139B2
A solid-state imaging apparatus, comprising an imaging unit and a conversion unit, including a first processing unit and a second processing unit, for converting an analog signal output from the imaging unit into a digital signal, wherein the first processing unit generates a higher-order bit of a digital signal corresponding to the analog signal, and the second processing unit, to which a clock signal having a first edge and a second edge is supplied, starts charging a capacitor and ends the charging in response to an elapse of a predetermined time since the first edge of the clock signal supplied immediately after the charging has started, and then generates a lower-order bit of the digital signal.
US09060126B2
In a solid-state image sensing apparatus of an addressing method, a clock-conversion part generates a high-speed clock signal having a frequency two times or more the frequency of a low-speed clock signal. A signal processing part receives 10-bit pixel data through a horizontal signal line, performs predetermined signal processing, and passes parallel-format data to a switching part. The switching part selects each one bit of the parallel-format 10-bit data in a predetermined sequence to output from an output terminal using the high-speed clock signal from the clock-conversion part as a switching command, thus converts the parallel-format data into serial-format data, and passes it to an output buffer. The output buffer externally outputs differential output of normal video data and inverted video data individually from output terminals. Accordingly, the problems in power consumption, noises, and unnecessary radiation are solved, and higher-speed output is achieved.
US09060120B2
A camera array, an imaging device and/or a method for capturing image that employ a plurality of imagers fabricated on a substrate is provided. Each imager includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. Each imager may be associated with an optical element fabricated using a wafer level optics (WLO) technology.
US09060119B2
An image capturing apparatus includes: an imaging element including a first photoelectric conversion cell that outputs a first signal for phase difference detection obtained by detecting a plurality of light fluxes transmitted through different exit pupils of a photographing optical system using a plurality of focus detection pixels and a second photoelectric conversion cell that outputs a second signal for image generation obtained by detecting an object image transmitted through the photographing optical system using an imaging pixel. A contrast calculating unit calculates contrast information on the object image based on at least one of the first signal and the second signal; a focus detecting unit performs focus detection using a phase difference method on the basis of the first signal, and outputs an estimate for focus adjustment; a reliability estimating unit estimates reliability of a result obtained by the focus detecting unit.
US09060117B2
A method of automatically adjusting lighting conditions improves the results of points from focus (PFF) 3D reconstruction. Multiple lighting levels are automatically found based on brightness criteria and an image stack is taken at each lighting level. In some embodiments, the number of light levels and their respective light settings may be determined based on trial exposure images acquired at a single global focus height which is a best height for an entire region of interest, rather than the best focus height for just the darkest or brightest image pixels in a region of interest. The results of 3D reconstruction at each selected light level are combined using a Z-height quality metric. In one embodiment, the PFF data point Z-height value that is to be associated with an X-Y location is selected based on that PFF data point having the best corresponding Z-height quality metric value at that X-Y location.
US09060116B2
Provided is a surveillance system including a plurality of network cameras; and at least one server connected to the network cameras via a communication network, wherein each of the network cameras captures and stores video data, extracts metadata, which is a basis of event data, from the video data, transmits the metadata to the server, and wherein, if requested by the server, each of the network cameras transmits the stored video data to the server.
US09060112B2
An imaging apparatus, which can communicate with a light emitting apparatus via a radio wave communication unit using radio waves, is configured to control timing at which the imaging apparatus starts an operation corresponding to a light emission performed according to a light emission start instruction based on a first light emission delay time that the light emitting apparatus requires for the processing from completion of reception of data indicating the light emission start instruction issued from the radio wave communication unit to a start of the light emission, and a second light emission delay time required for the processing from an output of the light emission start instruction issued from a light emission start instruction unit to completion of transmission of the data indicating the light emission start instruction issued from the radio wave communication unit.
US09060104B2
Doorbells often include a button to enable visitors to ring a chime to summon building occupants. In some embodiments, doorbells include a camera to take pictures of visitors. In several embodiments, doorbells include covers that are light filters. These light filters can cover infrared light sources such as infrared light emitting diodes. The light filters can pass infrared light while blocking visible light. In several embodiments, a front portion of a camera assembly fits through a hole in a light filter. Light filters can help secure camera assemblies and can form a portion of a doorbell's outer housing.
US09060101B2
A method and related system of generating a frame of video is disclosed. In the method, a current frame of video is transmitted. A command corresponding to an action associated with a shifting of an image in the frame of video is received. A subsequent frame of video is transmitted in accordance with the received command, including transmitting at least two slices of video information corresponding to the shifting. Each slice may include an intra-coded macro-block having additional image information at an edge of the frame of video and at least two predictive macro-blocks, and at least one of the predictive macro-blocks includes a motion vector corresponding to the shifting of the image in the frame of video.
US09060100B2
A method of alerting a user of a scheduled event on a network includes transmitting a promotion to a first consumer premises equipment (“CPE”), the promotion being associated with event scheduling metadata, and causing the event scheduling metadata to be transmitted from the first CPE to a second CPE based on a selection of the promotion at the first CPE. The method further includes causing a reminder message to be transmitted from the second CPE to the first CPE based on the event scheduling metadata.
US09060094B2
Individual adjustment of audio volume and video properties in a computer network conference environment is provided. For audio adjustment, a buffer collects incoming streams; a stream decoder decodes the buffered audio streams, a gain adjustment applies a gain increase or decrease to the individual audio stream, and a mixer combines each of the individual signals together. The gain adjustment module receives input from a user interface control associated with each participant, and adjusts the volume of that participant's stream accordingly. If a requested increase in gain would cause an overflow of the signal, only a gain increase that will avoid such overflow is applied. Video properties such as brightness, contrast and saturation are also adjustable. Properties of the user's transmitted audio and video streams are also adjustable.
US09060090B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an operating section; a plurality of human body sensors configured to detect an operator and issue a detection signal; an operation recording section configured to record whether the operating section has been operated within a predetermined time of detection; a setting section configured to, based on an operation history recorded in the operation recording section, set as a sleep non-cancel sensor, out of the human body sensors, a sensor for which an operation of the operating section within the predetermined time of detection occurred with a low frequency; and a mode shift section which, when, during a sleep mode of the apparatus, receiving the detection signal from the sleep non-cancel sensor, maintains the apparatus in the sleep mode and, when, during the sleep mode, receiving the detection signal from the sensor other than the sleep non-cancel sensor, shift the apparatus to the normal operation mode.
US09060088B2
There is provided an image processing apparatus including an image processing section, a power source section, a power source operation section, and a controller. The controller may be configured to perform determining whether or not a state of the image processing apparatus is a special state when a power control operation is started, determining whether or not the power control operation is the special power control operation, and controlling the power source section to carry out an operation according to the power control operation when the state is not the special state, or when the state is the special state and when the power control operation is the special power control operation, but controlling the power source section not to carry out the operation when the state is the special state and when the power control operation is not the special power control operation.
US09060087B2
In a method of controlling an image processing apparatus having a rechargeable secondary battery, in response to reception of a job, an amount of electricity stored in the secondary battery is detected and, whether the detected amount of electricity exceeds a specified value is determined. If it is determined that the stored electricity amount exceeds the specified value, a volatile memory is selected as a storage destination of information to be stored when the job is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the stored electricity amount does not exceed the specified value, a nonvolatile memory is selected as the storage destination of the information to be stored when the job is executed.
US09060080B2
Provided is an apparatus that includes a generation unit configured to generate image data based on a document read via a scanner unit and a first transmission unit configured to transmit the generated image data to a designated destination. The apparatus includes a transmission server, an instruction unit configured to instruct, according to reception of an uploading request to upload the generated image data to an external server communicable with the apparatus, the first transmission unit to transmit the image data to the transmission server and a second transmission unit configured to acquire the image data transmitted by the first transmission unit according to the instruction from the instruction unit from the transmission server, and transmit the acquired image data to the external server.
US09060077B2
A facsimile apparatus is disclosed that includes a register unit that registers transmission destination information in an internal address book. The register unit receives a number input at least a first time and a second time, and upon determining that a number input the first time and a number input the second time correspond to a same input number, registers the same input number as a valid facsimile number.
US09060075B2
A client application installed at a mobile device determines whether the mobile device is docked in a docking station. The client application receives an indication of an emergency call being placed by a user of the mobile device. The client application selectively routes the emergency call either through a wired network or a wireless network based on whether the mobile device is docked in the docking station.
US09060074B2
A method and system for establishing a communication session between a plurality of communication terminals in an intercom system is disclosed. One of the communication terminals is associated with a room, dwelling, residence, or building structure and is configured to generate a request for establishing a communication session with one or more other mobile communication terminals associated with the room, dwelling, residence, or building structure. The communication session includes one or more of transmission and reception of one or more of an audio, a video, a multimedia, an image, a text and any other form of data that may be transmitted and received by the plurality of communication terminals. The communication session may include transmission and reception of one or more signals such as, but not limited to, an audio, a video, a multimedia, an image, a text and any other form of data by the plurality of communication terminals.
US09060066B2
A data communication apparatus having a transfer function, and a method of controlling the same, wherein a list of stored addresses is displayed on a display unit, and when a transfer function is set, an address that becomes a transfer destination is selected in the list, and it is determined whether or not an editing restriction is set on the selected address. It is determined, when an editing target address is selected in the displayed list, whether an editing target address is set as the transfer destination and an editing restriction is set to the transfer destination, and if it is determined that the editing target address is set as the transfer destination and the editing restriction is set to the transfer destination, editing of the editing target address is restricted.
US09060065B2
Voice message processors are configured to produce text representations of voice messages. The text representations can be compacted based on one or more abbreviation libraries or rule libraries. Abbreviation processing can be applied to produce a compact text representation based on display properties of a destination device or to enhance user perception. Text representation length can be reduced based on abbreviations in a standard abbreviation list, a user specific abbreviation list, or a combination of standard and custom lists. In some examples, text length is shortened based on stored rules.
US09060058B2
A history management apparatus that includes: a history storage part that stores a historical data set indicating a history of response states including transfer among a plurality of agents to one call; an image generation part that generates data of a display image that integrates the history of response states of the plurality of agents to the one call, based on the historical data set; and a display control part that causes the display image to be displayed on a display unit.
US09060055B2
A system and method are disclosed for a user to monitor and/or override a forwarded call. Typically, the forwarded call was initially an incoming call from a caller to the user and thereafter forwarded to a remote service system, such as a remote messaging system. The system and method determine a redirecting number from which the incoming call was forwarded. The system and method then initiates a second call to the user and a voice path is established connecting the forwarded call to the second call. Thereafter, the user is notified, for example, with a distinct ring at the user's telephone, of the option that the user may monitor and override the forwarded call. The system and method can also execute procedures to actuate the options elected by the user.
US09060051B2
A single-shaft semi-automatic hinge, wherein a first cam and a second cam fitted on the single shaft of the hinge passing therethrough are abutted on each other with pressure application by an elastic member, thereby generating a rotational friction torque; a region of the first cam and the second cam in which a liquid crystal portion can rotate from a state in which a main body portion and the liquid crystal portion are folded to a fully open state is set narrower than a region in which the hinge can rotate.
US09060043B1
A system, method and computer program product having instructions stored thereon for automatically data streaming a multiparty conference session comprises receiving an Internet-based interface at a session moderator, said Internet-based interface configured for said session moderator to enter a request for data streaming a multiparty conference session, automatically establishing a data stream of said conferencing session, without any human intervention, wherein establishing said automated data stream includes: recording the multiparty conference session, and data streaming the multiparty conference session to listen-only participants thereby enabling listen-only participants to connect to the multiparty conference session without using additional conference ports and/or conference resources.
US09060030B2
A frame concatenation apparatus includes a storage unit to store a plurality of frames to be transmitted, a generation unit to generate a concatenated frame including the plurality of frames read out from the storage unit and serially concatenated, and including frame length information on each frame attached thereto, and an attachment unit to attach information for establishing synchronization with a receiver of the concatenated frame, to the concatenated frame.
US09060018B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for identifying malware attacks collects data traffic information. A system receives data traffic information indicative of communications between computers within a network and computers external to the network. The system parses the data traffic information to identify communication links between the computers within the network and computers external to the network. The system can generate communication link profiles for each of the computers within the network. The system can then group computers within the network into computer clusters based on similarities between the communication link profiles for each computer. The system can identify computer clusters having anomalous communication patterns as being indicative of a malware attack.
US09060016B2
Provided are an apparatus and method for blocking a zombie behavior process. The apparatus includes a security policy storage configured to store zombie-behavior-type-specific traffic characteristics and security policies, a traffic monitor configured to monitor traffic generated on the computer and detect abnormal traffic exceeding a predetermined reference value, a process and traffic analyzer configured to find an abnormal process causing the abnormal traffic and detect a zombie behavior type associated with the abnormal process by analyzing the abnormal traffic on the basis of the zombie-behavior-type-specific traffic characteristics stored in the security policy storage, and a process handler configured to handle the process whose zombie behavior type has been detected according to a security policy defined for the detected zombie behavior type. Also, the apparatus according to another aspect includes a system process monitor and handler configured to detect whether or not a file associated with a system process is modified and block the system process.
US09060010B1
Systems and methods for incorporating virtual network computing (“VNC”) into a cockpit display system (“CDS”) and controlling an aircraft system and a remote system simultaneously with a VNC-incorporated CDS are disclosed. A system for incorporating VNC into the CDS is comprised of a VNC server of a remote system, at least one first user application (“UA”), a second UA, a pilot input device, and a CDS comprised of, in part, a processing module (“PM”) configured with a method employing an aviation-industry standard protocol (e.g., ARINC 661) and a VNC protocol. A system for controlling the remote system aircraft system with a VNC-incorporated CDS is comprised with a VNC server of the aircraft system and/or the non-aircraft system, a UA, a pilot input device, a display surface format, and a CDS comprised of, in part, a PM configured with a method employing an aviation-industry standard protocol and a VNC protocol.
US09060009B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and subsystems directed to increasing the amount of memory accessible to software and hardware components of mobile electronic devices as well as to increasing security and reliability of data storage for mobile electronic devices. In the described embodiments of the present invention, the local memory within a mobile electronic device is extended by transmitting data from the local memory to one or more remote computer systems for storage and by requesting and receiving data from the one or more remote computer systems for storage in the local memory of the mobile electronic device. In the described embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the local memory within a mobile electronic device is employed as a local window into a much larger amount of data stored on one or more remote computer systems on behalf of the mobile electronic device.
US09060001B2
In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying prefix groups for searchable character symbols, each prefix group having a corresponding searchable character symbol comprising at least one searchable character; assigning at least one prefix group to each of a plurality of distributed hash table nodes in a network, each distributed hash table node containing at least one of the prefix groups, each distributed hash table node assigned a corresponding prescribed keyspace range of a prescribed keyspace, each distributed hash table node configured for storing data records having respective primary data record keys within the corresponding prescribed keyspace range; and assigning secondary indexes that start with one of the searchable character symbols to the corresponding prefix group in the associated distributed hash table node, enabling any prefix search starting with the one searchable character symbol to be directed to the corresponding prefix group in the associated distributed hash table node.
US09059998B2
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for defining an optimized media path. In one exemplary method, a proxy session controller registers, for a plurality of realms, a plurality of Border Gateway Functions (BGFs) residing on a plurality of network nodes, with the registration including registering a preferred BGF colocated with a data network gateway on a single network node for a selected set of the realms. A request message is received from a user terminal, and if a realm associated with the request message is included in the selected set of realms, the controller assigns the preferred BGF to the user terminal to provide an optimized media path that includes the user terminal, the preferred BGF, and the data network gateway.
US09059997B2
A client device manages one type of content list for a plurality of content obtainment servers, and updates information included in the content list based on information received from each content obtainment server. Thus, the client device can provide the content list with less unnecessary information to each home server with a lighter processing load, so that the time for the home server to obtain contents from the client device can be reduced.
US09059987B1
A method for accessing, using an authentication system, an application server within an enterprise network is disclosed. The method comprises retrieving an authentication message comprising a user name, wherein the authentication system is associated with the application server. The method comprises determining that a login account is not stored in a data store of the authentication system, wherein the login account is associated with a user identification and comprises a user name that matches the user name of the authentication message. The method comprises retrieving a login account from a user data store to generate a login account in the data store associated with the authentication system, wherein the login account is associated with the user name. The method comprises authenticating the user name with the login account. The method comprises providing to a user associated with the user name, access based on the authentication to the project server.
US09059977B2
A user having remote device wants to access an application that requires that the user possess a user application cryptographic credential. If the application needs to verify the identity of the user, the user's remote device performs a cryptographic operation using the user application cryptographic credentials, and sends the result to the application. A configuration for securely distributing the user application cryptographic credentials includes at least one gateway located at an enterprise that is under the control of an enterprise administrator, and a controller that is not located at the enterprise but can be configured by the enterprise administrator to cooperate with the at least one gateway.
US09059961B2
In one aspect, machines in a managed network implements a set of rules that cause individual machines to directly interact with only a small number of machines in the network (i.e., a local neighborhood within the network), while the independent local actions of the individual machines collectively cause the individual machines to be self-organized into one or more communication orbits without any global control or coordination by a server or an administrator. The communication orbits are used for supporting network, security and system management communications in the managed network.
US09059960B2
Techniques for automatically generating one or more rules during IT transformation for configuring one or more firewall interfaces in a post-transformation target environment. A method includes obtaining at least one communication pattern occurring in a pre-transformation source environment, and automatically generating one or more vendor-neutral rules for one or more intended firewall interfaces in a post-transformation target environment based on the at least one communication pattern occurring in the source environment and based on information derived from the target environment.
US09059952B2
Approaches for distributing and optimizing quality and quantity of social media posts or other posts are disclosed. In certain implementations, a post may be received from a user for submission to a channel directed to a topic. A stream flow value may be determined for the channel. The stream flow value may be based on a volume of posts associated with the channel. A rating value associated with the user submitting the post may be determined. A scope of distribution of the post to one or more users accessing the channel may be determined based on the stream flow value and the rating value. In some implementations, channel instances corresponding to the channel may be provided on different device components. At least one channel instance of the channel instances on which to make the post available may be determined based on the stream flow value and the rating value.
US09059944B2
A method and arrangement for enabling delivery of an IT-service to a client, wherein execution of the IT-service requires resources in a cloud architecture. First, a plurality of predefined cloud computing services and respective requirements for resources, are registered. Then, service subscriptions and associated subscription identities, valid in a telecommunications network, are provisioned for the predefined cloud computing services. One of the service subscriptions and associated subscription identity is assigned to an identity module, for enabling delivery of the IT-service to the client by providing an associated predefined cloud computing service when the client uses the identity module. Then, activity of the assigned service subscription is monitored in the network based on the associated subscription identity, and resources are allocated in the cloud architecture according to the assigned service subscription, when it is detected that the assigned service subscription is activated or has been activated.
US09059943B2
A method of routing multicast traffic in a computer network is disclosed. The method comprises associating a plurality of multicast group addresses on a network device with respective multicast routing topologies. A network device and a network are also disclosed.
US09059942B2
An approach is described for providing an architecture for delivering mixed reality content. A mixed reality platform determines one or more requests for one or more digital objects. The one or more digital objects aggregate location-based data, one or more computations, or a combination for supporting at least one mixed reality application. The mixed reality platform also determines one or more densities of the one or more requests with respect to one or more geographical boundaries defined by one or more clusters of the one or more digital objects. The mixed reality platform then processes and/or facilitates a processing of the one or more densities to cause, at least in part, a provisioning of one or more computational resources, one or more storage resources, one or more connectivity resources, or a combination thereof across one or more architectural layers of at least one cloud computing infrastructure for delivering the one or more digital objects, the at least one mixed reality application, or a combination thereof.
US09059936B2
Provided are a method and an apparatus for controlling streams to receive data in parallel. The method includes receiving data in parallel using a plurality of connected streams, calculating a network congestion rate using a change in a transmission speed of data received through each of the plurality of streams, adjusting a number of connections of the plurality of streams based on the calculated network congestion rate, and receiving the data in parallel using the adjusted number of streams.
US09059921B2
A method, network, and computer program product are provided for traffic flow quality of service. A quality of service priority table is received for services defined by a user at the network, and the quality of service priority table includes quality of service levels for the services. Traffic flows are determined to correspond to packets being communicated over the network for the user. The traffic flows are mapped to services. The traffic flows are mapped to the quality of service levels for the services. The quality of service levels are assigned to the traffic flows as assigned quality of service levels corresponding to the services. Each of the traffic flows is routed over the network according to its assigned quality of service levels, respectively.
US09059920B2
Method and apparatus for selecting between available neighbors in a RAPID alternate path calculation
A weighting process may be used to select between alternate neighbors in a RAPID calculation to enable policy and/or traffic engineering considerations to affect the selection of an alternate path through the network. The information used to weight the neighbors may static administratively assigned weighting information or dynamic weighting information such as local statistical traffic condition information. The process may take into account the amount of traffic being handled by the current primary next hop for the destination, the available capacity of the available alternate neighbors, the ability of the alternate neighbors to handle the additional traffic, and other considerations. Weighting may occur after a set of available loop free alternate neighbors has been determined. Alternatively, weighting may occur before the RAPID calculation has been performed to cause the neighbors to be ordered prior to RAPID processing. This may enable RAPID calculation to stop without considering all available neighbors.
US09059916B2
An apparatus and method for transmitting packets in a communication system. The packet transmission method for the communication system includes the steps of a) receiving Quality of Service (QoS) information and data rate information from an upper layer, b) receiving channel status information of wireless stations from a lower layer, and c) creating an aggregation packet according to the received information, and transmitting the created aggregation packet to a Media Access Control (MAC) layer.
US09059909B2
A system and method of configuration of link aggregation groups includes a control unit and a port coupled to the control unit and configured to couple the network switching device to a neighboring switch. The control unit is configured to transmit a probe message to the neighboring switch, receive a remote switch identifier and link aggregation group (LAG) identifier from the neighboring switch, determine whether the remote switch identifier matches a previously received remote switch identifier and the remote LAG identifier matches a previously received remote LAG identifier. When both match, determine a first LAG associated with the previously received remote switch identifier and the previously received remote LAG identifier and assign the port to the first LAG. When both do not match, to create a second LAG, assign the port to the second LAG, and associate the remote switch identifier and the remote LAG identifier with the second LAG.
US09059908B2
A system, method and computer program product for facilitating non-interruptive transactions is provided, wherein the transactions are initiated at one or more transaction channels. The system comprises one or more transaction processing servers configured to perform transactions initiated at the transaction channels, each transaction processing server comprising predetermined logic for performing the initiated transactions. The system further comprises one or more monitors configured to monitor the availability of the transaction processing servers and forward the availability information to an integration module. The integration module is configured to forward the transactions initiated at the transaction channels to at least one transaction processing server based on the received availability information and predetermined criteria for forwarding transactions for processing to the transaction processing servers.
US09059906B1
Embodiments of the invention provide a data communication interface which includes a controller module, a switching module and a data port. The controller module is operable to monitor a status of a power line of the data port and, if the power line has a first status, to transmit a first communication mode instruction to the switching module. If the power line has a second status, the controller module is configured to transmit a second communication mode instruction to the switching module. The switching module is configured to receive a communication mode instruction from the controller module and, if the first communication mode instruction is received, to route data communication lines corresponding to a first communication protocol to the data port. If the second communication mode instruction is received, the switching module is configured to route data communication lines corresponding to a second communication protocol to the data port.
US09059903B2
A method and apparatus for monitoring connectivity in a network at a bearer path layer are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request to monitor a user endpoint, identifies an internet protocol address of the user endpoint, an internet protocol address of each transport network element between the user endpoint and a bearer trace server, a bearer path identification of each bearer used by the user endpoint, a quality of service associated with each bearer used by the user endpoint, and a tunnel identification of each bearer used by the user endpoint; and performs a fault isolation and performance monitoring at a bearer path layer, wherein the fault isolation identifies a particular segment where a fault is detected at the bearer path layer.
US09059902B2
Procedures, apparatuses, systems, and computer-readable media for operating primary and backup network elements (NEs). The procedure for operating the primary NE includes determining a failure in a primary path in which the primary NE is interposed. A switch-over notification message is provided via an inter-chassis communication link to a backup NE. At least one status synchronization message is communicated with at least one of the backup NE via the inter-chassis communication link and a head-end NE in accordance with a standardized protection switching protocol. The procedure for operating the backup NE includes receiving the switch-over notification message, indicating failure in a primary path, via the inter-chassis communication link. A status synchronization message is provided in accordance with the standardized protection switching protocol to a head-end NE to establish communication with the head-end NE via a secondary path.
US09059893B2
Restricting access to a device from a server, where the device is remote to the server and is connected locally to a client that is remote to the server, is described. The operations may include facilitating interception, at the server, of a function call to create a symbolic link; facilitating determination that the intercepted function call to create the symbolic link corresponds to a device object associated with the device that is remote to the server and is connected locally to a client that is remote to the server; facilitating obtaining configuration data indicating whether access to the device is to be restricted; and facilitating creation of the symbolic link in a local namespace of an object manager namespace of the server, upon obtaining configuration data indicating that access to the device is to be restricted.
US09059891B2
A method for providing an administration policy to a user device comprising a plurality of applications, the method comprising centrally generating the administration policy to be implemented in the user device, the administration policy comprising at least one of an application administration policy to be used by at least one of the plurality of applications and a client administration policy for the user device; and providing the generated policy to the user device.
US09059890B2
A method for reporting a channel status in a mobile communication system including a relay station (RS) is provided. When a mobile terminal in the coverage of a base station (BS) receives a service through an RS, the RS reports a channel status between the RS and the terminal to the BS to allow the BS to decide whether or not to communicate with the terminal through the RS. In the method, a first RS in communication with a BS and at least one terminal measures a channel quality with a first terminal, compares the measured channel quality with a threshold and transmits a report message to the BS according to the comparison. The report message requests the BS to measure channel quality of at least a second RS or the first terminal in communication with the BS.
US09059886B1
In an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless communication system, when path delay information is received from a reception apparatus through a return path after data transmission, a length of a cyclic prefix included in a transmitted signal is adjusted on the basis of a delay value included in the path delay information.
US09059879B2
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a test signal generator configured to generate a single sideband (SSB) test signal that is used for testing components of one or more receiver chains to identify errors in the receiver chains. In one embodiment, the circuit comprises a SSB signal generator configured to generate an IQ baseband signal comprising a sequence of constellation points corresponding to the SSB test signal. The constellation points are modulated onto a high frequency local oscillator signal to generate the SSB test signal, which is inserted into a reception path of a receiver at a test signal injection point. The reception path comprises a mixer configured to mix the SSB test signal with the local oscillator signal to generate a down-converted, intermediate frequency output signal. The output signal may be analyzed to determine errors in the reception path.
US09059864B2
Initiating, by USB device adaptors, USB connections over a non-USB network, including the steps of: Connecting non-collocated USB hosts with respective non-collocated USB host adaptors (USBHs), according to USB specification timings. Connecting non-collocated USB devices with respective non-collocated USB device adaptors (USBDs). Enabling the USBDs and the USBHs to communicate over the non-USB network that enables each USBD to discover the presence and capabilities of each USBH. Receiving, by the USBDs, information about the USB hosts. And then, initiating by the USBDs USB-over-network connections between the USB devices and the USB hosts.
US09059863B2
An integrated security system integrates broadband and mobile access and control with conventional security systems and premise devices to provide a tri-mode security network having remote connectivity and access. The integrated security system delivers remote premise monitoring and control functionality to conventional monitored premise protection and complements existing premise protection equipment. The integrated security system integrates into the premise network and couples wirelessly with the conventional security panel, enabling broadband access to premise security systems. Automation devices can be added, enabling users to remotely see live video or pictures and control home devices via a personal web portal or other client device. Camera management enables automatic configuration and management of cameras in the premise network. The camera management extends to remote control and monitoring from outside the firewall of the premise network to include routing of images or video from a streaming source device to a requesting client device.
US09059860B2
Techniques for announcing conference attendance changes in multiple languages and in a minimally disruptive form are described. An embodiment may include batching announcement events for a time period. The time period may be specific, or may be determined by the length of an ongoing announcement. At the end of the batching time, an announcement of the batched events may be streamed to the conference participants. Multiple batched events may be summarized into one announcement. Multiple access points to a conference may be provided, where each access point provides announcements in a different language. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09059855B2
An apparatus and method are described for implementing a trusted dynamic launch and trusted platform module (TPM) using a secure enclave. For example, a computer-implemented method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: initializing a secure enclave in response to a first command, the secure enclave comprising a trusted software execution environment which prevents software executing outside the enclave from having access to software and data inside the enclave; and executing a trusted platform module (TPM) from within the secure enclave, the trusted platform module securely reading data from a set of platform control registers (PCR) in a processor or chipset component into a memory region allocated to the secure enclave.
US09059850B2
High speed communication networks divide data traffic into multiple physical lanes. For example, the IEEE standard 40 G/100 G supports sending Ethernet frames at 40/100 gigabits per second over multiple 10/25 Gb/s lanes. Techniques are disclosed for aligning the data across the physical lanes.
US09059839B2
A communication terminal generates a temporary network key based on a managed master network key and on key identification used for security processing on a communication frame. The security processing is performed on the communication frame using the temporary network key. A secure communication frame is produced in which the identification of the key is indicated.
US09059835B1
A demodulator for a Bluetooth receiver includes an oversampling module configured to oversample input symbols a first plurality of times to generate a first plurality of oversampled input symbols. A correlating module is configured to correlate a second plurality of adjacent samples of the first plurality of oversampled input symbols with corresponding symbols in a predetermined enhanced data rate (EDR) sync word. Based on the correlation, the correlating module is configured to selectively generate a sync signal indicating that EDR sync has occurred. The second plurality of adjacent samples comprises more samples than one and less than all of the first plurality of oversampled input symbols.
US09059823B2
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method of performing inter-cell interference coordination in a heterogeneous network. The apparatus includes a reception unit, a determination unit, a generation unit, and a transmission unit. The reception unit receives a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level from a small cell base station in each frame. The determination unit determines a calculated MCS level based on the MCS level and an interfering signal estimated through probabilistic modeling. The generation unit generates a ratio of subframes, in which data will not be transmitted, to all subframes of a frame based on the MCS level and the calculated MCS level. The transmission unit transmits the ratio and the calculated MCS level to the small cell base station.
US09059821B2
A method in a receiver includes receiving from a transmitter a request to provide channel feedback relating to a communication channel between the transmitter and the receiver. A maximum latency after which the channel feedback is expected by the transmitter is assessed. A spectral resolution with which to calculate the channel feedback is selected based on the assessed maximum latency. The channel feedback is calculated with the selected spectral resolution, and the calculated channel feedback is sent to the transmitter within the maximum latency.
US09059815B2
The present invention provides an improved optical communication network (300) that utilizes an apparatus of optical channel protection. The apparatus for optical channel protection of the present invention including a transmitting end network switch (200), a first and a second receiving end network switch (201, 202), a plurality of wavelength tuneable transmitting end transponders (400, 401 . . . 405), a plurality of wavelength tuneable receiving end transponders (400′, 401′ . . . 405′), a transmitting end controller (10a) connected to a network monitoring and control system (100a) and a receiving end controller (10b) connected to said network monitoring and control system (100a). The present invention utilizes a method of optical channel protection that can be broadly categorized under optical multiplex switching.
US09059813B2
Disclosed are a method and a UE for transmitting uplink control information, and a method and a BS for receiving uplink control information. According to the present invention, a time-frequency resource for the UL transmission, which collides with the DL transmission by the neighbor cell, can be removed or reduced to mitigate inter-cell interference.
US09059811B2
In a computer-implemented method of adjusting a local clock at a receiver in a packet network, the local clock is generated by a phase locked loop locked to a master clock with the aid of time-stamped timing packets arriving over the network from the master clock with a packet delay distribution about a nominal delay. The timing packets are filtered to adjust for the packet delay distribution. A control input for the phase locked loop is derived from the timing packets. The amount of skew in the packet delay distribution about the nominal delay is determined, and the arrival times of timing packets are then selectively modified to correct for the amount of skew in the packet delay variation distribution prior to filtering the timing packets.
US09059806B2
An optical communication system, a transmission apparatus and a reception apparatus, and a transmission method and a reception method are provided. The transmission apparatus transmits an optical signal, and comprises: at least one encoder for encoding at least one data signal, respectively; at least one first modulator for performing first modulation on the at least one encoded data signal, respectively, and generating at least one first modulated signal; at least one second modulator for performing second modulation, which is DFT-spread-OFDM modulation, on the at least one first modulated signal, respectively, and generating at least one second modulated signal; and an up-converter for up-converting the at least one second modulated signal into the optical signal to be transmitted. Thus, a PAPR of the optical OFDM transmission signal is decreased, a signal distortion caused by non-linearity of optical devices is reduced, and a reception quality of the signal is improved.
US09059802B2
The disclosed subject matter provides for received signal strength indicator (RSSI) snapshot analysis. RSSI snapshot analysis can be independent of determining location/map information. An RSSI snapshot can be analyzed in view of historic RSSI information to determine a probability that a local wireless resource correlated with the historical RSSI information is instantly available. Machine learning can be employed to train an inference component to facilitate in determining the probability. In an aspect, the state of a wireless radio can be controlled based on the probability and this can reduce the energy consumption of the user equipment by facilitating intelligent enablement of a wireless radio.
US09059795B2
A method for dynamically clocking one component located into a Wireless telecommunication apparatus comprising a RF transceiver subject to desensizitation by said component EMI, characterized in that it involves the steps of performing an adaptive control on the clock rate of said component so as to locate a wideband noise PSD null just to the left or to the right, in the frequency domain, of the RF transceiver wanted carrier frequency (fw) Particularly, the control is performed by means of the control of programmable frequency dividers, and under the control of a general control unit (UCM) for the purpose of performing a contextual analysis of the current mode of operation of said wireless telecommunications and, in response to said contextual analysis, for determining the fine tuning of the clock rate to be applied to said component.
US09059787B1
A method in a communication terminal includes receiving a CDMA signal that was transmitted over a communication channel by a base station at a given transmission power, and received at the communication terminal with noise of a given noise level. The CDMA signal includes at least a pilot channel that was spread using a pilot spreading sequence. The received CDMA signal is de-spread with the pilot spreading sequence, and a pilot amplitude of the pilot channel is calculated based on the de-spread CDMA signal. Based on the received CDMA signal and the pilot amplitude, the transmission power of the base station and the noise level of the noise are estimated.
US09059786B2
A method used in the receiver of a communication system is provided to suppress narrow band interferences, known as ingress, that are present in the communication channel, which is shared by a plurality of transmitters each having a channel pre-equalizer, by means of a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme or Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (SCDMA) scheme. The method comprises filtering the interferences using Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) notch filters, and providing IIR all-pass filters devised to compensate for substantially all phase distortions introduced by the notch filters. The method also includes an algorithm to detect the narrow band interferences and an adaptive equalizer to equalize the channel by computing the coefficients of the transmitters' pre-equalizers, and arranged such that the equalization of the channel is isolated from the suppression of the interferences.
US09059777B2
Various embodiments relate generally to a mobile device (e.g., cellular phone) case and neck lanyard (with integrated headphones and microphone) allowing hands-free use of the mobile device. An embodiment magnetically couples the case to the lanyard. Other embodiments are described herein.
US09059770B2
A system and methods for cancelling spatial interference associated with an original multi-carrier signal carrying at least one data transmission sent by a transmitter to an antenna array comprising a plurality of antennae and having a receiver operatively associated therewith, the system receiving a plurality of received signals respectively including interference and the original signal as received by a respective individual antenna from among the plurality of antennae, the system comprising a spatial nulling device for generating a cleaner signal by reducing at least one spatial component of the interference; and a signal manipulator operative to manipulate a derivative of the received signal so as to cause the at least one data transmission to be more concentrated in a subset of frequency bands in which the spatial nulling device is more effective and to be less concentrated in frequency bands which do not belong to the subset of frequency bands.
US09059769B2
An equalization circuit, includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, a second output terminal, a first regulating circuit, a second regulating circuit, and a bias voltage generating circuit. The bias voltage generating circuit is connected with both the first regulating circuit and the second regulating circuit. The first regulating circuit includes a first field effect transistor (FET), a second FET, a third FET, a fourth FET, a first resistor connected with the first FET, a second resistor connected with the second FET, a third resistor connected with the third FET, a fourth resistor connected with the fourth FET, a fifth resistor connected with the third FET, a sixth resistor connected with the fourth FET, a first capacitor connected with the third FET, and a second capacitor connected with the fourth FET. An equalization system is further provided.
US09059766B2
A method may include: determining a signal strength of a signal in a receive path of a wireless communication element, the receive path configured to receive a wireless communication signal and convert the wireless communication signal into a digital signal based at least on an oscillator signal; selecting a current mode from at least one of a first current mode and a second current mode for the wireless communication element based at least on the signal strength; communicating a control signal to the receive path indicative of the current mode; modifying one or more operational parameters of the receive path such that the receive path consumes a different amount of current in each of the current modes.
US09059765B2
A reception device includes signal receiving units that generate received signals from signals obtained by receiving a transmitted signal at antennas, signal processing units that perform processes of generating received frequency domain signals by transforming the received signals to signals in the frequency domain, calculating channel impulse responses of the received signals, calculating estimated received signals from the channel impulse responses, and calculating residual error weights with values that decrease with increasing differences between the received signals and the estimated received signals, a combining ratio calculation unit that calculates combining ratios for the received frequency domain signals such that the ratios decrease as the residual error weights decrease, a diversity combining unit that combines the received frequency domain signals according to the combining ratios to generate a diversity combined signal, and an inverse Fourier transform unit that transforms the diversity combined signal to a time domain signal.
US09059762B2
A method for assisting the adaptation of a signal from a first node to a second node is provided. The first node communicates with the second node in a wireless communication system over a radio link. The second node has a codebook comprising a set of possible information alternatives for assisting the adaptation of a signal received from the first node. The second node may select an information alternative from the codebook and send it to the first node to assist the first node in adapting the signal. The first node is configured with a number of subsets, each comprising a part of the possible information alternatives. The first node requests that the second node restrict the selection of information alternatives to one of the subsets, and in response, receives an information alternative from the second node that is selected from among the subsets configured according to the configuration request.
US09059760B2
A method and apparatus for enabling uplink beamforming transmit diversity is provided. The method may include receiving, by a wireless communications device (WCD), a beamforming weight vector in response to transmission by the WCD of two or more pilot channels, applying the received beamforming weight vector to at least one of a first of the two or more pilot channels, one or more data channels, or one or more control channels, and transmitting, using two or more antennas, at least one of the one or more data channels or at least one of the one or more control channels, wherein the number of pilot channels is greater than or equal to the number of antennas.
US09059759B2
A wireless communications device includes multiple switchable antenna elements that may be used to improve interfacing of the wireless communications device with other devices, such as for interfacing of an RFID-equipped mobile communications device with other RFID devices (e.g., to better ensure power delivery to and/or communication with such other RFID devices) and/or may be used to characterize various aspects of the environment around the wireless communications device, such as for proximity-based functionality.
US09059733B2
A circuit includes a digital-to-analog converter with non-uniform resolution for converting a digital signal into an analog signal. The digital-to-analog converter includes high-resolution circuitry, reduced-resolution circuitry coupled to the high-resolution circuitry and a switch coupled to the high-resolution circuitry and to the reduced-resolution circuitry. The switch couples one of the high-resolution circuitry and the reduced-resolution circuitry to an output node. The circuit also includes a decoder coupled to the switch. The decoder receives the digital signal to control the switch.
US09059732B2
According to one aspect, a resolver-to-digital converter includes a first filter configured to receive a first delta-sigma modulated resolver input. A second filter is configured to receive a second delta-sigma modulated resolver input. A summing junction is configured to output a difference between a scaled output of the first filter and a scaled output of the second filter. A controller is configured to generate a controller output based on a product of a demodulator and an output of the summing junction. An integrator is configured to generate an estimated position based on the controller output. The resolver-to-digital converter also includes a compensator configured to generate a compensated estimated position based on the controller output and a compensation offset delay adjustment.
