US09109680B2

A hydrostatic mechanical power split transmission includes a housing, at least one first power branch having at least one hydraulic pump and at least one hydraulic motor, and at least one drive shaft provided with gear wheel elements, which is disposed inside the housing and can be directly or indirectly driven by at least one drive engine, in particular an internal combustion engine as a further power branch, the drive shaft being able to selectively act either directly or indirectly on the sun gear of a planetary gear system by way of at least one clutch, to be decoupled from the planetary gear system, wherein the planetary gear system can be switched to a state of constrained motion by way of further clutches as a function of the respective operating state of the power split transmission.
US09109677B2

The planetary gear train includes a first sun gear driven by the motor, a first ring gear, a first carrier, and a plurality of first planetary gears arranged at one side of the first carrier and meshing with the first sun gear and the first ring gear. The first sun gear, first planetary gears and first ring gear are helical gears so that meshing surface is increased. Helical teeth formed on an inner surface of the first ring gear mesh with the helical teeth of the first planetary gears. Therefore, the operation is stable and the noise is low. The planetary gears are made of plastic to further decrease the noise. The first ring gear is made by sintered powder metallurgy.
US09109674B2

An electrically variable transmission includes an input member, first and second motor-generators and a gear reduction arrangement including at least a first gear coupled to at least one second gear. A first planetary gear set can include a first sun gear, a first ring gear and a first carrier rotatably supporting a plurality of pinion gears in meshing engagement with the first sun gear and ring gear. The first carrier can be non-rotatably coupled to the input member and the first ring gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the at least one second gear. The sun gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the first motor-generator and the first gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the second motor-generator. The torque transmitting device can be configured to selectively fix rotation of the input member in at least one of a first rotational direction and a second opposite rotational direction.
US09109673B2

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include an input shaft, an output shaft, a compound planetary gear set disposed on the output shaft, and including a first rotation element selectively connected to the input shaft through two paths respectively having an externally-meshed gear and operated as a selective fixed element, a second rotation element selectively connected to the input shaft through one path having an externally-meshed gear and operated as a selective fixed element, a third rotation element connected to the output shaft, and a fourth rotation element selectively connected to the input shaft through one path having an externally-meshed gear, three transfer gears forming the externally-meshed gears, and friction elements provided with clutches selectively connecting the first, second, and fourth rotation elements to the input shaft and brakes selectively connecting the first and second rotation elements to a transmission housing.
US09109670B2

In a handheld power tool having a reduction gear unit, drivable by a motor, for driving a drive shaft, the reduction gear unit being situated in a gear housing and being shiftable via a gearshift at least between a first gear having a comparatively high torque and a second gear having a comparatively low torque, the reduction gear unit is assigned a mechanical overload protection device which is designed to limit the reduction gear unit during operation of the handheld power tool, if a torque, transferred from the drive shaft to the reduction gear unit, exceeds a machine-specific limiting value.
US09109665B2

A power shift transmission has an input shaft, a first output shaft coaxial to the input shaft, a planetary transmission with a planet carrier, which is connected to the input shaft, and at least three shift elements. To minimize drag from open shift elements and to optimize shift times of a connectable synchromesh transmission, the planetary transmission has at least two stepped planetary sets, which may be mounted on a common planet carrier. Each stepped planetary set meshes on input and output sides with at least one sun gear. The first output shaft is connected to an output side sun associated with one stepped planetary set by a first shift element, the first output shaft is connected to an output side sun associated with another stepped planetary set by a second shift element, and input side sun gears are blocked relative to the transmission housing by a third shift element.
US09109661B2

A belt detachment preventing jig (J1) is used for wrapping a belt around a crank pulley and a compressor pulley, each having a pulley groove, in a tight belt tension by having the belt fitted to the pulley groove of the crank pulley, with the belt looped over the compressor pulley, to prevent the belt from being detached from a belt-entering side of the compressor pulley. The belt detachment preventing jig (J1) is includes a fitting groove (11a) positioned on an outer side surface of a pulley flange of the compressor pulley, and configured to be slidably fitted to the pulley flange of the pulley, and a notch (10b) configured to be fitted to the pulley flange of the crank pulley and prevent the jig (J1) from being driven into rotation by a rotation movement of the compressor pulley.
US09109649B2

A synchronizing device for a movably mounted furniture part synchronizes a movement between at least two adjusting devices via a synchronizing rod. The synchronizing rod has at least two sub-shafts between which an overload protection device is arranged, and the overload protection device can release a relative rotational movement between the two sub-shafts when a specified holding torque between the two sub-shafts is exceeded.
US09109647B2

A method, a device and a computer program for control of a motor vehicle's propulsion. When a clutch torque (Req T) is demanded by a driver activating of an accelerator pedal, the degree of closure (G) of the vehicle's clutch actuator is controlled by feedback on the basis of a monitored engine torque. There is at least one further consumer (290) of engine power in addition to propulsion. The method includes detecting (s410) activation of the at least one further consumer and, when such activation is detected, changing (s420) the feedback control to open control, whereby the degree of closure (G) of the vehicle's clutch actuator is based on a predetermined relationship between the degree of closure (G) and the clutch torque (Req T).
US09109642B2

A rotation transmission device includes a two-way clutch and an electromagnetic clutch for engaging and disengaging the two-way clutch and which can be easily assembled without the need for a shim to prevent movements of the clutches. The two-way clutch (10) and the electromagnetic clutch (50) are mounted in a housing (3) including at one end a positioning arrangement (5). The two-way clutch (10) and the electromagnetic clutch (5) are biased by an elastic member (7) supported by the positioning arrangement (5) toward an anti-separation ring (8) provided on the inner periphery of the housing (3) at the other end thereof, and are thus prevented from moving.
US09109631B2

A slip coupling includes two coupling elements and a clamping nut screwed onto one coupling element to press the other coupling element against the one coupling element so that a torque acting on one coupling element is transmitted slip-free to the other coupling element and limited to a sliding torque as the coupling elements slip against one another. Free play disks are disposed between the clamping nut and the other coupling element. Interacting driver elements received by the clamping nut, the free play disks and the other coupling element enable the coupling elements to slip against one another up to a critical angle without rotation of the clamping nut. When clamping nut is caused to rotate, a contact pressure of the other coupling element on the one coupling element and thereby a holding torque transmittable in a slip-free manner is changed.
US09109625B2

A thrust plate includes an annular-shaped body having a scalloped outer edge that forms a first circumference defined by a first diameter. The thrust plate further includes a plurality of cooling slots formed in a first surface of the body. The cooling slots are formed between each pair of adjacent scallops. A center of each cooling slot extends towards the center of the thrust plate at a common predetermined angle with respect to one another.
US09109624B2

A Fluid turbine flow meter, including a measurement chamber, a turbine body that is displaced axially, as a function of the fluid flow rates, between a high position and a low position in the measurement chamber and having a rotation axis, a centering bearing for the rotation axis in the measurement chamber that has a longitudinal body with a longitudinal passage supporting and passed through by the rotation axis, the rotation axis pivoting by being held axially in the measurement chamber, by a first axial end stop in the high position and by a second axial end stop in the low position, the centering bearing having, in the longitudinal passage, at least two cylindrical longitudinal support centering walls for the rotation axis.
US09109621B2

A connecting rod for an aeronautical actuator system, having one shaft transmitting forces applied in tension and/or compression along a longitudinal axis of the rod. When the connecting rod is in service, an elastically deformable element connected to the shaft is configured to react to the forces applied to the shaft, and displays elastic deformation when effected by these forces. The deformable element has a peripheral part rigidly connected to a member of the rod in which the shaft is slidably mounted. Measurement means associated with the deformable element determine the forces. The measurement means is partially housed in the deformable element. The deformable element includes a central part elongated along the longitudinal axis, which is rigidly connected to the shaft and in which the measurement means are at least partially housed. An intermediate part runs transversally to the central part and connects the central part and the peripheral part.
US09109610B2

The invention relates to a radial blower, with at least one axial air inlet port (1) and with a radial air outlet port (2). The radial blower has a housing subassembly and a fan subassembly with an electric motor (3) and a fan wheel (4). The housing subassembly has at least one holding part (5) arranged in the region of the axial air inlet port (1) for supporting reception of a carrying part (6), and two shell parts (71, 72) releasably connectable to one another. The holding part (5) is fastened between the shell parts. The electric motor (3) of the fan subassembly is an electronically commutated direct current motor. Control electronics (19) are arranged in a terminal box (13) for the reception of motor connections (12). The terminal box is fastened, to the underside of a lower shell part (72) of the housing subassembly.
US09109603B2

The invention relates to an improved multi-stage centrifugal compressor (10) comprising at least four centrifugal compression stages (11,12,13,14), each including an impeller. The impellers of one pair of the stages (12,13) are mounted on a first shaft (23) coupled to a first high speed direct drive motor (16), and the impellers of another pair of the stages (11,14) are mounted on a second shaft (24) coupled to a second high speed direct drive motor (15). The speed of the first and second motors is controlled by at least one drive (25) such that the impellers are all driven at the same speed.
US09109601B2

A blood pump apparatus includes a housing having a blood inlet port and blood outlet port, a pump unit including an impeller that rotates within the housing, and an impeller rotational torque generation section. The housing includes a plurality of magnetic members embedded between the impeller and the impeller rotational torque generation section for transmitting a magnetically attractive force generated by the impeller rotational torque generation section to an impeller body. The pump device includes a non-contact bearing mechanism for rotating the impeller without contacting with the inner surface of the housing when the impeller is rotated by the impeller rotational torque generation section.
US09109596B2

A variable displacement pump includes: a first control oil chamber which moves a cam ring toward a direction against a biasing force of a biasing member when a discharge pressure is introduced thereinto; a second control oil chamber which acts a hydraulic pressure upon the cam ring by cooperating with the biasing force of the biasing member when hydraulic oil is introduced thereinto; a switching mechanism which switches between one state in which hydraulic oil whose pressure is decreased than a discharge pressure is introduced to the second control oil chamber from the discharge section and another state in which hydraulic oil is discharged from the second control oil chamber; and a control mechanism operated before an eccentricity of the cam ring becomes a minimum and which discharges a greater amount of hydraulic oil within the second control oil chamber as the discharge pressure becomes larger.
US09109594B2

A modular mobile fract pump unit having for a radiator with a heat exchanger vertically for generally horizontal flow of air through the radiator and a duct provided on an air exit side of the heat exchanger to direct air exiting the heat exchanger upwardly. Preferably, the duct comprises a retractable duct for movement between an operative position for use in parked cooling operation and a storage position for transport of the unit as a road worthy vehicle, within the storage position the duct not increasing the overall width of the unit and in the operative position the duct extending laterally to the side of the unit beyond the storage position and increasing the overall width of the unit.
US09109592B2

A piezoelectric micro-blower includes an inner case to which a peripheral portion of a vibrating plate including a piezoelectric element is fixed such that a blower chamber is defined between the inner case and the vibrating plate and an outer case arranged to cover an outer periphery of the inner case with a gap therebetween. The inner case is elastically retained in the outer case by a plurality of connecting portions. A first opening is provided in a top plate portion of the inner case that faces a central portion of the vibrating plate, and a second opening is provided in a top plate portion of the outer case that faces the first opening. A central space is provided between the top plate portions, and fluid introduced from the outside is guided to the central space through the gap between the inner and outer cases.
US09109582B2

A method and apparatus for heating fluids with the earth's internal energy released through the vents of the ridge expansion zones in the planet's seas. The whole apparatus is composed of three main parts: components located on a large barge include the main pump, a water filtering system, a pressure regulating valve. The second part contains long concentric tubes of constant diameter handing from the barge and defining outer and inner fluid channels through which cool water flows down while heated water flows up. The third part is a heat exchanger attached at the bottom of the long concentric tubes, which is placed over a thermal vent in the ocean floor. Crust fracturing may be used to stimulate the vent's flow by injecting high pressure water through wells that may be vertical, inclined or directional.
US09109580B2

An arrangement for fixing a component inside of a wind turbine is disclosed. The arrangement has a portion of a tower and a direct fastener. The direct fastener has a first part and a second part and the portion of the tower is a portion of a wind turbine tower. The first part of the direct fastener is driven into the portion of the tower and is connected thereto by a combination of friction hold and bonding. The second part of the direct fastener protrudes from the portion of the tower and connects to a component.
US09109579B2

A windmill having a hub sealing apparatus for sealing an interface between a hub and a blade of the windmill, The hub sealing apparatus includes a bottom sealing ring configured to be sealed to the hub, a top sealing ring configured to be rotatably sealed to the blade, and a middle sealing ring configured to be sealed to the top sealing ring and the bottom sealing ring, so as to connect the top and bottom sealing rings.
US09109578B2

A root extender for coupling a rotor blade to a hub of a wind turbine is disclosed. The root extender may generally include a body defining a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The first end may define a first planar surface configured to be positioned adjacent to the hub and the second end may define a second planar surface configured to be positioned adjacent to the rotor blade. The second planar surface may be oriented at a cone angle relative to the first planar surface. In addition, the longitudinal axis may be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the first planar surface.
US09109565B2

A power system may include a power generation component and a sensor configured to measure a parameter. The power system may also include a controller in communication with the power generation component and the sensor. The controller may be configured to run the power generation component in an exercise mode for a duration. The duration may be based on the measured parameter.
US09109561B2

In a method for calibrating a fuel metering system including an injector of an internal combustion engine performing a pilot injection chronologically prior to a main injection, at least two test injections chronologically prior to the pilot injection are provided for the injector, the first test injection being carried out using a first activation duration, in which the injector does not yet open, at least one second test injection being carried out in a subsequent injection cycle using an activation duration which is progressively increased in each case in relation to the first test injection until a change of an operating variable of the fuel metering system or the internal combustion engine results, which activation duration corresponds to a minimum activation duration of the injector.
US09109560B2

A plunger stopper is installed to a cylinder hole forming portion of a cylinder forming member. The plunger stopper cooperates with a step portion of a plunger to limit movement of the plunger in a state where a slide surface of the plunger contacts an inner peripheral wall surface of the cylinder hole.
US09109556B2

A fuel injection device includes a cylinder defining a pressure chamber at an end portion of a nozzle needle. In the cylinder, a floating plate is provided as a controlling member of fuel pressure. An orifice member and a nozzle body are lined by an annular positioning member, using a circular peripheral surface of the orifice member and a circular peripheral surface of the nozzle body as a reference surface. Thereby, radial locations of the nozzle body and the orifice member are defined. Furthermore, a location of the floating plate is defined by the nozzle body with the nozzle needle. Therefore, the floating plate can be located to a proper location relative to the orifice member.
US09109554B2

Provided is a fuel pump module for a vehicle includes: a flange assembly positioned at a top portion of a fuel tank; a reservoir body assembly positioned at an inner bottom portion of the fuel tank; and a guide rod connecting the flange assembly and the reservoir body assembly to each other, wherein the reservoir body assembly includes: a fuel pump forcibly supplying fuel in the fuel tank to an engine; and a filter having a column shape in which it includes a hollow having the fuel pump positioned therein, installed in a form in which it is inserted into a case forming an appearance of the reservoir body assembly and having the fuel pump installed therein, and installed to allow the fuel before passing through the fuel pump to pass therethrough, thereby filtering foreign materials included in the fuel.
US09109546B2

A system and method for controlling air flow in an engine system. In one embodiment, the system includes an engine, a turbocharger coupled to the engine, and a compressor bypass valve coupled to the turbocharger and to the engine. The compressor bypass valve includes a mechanism that allows the compressor bypass valve to be closed by default and allows the compressor bypass valve to be actuated passively when acted upon by a boost pressure when the boost pressure increases above a predefined pressure threshold. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the compressor bypass valve is passive, and thus controls air flow to the engine without requiring active control circuitry or logic.
US09109545B2

Various systems and method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, a method for controlling an engine includes determining an actual intake oxygen concentration, adjusting a donor cylinder fuel injection amount to drive the actual intake oxygen concentration to a designated intake oxygen concentration, and adjusting a non-donor cylinder fuel injection amount dependent upon the donor cylinder fuel injection adjustment and to maintain a second operating parameter.
US09109544B2

A device is provided for compressor and charge air cooler protection in an internal combustion engine, such as a Diesel engine. The engine having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, first and second EGR routes, a charge air cooler, a turbocharger having a compressor and a turbine. A regulator is also provided for regulating the flow rate of exhaust gas and the splitting of exhaust gas between the first and second EGR route. A temperature sensor is also provided for sensing output temperature of gas at the outlet of said compressor. A method and computer readable medium embodying a computer program product are also provided that have a first phase of monitoring a parameter representative of the gas temperature at the output of the compressor and a second phase in which an activity involving engine components operation is performed. The activity is performed using temperature information determined in the monitoring phase.
US09109539B2

An aircraft powerplant is disclosed that can be operated in at least three modes including as a gas turbine engine, as an engine having a ramburner, and as an engine having a forward compression combustor engine such as a ramjet and/or scramjet. An airflow valve is provided to direct air to a downstream portion of the aircraft engine and can be positioned as a function of the aircraft operating modes. The valve can be used to cocoon the gas turbine engine.
US09109531B2

A method for testing casting quality includes collecting sand that has fallen from an internal cavity of the casting at a collection area. The collection area includes a screen and a pad. The method further includes capturing a first image of sand that has fallen onto the pad and analyzing the first image to determine an amount of black sand that has fallen onto the pad. The method further includes capturing a second image of sand that has been retained on the screen and analyzing the second image to determine an amount of black sand chunks retained on the screen.
US09109528B2

A control system for an internal combustion engine having a throttle valve disposed in an intake passage of the engine. A target intake air amount of the engine is calculated, and an intake pressure of the engine is estimated. A wide-open intake air amount is calculated according to the engine rotational speed, and a theoretical intake air amount is calculated according to the wide-open intake air amount and the intake pressure. The wide-open intake air amount is an intake air amount corresponding to a state where the throttle valve is fully opened, and the theoretical intake air amount is an intake air amount corresponding to a state where no exhaust gas of the engine is recirculated to a combustion chamber of the engine. further, an exhaust gas recirculation ratio is calculated using the theoretical intake air amount and the target intake air amount, and a target output torque of the engine is calculated using the target intake air amount and the exhaust gas recirculation ratio. The engine is controlled using the target output torque.
US09109518B2

An internal combustion engine is equipped with an EGR system that includes an EGR heat exchanger. A method for monitoring the EGR heat exchanger includes monitoring an EGR gas inlet temperature to the EGR heat exchanger, an EGR gas outlet temperature from the EGR heat exchanger, a coolant temperature and a mass EGR flowrate through the EGR heat exchanger for a present engine operating point. An actual thermal effectiveness of the EGR heat exchanger for the present engine operating point is determined. A maximum heat transfer coefficient for the EGR side of the EGR heat exchanger is determined for the present engine operating point. The EGR heat exchanger is regenerated when the actual heat transfer coefficient differs from the maximum heat transfer coefficient for the present engine operating point.
US09109517B2

A method of monitoring health of a mechanical drive train is provided. The method includes obtaining voltage and current signals from at least one phase of an electrical machine coupled with the mechanical drive train. The method also includes representing the electrical machine having a non-sinusoidal flux distribution as a combination of a plurality of harmonic order sinusoidally distributed virtual electrical machines based on the obtained voltage and current signals. The method further includes determining a torque profile associated with one or more combinations of the sinusoidally distributed virtual electrical machines. Finally, the method includes detecting the presence of an anomaly in the mechanical drive train based on the torque profile or spectrum.
US09109508B2

An action reaction combustion engine comprising of one or more engines with one or more pistons having adequate mass being housed in mated cylinders and having two opposing heads also having valving plumbing fuel delivery and starting means and allowed to reciprocate on linear bearings delivering a workforce on each end of back and fourth stroke one force when the pistons compresses and stops and one force when fuel ignites or high pressure air pushes and drives the piston back producing four power events every one complete reciprocating cycle or revolution of the crank or other drive mechanism.
US09109504B2

Various systems and methods are provided for controlling a wastegate in the presence of a degraded wastegate valve sensor. In one example, responsive to feedback from a wastegate valve sensor being unavailable, a wastegate valve is moved to an at least partially open position in part via exhaust pressures responsive to a desired boost being within a first range. Responsive to feedback from the wastegate valve sensor being unavailable, the wastegate valve is moved toward a fully closed position at a rate responsive to boost pressure dynamics responsive to the desired boost being within a second, different range.
US09109501B2

An exhaust-gas turbocharger includes a turbine housing and a wastegate which is disposed in the turbine housing and has a wastegate flap. The wastegate flap can be adjusted by an output shaft of a wastegate actuator. The output shaft has a central axis. The wastegate actuator is an integral constituent part of the turbine housing. During an adjustment of the wastegate flap, the output shaft of the wastegate actuator interacts with a wastegate spindle which has a central axis. The output shaft of the wastegate actuator is thermally decoupled from the wastegate spindle.
US09109498B2

An engine having DME pilot ignition is disclosed. DME Pilot ignition creates far more energy than a conventional spark plug, thus minimizes the possibility of misfire in the engine map. DME injection can be used in a number of ways. In one embodiment, DME injection replaces the conventional spark plug in an Otto cycle engine. In another embodiment, DME injection is used in addition to spark ignition to minimize the use of DME. In this embodiment, DME injection is only used during those portions of the engine map where misfire may occur, or during those times when a misfire sensor detects misfire. DME injection can also be used in conjunction with alcohol boosting in other embodiments.
US09109494B2

Embodiments for injecting air into exhaust ports of an engine are provided. In one example, a multi-cylinder engine method comprises combusting a rich air-fuel mixture, injecting air into a first cylinder's exhaust port and not into a second cylinder's exhaust port during the first cylinder's exhaust stroke, and injecting air into the second cylinder's exhaust port and not into the first cylinder's exhaust port during the second cylinder's exhaust stroke. In this way, injection into each exhaust port may be timed with exhaust release into each exhaust port.
US09109493B2

A method includes raising a temperature of an SCR catalyst for a predetermined time period while dosing urea. The method further includes maintaining the temperature of the SCR catalyst without dosing urea for a second predetermined time period. The method further includes filtering out at least low frequency data from a first NOx sensor upstream of the SCR catalyst and from a second NOx sensor downstream of the SCR catalyst, and comparing the filtered data from the first NOx sensor and the second NOx sensor without dosing urea over a third predetermined time period. The method further includes providing a NOx sensor condition index for at least one of the first NOx sensor and the second NOx sensor in response to the comparing.
US09109488B2

An apparatus includes an engine output module that determines an engine output power parameter for an engine. The apparatus includes an output power threshold module that determines if the engine output power parameter is below an output power threshold. The apparatus includes a NOx module that determines a nitrogen oxide (“NOx”) efficiency of a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) system in response to the output power threshold module determining that the determined engine output power parameter is below the output power threshold. The SCR system is in exhaust receiving communication with the engine. The apparatus includes a NOx threshold module that determines if the NOx efficiency is below a NOx efficiency threshold, and a NOx warning module that sends a NOx alarm signal in response to the NOx threshold module determining that the NOx efficiency is below the NOx efficiency threshold.
US09109480B2

A system and method for initiating an engine after-run state and controlling a nitrogen oxide sensor self-diagnostic tool are provided. The system may include an internal combustion engine, an exhaust system, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device and at least two NOx sensors to measure the efficiency of the SCR device and a controller or host machine. The controller, via the present method, executes a first control action to disable the self-diagnostic tool when one of an occurrence of a particulate filter regeneration event and a non-occurrence of a calibration threshold is detected. The controller executes a second control action, initiating an engine after-run state and enabling the self-diagnostic tool when one of a non-occurrence of a particulate filter regeneration event and an occurrence of the calibration threshold is detected.
US09109479B2

An engine lubrication control system includes an engine, an oil pump which is driven by the engine, an oil circuit which extends downstream from the oil pump, and a plurality of oil branch supply paths which branch from the oil circuit and supply oil to each part of the engine. An electronically-controlled first hydraulic control valve which controls, in a stepwise manner, a discharge pressure of the oil pump relative to a speed of the engine is disposed on the oil circuit, a hydraulically-driven second hydraulic control valve is disposed on at least one of the plurality of oil branch supply paths, and a downstream hydraulic pressure of the second hydraulic control valve is controlled to be lower than a downstream hydraulic pressure of the first hydraulic control valve of the oil circuit at least across a predetermined engine speed range.
US09109475B2

An internal combustion engine includes a hydraulically-driven variable valve timing device for adjusting the opening timing and the closing timing of an intake valve and configured to include a start retard position for decompression that is retarded further from the most retarded position during a normal operating state, and a control system configured to start a cranking operation of the internal combustion engine while the variable valve timing device is positioned in the start retard position for decompression, to determine during the cranking operation whether operating oil has drained from the variable valve timing device, when it has been determined that oil has drained from the variable valve timing device, to set a delay time between the cranking operation start and an advance operation of the variable valve timing device longer than the situation in which operating oil is replete.
US09109469B2

An apparatus for actuating valves in vehicles in a variable valve control manner, may include an eccentric cam mounted on a cylinder head and rotating with power transmitted from a crank shaft, a high-pressure pump connected to an oil pump, wherein one end of the high-pressure pump may be pushed by the eccentric cam when the eccentric cam rotates, converting low-pressure oil supplied from the oil pump into high-pressure oil, a high-pressure rail connected with the high-pressure pump to accommodate the high-pressure oil from the high-pressure pump and store the high-pressure oil therein, and an operating cylinder connected with the high-pressure rail and having a plunger pushing an intake or exhaust valve with a pressure of oil received from the high-pressure rail.
US09109464B2

A gas turbine engine includes a spool, a gearbox having gearing driven by the spool, and a lubrication system. The lubrication system includes a first heat exchanger positioned in a first air flow path, a second heat exchanger positioned in a second air flow path, and a lubrication pump fluidically connected to both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A first air fan is driven by the gearbox for inducing air flow through the first air flow path. A second air fan is driven by an electric motor for inducing air flow through the second air flow path.
US09109461B2

There is provided an axial flow compressor that improves reliability on an increase in a blade loading on a last-stage stator vane of the axial flow compressor due to a partial load operation of a gas turbine. An annular flow passage is formed by a rotor having multiple rotor blades fitted thereto and a casing having multiple stator vanes fitted thereto, two or more of the stator vanes are disposed downstream of a last-stage rotor blade that is the rotor blade disposed at the most downstream side in a flow direction of the annular flow passage, a blade loading on a first stator vane disposed at the most upstream side is set to be smaller than a blade loading of a second stator vane disposed downstream of the first stator vane by one row.
US09109460B2

A power generating bearing assembly providing a bearing retained by a bearing housing. The bearing housing includes a bearing cooling passage system having at least one integrated liquid cooling passage integrated within the bearing housing. A turbine receiving bore is formed through the bearing housing, penetrating the integrated liquid cooling segment. A turbine assembly is inserted into the turbine receiving bore, positioning a turbine blade subassembly of the turbine assembly within the integrated liquid cooling passage, wherein fluid flowing within the integrated liquid cooling passage causes the blade subassembly to rotate. The rotation of the blade subassembly rotates an electric power generator to create electric power. The turbine assembly can include an electro-magnetic subassembly mounting plate, wherein the turbine subassembly is located on an interior surface of the mounting plate and at least a portion of the power generating portion located on an exterior portion of the mounting plate.
US09109457B2

A turbine blade rotor assembly provides sealing for the rotor components and bi-direction axially locking of the blades on the rotor using a seal plate on the aft exhaust side without axial locking on the forward intake side of the rotor and blade array. As a result, the blades can be removed from the aft direction without moving a turbine casing.
US09109452B2

An airfoil includes a suction surface, a pressure surface, a first showerhead cooling hole and a second showerhead cooling hole. The suction surface and the pressure surface both extend axially between a leading edge and a trailing edge, as well as radially from a root section to a tip section. The first showerhead cooling hole and the second showerhead cooling hole both extend into pressure surface near the leading edge. The first showerhead cooling hole and the second showerhead cooling hole are angled in opposing directions.
US09109430B2

An apparatus for containing and controlling the flow of hydrocarbons from a bore well or other earth formation includes a housing enclosing a receiving and distribution chamber, receiving and distribution chamber is in fluid communication with and sealably connected to a top vertical tubular member and a bottom vertical tubular member, wherein the top and bottom tubular members extend from the receiving and distribution chamber to the exterior of said housing. The apparatus further includes a cone aperture adapted to prevent or allow the flow of liquid into the top tubular member, at least one outlet passage between the receiving and distribution chamber and the exterior of the housing, valve means adapted to permit or prevent the flow of liquid through at least one of said outlet passages, and pump devices adapted to facilitate the flow of hydrocarbons through at least one of said outlet passages.
US09109423B2

An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A flow control system is placed in fluid communication with a main tubular. The flow control system has a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, the production fluid flowing into the passageways with the ratio of fluid flow through the passageways related to the characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first and second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the pathway dependent resistance system in fluid communication with the first passageway of the fluid ratio control system and the second inlet in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fluid ratio control system. The first inlet is positioned to direct fluid into the vortex chamber such that it flows primarily tangentially into the vortex chamber, and the second inlet is positioned to direct fluid such that it flows primarily radially into the vortex chamber. Undesired fluids, such as natural gas or water, in an oil well, are directed, based on their relative characteristic, into the vortex primarily tangentially, thereby restricting fluid flow when the undesired fluid is present as a component of the production fluid.
US09109421B2

An annular blowout preventer device includes a body and a static head removably connected to the body, A piston is disposed inside an opening chamber to squeeze a packer. An opening chamber head has a rib extending upward from an upper surface. The rib is received within a recess in the lower surface of the static head.
US09109416B2

A one trip method for cleaning an existing string while performing testing on the string allows in the same trip the drilling of additional wellbore. The cleanup equipment is retracted after the testing is completed so that it will not impede the advancement of the drill bit at the lower end of the string. The cleanup tools are typically extend for run in through the string and they can be collapsed by a technique such as dropping a ball to shift a sleeve to disable the piston assembly that holds the cleanup tools extended and allows them to be retracted using a return spring or other source of potential energy.
US09109411B2

A method for reducing friction between a coiled tubing and a wellbore includes: generating a periodic pressure wave; coupling the periodic pressure wave to a coiled tubing in a wellbore; and propagating the periodic pressure change in the coiled tubing wherein a friction force between the coiled tubing and the wellbore is reduced. The shape of the periodic pressure wave can be modulated to a form similar to that of a sinusoidal waveform.
US09109410B2

A downhole device comprising a mandrel suitable for connection to a drilling assembly, a housing surrounding the mandrel with the housing being suitable for connection to the alternate end of a drilling assembly and a compensating mechanism configured to adjust an axial force applied to said mandrel by changing the relative position of the mandrel with respect to the housing.
US09109409B2

Embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus and methods for a secondary safety device for use on elevators utilized to move casing, tubing, sucker rods, or other circular tools or members in the oil and gas industry. In one embodiment, a secondary latch lock mechanism for an elevator having a primary safety latch is provided. The secondary latch lock mechanism comprises a base portion that is fixed to a body of the elevator, and a handle movably fixed to the base portion and a first gear device by a biasing member, wherein the handle is movable to a first position proximate to the primary safety latch and a second position that is spaced away from the primary safety latch.
US09109407B2

A downhole actuation system comprises an actuation mechanism comprising an indicator; a wellbore tubular; and a collet coupled to the wellbore tubular. The collet comprises a collet protrusion disposed on one or more collet springs, and the collet protrusion has a position on the one or more collet springs that is configured to provide a first longitudinal force to the indicator in a first direction and a second longitudinal force to the indicator in a second direction. The first longitudinal force is different than the second longitudinal force.
US09109401B1

A device for penetrating the earth includes a hollow cylindrical housing holding a computer controller that automatically controls the device. A battery within the housing supplies power for the components. A hydraulic system within the housing engages the earth to resist movement of the housing when required and to push the housing downward if needed. A drill head shaft slides up and down within the housing. The main body of the drill head is located below the housing. The drill head has a diameter that is larger than that of the housing. A semi-auto cartridge chamber within the housing cyclically fires cartridges above the shaft to propel it downward. When the housing is not heavy enough to resist upward reaction thrust from a cartridge explosion or to fall downward following the drill head then the computer activates the hydraulic system to engage the earth.
US09109397B2

Rock drilling equipment and drill string components (2;18) for top hammer drilling and down-the-hole drilling for positioning between a drill rig and a drill bit include a pipe-shaped element (3;19), which is arranged for transferring only rotational movements from the drill rig to the drill hit. A vibration-damping structure (12) is arranged adjoining to at least a part of an inside (11) of the pipe-shaped element in a space (41) formed inwardly of the inside (11).
US09109395B2

A corner ladder stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing a ladder against a corner of a building or structure. The corner ladder stabilizing apparatus comprises a rung engaging member for attaching to the ladder and either an outside corner engaging element or an inside corner engaging element, depending on the corner to be laddered, is secured to the rung engaging member.
US09109393B2

A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.
US09109387B2

A cover opening-and-closing support mechanism is provided that reliably locks a gas spring, and in which a rod section of a gas spring is not damaged by a stopper portion. The cover opening-and-closing support mechanism includes: a gas spring equipped with pivot points at both end portions and including a cylinder section and a rod section; a stopper portion rotatably provided at the pivot point at a first of the end portions, the stopper portion making contact with the cylinder section when the gas spring has been extended so as to lock the gas spring; a gas spring stopper including a limiter portion that makes contact with the cylinder section before the stopper portion makes contact with the rod section; and a release handle portion for releasing the locking, provided at the gas spring stopper on substantially an opposite side to the stopper portion, such that the gas spring stopper swings towards substantially the opposite side to the stopper portion due to a weight of the release handle portion.
US09109386B2

A window, with a hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism, includes a frame having upper and lower sashes slidable within the frame. A sash coupling element extends between the upper and lower sashes. The hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism is coupled with the sash coupling element. The window with the hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism is operable in a sash counterbalance mode and in an independent sash movement mode. In the sash counterbalance mode, movement of the upper or lower sash causes converse movement of the lower or upper sash through the sash coupling element, and the movement of the upper or lower sash is assisted. In the independent sash movement mode, one of the upper and lower sashes is held static while the other of the lower or upper sashes is moved, and the moved sash is assisted.
US09109384B2

A low profile actuating window lock for casement windows having a handle actuate a lifter that slides vertically on a fork component in slidable communication with the window lock casing, the handle pivotable about the lifter and pivotable about a restrictor arm that pivots relative to the casing, allowing the handle to rotate fully from the locked position to the unlocked position with low clearance from the window frame. The pivot points of the handle, lifter, restrictor arm configuration allow for an over center linkage that prevents back driving the casement window lock.
US09109383B2

A bar lock assembly for locking a door in a closed or secured position is described. The bar lock assembly includes a tubular bar having curved portions that transition into a hinge receiving portion. A handle is rotatably engaged to the tubular bar. Hinge assemblies receive the hinge receiving portions of the tubular bar. The hinge assemblies connect or attach the bar lock assembly to a frame of the door.
US09109377B1

An adjustable-latch system including an adjustable-receiver assembly and an adjustable-striker-bar assembly. The adjustable-receiver assembly includes a receiver sleeve having a pair of oppositely-disposed channels formed therein and a receiver slidably disposed within the pair of oppositely-disposed channels. A first plurality of fastening members mount the receiver sleeve. The adjustable-receiver assembly further includes a receiver-sleeve cap slidably disposed within the receiver sleeve. The adjustable-striker-bar assembly includes a mounting plate having a striker bar extending laterally therefrom, a second plurality of fastening members for mounting the mounting plate, and a striker-bar cap slidably coupled with the mounting plate. A position of the adjustable-receiver assembly may be adjusted relative to the adjustable-striker-bar assembly without removal of the first plurality of fastening members. A position of the adjustable-striker-bar assembly may be adjusted relative to the adjustable-receiver assembly without removal of the second plurality of fastening members.
US09109375B2

Structural elements and features are provided to significantly reduce the time and effort required in the household laundry process of collecting dirty laundry, washing, drying, hanging, and storing laundry. These same structural elements improve the quality of the laundry output. A reduction in time and effort is accomplished by locating a laundry facility central to a plurality of rooms within the building structure and placing closets within the walls separating the laundry facility from the adjacent rooms. These closets are accessible from the laundry facility on one side and the respective room on the other. In another aspect of the invention, rooms that are not directly adjacent to the laundry facility may be located on a hallway common to the laundry facility and the non-adjacent rooms. The walls dividing the non-adjacent rooms from the common hallway may likewise include closets that are accessible from the common hallway on one side and the respective room on the other. In a variation of the present invention the laundry facility is combined with the hallway. Most of the rooms where the laundry will be used are adjacent to the laundry facility/hallway combinations. The walls dividing the rooms from the hallway may likewise include closets that are accessible from the hallway on one side and the respective room on the other.
US09109374B1

An anchoring system for landscape projects uses at least a pair of hollow lightweight spaced apart post such that each post has a body member removably sitting atop a base and having either another body member or a cap sitting atop its upper surface. Each post has openings thereon such that a landscape timber extends between corresponding openings on adjacent body members pairs. The hollow internal cavity of each post may be filled with appropriate weighting material.
US09109372B1

A bolt positioning system for securely positioning an anchor bolt prior to pouring concrete features a linear form. The system features a bolt having a first bolt end with threads. The system features a bracket having a base bracket component, a positioning bracket component, and a riser bracket component located between the base bracket component and the positioning bracket component. An end tab component is perpendicularly located on the base bracket component opposed to the positioning bracket component. A fastening aperture is located on the base bracket component. A rectangular positioning aperture is located on the positioning bracket component. The system features an insert located in the positioning aperture.
US09109364B2

A method for fastening a cover plate (6) to a frame structure (1) formed on the cover plate (6) is to easily and rapidly allow the erection of faces that are stable and durable in the long term and simultaneously, in the case of vacuum insulating panels, allow particularly good preservation of the vacuum in the panels. For this purpose, the frame structure (1) comprises a cavity (12), a number of channels (2) connecting the cavity (12) to the surface (4) and an opening (8) to connect a vacuum pump (10), the vacuum pump (10) being connected to the opening (8) and put into operation, the cover plate (6) being arranged on the surface (4) above the channels (2), and the cover plate (6) being fixed to the surface (4).
US09109358B2

The invention relates to a mounting device (1) for mounting covering elements (7), such as baseboards, door jamb casings or panels, onto a building surface, said device (1) having a rear side portion (11) configured for being mountable to said building surface, and including a bistable snap catch (2, 3) having a peripheral edge (3′), the bistable snap catch (2, 3) being adapted for assuming a natural first configuration wherein said peripheral edge (3′) is closer to said rear side portion (11) and a natural second configuration wherein said peripheral edge (3′) is farther away from said rear side portion (11). The invention relates also to a building kit comprising said mounting device (1) and a building surface covering element (7), such as a wooden base-board, door jamb casing or panel, and to a method for mounting this building kit.
US09109355B1

A perimeter foundation wall of a manufactured home having rim joists and a concrete footing located beneath the rim joists. The perimeter foundation wall includes a plurality of precast panels extending around the perimeter of the manufactured home. The panels have a height slightly less than the distance between the bottom of the rim joist and the top of the concrete footing. The ends of adjacent precast panels interlock. The tops of the panels are held in abutment with the bottom of the rim joist by support means located between the bottom of the panels and the concrete footing. The tops of the panels are connected to the rim joist by at least one top connector. The bottoms of the panels are connected to the concrete footing by at least one bottom connector.
US09109351B2

A connector for connecting lengths of conduit sections having an outer corrugated surface, comprising a body having apertures, an outer rigid surface and an inner deformable surface as well as opposite open extremities. The inner surface defines a channel for receiving at least one conduit section through at least one of the open extremities. Fasteners are inserted into the channel through said apertures. When the corrugated conduit is fitted into the channel, the fasteners are insertable through the apertures for extending into the channel thereby interfering with the corrugated surface of the conduit and substantially preventing the conduit from being removed from the channel.
US09109349B1

A water management system for reducing the damage caused by leaks in a structure including a manifold having first and second electronic valves and connected to a supply line. The system also includes a purge line and a connection line attached to the manifold as well as a requesting member with an activating member affixed thereto and a transmitter positioned proximal that signals the first electronic valve to open when the activating member is engaged. A method of using the system to reduce flooding risks in a structure is also disclosed.
US09109342B1

A manhole for connecting fluid flow between and for providing access to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe angularly oriented to one another in a sewage, storm water or like fluid handling system. The manhole comprises an upright housing which defines a manhole interior, the housing having first and second essentially planar upstanding outer sidewalls angularly oriented to one another at substantially the same angle as between the inlet and outlet pipes and a curved upstanding outer side wall extending between the first and second planar sidewalls. First and second openings are formed respectively through the first and second planar sidewalls into the manhole interior for receiving respective ends of the inlet and outlet pipes. A base section within the manhole interior defines a curvilinear fluid flow trough between the first and second openings for conveying fluid flow from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe.
US09109338B2

Methods to control dewatering of confined, saturated formations in excavation mines may include treating a portion of an untreated smectite shale barrier with a dewatering fluid thereby yielding a treated smectite shale barrier, wherein the untreated smectite shale barrier is associated with a confined, saturated formation that comprises water, and wherein the dewatering fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid and a dewatering additive; and draining at least a portion of the water from the confined, saturated formation through the treated smectite shale barrier. In some instances, the dewatering additive may include potassium citrate and potassium nitrate each independently in a concentration of about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the aqueous base fluid.
US09109329B2

A lignin plastics solids mass containing lignin solids and liquids with up to 85% liquids can be partially dewatered by heating the lignin plastics solids mass to above a critical temperature at which time the lignin plastics solids agglomerate into lower moisture granular solids with between about 45% to 55% liquids releasing excess liquid which can be easily removed from the solids. The process is particularly useful for lignin plastics solids removed from black liquor from paper mills, or for similar lignin plastics solids masses, which can contain up to 85% liquids and which need to be dried to form useful lignin solids, which can be used for example for fuel. The dewatering process can be combined with the process for separating the lignin from the black liquor to separate the dewatered lignin directly from the black liquor.
US09109328B2

A steel cord (20) comprises a plurality of steel filaments (22, 24) arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steel cord (20) without twisting. The steel cord (20) further comprises a wrapping filament (26) twisted around the steel cord (20). Each of said steel filaments (22, 24) is a flat wire having flat surfaces. The steel filament (24) near the center of the steel cord (20) has a bigger width than the steel filaments (22) further away from the center of the steel cord (20) such that the cross-section of said steel cord (20) approximates an oval shape with the bending stiffness around the shorter axis of the oval shape being greater than the bending stiffness around the longer axis. In a tire, the steel cord being used as a reinforcement, the longer axis being arranged perpendicular to the radial direction of the tire.
US09109327B2

There is provided a black ink for ink jet textile printing which includes a disperse dye (A), a disperse dye (B), a disperse dye (C), water, and an organic solvent. The disperse dye (A) is at least one of C.I. Disperse Blue 60 and C.I. Disperse Blue 165, the disperse dye (B) is at least one of C.I. Disperse Red 92, and C.I. Disperse Red 154, and the disperse dye (C) is C.I. Disperse Yellow 163.
US09109318B2

A blower is provided having a fan element that is directly connected to a drive shaft. The drive shaft is attached to a wash drum and is rotated by a washer motor. When the washer motor rotates the drive shaft, the fan element also rotates and can move air through the washing machine appliance without the use of an additional blower motor. Alternatively, the fan element of the blower is directly connected to a motor shaft extending from the motor, such that when the motor shaft is rotated, the blower can move air through the washing machine appliance without the use of an additional blower motor.
US09109313B2

A take-up rail assembly including a fixed idler rail and a longitudinally movable take-up rail. The fixed idler rail is attached to a quilting frame or other sewing frame and the position of the fixed idler rail may be longitudinally and vertically adjustable with respect to the sewing frame. The take-up rail is movably attached to the sewing frame and a take-up rail control mechanism moves the take up rail longitudinally forward and rearward with respect to the fixed idler rail as the sewing machine moves with respect to the sewing frame, thus providing full utilization of the throat length of the sewing machine.
US09109304B2

Disclosed is aramid tire cord and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the aramid tire cord has superior properties on initial modulus change rate, tensile strain, initial modulus and strength retention rate, wherein the initial modulus change rate is not more than 5% after the aramid tire cord is repetitively extended 10 times at 120° C. under the condition that the load corresponding to 10% of the strength at break is applied thereto. Thus, the aramid tire cord of the present invention has the most optimal modulus, optimal crystallization constant and optimal crystalline orientation constant so that the aramid tire cord is superior in its initial modulus change rate, tensile strain and initial modulus retention rate, to thereby obtain good fatigue resistance. Thus, if the aramid tire cord of the present invention is used for a tire-reinforcing material, it is possible to obtain high traveling performance by preventing the property deterioration during the high-speed traveling with repetitively-occurring sequence of high temperature and high pressure.
US09109303B2

The present invention provides a susceptor which is rotatably provided in a chamber and has a plurality of substrate mounting parts, and a substrate on which a thin film is deposited is rotatably mounted on the substrate mounting part, and the susceptor has a disk-shape wherein there is an opening at an inner periphery of the susceptor, into which a rotating shaft to rotate the susceptor is inserted, and the susceptor has a plurality of notches extending in a radial direction at an outer periphery and/or a periphery of said opening.
US09109292B2

An anti-microbial coated device includes a device sized and configured for use in a microbe-contaminating environment. The device includes a substrate having a surface configured to be exposed in the microbe contaminating environment. A cold-sprayed anti-microbial coating is deposited on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. The anti-microbial coating includes fused metal particles and having a thickness in a range from 100 nm to 1 mm.
US09109290B2

A coated cutting tool includes a coating and a substrate. The substrate is at least partly coated with a 4-10 μm thick coating comprising two adjacent Ti(C,N)-layers where the difference (Δ) between the residual stress state of the inner layer and the residual stress state of the outer layer is 1000 MPa≦Δ≦2500 MPa, on at least a part of the cutting edge and/or on at least a part of the rake face. A method to produce such a difference between the residual stress states is also disclosed.
US09109287B2

A vessel for conveying a precursor fluid from the vessel, comprising: an interior volume having an upper volume and a lower volume, wherein the two volumes are in communication and the lower volume contains precursor; a lid comprising a fluid inlet directing carrier gas into the vessel, a “T” fluid outlet, a sidewall having an upper lip wherein the upper lip contacts the lid; a separator interposed between the lid and the sidewall wherein the separator resides adjacent the upper lip and segments the interior volume into the upper volume and a lower volume; and an inlet plenum in communication with the fluid inlet having a plenum chamber opening towards the separator to direct the carrier gas through the separator and towards the precursor. A method for using the apparatus is also disclosed.
US09109284B2

Provided is a low-cost vacuum processing apparatus which enables the miniaturization of the apparatus and achieves good productivity. An elongated sheet base material is transported through a vacuum processing chamber, and predetermined processing is performed on the sheet base material in this vacuum processing chamber. The vacuum processing chamber is provided with a single processing unit, and has an auxiliary vacuum chamber provided in continuation with the vacuum processing chamber. The auxiliary vacuum chamber is provided with a feed roller and a take-up roller. The vacuum processing apparatus includes a pair of first roller units provided on opposite sides across the processing unit in the vacuum processing chamber. Each of the first roller units has multiple rollers disposed at regular distances. The rollers are deviated from each other in the axial direction and arranged in such a staggered manner that the sheet base material is helically wound around the rollers.
US09109280B2

A hard laminar coating having a first 61 m and a second film having respective different compositions and alternately laminated on a surface of a base structure, wherein the first film is a carbide, a nitride, a carboxide, a nitroxide, a carbonitride or a carbo-oxynitride of (AlaCrbBc), while the second film is TiB2, the hard laminar coating configured to include atomic ratios a, b and c in the first film satisfying a=1−b−c, 0.2≦b≦0.7, and 0
US09109267B2

A method for the introduction of inorganic solid bodies into hot, liquid melts, whereby inorganic solid bodies are added to a plastic containing hydrocarbon and the mixture obtained is added to the hot, liquid melt.
US09109263B2

Compositions are disclosed as nucleic acid sequences that may be used as amplification oligomers, including primers, capture probes for sample preparation, and detection probes specific for Candida albicans 26S rRNA sequences or DNA encoding 26S rRNA. Methods are disclosed for detecting the presence of C. albicans in samples by using the disclosed compositions in methods that include in vitro nucleic acid amplification of a 26S rRNA sequence or DNA encoding the 26S rRNA sequence to produce a detectable amplification product.
US09109252B2

A method of elucidating the identity of an unknown metabolite comprising measuring amounts of known and unknown metabolites in subjects; associating the unknown metabolite with a specific gene from a gene association study; determining a protein associated with the specific gene and analyzing information for the protein; associating the unknown metabolite with concentrations and/or ratios of other metabolites in subjects; obtaining chemical structural data for the unknown metabolite; and using the information obtained to elucidate the identity of the unknown metabolite.
US09109245B2

Disclosed herein are cell culture compositions, for example, pancreatic cell culture compositions, derived from dedifferentiated human reprogrammed pluripotent stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and methods for producing and using such cell culture compositions.
US09109244B2

The invention relates to a process for the production of at least one microbial metabolite having at least 3 carbon atoms or at least 2 carbon atoms and at least 1 nitrogen atom by means of sugar-based microbial fermentation, comprising: a) the preparation of a sugar-containing liquid medium with a monosaccharide content of more than 20% by weight from a starch feedstock, the sugar-containing liquid medium also comprising non-starchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; b) the fermentation of the sugar-containing liquid medium for the production of the metabolite(s); and c) depletion or isolation of at least one metabolite from the fermentation liquor, wherein a microorganism strain which produces the desired metabolite(s) is cultivated with the sugar-containing liquid medium, said liquid medium being obtained by: a1) milling the starch feedstock; and a2) liquefying the millbase in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one starch-liquefying enzyme, followed by saccharification using at least one saccharifying enzyme, where at least some of the millbase is liquefied by continuous or batchwise addition to the aqueous liquid.
US09109240B2

The invention is about E. coli host cells which are capable to convert glycerol to serinol. Furthermore, a process for producing serinol is disclosed, which comprises culturing E. coli host cells inactive for triosephosphate isomerase and active for dihydroxyacetone phosphate aminotransferase to convert glycerol to serinol, induction of conversion from glycerol to serinol by adding at least glycerol to the cell culture, and isolating serinol from the cell culture.
US09109239B2

Methods and compositions for the production of food compositions, oils, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing food compositions, and transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants.
US09109237B2

Provided is a method of preparing piceatannol, and more particularly, to a method of preparing piceatannol from resveratrol using bacterial cytochrome P450 BM3 (CYP102A1) or mutants thereof, and a composition and a kit therefor.
US09109234B2

The invention relates to lentiviral vector particles pseudotyped with a determined heterologous viral envelope protein or viral envelope proteins originating from a RNA virus and which comprise in its genome at least one recombinant polynucleotide encoding at least one polypeptide(s) carrying epitope(s) of an antigen of a Plasmodium parasite capable of infecting a mammalian host. The lentiviral vector particles are used in order to elicit an immunological response against malaria parasites.
US09109231B2

Traditionally, the primary method for impacting insect pest populations is the application of broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. However, there is increasing concern about the environmental hazards associated with the production and use of synthetic chemical pesticides. Thus, there is substantial interest in developing alternative pesticides, including biological control of insect pests of agricultural significance using a microbial agent or another species of insect. The present invention provides compositions and methods for such biological control. Modified Cry3 pesticidal polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, and methods of use are disclosed. The modified polynucleotides provided herein can be used to transform organisms and cells of hosts comprising plant, insects, and microorganisms. The expression of modified polypeptides can provide the host with improved insecticidal activity against one or more insect pathogens.
US09109224B2

A capture probe suitable for use with a method for isolating miRNAs. A method for isolating an miRNA of interest from a sample comprising the miRNA of interest comprising providing the capture probe. A method for identifying an miRNA of interest.
US09109222B2

The present invention provides compositions and methods for preparing a nucleic acid library in a multi-purpose buffer (e.g., employing whole genome amplification), where nucleic acid purification is not required between or during steps. In certain embodiments, small amounts of starting nucleic acid (e.g., genomic DNA) are employed and the steps are accomplished in a single container. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid library is subjected to sequencing methodologies or rolling circle amplification.
US09109219B2

The present invention relates to a novel enhancer of protein production in host cells. It discloses a vector for expressing recombinant proteins in these cells, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a) a secretion peptidic signal, b) a 6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase enzyme (MGMT, EC 2.1.1.63), a mutant or a catalytic domain thereof, and c) a recombinant protein. Said MGMT enzyme is preferably the so-called SNAP protein.
US09109212B2

The present invention provides a method of increasing extracellular secretion of secretory proteins by co-expressing the secretory proteins with a mature cutinase. Cutinase can improve the permeability of E. coli cell membrane without destroying the membrane, and thus facilitate cross-membrane transfer of the secretory proteins co-expressed in E. coli. Increased extracellular secretion of target proteins can shorten cell culture time, reduce the formation of inclusion bodies and increase production of target proteins.
US09109211B2

The present invention relates to polypeptides having phytase activity. These polypeptides have an amino acid sequence which has at least 70% identity to either of three phytases derived from the bacterium Buttiauxella, and which comprises at least one of the following amino acids at the position indicated: 119N, 120L, and/or 121E. These phytases have an improved specific activity. Additional specific amino acid substitutions are also disclosed which characterize and distinguish additional phytases of the invention having improved properties such as temperature and/or pH stability, pH activity profile, temperature activity profile, substrate profile, improved performance in animal feed in vitro or in vivo. The invention also relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US09109203B2

A method of extracting neural stem cells from a living subject, comprising the steps of introducing magnetic nanoparticles into the subject, targeting the neural stem cells with the magnetic nanoparticles to form magnetic nanoparticle-targeted cells, isolating the magnetic nanoparticle-targeted cells, extracting the magnetic nanoparticles-targeted cells from the subject.
US09109201B2

The present invention relates to methods for purification of Vaccinia viruses (VV) and/or Vaccinia virus (VV) particles, which can lead to highly pure and stable virus preparations of predominantly biologically active viruses. The invention encompasses purifying a virus preparation in a sterilized way with high efficiency and desirable yield in terms of purity, biological activity and stability, aspects advantageous for industrial production.
US09109200B2

The invention relates to the use of an enzyme preparation which catalyzes the degradation of formaldehyde for reducing the formaldehyde content in a formaldehyde-containing formulation. In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme preparation contains a formaldehyde dismutase from a Pseudomonas putida strain. Further, the invention refers to a process for reducing the formaldehyde content in cross-linking agents for textile finishing or in polymer dispersions used, e.g. in construction chemistry. Further the invention relates to the use of an enzyme preparation which catalyzes the degradation of aldehydes for reducing the formaldehyde content in an aldehyde-containing formulation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a novel variant of the formaldehyde dismutase from Pseudomonas putida.
US09109187B2

The present invention relates to some specific 3-(lower alkyl)phenols as key ingredients of perfuming compositions having an oud character.
US09109168B2

A process for hydrotreating a feed originating from renewable sources such as vegetable oils to produce paraffinic hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen in excess over the theoretical hydrogen consumption and under hydrotreatment conditions in a fixed bed reactor having a plurality of catalytic zones disposed in series and comprising a hydrotreatment catalyst. The total feed flow is divided into a certain number of different part flows equal to the number of catalytic zones in the reactor; the various part flows are injected into the successive catalytic zones in increasing proportions to produce an effluent comprising paraffinic hydrocarbons. The effluent undergoes a separation step in order to separate a gas fraction and a liquid fraction containing the paraffinic hydrocarbons. At least a portion of said this liquid fraction is recycled to the first catalytic zone so that the weight ratio between said recycle and the part flow introduced into the first catalytic zone is 10 or more.
US09109165B2

Integrated slurry hydrocracking (SHC) and coking methods for making slurry hydrocracking (SHC) distillates are disclosed. Representative methods involve passing a slurry comprising a vacuum column resid, a liquid coker product, and a solid particulate through an SHC reaction zone in the presence of hydrogen to obtain the SHC distillate. Atmospheric distillation in the SHC product recovery section yields a combined SHC gas oil/SHC pitch stream that is sent to coking to generate the liquid coker product. In a representative embodiment, vacuum distillation in the SHC product recovery is avoided, thereby eliminating equipment that is often most susceptible to fouling.
US09109164B2

A transparent fire resistant glazing comprising an intumescent interlayer, wherein the intumescent interlayer comprises an alkali metal silicate and a foam improvement additive, wherein the foam improvement additive comprises a polymer and/or oligomer and/or salts thereof, wherein said polymer, oligomer and/or salts thereof each contain at least one organic moiety having at least one hydrogen-bondable functional group covalently attached thereto.
US09109161B2

An illumination from the class of oxynitridosilicates, doped with bivalent europium and comprising a cation M2+, said illuminant corresponding to the basic formula M(l-c)Si202N2:Dc wherein the following holds good: M=Sr(1-x)Bax mit 0.3
US09109156B2

An aqueous-based self-illuminating bubble-forming composition is provided. The composition comprises an oxalate component comprising an oxalate ester and a solvent; an activator component comprising a peroxide, a catalyst, and water; a surfactant; and a fluorescer in admixture with an aqueous bubble-forming solution. One or more of the same or different surfactants may be present in the activator component; the oxalate component; the activator component and the oxalate component; the aqueous bubble-forming solution; the activator component and the aqueous bubble-forming solution; the oxalate component and the aqueous bubble-forming solution; or in the oxalate component, the activator component and the aqueous bubble-forming solution.
US09109155B2

The development of a series of fluorescent materials including heterocycle-functionalized luminogens with aggregation-induced/enhanced emission (AIE/AEE), long wavelength emission, and high solid state fluorescence quantum efficiency is contemplated. The described fluorescent materials are promising candidates in selective luminescence-based chemosensor for Hg2+ or ATP, fluorescent staining for mitochondria in living cells with high photostability, stimuli-responsive luminescent materials, and materials for optical waveguides. In addition, these heterocycle-functionalized luminogens are particularly useful as fluorescent labels for biopolymers such as peptides, antibodies, or nucleic acids, making them useful as AIE-active biocompatible probes for clinical cancer imaging and diagnostics.
US09109151B2

A method for preparing a thermally stable well servicing fluid in the form of an oil-in-water (O/W) macroemulsion, a water-in-oil (W/O) macroemulsion or a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion at the well drilling location is provided. The servicing fluid is prepared by mixing a hydrocarbon phase, a water phase and a surfactant phase to obtain either an O/W macroemulsion, a W/O macroemulsion or a W/O microemulsion. The surfactant phase comprises a first surfactant and/or a second surfactant. The first surfactant comprises a fatty acid mixture and a hygroscopic first additive. The second surfactant comprises a C4-C6 alcohol. Whether or not an O/W macroemulsion, W/O macroemulsion or a W/O microemulsion is produced is determined by the concentration of the phases, the first surfactant, the second surfactant and the timing upon which the first additive, water phase and second surfactant are introduced to the mixture.
US09109146B2

Adhesive composition comprising : at most 15% of a PolyPropylene (or PP) having a melting point between 30° C. and 100° C. ; from 30 to 60% of a cross-linkable polymer with silyl end groups comprising cross-linking groups bonded to the silicon atom, said cross-linkable polymer having a functionality of on average 3-12 cross-linking groups; a cross-linking catalyst for the polymer; a water scavenger; and a rheology controller. The composition is used for direct glazing of a windscreen on a metallic automotive frame.
US09109134B2

Combined warp sizing and fixing agent and new method for fixing sulfur dyestuffs on warp. The invention relates to a new warp sizing and fixing agent comprising a combination of modified cationic starch and cationic fixing agent. Such new warp sizing and fixing agent is suitable to be used in fully continuous dyeing processes, if desired in combination with additional sizing additives.
US09109131B2

A phase change ink composition comprising an amorphous component, a crystalline material, a photochromic material and optionally, a colorant, which are suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. The novel phase change ink formulation allows the ink to change color when exposed to UV light, reversibly and multiple times, providing an ink suitable for use in security applications.
US09109109B2

The invention relates to a functionalized diene elastomer composed a) of a specific block copolymer functionalized, at the chain end or in the middle of the chain, by a tin functional group, b) of a specific block copolymer star-branched by tin and c) of a content of less than 15% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the functionalized diene elastomer, of a specific non-tin-functional block copolymer.
US09109078B2

A polymer polyol (I) is provided that is formed of a polyol (A), polymer particles (B) obtained by polymerization of an ethylenically unsaturated compound (b), and an active-hydrogen-containing compound (d) having an aromatic ring and having a number-average molecular weight of 150 to 2,000, wherein a content of (d) is 1 to 20% on the basis of a weight of (B). The polymer polyol of the present invention contains polymer particles having sufficiently small particle diameters, has a low viscosity, and has excellent handleability. A polyurethane resin obtained by using the polymer polyol of the present invention has excellent mechanical strengths such as elongation at break.
US09109058B2

The present invention relates to a method for initiating an ethylene polymerization reaction in an ethylene polymerization loop reactor. More particularly, the invention relates to the timing upon which hydrogen is introduced into the ethylene polymerization loop reactor. The catalysts used in the ethylene polymerization reaction according to present invention are preferably metallocene catalysts.
US09109055B2

The present invention relates to a transition metal catalyst composition which can exhibit high reactivity in a polymerization reaction of a polyolefin and can easily control characteristics such as chemical structure, molecular weight distribution, mechanical properties, and the like of a synthesized polyolefin, and a method of preparing a polyolefin using the catalyst composition.
US09109053B2

A method for producing a fluoropolymer dispersion where a fine particle containing a fluoropolymer is dispersed in an aqueous dispersion medium, the fluoropolymer having a sulfonic acid group, and the method including a polymerization reaction step of emulsion polymerizing a fluorovinyl ether derivative and a fluorine-containing ethylenic monomer to give a fluoropolymer precursor, a hydrolysis step of hydrolyzing, in an aqueous medium, —SO2X1, where X1 represents a halogen atom, which the fluoropolymer precursor has thereby to give the fluoropolymer, the fluorovinyl ether derivative being represented by the following general formula (II): CF2═CF—O—(CF2CFY1—O)n—(CFY2)m-A1  (II) wherein Y1, n, Y1, m and A1 are as defined herein, the fluoropolymer precursor having a fluorovinyl ether derivative unit content of 5 to 40 mole percent, and the fluoropolymer dispersion being produced without drying the fluoropolymer precursor and the fluoropolymer.
US09109043B2

It is an object of the present invention to provide a newly identified insulin secretion regulation factor that can control blood sugar in the normal range, and a method for screening an antidiabetic drug using said factor.In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a composition which is (i) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4; or (ii) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence in which one or several amino acids are deleted, substituted or added in an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and negatively regulating insulin secretion, as well as a method for screening antidiabetic drug using said protein or a nucleic acid encoding the same.
US09109033B2

A method of modulating immune response in an animal is disclosed. Such a method interacting the immature dendritic cells from the animal with an antigen ex vivo so that the immature dendritic cells present the antigen on their surfaces, inducing maturation of the immature dendritic cells ex vivo, and contacting the mature dendritic cells ex vivo with a modulator comprising TRANCE, conservative variants thereof, fragments thereof, analogs or derivatives thereof, or a fusion protein comprising the amino acid sequence of TRANCE, conservative variants thereof, or fragments thereof. After contacting the modulator ex vivo, the mature dendritic cells are introduced into the animal. As a result, immune response in the animal towards the antigen is modulated relative to the immune response against the antigen in an animal in which dendritic cells did not interact with the antigen ex vivo, and did not contact a modulator ex vivo. Preferably, the method of the present invention results in increasing immune response towards the antigen in the animal.
US09109026B2

The present invention relates to engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins, methods of making, and specifically to their uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease.
US09109012B2

Improved DNA vaccine plasmids are disclosed that contain novel immunostimulatory RNA compositions. The improved plasmids eliminate all extraneous sequences, incorporate a novel antibiotic free short RNA based selectable marker, increase eukaryotic expression using a novel chimeric promoter, improve yield and stability during bacterial production, and improve immunostimulation. These vectors are utilized in immunization to elicit improved immune responses or therapy to induce type 1 interferon production.
US09109006B2

Aspects of the present application relate to molecular weight markers of glatiramer acetate for accurate determination of the average molecular weight of glatiramer acetate.
US09108991B1

The present invention relates to a process for providing a low-chloride hydrolyzate comprising contacting an acid or base hydrolyzed substrate of a chlorosilane direct process residue with nitric acid to provide a hydrolyzate with a chloride content of less than about 1.8% by weight. The process of present invention is especially useful in cement kilns and smelter operation.
US09108984B2

The present invention provides substituted diamino-pyrimidine and substituted diamino-pyridine derivatives of Formula I; wherein X, Y, R1, R2, and Ar are defined herein, that modulate the activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to the activity of PI3Ks including, for example, inflammatory disorders, immune-based disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
US09108983B2

Compounds of formula (I): wherein A1, A2, Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd, R3, R4, R5 and T are as defined in the description. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating pathologies involving a deficit in apoptosis, such as cancer, auto-immune diseases, and diseases of the immune system.
US09108982B2

The present disclosure is related to silica-based Lewis acid catalysts, being essentially devoid of strong Brønsted acid character, and their ability to effect the [4+2] cycloaddition and dehydrative aromatization of dienes and dienophiles containing oxygenated substituents to form substituted benzene products. In some embodiments, the processes comprise contacting biomass-derived substrates with ethylene to form terephthalic acid and its derivatives.
US09108976B2

Synthetic methods are provided for preparation of oxycodone and salts thereof with an improved impurity profile. Thebaine is converted to 14-hydroxycodeinone sulfate intermediate to minimize a 7,8-dihydro-8,14-dihydroxycodeinone impurity. Efficient methods for conversion of oxycodone base to oxycodone hydrochloride are provided to minimize 14-hydroxycodeinone impurity in the final product.
US09108972B2

The present invention discloses new salts of (2R)-4-oxo-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6-dihydro[1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazin-7(8H)-yl]-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butan-2-amine i.e. gentisate, adipate and trifluoro acetic acid salts. The invention also describes the new. crystalline and amorphous forms of (2R)-4-oxo-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6-dihydro[1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazin-7(8H)-yl]-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butan-2-amine gentisate. The present invention also discloses novel crystalline salt form of (2R)-4-oxo-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6-dihydro[1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazin-7(8H)-yl]-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butan-2-amine hydrochloride and novel crystalline and amorphous salt forms of besylate and process for their preparation and isolation.
US09108958B2

The present invention relates to novel and selective antagonists for CCR2 (CC chemokine receptor 2) and their use for providing medicaments for treating conditions and diseases, especially pulmonary diseases like asthma and COPD as well as pain.
US09108956B2

The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): useful for treating disorders mediated by acyl coA-diacylglycerol acyl transferase 1 (DGAT1), e.g. metabolic disorders. The invention also provides methods of treating such disorders, and compounds and compositions etc. for their treatment.
US09108951B2

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein all of the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are inhibitors of factor XIa and/or plasma kallikrein which may be used as medicaments.
US09108949B2

It is an object of the present invention that the novel nicotinic receptor antagonists disclosed herein may be used in a broad array of clinical or medicinal facets. For example, it is a contemplated use of the present invention that the novel nicotinic receptor antagonists be used to inhibit the growth cycle of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Without being bound by theory, it is an object of the present invention that the nicotinic receptor antagonists disclosed herein are believed to possess reversible binding properties. Moreover, the compounds of the present invention are selective for 0.7 nAChR. For example, the compounds of the present invention are not believed to bind to 0.4 (32 nAChR neuromuscular receptors. It is also contemplated that the nicotinic receptor antagonists of the present invention will be used as a counter measure to treat exposure, or potential exposure, to a wide array of potential neurotoxins.
US09108947B2

This invention relates to compounds of Formula I having the following general structure: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are inhibitors of the Renal Outer Medullary Potassium (ROMK) channel (Kir1.1). The compounds are useful as diuretics and natriuretics and therefore are useful for the therapy and prophylaxis of disorders resulting from excessive salt and water retention, including cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and chronic and acute heart failure.
US09108945B2

Anhydrous polymorphic form-I of anti cancer drug, Lenalidomide whose chemical name is 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3-dihydro-isoindole-2-yl)-piperidine-2,6-dione, is disclosed. Alternate methods for making anhydrous polymorphic form-I of Lenalidomide are also disclosed.
US09108942B1

The invention relates to the compounds of formula I or its pharmaceutical acceptable salts, as well as polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of compounds of formula I; and methods for treating or preventing moderate to severe pain, may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of muscle pain, spasticity, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, post-operative pain, muscle spasticity, headache, chronic pain, sub-chronic pain and local pain.
US09108932B2

The invention in this document is related to the field of preparation of haloalkoxyarylhydrazines and certain intermediates derived therefrom, where said intermediates are useful in the preparation of certain pesticides disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,178,658.
US09108918B2

The present invention is concerned with a process for preparing 5-(2{[6-(2,2-difluoro-2-phenylethoxy)hexyl]amino}-1(R)-hydroxyethyl)-8-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09108911B1

A method of making di-TMP includes reacting TMP and a dialkyl carbonate in the presence of a base catalyst in a reaction medium to form an oxetane of TMP in the reaction medium; providing additional TMP and an acid catalyst to the reaction mixture and reacting the oxetane in situ with the additional TMP to produce di-TMP; and recovering di-TMP. The process may be carried out in sequential reaction zones by feeding the reaction medium forward or carried out sequentially in a single reactor. Preferably, one or all of the following conditions are met: (i) said acid catalyst is a strong acid catalyst or (ii) said base catalyst is a strong base catalyst; or (iii) the molar ratio of TMP/dialkyl carbonate employed in the method is greater than 2.5.
US09108910B2

Industrial methods for producing arylsulfur pentafluorides are disclosed. Methods include reacting arylsulfur halotetrafluoride with hydrogen fluoride in the absence or presence of one or more additives selected from a group of fluoride salts, non-fluoride salts, and unsaturated organic compounds to form arylsulfur pentafluorides.
US09108907B1

The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of taurine from ethionic acid and ethanol by way of ethanol-derived ethionic acid by the ammonolysis of ethionic acid and by the ammonolysis of sodium isethionate and sodium vinyl sulfonate, key intermediates prepared from ethionic acid.
US09108904B2

This invention relates to a process for converting a hydrocarbon reactant to a product comprising an oxygenate or a nitrile, the process comprising: (A) flowing a reactant composition comprising the hydrocarbon reactant, and oxygen or a source of oxygen, and optionally ammonia, through a microchannel reactor in contact with a catalyst to convert the hydrocarbon reactant to the product, the hydrocarbon reactant undergoing an exothermic reaction in the microchannel reactor; (B) transferring heat from the microchannel reactor to a heat exchanger during step (A); and (C) quenching the product from step (A).
US09108898B2

A continuous process for preparing primary aliphatic amines having 3 to 18 carbon atoms by reacting corresponding aliphatic aldehydes with ammonia and hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, characterized in that the reaction is carried out without solvent at a molar ratio of aliphatic aldehyde to ammonia of more than 1 to 16, above the critical temperature and above the critical pressure of ammonia.
US09108893B2

In a process for producing cyclohexylbenzene, hydrogen, and benzene are contacted in a first reaction zone under conditions effective to produce a product effluent containing residual benzene in the vapor phase and cyclohexylbenzene in the liquid phase. The product effluent is separated into a first stream that is rich in residual benzene in the vapor phase as compared to the product effluent and a second stream that is rich in cyclohexylbenzene in the liquid phase as compared to the product effluent. At least a portion of the first stream is cooled to condense at least a portion of the residual benzene in the vapor phase to the liquid phase and produce a condensate stream. At least a portion of the condensate stream is recycled to the first reaction zone.
US09108883B2

The invention provides compositions and methods directed to carbonation of a cement mix during mixing. The carbonation may be controlled by one or more feedback mechanisms to adjust carbon dioxide delivery based on one or more characteristics of the mix or other aspects of the mixing operation.
US09108880B2

Systems, techniques and applications for nanoscale coating structures and materials that are superhydrophobic with a water contact angle greater than about 140° or 160° and/or superoleophobic with an oil contact angle greater than about 140° or 160°. The nanostructured coatings can include Si or metallic, ceramic or polymeric nanowires that may have a re-entrant or mushroom-like tip geometry. The nanowired coatings can be used in various self-cleaning applications ranging from glass windows for high-rise buildings and non-wash automobiles to pipeline inner surface coatings and surface coatings for biomedical implants.
US09108870B2

In one embodiment, a remediation agent and method of remediation of an algae bloom are disclosed. The remediation agent contains light absorbing compounds in a buoyant water semi-insoluble and biodegradable casein product. The remediation agent may be distributed by boat or seeded by airplane to remediate or prevent algae blooms.
US09108867B2

A process of incorporating technetium into an electroless deposit, forming an alloy that is extremely resistant to corrosion and reduces the mobility of technetium on a geologic time scale is disclosed and claimed. The process includes providing a liquid containing technetium, such as an aqueous waste stream generated during the used nuclear fuel reprocessing activities. The technetium is collected and concentrated, and provided into an electroless deposition bath. A substrate, such as suitably prepared zero valent iron or stainless steel, is introduced into the bath to initiate autocatalytic electroless deposition of the technetium onto the substrate due to the difference in electrochemical potential between the plating bath and the metals in solution. This causes a layer of technetium metal to form on the substrate. The electroless deposition is continued until virtually all of the technetium has been removed from the bath, and then continues to build a layer of technetium-free material on the outermost surface of the substrate. One or more additional deposition steps may be performed to armor the plated substrate against leaching/corrosion in a nuclear waste disposal facility.
US09108865B2

There is provided an efficient treatment method for boron-containing water capable of reducing an amount of use of medical agent and an amount of generation of sludge. A treatment method for boron-containing water of an embodiment includes a first process of concentrating boron-containing water to obtain boron-concentrated liquid. Further, the method includes a second process of making the boron-concentrated liquid to be brought into contact with a layered inorganic hydroxide, and making the layered inorganic hydroxide adsorb boron in the boron-concentrated liquid to remove boron.
US09108864B2

A portable fluid treatment apparatus includes a container with an interior wall between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe which defines a bottom space between the bottom of the wall and the bottom interior surface of the container. A series of collectors in the container direct the flow of the inlet fluid and promote sedimentation from the fluid. The inlet fluid flows under the wall and up to a discharge pipe equipped with a vent. Multiple sedimentation units are connected together in series and mounted on a trailer for transport to a construction site.
US09108860B2

The present invention relates to the synthesis of bioceramics, in particular, of amorphous or cryptocrystalline calcium phosphates.
US09108856B2

The present invention is directed to a process for preparing CHA-type molecular sieves using a colloidal aluminosilicate in the presence of a cationic structure directing agent selected from the group consisting of N-cyclohexyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium, N-methyl-N-(3-methylcyclohexyl)pyrrolidinium, N-ethyl-N-(3-methylcyclohexyl)pyrrolidinium, and mixtures thereof.
US09108854B2

A colloidal dispersion having carrier particles of silica having a particle size from 3 nm to 100 nm to which silver ions have been adsorbed, preferably in an amount of 0.0005-5 silver ions per nm2 of silica particle surface. The surface of the carrier particles of silica suitably contains aluminumsilicate sites. It also relates to a process for making a colloidal dispersion comprising providing a silica sol, adding a solution of silver nitrate to the silica sol under agitation yielding a colloidal dispersion with silver ions adsorbed on the surface of the silica particles. The dispersion is usable as a biocide in e.g. coatings, adhesives and sealants, in surface treatment and impregnation of organic materials, in surface treatment and impregnation of inorganic materials, in textiles, garments and shoes, in medical disposables, in plastics and rubbers, in water and air purification, and in crop protection.
US09108847B2

A method for reprocessing waste acid from methods for producing nitro-aromatics, in particular for producing dinitrotoluene (DNT) or trinitrotoluene (TNT), to recover concentrated and purified sulfuric acid and nitric acid, wherein in a first stage, the waste acid is separated in a stripping column countercurrently with water vapor from the bottom of the stripping column into at least one vapor phase, which contains nitric acid and possibly nitro-organics, and a pre-concentrated sulfuric acid, and the vapor phase and the pre-concentrated sulfuric acid are condensed and/or reprocessed in downstream method stages, wherein in the first stage of the method, in addition to the stripping, the nitric acid contained in the stripping vapor is concentrated in the presence of additional concentrated sulfuric acid so that nitric acid in a highly concentrated form suitable for feeding back into the nitration process is obtained directly in the first stage.
US09108845B2

The invention provides a chlorine production catalyst that shows excellent reaction activity in the oxidation reaction of hydrogen chloride with oxygen into chlorine, is inexpensive and can be supplied stably, and is suited for use in a fluidized-bed reactor. The invention also provides a chlorine production process using the catalyst. The chlorine production catalyst of the invention includes spherical particles containing copper element (A), an alkali metal element (B) and a lanthanoid element (C) and having an average sphericity of not less than 0.80. The lanthanoid element (C) has a bond dissociation energy with oxygen at 298 K of 100 to 185 kcal/mol. The content of the copper element (A) in the catalyst is 0.3 wt % to 4.5 wt %.
US09108844B2

A method of producing hydrogen chloride, or an aqueous solution thereof, includes the steps: a) furnishing a first electrolyte containing chloride ions; b) carrying out an electrodialysis, wherein the first electrolyte is subjected to a cathodic reduction resulting in a catholyte, wherein the concentration of chloride ions drops in the first electrolyte, the concentration of hydroxide ions increases in the first electrolyte, and a product in the form of hydrogen chloride or an aqueous solution thereof is produced; c) processing of at least a partial quantity of the catholyte, resulting in the first electrolyte, wherein an untreated saline water is used, the concentration of chloride ions increases in the catholyte and the concentration of hydroxide ions drops in the catholyte; and d) at least partial reuse of the catholyte processed according to step c) as the first electrolyte in step b).
US09108837B2

Systems and methods for detecting a failure in a Stage II fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. An exemplary failure is a restriction in the vapor recovery system. In one detection system dispensing points may be flagged if it is determined that there has been a series of detected A/L ratios at the respective dispensing point below a first threshold. Further, an estimated ORVR penetration percentage may be determined for each dispensing point. In a second detection system an average A/L ratio for each dispensing point may be determined. The average A/L ratio may be an approximation of the average A/L ratio for non-ORVR transactions.
US09108835B2

Only a bottle properly preliminarily heated is sterilized by hydrogen peroxide. Temperature inspection to the bottle is performed while travelling the bottle. During the inspection, a bottle of which temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature is removed and a bottle of which temperature reaches the predetermined temperature is continuously travelled, hydrogen peroxide condensed mist α is blown toward a mouth portion 1a of the bottle by a spray tube 59 disposed at a predetermined position, and hot air is blown into the bottle from the nozzle while the nozzle 64 following the mouth portion of the bottle. According to such operation, only the bottle properly heated can be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide, Thereafter, beverage fills the bottle, which is then sealed.
US09108830B2

The present invention is directed to a load-rest that provides a secure and stable connection between a ground-engaging jack and a vehicle, the load-rest includes a frame bracket fixed to the vehicle and a clamp assembly fixed to the ground-engaging jack. The clamp assembly comprises a first clamp jaw opposite a second clamp jaw that is biased toward a closed position so that both clamp jaws clasp the frame bracket when inserted into an aperture provided therein. The clamp assembly also includes a tenon that extends in an upward direction to connect with a mortise in the frame bracket and provide a mortise and tenon joint therebetween, whereby the biased clamp jaws, in combination with the mortise and tenon joint, provides a secure and stable connection to the vehicle when a load is applied to the ground-engaging jack.
US09108822B2

Provided is a card raising/lowering device capable of appropriately raising and lowering cards by a simple configuration. In concrete, a card raising/lowering device (6) is provided with a card housing section (3) in which cards (2) are housed in a stacked state, and a raising/lowering mechanism (11) for raising and lowering the cards (2) housed in the card housing section (3). The raising/lowering mechanism (11) is provided with a mounting table (12) on which the cards (2) housed in the card housing section (3) are mounted, and a biasing member (13) for biasing the mounting table (12) upward. The spring constant of the biasing member (13) is approximately equal to the weight per unit thickness of the card (2). A power transmission mechanism is provided with a torque limiter for intermitting power transmission from a motor to a counter roller according to the magnitude of power transmitted from the motor to the counter roller when a carrying roller is rotated in the direction in which the card (2) is carried out, and a one-way clutch for cutting off the power transmission from the motor to the counter roller when the carrying roller is rotated in the direction in which the card is carried in.
US09108818B2

A sheet discharger including a pair of rotary bodies to discharge a sheet to a discharge part by rotating while sandwiching the sheet and to hold the sheet, a part of which is discharged and exposed from a discharge exit of the sheet discharger, and a separation unit operatively connected to the pair of rotary bodies, including an operating part provided closer to the discharge exit than the pair of rotary bodies to support the sheet held by the pair of rotary bodies, that separates the pair of rotary bodies from each other by withdrawal of the sheet held by the pair of rotary bodies toward the discharge exit of the sheet discharger.
US09108815B2

A sheet transport apparatus includes: a first motor and a second motor; a first roller configured to: rotate upon receiving motive power from the first motor; and transport a sheet in a predetermined transport direction; a second roller which is provided on a downstream side of the first roller in the transport direction and which is configured to: rotate upon receiving motive power from the second motor while nipping the sheet transported by the first roller at a nip position; and transport the sheet further downstream in the transport direction; and a controller. The controller includes a motor control unit configured to perform a first process for rotating the first roller and a second process for rotating the second roller; and a first reaction-force estimating observer configured to calculate a first estimated value which is an estimated value of a reaction force acting on the first motor.
US09108814B2

A sheet take-out apparatus includes a first separation unit, a second separation unit, a drawing roller for drawing sheets from a nip of the second separation unit, and a pinch roller rotating in contact with it. Overlapping sheets which pass the first and second separation units and are not separated are detected to be overlapped in a state that they are clamped by the nip of the drawing roller and pinch roller. When overlapping is detected, in a state that the rear ends of the overlapping sheets in the conveying direction are restricted by the nip, the drawing roller and pinch roller are stopped and the overlapping sheets are re-separated.
US09108810B2

A sheet conveying apparatus comprising: a guide portion which guides a sheet; a support portion which rotatably supports the guide portion; a biasing portion which applies a force to the guide portion to be at a closed position with respect to the support portion and is provided to be detachably attachable; and a stopper portion which contacts with the biasing portion to regulate a rotation of the guide portion in a direction that the guide portion opens.
US09108809B2

A method and apparatus that reduce release of dust generated during rotary dumping of rail cars in a dumping facility. The method includes removing dust laden air from a space bounded by a backside airflow diverter, a rotational frame, a first baffle and a second baffle while the rotational frame is rotating with a rail car by drawing the dust laden air through a secondary air intake that passes through the backside airflow diverter into a backside hood. A dust control apparatus includes a diverter, overlying a backside hood having a concave curved upper surface; and at least one secondary air intake positioned to pass through the diverter being located approximately where pressure in the backside hood remains neutral or negative relative to a pressure even there is a transient increase in air pressure in a lower portion of the backside hood.
US09108806B2

A storage device for a filling line for intermediately storing runners that are configured to accommodate containers includes a buffer stream configured to receive the runners with a variable intermediate storage capacity of the runners. An introduction device is configured to introduce the runners, independently of each other, from a storage area into the buffer stream.
US09108805B2

The present invention is a conveying apparatus for the bi-directional guidance of one or more objects, ingredients, products, containers, packs or packaging components from a primary location to a secondary location. Matter, such as the objects, ingredients, products, containers, packs or packaging component, supplied to the conveying apparatus from the primary location are monitored and corresponding speed and directional values are determined that are indicative of the relationship between matter supplied to the conveying apparatus and the matter being guided by the conveying apparatus to the secondary location. Based upon the speed and directional values, the conveying apparatus may be managed for bi-directional guidance of one or more objects from the primary location to the secondary location.
US09108798B2

A conveying roller for a horizontal continuous substrate treatment plant, has a roller body with two ends and two end caps having a receiving opening. Each end of the roller body is arranged in a receiving opening of an end cap. The end cap has two end cap parts which can be releasably connected to one another and which jointly form the receiving opening. The receiving opening is larger than the outside diameter of the end of the roller body. At least two elastic rings which center the roller body in the receiving opening are arranged on the end of the roller body.
US09108797B1

A method to identify and manage recyclable materials provides a recyclable material with a quartz crystal identification element configured to oscillate at a predetermined frequency associated with the recyclable material. A mobile device detects the oscillation frequency of the quartz crystal, identifies the recyclable material based on the detected oscillation frequency, and sends that information to a controller. The controller creates handling instructions for the pickup of the identified recyclable material.
US09108787B2

The present disclosure involves absorbent articles having customized graphics disposed inside packages labeled as containing customized articles. During the manufacturing process, customized absorbent articles are constructed with article identity graphics, and the packages to contain the customized articles are labeled with package identity graphics. A controller uses article and package identity graphics to track the manufacture of the customized articles and synchronize placement of the customized articles in the appropriately labeled packages. The methods disclosed herein provides for the manufacture of customized absorbent articles in series with the manufacture of absorbent articles having non-custom graphics. The substrates and/or components having the custom graphics in the manufacturing process are detected by a sensor that provides a feedback signal to a controller. The controller, in turn, commands a packing system to place the customized absorbent articles in packages; label the packages with a package identity graphic; and thereby create customized absorbent products.
US09108784B2

A packaged product assembly is provided. The packaged product assembly may include a packet received in a dispensing container. The packet may be a blister packet including units of a product received in sealed cavities. The dispensing container may include a top casing and a bottom casing. The upper casing may be pivotably connected to the lower casing such that the upper casing is moveable between a closed position in which access to the packet is substantially blocked, and an open position in which access to the packet is provided. The packet may be supported by a shoulder defined at an inner surface of sidewalls of the lower casing such that a receptacle is formed between the packet and a major wall of the lower casing. A unit of the product released from one of the sealed cavities may be received in the receptacle and dispensed via a dispensing aperture.
US09108781B2

A product container formed from a continuous blank that permits the inclusion of literature from the product manufacturer or packager. The container contains structures that prevent the included literature from interfering with high-speed, automated filling of products into the container.
US09108779B1

A device for securing cables having a first cable tie, a second cable tie and a releasable cable tie, wherein the first cable tie and the second cable tie are for permanently encompassing a single cable, and said releasable cable tie is for releasably encompassing a bundle of cables. The wire ties are connected by a pair of cross bars, and are intended to be affixed to the cable of an electrical appliance or the like for use in organizing the cable of the electrical appliance.
US09108777B1

A child resistant container made from blow-molded plastic which comprises: a vial having an outlet port; a pre-determined volume of aseptic fluid disposed sealed within the vial; a cap detachable from the vial; and, a resilient guard having a first and second ends which are integral to the vial on opposing sides. The resilient guard is designed to not be separated from contact with the vial and has a mid-portion which is initially positioned above the top of the cap to prevent cap removal. The safety container is preferably single use.
US09108763B2

A system for creating a microencapsulate coating composition and the method of adding the scented microencapsulate coating to product packaging. The microencapsulate coating contains scented compounds that are encapsulated to create encapsulated particles. The encapsulant can be either water soluble or hydrophobic depending upon the intended application. The encapsulated particles are mixed with a binding agent, to create a scented microencapsulate coating. The scented microencapsulate coating is applied to packaging in areas that will be touched as the packaging is manipulated. The physical contact ruptures the microencapsulate coating and releases the scented compounds contained therein.
US09108758B2

A container may be configured to be operable between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration. The container may include a base that supports a first attachment member. The container may include a roof that supports a second attachment member. The first and second attachment members may be spaced apart from each other when the container is in the erected configuration. The first and second attachment members may be configured to allow the roof to be secured to the base when the container is in the collapsed configuration. A hinge assembly that may be used with the collapsible container may include a pivoting component, an attachment member that supports the pivoting component, and a securement member. The attachment member may cooperate with the securement member to secure the pivoting component in an upright orientation.
US09108752B2

A stuffing machine (1) for stuffing piles (2) of sheet articles, comprising: a first conveyor (11) for moving piles (2) of sheet articles in a first advancement direction (A1); a second conveyor (12) arranged downstream of the first conveyor (11) with respect to the first advancement direction (A1), which second conveyor (12) is angularly arranged with respect to the first conveyor (11); a third conveyor (13) arranged downstream of the first conveyor (11) with respect to the first advancement direction (A1), which third conveyor (13) is aligned with the first conveyor (11), is extensible in a second advancement direction (A2) opposite the first advancement direction (A1), such as to assume an operating configuration (O) in which it passes over the second conveyor (12) and defines, with the first conveyor (11), a first conveying pathway (P1) and is retractable in a same direction as the first advancing direction (A1) in order to assume an inactive configuration (I) which enables the first conveyor (11) and the second conveyor (12) to define a second conveying pathway (P2); a first stuffing unit (3) positionable along the first conveying pathway (P1) for stuffing the piles (2) of sheet articles; a second stuffing unit (4) positionable along the second conveying pathway (P2) for stuffing the piles (2) of sheet articles.
US09108749B2

Three-axis spacecraft momentum management is performed for a spacecraft traveling along a trajectory, by an actuator including at least one thruster disposed on a single positioning mechanism. As the spacecraft travels along the trajectory, a desired line of thrust undergoes a substantial rotation in inertial space. When the spacecraft is located at a first location on the trajectory, the single positioning mechanism orients the thruster so as to produce a first torque to manage stored momentum in at least one of a first and a second of the three inertial spacecraft axes. When the spacecraft is located at a second location on the trajectory, the single positioning mechanism orients the thruster so as to produce a second torque to manage stored momentum in at least a third of the three inertial spacecraft axes.
US09108747B2

Herein is disclosed a tool, system and method for refueling on-orbit spacecraft. The tool and system are configured to allow for resupply of spacecraft configured to be propelled by either a bipropellant (oxidizer and fuel) or a monopropellant (typically hydrazine). The refueling tool is particularly suited for resupply of satellites not originally prepared for refueling but the system may also be used for satellites specifically designed for refueling.
US09108737B2

A scoop inlet for use in a gas turbine engine nacelle has a scoop inlet, and a tab extending forwardly of the scoop inlet. The scoop communicates with a downstream flowpath. The tab has at least one opening at a location upstream of the scoop inlet. A nacelle and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
US09108736B2

A latch assembly for securing a nacelle portion of a gas turbine engine includes first and second nacelle flow structures that define a portion of a bypass flowpath. A seal is engageable between the first and second nacelle flow structures. A latch is rotatable about a pivot between latched and unlatched positions. The latch maintains the seal in engagement with the first and second nacelle flow structures in the latched position. A method of opening a nacelle flow structure includes the steps of pivoting a latch from a latched position to an unlatched position, and unlatching a first nacelle flow structure relative to a second nacelle flow structure in response to the latch pivoting step.
US09108733B2

An integrated user interface system being disposed at a chair and methods for manufacturing and using same. The user interface system comprises one or more interface elements that are disposed at an armrest or other suitable chair location and that are obscured from view or otherwise de-emphasized when a user is distal from the user interface system. At least one selected interface element becomes emphasized when a user hand becomes proximate to the user interface system. The selected interface element can become emphasized, for example, by becoming visible and/or by forming a raised projection. Upon becoming emphasized, the selected interface element is activated for use and can be manipulated to interact with available system resources. The chair advantageously can appear to be an ordinary chair when the user interface system is not in use and can present the user interface system when the user wishes to access the system resources.
US09108730B2

A method to load stores on an aircraft, the method may be controlled by one or more controller and may include one or more acts of loading stores onto corresponding lift portions; determining a relative position of the aircraft; positioning the stores relative to the determined position of the aircraft; and securing the stores to corresponding hardpoints (HPs) of the aircraft.
US09108726B2

An aircraft emergency brake system includes a modulating emergency/parking brake valve in fluid communication with and disposed between a pressure source and a wheel brake and a lever assembly operatively connected with the brake valve. The emergency brake system is operative in first and second stages. The lever assembly includes a handle, a lock mechanism and an unlock mechanism. The handle is movable between a non-actuated position and a fully-actuated position. The brake pressure provided to the wheel brake through the brake valve depends on a position of the handle. The lock mechanism is operatively connected with the handle to obstruct the handle from moving from the first stage to the second stage. The unlock mechanism is disposed on the handle to unlock the lock mechanism allowing movement of the handle to the second stage position from the first stage position.
US09108720B2

A system for loading and unloading a cargo assembly onto and from an aircraft. The system comprises an aircraft and a moveable platform. The aircraft comprises a forward fairing, an aft fairing, a spine disposed between the forward fairing and the aft fairing and a plurality of mounts coupled to the spine and configured to structurally engage the cargo container onto the spine. The aft fairing is movable between a fixed position for flight and an open position for at least loading and unloading of the cargo assembly. The aircraft is configured such that an unobstructed passageway is provided in an area underneath the spine during loading or unloading of the cargo assembly. An aft access is provided when the aft fairing is moved to the open position. The moveable platform is used to maneuver the cargo assembly for loading and unloading onto and from the spine, respectively.
US09108711B2

A method of producing a pulsatile jet flow from a substantially constant flow primary jet in a way that is mechanically efficient, easy to implement, and allows direct control over pulse duration and pulsing frequency is disclosed herein. The invention includes at least two components: (a) a constant flow fluid jet produced by any normal method (e.g., propeller) that can be directionally vectored fluidically, mechanically, or electromagnetically and (b) a nozzle with multiple outlets (orifices) through which the vectored jet may be directed. By alternately vectoring the jet through different outlets, a transient (pulsatile) flow at an outlet is obtained even with a substantially constant primary jet flow. Additionally, the nozzle outlets may be oriented in different directions to provide thrust vectoring, making the invention useful for maneuvering, directional control, etc.
US09108705B2

An amusement device is formed by an elongate, semi-rigid, floating tube assembly with an outer, sleeve-forming tube of soft, flexible, buoyant material and semi-rigid, modular, inner tubing inserted longitudinally into the sleeve. The inner tubing is assembled from a series of identical, rigid, tubular, plastic links each having ball and a socket joint at respective opposite ends rotatively engaged with respective socket and ball joints of adjacent links. The engaging/abutting surfaces of the joints form interference, watertight fits to join the links in end-to-end relation to any desired length and enabling the tube assembly to be transversely bent by a person into different stable shapes. A creaking sound, audible to a user, is emitted during rotative movement of the joints during transverse bending of the tube assembly.
US09108701B1

A shallow water boat is configured to provide increased stability and turning ability at high speeds. The shallow water boat has a hull including a hull bottom. The hull bottom includes a port raised tunnel and a starboard raised tunnel which can channel water from fore to aft. The hull bottom also includes a port slightly concave surface outboard the port raised tunnel and a starboard slightly concave surface outboard the starboard raised tunnel. The slightly concave surfaces trap air which would otherwise flow outward creating a laminar flow condition which increases stability and the turning ability at high speeds.
US09108700B2

A method for automatic adjustment of a pedelec having a first assist level and a second assist level includes the following steps. The pedelec is operated at an initial assist level. A pedal torque index is measured and compared with a predetermined numeric section having an upper threshold and a lower threshold. If the pedal torque index is within the predetermined numeric section, the pedelec is kept in operating at the initial assist level. If the pedal torque index is lower than the lower threshold, the pedelec is adjusted to operate at the second assist level. If the pedal torque index is higher than the upper threshold, the pedelec is adjusted to operate at the first assist level. Therein, auxiliary force provided by the pedelec at the second assist level is less than auxiliary force provided by the pedelec at the first assist level.
US09108699B2

Crank arm spider adjustment orientation system to provide different angular orientations in the attachment of at least an ovoid chainring, comprising an ovoid chainring (3) and a spider (1), both of them provided with multiple anchorage points (30, 10) arranged as holes distributed along the perimeter of a BCD, and mechanical anchorage means (5) engaging chainring anchorage points (30) with corresponding spider anchorage points (10); where the number of said spider anchorage points (10) is multiple of and greater than the number of said mechanical anchorage means (5), and the angular increment between consecutive chainring's (3) orientations provided by the chainring anchorage points (30) is different than the angular increment between consecutive chainring's (3) orientations provided by the spider anchorage points (10), so the combination of the spider (1) with at least one ovoid chainring (3) multiplies the possibilities for said ovoid chainring's (3) orientation reducing the angular increment between consecutive chainring's (3) orientations.
US09108695B2

Embodiments of the invention describe a quadrilateral frame to be utilized by a two-wheeled vehicle. The quadrilateral frame may include front and rear vertical assemblies, top and bottom collapsible horizontal assemblies, the horizontal assemblies to collapse vertically. By collapsing the horizontal assemblies of the quadrilateral frame, it is to be understood that the space occupied by the vehicle when it is not in use is significantly reduced.
US09108691B2

A tractor unit (10) and a trailer unit (14) are connected by a connecting pin (33) on one unit (12, 14) which is in use received in an opening (21) in a connecting surface of the other unit, the connecting pin (33) including a sensor device (70) to sense loads imposed on the connecting pin (33) as the trailer unit (14) tends to decelerate or accelerate relative to the tractor unit (12), there being a control system, including a controller (65) which receives signals from the sensor device (70) representative of loads imposed on the connecting pin (33), and at least one electrical motive machine (50) is controlled, the machine (50) being capable of being electrically driven by power from an electrical storage device to provide drive to drive at least one ground engaging wheel (45a, 45b) and of generating electrical power for storage by an electrical storage device (58), such as to minimize the loads imposed on the connecting pin (33).
US09108685B1

An apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle generally has a front wall, two side walls, a truck bed, and a tailgate that altogether define a tonneau. The apparatus includes a tonneau cover that has a front panel and a rear panel. The tonneau cover is slidable along the side walls of the vehicle to move between a closed position and an extended position. In the closed position, the tonneau cover substantially covers the tonneau. In the extended position, at least a portion of the rear panel overhangs the tailgate exterior to the tonneau. The tonneau cover is securable in at least one of the closed position and the extended position.
US09108674B2

The present invention relates to a steering device (I) comprising a steering member (10) for mutually steering a first vehicle unit (2) and a second vehicle unit (3) of an articulated vehicle (1) comprising means (30, 32) for mutually pivoting said vehicle units, wherein the steering device comprises a housing configuration (50) arranged to form a supply space between said vehicle units (2, 3), comprising means (5, 6, 8, S; 60, 62, A, O) arranged for removal of stuff in the supply space (S) incoming from the surrounding. The invention also relates to an articulated vehicle with a steering member.
US09108670B2

A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic system of a working machine, which hydraulic system includes a first hydraulic machine for providing hydraulic fluid to a first actuator of the working machine, and a second hydraulic machine for providing hydraulic fluid to a second actuator of the working machine and for providing hydraulic fluid to the first actuator. The method includes using a first control mode, and in the first control mode allowing a flow of hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic machine to the second actuator, wherein the pump pressure of the second hydraulic machine is selected based on the load pressure of the second actuator independently of the load pressure of the first actuator. The method further includes using a second control mode provided that the requested flow to the first actuator exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and in the second control mode allowing a flow of hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic machine to the first actuator, wherein the pump pressure of the second hydraulic machine is selected based on the highest value of the load pressure of the second actuator and the load pressure of the first actuator.
US09108669B2

A vehicle comprising an electric power assist steering (EPAS) system, wherein the EPAS system is capable of receiving a detected value of steering wheel torque and wherein the EPAS system is operable to improve the accuracy of the detected value of steering wheel torque by compensating for a weight imbalance present in the steering wheel.
US09108665B2

The moving mechanism is capable of separating an orientation of a vehicle body from a traveling direction. In addition, the moving mechanism has a low center of gravity and is capable of reducing its weight. A moving body includes a vehicle body, steering actuators, right and left steering hubs, vehicle wheel actuators, and vehicle wheels. The steering actuators are disposed on the right and left sides of the vehicle body and drivable around a vertical axis. The right and left steering hubs are driven by the steering actuators. The vehicle wheel actuators are fixed to the steering hubs. The vehicle wheels are driven by the vehicle wheel actuators and are disposed in an inclined manner with respect to a vertical direction.
US09108663B1

An apparatus including a top plate, a right spacing member, a left spacing member, left and right sides plate having a length and a width, wherein the length of each of the left side plate and the right side plate is substantially greater than the width of each of the left side plate and the right side plate. The apparatus may further include first, and second wheels connected to the left side plate so that the first and second wheels can rotate about first and second axes which are substantially parallel to the width of the left side plate; and third and fourth wheels connected to the right side plate so that the third and fourth wheels can rotate about third and fourth axes which are substantially parallel to the width of the right side plate.
US09108662B1

A wheelbarrow is provided comprising a bed for receiving a load, with an axle mounted to the bed. First and second load-bearing wheels are rotatably mounted to the axle on opposite sides of the bed. First and second rotatable stabilizing wheels are mounted to first and second support arms, respectively, with each of the first and second support arms being rotatably mounted relative to the axle on opposite sides of the bed. A first locking mechanism is associated with at least one, and preferably each, of the first and second load-bearing to selectively permit or prevent rotation of the load-bearing wheels relative to the axle. A second locking mechanism is associated with at least one, and preferably each, of the first and second support arms to selectively permit or prevent rotation of the support arms relative to the axle. An actuator is provided for selectively locking and unlocking each of the first and second locking mechanisms.
US09108660B2

A compact collapsible stroller includes a mobile base provided with front and rear wheels. A push handle is coupled to the mobile base.
US09108657B2

A braking system for a cart is described herein. The braking system can include a pair of chocks positioned proximate to a wheel of a wheel assembly, where the wheel assembly is coupled to a cart frame. The braking system can also include a handle mechanically coupled to the cart frame, where the handle has an engaged position when a force is applied to the handle, and where the handle has a disengaged position when no force is applied to the handle. The braking system can also include a brake release mechanism coupled to the pair of chocks and the handle. When the handle is in the disengaged position, the pair of chocks are engaged with the wheel and the brake release mechanism is disengaged. When the handle is in the engaged position, the pair of chocks are disengaged from the wheel and the brake release mechanism is engaged.
US09108655B2

A basket for public use includes a substantially upright tapered body for repeatedly moving purchasable items within a store; the body includes an interior space and an open top; the open top permits access to the interior for placing the plurality of purchasable items in the interior. Wheels allow rolling the basket within the store and a telescoping handle provided on a face of the body rollingly pulls the basket. A like-basket is nestable in the basket in a first and a second position; eg the telescoping handles are proximate to each other or the telescoping handles are distal from each other.
US09108642B2

There is provided a mobile object including an input detection unit configured to detect an input from an outside, an acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information detected by a sensor in a remote location, in accordance with a content of detection performed by the input detection unit, and a control unit configured to control an actuator other than a driving actuator in accordance with the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit, the driving actuator relating to movement of the mobile object.
US09108638B2

Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.
US09108635B2

It is provided a control device of a hybrid vehicle having a clutch in a power transmission path between an engine and a motor generator, the clutch controlling power transmission through the power transmission path depending on an engagement state, the hybrid vehicle interrupting the power transmission through the power transmission path by releasing the clutch during EV running while only the motor generator is used as a drive source for running, during the EV running while a release instruction for the clutch is output, if the engine being driven, a rotation speed of the engine is maintained within a predetermined rotation speed difference from a rotation speed of the motor generator.
US09108621B2

A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and a traction motor coupled to the engine by a coupling device or a clutch for providing torque to wheels of the vehicle. An inverter is electrically connected to the traction motor. A second coupling device or at least one clutch at least indirectly selectively couples the motor to the drive wheels. A controller controls the second coupling device based upon a temperature of at least one of the fraction motor and the inverter.
US09108611B2

Disclosed herein is an electric brake system for a vehicle including a reservoir, an input rod, and a pedal displacement sensor to sense a displacement of a brake pedal. The electric brake system includes a pressure supply unit connected to the reservoir and a hydraulic channel and to output an electrical signal through the pedal displacement sensor, a hydraulic control unit provided with a first circuit and a second circuit, a shut-off valve to control the hydraulic pressure transferred to a wheel cylinder, a switching valve connected to a channel connecting the pressure supply unit to the hydraulic control unit, a compliance unit installed in a channel connected to the shut-off valve and the switching valve and including a compliance chamber, a piston and an elastic member, a simulator connected to the master cylinder to provide reaction force, and an electronic control unit to control the motor and the valves.
US09108608B2

A method of adjusting one or more of braking parameters used in a braking function to control braking of a train includes determining an adjustment factor based on a joint stopping distance probability distribution, the joint stopping distance probability distribution representing the composite effect on stopping distance of a plurality of predetermined train characteristic parameters, each of the predetermined train characteristic parameters being variable, and applying the adjustment factor to each of the one or more of braking parameters. Also, a method of adjusting braking parameters that includes determining an adjustment factor based on a nominal value, a worst case limit value and a best case limit value of each of a plurality of predetermined train characteristic parameters, each of the predetermined train characteristic parameters being variable, and applying the adjustment factor to each of the one or more of braking parameters.
US09108607B2

Methods and systems are provided for improving the vacuum generation efficiency of an ejector coupled to in an engine system. Vacuum is generated at the ejector at a faster rate but to a lower level by opening a throttle upstream of the ejector. Vacuum is then raised to a higher level but at a slower rate by closing the throttle upstream of the ejector.
US09108594B2

A multi-adapter for a vehicle wiper, having a joining portion coupled to a wiper blade with a pair of side plates protruding from the joining portion such that the side plates are parallel to each other. The side plates have a plurality of pin coupling portions formed at the pair of side plates, and to which wiper arm with pins of different sizes are selectively coupled. A plurality of protrusions are formed, on at least one of the pair of the side plates so as to maintain a gap between the wiper arm and the pair of side plates.
US09108592B2

A method for operating a vehicle includes checking a state of health of the driver during operation of the vehicle, in particular when it is started, and starting a safety program for operating the vehicle when a predefined state of health is detected.
US09108586B2

A steering lock device (1) includes: a frame (2) including a unit accommodating chamber (24) opening at one surface side of the frame (2), and a trigger inserting hole (26) penetrating the frame (2) from the other surface side of the frame (2) to the unit accommodating chamber (24); a unit case (63) accommodated in the unit accommodating chamber (24); a locking protrusion (25) protruding from an inner wall of the unit accommodating chamber (24) and provided on an extension of the trigger inserting hole (26) in the unit accommodating chamber (24) in an extending manner; and a locking claw (66) provided to the unit case (63) and being engageable with the locking protrusion (25).
US09108573B2

An adjustment device for a carrier plate which can be pivoted about two mutually orthogonal axes and is configured to receive a motor vehicle mirror, includes one motor per axis for moving a non-rotatably and non-tiltably guided linear drive, which is in engagement via a socket with a joint ball on the carrier plate, and a funnel-shaped hub provided with a hollow shaft. A hollow spherical segment of the funnel-shaped hub engages, by spring tabs, in a depression in the form of a hollow spherical segment in the carrier plate, and a spherical segment of the carrier plate is axially elastically clamped in a hollow spherical segment of a housing for drive trains of the two linear drives, thereby locking the hollow shaft on the housing.
US09108565B2

A lighting structure of a liquid crystal panel in a gauge for a vehicle includes a dial, a pointer member, a liquid crystal display panel, a pointer, and a pointer illuminating light source. The lighting structure further includes an illuminating light dividing and output part, and a luminance adjusting part. The luminance adjusting part includes a first luminance adjusting plate, and a second luminance adjusting plate.
US09108559B1

A utility vehicle according to the present invention comprises a chassis; a seat provided on the chassis; a cargo bed provided behind the seat and supported in a freely rotatable manner about a pivot of the chassis so as to be changeable between a dumping position in which a front portion of the cargo bed is raised and a normal position in which the front portion of the cargo bed is not raised; a cargo bed locking mechanism capable of locking the cargo bed positioned at the normal position to the chassis; and chassis side covers for covering at least part of the sides of the chassis in a vehicle width direction. Each of the outer faces of the chassis side covers in the vehicle width direction has a main body portion and a concave portion being recessed inward from the main body portion in the vehicle width direction. The cargo bed locking mechanism is provided inside the concave portion of the chassis side cover.
US09108558B2

A tray of a vehicle, the tray comprising a tray bed having a carrying surface for containment of a load, the tray bed comprising at least one panel defining at least a portion of the carrying surface, the at least one panel comprising a reinforced section. The invention also relates to a canopy of a tray of a vehicle, the canopy comprising a frame member adapted to receive a plate section defining a covering section for protecting a portion of the vehicle, the plate section comprising a reinforced plate section.
US09108553B2

A vehicle seat suspension assembly includes a rear support for engagement with a torsion tube of a vehicle seat. First and second spring members have end portions engaged with the rear support. Intermediate cushion pan connectors are disposed on each of the first and second spring members. A cross support is coupled with the first and second spring members and includes power and data wiring apertures.
US09108544B2

Disclosed is a vehicle seat device configured so that the seat cushion can be suitably held at a raised position and that side links are compact. A vehicle seat device is provided with a movement mechanism (41) capable of moving the seat cushion (24) between a seating position and a stowed position. The movement mechanism is provided with: a cross member (52) provided to the seat cushion; left and right, front support brackets (53, 54) provided to the vehicle body floor (12); left and right, side links (55, 56) rotatably connected to the left and right, front support brackets and rotatably connected to the cross member; and a guide link (57) which has first guide support shafts (71a, b) rotatably provided in front of the rotation support shafts (67, 75) of the side links and which also has a second guide support shaft (71e) rotatably provided to the cross member.
US09108542B2

A seat reclining apparatus includes a base plate, a ratchet plate, a lock member supported on a surface of the base plate which faces the ratchet plate so that the lock member is movable between engaged and disengaged positions, a rotational cam positioned between the base plate and the ratchet plate and rotates relative thereto by an operation of an operating member, and a welding protrusion which protrudes from the outer side of the base plate and is engaged with a holding portion. The welding protrusion includes a welding portion which is positioned closer to an outer peripheral side of the base plate than the outer toothed portion of the lock member in the engaged position, and a weld is applied so as to extend over the welding portion and an outer edge of the holding portion.
US09108540B2

A vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat back coupled to the seat base. The seat back moves about a seat-back pivot axis from an upright position to a fold-flat position.
US09108521B2

A battery control apparatus includes an emergency charging unit including an external charging terminal for applying power to a main battery pack, a first voltage measurement unit for measuring the voltage of the external charging terminal, and an emergency charging switch for switching the connection between the external charging terminal and the main battery pack; an auxiliary battery connection unit including an auxiliary battery connection terminal for applying power to the vehicle through a contactor, a second voltage measurement unit for measuring the voltage of the auxiliary battery connection terminal, and an auxiliary battery switch for switching the connection between the auxiliary battery connection terminal and the contactor; and an emergency control unit for switching to an emergency charging mode or an auxiliary connection mode by turning on the emergency charging switch or the auxiliary battery switch during the voltage measurement of the first or second voltage measurement unit.
US09108518B2

A system and method is disclosed for controlling at least one traction motor driving an axle on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of axles on which wheels are mounted. The method may include determining whether at least one of the wheels on at least one of the axles differs in diameter from at least one other wheel on a different one of the axles by more than a threshold value. The method may also include increasing a torque provided by a traction motor driving an axle with at least one wheel that has a larger diameter than at least one other wheel on a different axle.
US09108510B2

A method and a control device for controlling a haptic acceleration pedal in a motor vehicle includes determining a foreseeable signal position in which a haptically perceivable signal is foreseeably to be generated by the acceleration pedal at a future time. The signal position is configured to be located between a rest position and a maximally actuated position within the shifting range of the pedal. While the pedal is located in a current position between the rest position and the foreseeable position, an actuator that is configured to generate a haptically perceivable signal on the acceleration pedal is arranged in such manner that the actuator is in operational connection with the acceleration pedal when the acceleration pedal has reached the foreseeable position. The configuration results in a prompt generation of a haptically perceivable signal and a reduced energy consumption for the actuator.
US09108509B2

A vehicle control device is applied to a vehicle having a driving mechanism for transmitting a driving force to a plurality of wheels, a braking mechanism having an electronic parking brake for generating a parking brake force for at least one of the plurality of wheels, and a coupling state control mechanism for controlling state of coupling of the plurality of wheels. The vehicle control device determines whether the electronic parking brake is in a lock stuck state in which the parking brake force cannot be canceled. When at least one of the plurality of wheels is in the lock stuck state, the vehicle control device exercises stuck state special control to loosen or cancel state of coupling between a wheel determined to be in the lock stuck state and a wheel determined to be not in the lock stuck state by controlling the coupling state control mechanism.
US09108508B2

A power take-off transmission has a power take-off clutch, a hydraulic supply, a hydraulically operable piston for activating a clutch plate set of the power take-off clutch, wherein the hydraulic supply comprises a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic cooler and wherein a first hydraulic line hydraulically connects the hydraulic pump to the piston and a second hydraulic line branching off from the first hydraulic line hydraulically connects the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic cooler. In order to improve the cooling capacity and lubrication of the power take-off transmission, it is proposed that the hydraulic supply comprises a third hydraulic line, which hydraulically connects the hydraulic cooler to the clutch plate set, wherein the clutch plate set is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic reservoir.
US09108507B2

The present invention is to enable an adsorbent disposed in the vicinity of a tank port to be appropriately subjected to a purge when the adsorbent in a canister is subjected to the purge by air, thereby eliminating a non-desorption region of fuel vapor. In a fuel tank according to the present invention, a tank port (20t) that communicates with a space in a fuel tank body (10m), a purge port (20p), and an atmosphere port (20a) are formed in a container (21) of a canister (20) constituted by a container body (22) and a cover material (23), an inside of the container (21) of the canister (20) is configured to be partitioned to form passages (T1) and (T2) so that insides of the passages (T1) and (T2) are filled with an adsorbent (C), and the atmosphere port (20a) is provided on one end side in an air flow direction of the passages (T1) and (T2) and the tank port (20t) is provided on the other end side in the air flow direction of the passages (T1) and (T2) together with the purge port (20p).
US09108497B2

An apparatus for a vehicle is provided that includes a structural enclosure configured to attach to both first and second spaced battery module housings while spanning the gap between the spaced battery module housings. The structural enclosure is configured to support power electronics and is configured to allow connection of the power electronics to the battery modules through the structural enclosure. A method of servicing vehicles and a method of manufacturing vehicles is also provided.
US09108494B2

A vehicle convertible top having a linkage arrangement on both sides with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top, the link arrangement being pivotably mounted on a main bearing fixed to the vehicle and serving to adjust a convertible top element between a lifted operating position and a lowered storage position. The link arrangements can each have a lower four-joint arrangement having two base links pivotably mounted on the respective main bearing and an upper four-joint arrangement which has two adjusting links pivotably connected to the convertible top element, the base links and the adjusting links being hinged to a coupling link that forms part of the two four-joint arrangements, and one of the base links being connected to one of the adjusting links via a control link so that the upper four-joint arrangement is coupled with the lower four-joint arrangement in a positively controlled manner.
US09108492B2

Disclosed is an apparatus for blocking incident rays from entering an interior cabin of a vehicle. More specifically, an imaging device provided at a predetermined position in the vehicle and photographing an area around a driver's hands and eyes when a driver raises his or her hand to block rays in the direction of a driver's seat. A control unit which receives photographs from the imaging device, acquires an extension line which extends from the eye area to the hand area. A ray blocking mechanism installed in the vehicle accordingly is then controlled and accordingly operated to block the point where the extension line and the windshield glass or the side glass of the driver's seat meet each other.
US09108486B2

The present invention generally relates to vehicle based climate regulation systems. Specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus for extending and directing the flow of air-conditioning or heat within a vehicle by way of providing a connector and a detachable extension operable with a preexisting vehicle climate regulation system.
US09108485B2

Altering the damping rate of a vehicle suspension damper. A pressure of a damping fluid is exerted against a second valve mechanism connected to the vehicle suspension damper. The pressure of the damping fluid is increased beyond a threshold of the second valve mechanism that is adjustable by an adjustment member. The adjustment member is exposed through a high pressure side of the vehicle suspension damper. The second valve mechanism is then opened.
US09108479B1

A system enables a helicopter to land on and be conveyed on a train track. The system includes the helicopter with extensible legs attached to the helicopter. The legs extend to below the fuselage to a point below the standard landing gear so that they can engage the railroad tracks. There is a rail wheel rotatably attached to the lower end of each leg. The rail wheels are what ride on the railroad tracks and provide the support needed to maintain the helicopter in position on the railroad tracks. A motor is connected to at least one rail wheel so that it can be activated to rotate the rail wheel to propel the helicopter on the railroad tracks. The system may include an adjustment beam to slide two adjacent rail wheels together or apart so as to permit the rail wheels to engage differing railroad tracks.
US09108471B2

Technique for improving the durability of the beads of a radial tire for a heavy vehicle of the civil engineering type, by reducing the rate of spread of cracks initiated at the surface of contact between a first filler polymer material (23a) which is radially innermost and in contact with the bead wire core (22) and a second filler polymer material (23b) radially on the outside of the first filler polymer material. A transition element (24), made of a transition polymer material, of contact thickness (e), is in contact, via its radially internal face (24a), with the first filler polymer material (23a) and in contact, via its radially external face (24b), with the second filler polymer material (23b), and the elastic modulus at 10% elongation of the transition polymer material is somewhere between the respective elastic moduli at 10% elongation of the first and second filler polymer materials.
US09108470B2

A run-flat device, which is inserted into pneumatic tires to allow mobility in the event of pressure loss in the pneumatic tire, can comprise an inner ring, outer ring, and an interconnected web connecting the two. The run-flat device can support an applied load by working in tension and compression.
US09108469B2

A non directional pneumatic tire is provided for an agricultural irrigation system. The tire includes first and second side walls and a radially outer wall defining an internal inflation chamber. A non directional tread pattern is defined on the tire and includes a plurality of longitudinal protrusions positioned substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the tire. The longitudinal protrusions are arranged in first and second rows extending from the first and second side walls toward and across the equatorial plane of the tire. The longitudinal protrusions of the first and second rows circumferentially alternate with each other and there is a circumferential spacing between adjacent longitudinal protrusions at the equatorial plane so that no portion of one longitudinal protrusion circumferentially coincides with or overlaps another.
US09108465B2

A tire having a radial carcass reinforcement, comprised of at least one layer of metal reinforcing elements, said tire comprising a crown reinforcement, which is itself covered radially with a tread, said tread being joined to two beads via two sidewalls. The metal reinforcing elements of at least one layer of the carcass reinforcement are non-hooped cords having, in the permeability test, a flow rate of less than 20 cm3/min and at least one layer of the carcass reinforcement being provided on at least one side with textile threads oriented mainly along a direction parallel to that of the metal reinforcing elements of said at least one carcass reinforcement layer, said textile threads being corrugated about this main direction.
US09108457B2

A dispenser with a transfer head includes a feeding roller placed within a case provided with an opening, and supporting a transfer tape T so as to be capable of being fed; a take-up roller for taking up a base material tape that has been used to transfer; a transfer roller for transferring a transfer agent; an interlocking mechanism for rotating the feeding roller and the take-up roller in an interlocking manner; a holding member provided on the opening side in a front/back direction so as to be capable of moving forward and backward; and a rotational frame for supporting the feeding roller, the take-up roller and the transfer roller, wherein when a pressing force is applied to the case while the holding member abuts against a surface to be transferred P, the transfer head is relatively projected, and moved on the surface P with pressing thereto so that the transfer agent can be transferred.
US09108452B2

Provided is a method of manufacturing a recorded matter including applying a first ink including a volatile first liquid to an intermediate transfer medium; applying a second ink including a coloring agent, a thermoplastic resin and a volatile second liquid using an ink jet method to locations of the intermediate transfer medium where the first ink is applied; heating the surface of the intermediate transfer medium where the second ink is applied from the opposite surface side and volatilizing at least a part of the second liquid; transferring the second ink heated of the surface of the intermediate transfer medium onto the recording medium; and heating the second ink transferred to the recording medium of the surface of the intermediate transfer medium.
US09108447B1

A printer includes an ejection portion configured to eject liquid, a flat plate-shaped platen arranged at a distance from the ejection portion, a support portion configured to support the platen, a pair of rails extending in a first direction, a movement portion configured to move in the first direction along the pair of rails, a connection portion configured to connect the support portion and the movement portion, and an adjustment mechanism configured to connect the support portion and the movement portion via the connection portion, allowing adjustment of an arrangement of the support portion with respect to the pair of rails. The adjustment mechanism includes at least three sets of adjustment portions, each of the at least three sets of adjustment portions including a penetration portion, a screw hole and a screw.
US09108428B2

A generation unit is configured to generate a black color material data and the plurality of pieces of chromatic color material data, for a color positioned at a surface of a dark portion in a color gamut that can be reproduced using a black color material and the plurality of chromatic color materials, in such a way as to arrange dots of the black color material and respective dots of the plurality of chromatic color materials exclusively on a recording medium and set a rate of the arranged dots of the black color material to be greater as the color positioned at the surface is closer to black.
US09108415B2

An image recording device is provided with: a first guide mechanism for guiding the movement of a print head between an image recording position and a maintenance-receiving position, which is a position different from a support member in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction in which the print head at the image recording position and the support member face each other; and a second guide mechanism for guiding the movement of a maintenance unit between a withdrawn position for separating away from the print head in a third direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the second direction, in relation to the print head at the maintenance-receiving position, and a maintenance position for drawing nearer to the print head than the withdrawn position.
US09108402B2

An inkjet printer includes a print head, a nozzle position and a print control section. The print head includes a plurality of nozzles to eject ink. The nozzle position specifying section is configured to specify a position of a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles that exhibits defective ejection of the ink. The print control section is configured to eject the ink from the plurality of nozzles based on image data. The print control section is configured to determine a density of second pixels, which are positioned adjacent to first pixels to be printed by the first nozzle that was specified, and a density of third pixels, which are positioned adjacent to the second pixels except the first pixels, based on the image data, and to correct to increase the density of the second pixels and to reduce the density of the third pixels.
US09108401B2

An image recording apparatus includes a head for ejecting ink, a moving mechanism for moving a recording medium, and a control part for controlling these constituent elements. The control part includes an information storage part, a conversion part, and a correction part. The conversion part converts input image data into converted image data which is suitable for image recording. The information storage part stores an LUT indicating a relation between the input image data and the converted image data for each head and each type of recording medium. The correction part updates the LUT on a representative recording medium on the basis of correction amounts determined in accordance with reference images which are recorded onto the representative recording medium and further updates the LUT on another type of recording medium. By virtue of providing this correction part, it is possible to simplify a correcting operation of recording densities.
US09108398B2

A contact printing system is disclosed. A gravure cylinder having a plurality of discrete cells disposed upon an outer surface thereof. A first portion of a first fluid and a second portion of a second fluid are disposed from a respective channel disposed internal to the gravure cylinder. The gravure cylinder, including the first and second at least one channels and the plurality of discrete cells, is formed so that the gravure cylinder has a unibody construction and has no moving parts interior to the gravure cylinder.
US09108395B2

A method of attaching a composite member to a structure. The method including forming a laminate of fabric impregnated with resin; applying heat at a first temperature to the impregnated laminate; applying vacuum at a first pressure to the impregnated laminate to degas the resin and form a degassed, impregnated laminate; positioning the degassed, impregnated laminate on a structure; and curing the degassed, impregnated laminate on the substrate by applying heat at a second temperature and by applying vacuum at a second pressure.
US09108392B2

The invention provides a decorative sheet including at least a surface protective layer on a substrate, in which the surface protective layer includes a cured material of an ionizing radiation curable resin composition at least containing a polycarbonate(meth)acrylate (A) and a multi-functional (meth)acrylate (B) in a mass ratio (A)/(B) of (98/2)-(70/30). The invention also provides a decorative sheet including at least a surface protective layer on a substrate, in which the surface protective layer includes a cured material of an ionizing radiation curable resin composition at least containing an acrylic silicone (meth)acrylate (C) and a multi-functional (meth)acrylate (B) in a mass ratio (C)/(B) of (50/50)-(95/5). The present invention provides a decorative sheet with a surface protective layer having scratch resistance as well as three-dimensional formability.
US09108391B2

A multilayer film has an upper layer (A), at least one intermediate layer (B), and a lower layer (C) stacked in that order, wherein the intermediate layer (B) includes a composition (b1) that includes a propylene polymer (p1), a propylene α-olefin random copolymer (r1) and an ethylene-based elastomer or a composition (b2), that includes a propylene α-olefin random copolymer (r2), and ethylene-based elastomer and an ethylene polymer (e1), and the upper layer (A) and the lower layer (C) each independently include an ethylene polymer and/or a propylene polymer.
US09108388B2

Disclosed is an electromagnetic wave absorbent which exhibits high electromagnetic wave absorption performance over a wide band. The electromagnetic wave absorbent contains a conductive fiber sheet which is obtained by coating a fiber sheet base with a conductive polymer and has a surface resistivity within a specific range. The conductive fiber sheet is formed by impregnating a fiber sheet base such as a nonwoven fabric with an aqueous oxidant solution that contains a dopant, and then bringing the resulting fiber sheet base into contact with a gaseous monomer for a conductive polymer, so that the monomer is oxidatively polymerized thereon.
US09108381B2

A flexible package having a main package inner cavity compartment and a segregated secondary compartment. The main package generally includes a plurality of outer panel portions. These panel portions can include a front panel portion, a back panel portion, and a bottom panel portion. A frangible longitudinal seal portion is provided such that breaching of the frangible longitudinal seal portion facilitates communication between the inner cavity and the secondary compartment.
US09108376B2

A method for making a wind turbine rotor blade half shell includes arranging a fibrous material in a mold, which has an inner side predetermining an aerodynamic surface of the half shell and has a pinching edge defining the profile of a trailing edge of the half shell. A liquid plastics material surrounding the fibrous material is cured. An insert is arranged in relation to the mold in a predetermined position, in which a surface of the insert and a bordering portion of the inner side of the mold conjointly define an acute angle tapering toward the pinching edge, so that a thinly tapering trailing edge of the half shell is formed between the surface of the insert and the bordering portion.
US09108361B2

A method for making a rapid prototype of a patient's mouth to be used in the design and fabrication of a dental prosthesis. An intra-oral scan is made of the patient's mouth having an installation site with a dental implant installed and a healing abutment attached to the dental implant. The healing abutment has at least one informational marker. Scan data is generated from the scanning. The scan data is transferred to a CAD program. A three-dimensional model of the installation site is created in the CAD program. The at least one informational marker and the three-dimensional model are used to manufacture a rapid prototype model of the patient's mouth, which includes a dental implant analog.
US09108360B2

A gantry assembly for use in an additive manufacturing system, the gantry assembly comprising a first bearing shaft, a carriage slidably engaged with the first bearing shaft, and a second bearing shaft operably supported by the carriage, the second linear bearing extending along a second axis. The gantry assembly also comprises a tool-head mount slidably engaged with the second linear bearing, a drive belt secured to the tool-head mount, a first motor having a first drive shaft engaged with the drive belt, and a second motor having a second drive shaft engaged with the drive belt.
US09108358B1

An apparatus detects defects in an object during three-dimensional printing of the object. The apparatus uses a terahertz sensor to generate data corresponding to the thickness of an object being formed at a plurality of locations on the surface of a layer of the object. These thickness data are compared to thickness data for locations of the corresponding layer from a previous build of the object. If a difference in thickness exceeds a predetermined threshold, a defect is detected.
US09108353B2

This injection apparatus injects and fills the inside of a mold with a molding material, and increases the pressure. The injection apparatus is provided with a unit for a low speed step, a unit for a high speed step, a unit for a pressure increasing step, and an injection plunger. A rod of a first unit, which is any one of the three units, is mechanically coupled to the injection plunger. A rod of a second unit, which is one of the two units other than the first unit, is mechanically coupled to the first unit. A rod of a third unit, which is the unit other than the first and second units, is mechanically coupled to the second unit.
US09108348B2

A strain relief for a coaxial cable and coaxial connector interconnection is provided as an injection moldable polymer material surrounding the interconnection. The injection moldable material fills a solder pre-form cavity between an outer conductor of the coaxial cable and an inner diameter of a bore of the connector body, strengthening and environmentally sealing the interconnection.
US09108347B2

A golf ball mold that includes a mold body configured as a plurality of mold parts which have at least a parting surface that defines a parting line at a golf ball equator and removably mate to form a cavity having an inner wall with a plurality of dimple-forming protrusions thereon is provided. The golf ball mold includes a support pin which has an end face with a plurality of dimple-forming protrusions thereon and is extendable into and retractable from the cavity. The support pin extends into the cavity to support a center sphere and, when in a retracted state, the end face thereof defines a portion of the inner wall of the cavity. The end face of the support pin includes a pole of the cavity and has a peripheral edge which intersects a parallel of latitude at 10 degrees from the pole.
US09108343B2

According to one embodiment, the template treatment method includes a substrate having a principal surface, a first pattern formed on the principal surface and including a plurality of recesses, and a second pattern formed on the principal surface at a position different from the first pattern and including a plurality of recesses. The first pattern contains a first material and the second pattern contains a second material different from the first material. The second pattern is coated with a coating containing a third material different from the first and second materials. The template is cleaned while the second pattern is coated. After the coating is removed, the second pattern is exposed.
US09108342B2

According to an embodiment, a method of forming a film is provided. In the method of forming a film, a reversed pattern which is the reverse of a desired layout pattern is formed on a first substrate. Subsequently, a pattern material of the desired layout pattern is supplied to a second substrate as a reversal material. Thereafter, the reversed pattern is brought into contact with the reversal material such that the reversed pattern faces the reversal material, so that the reversed pattern is filled with the reversal material by a capillary phenomenon.
US09108336B2

Wood is treated with at least one photocatalytically degradable organic substance, organic compound or at least one biocide to reduce the contamination by organic substances, organic compounds and/or biocides from wood or wood-base materials into the immediate surroundings, in particular in closed spaces. The wood treatment agent contains at least one photocatalyst which brings about the degradation of the at least one organic substance, organic compound and/or the at least one biocide. The application/introduction of the at least one photocatalyst to or into the wood can take place together with or after the introduction of the wood preservation agent.
US09108332B2

A display system or kit for displaying lights on a paper board product. In one embodiment, the invention can be a display system comprising: sheet of paperboard having a plurality of holes extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the paperboard; a light assembly comprising a string of lights and a controller comprising an internal power source, the string of lights comprising a plurality of light modules arranged in a spaced apart manner along a length of wire, each of the light modules comprising a light portion capable of being alternated between an illuminated state and a non-illuminated state via the controller; and the light portions of the string of lights extending through the holes of the paperboard so as to protrude from the front surface of the paperboard, the wire of the light assembly located adjacent the rear surface of the paperboard.
US09108330B2

An electrically operated disc cutting machine for cutting discs from strand-shaped cutting goods includes a cutting unit which has a circular blade mounted in a rotatable manner in a drive housing, an electric motor surrounded by the drive housing, and a base plate on which the drive housing is installed in a cantilevered manner via at least one support column extending in the vertical direction. The support column in the horizontal direction remains open in which at least one accessory unit for the further processing of cut cutting goods is arranged. In this way, a conventional disc cutting machine can be improved in a cost effective manner and using simple technical means to the effect that the machine has a particularly compact design and can be easily converted to different operating modes, wherein accessory units necessary therefor can be stored in the same housing as the drive.
US09108329B2

A hand-held razor has single or multiple blades of a smaller dimension than is typical and features an ergonomically advantageous handle allow more detailed shaving and hair removal. The increased detail allows shaving of more difficult areas for shaving and allows detailed hair removal for fashionable shaving styles of the beard, goatee, scalp, sideburns or other areas. Embodiments include a shaving head that is an integrated disposable razor or is part of a replaceable razor blade cartridge.
US09108328B2

The present invention provides a shaving device that includes a handle for better control, and a stand that has a pad with sufficient surface area to comfortably compress and frictionally grip to tighten skin in relation to the working plane of one or more blades of the shaving device for smoother shave. The stand tightens the skin for closer shave, and compresses it below a level of existing hair growth, causing the hair follicles to protrude for even a better and closer shave. The stand further pushes the skin away from in-between the razor heads to diminish cuts and nicks, all for a closer shave.
US09108318B2

An operator telerobotically controls instruments to perform a procedure on an object at a work site while viewing real-time images of the work site on a display screen. An assistant controls movement of another instrument towards or away from the work site to relieve the operator from such task. Control of the instrument is automatically switched from the assistant to the operator upon the working end of the instrument entering the view on the display screen.
US09108317B2

A manipulation device for manipulating and/or processing a workpiece includes a first motion unit for generating a linear motion of a first component and a second motion unit for generating a linear motion of a second component. The motion units are arranged relative to each other such that the motions that can be generated by the motion units are aligned parallel to each other. The first and second components are connected via first and second hinge joints, respectively, to a fastening element that is suitable for receiving a workpiece and/or a tool. The first and second hinge joints comprise first and second guide arms, respectively, which are coupled to the first and second components, respectively, via revolute joints. The first and second guide arms are coupled directly or indirectly to each other by at least one revolute joint so as to be pivotable relative to each other.
US09108312B2

A multi-stage planetary transmission includes a transmission housing and a first planetary stage at least partially positioned in a transmission housing. The first planetary stage includes a first stage ring gear, a first stage carrier, and a plurality of first stage planet gears supported by the first stage carrier. A motor output pinion is engaged with each of the first stage plant gears. The transmission further includes a second planetary stage positioned downstream of the first planetary stage to receive torque from the first planetary stage and a shift mechanism operable to move the first stage ring gear between a first position, in which the first stage ring gear is rotatably fixed relative to the transmission housing for enabling the first planetary stage, and a second position, in which the first stage ring gear is coupled for co-rotation with the first stage carrier for disabling the first planetary stage.
US09108309B2

A tensioning device for installing tree stands that includes a drive end and a cable output end to attach to a medium that is placed around a tree. The tensioning device creates more tension in the medium than is generally able to be applied by hand with ratchet straps or chains, which provides safer installation of a tree stand or climbing ladder. The tensioning device includes a drive system that can be driven with standard power tools or hand tools to retract a cable. The tensioning device may be designed with or without a clutch feature. The clutch feature allows for a desired cable tension to be reached for each installation and provides feedback to the operator when the correct tension is reached. The tensioning device includes an external bracket or hook for easily attaching to a tree stand or climbing ladder.
US09108307B2

An apparatus includes a powered tool configured to fasten a fastener to an assembly. The powered tool includes a fastener-driving assembly configured to selectively operatively engage the fastener. The fastener-driving assembly is also configured to selectively transmit a fastening force to the fastener. The powered tool also includes a fastener-engagement assembly configured to permit operative engageable access between the fastener-driving assembly and the fastener. For a case where the fastener-engagement assembly permits operative engageable access between the fastener-driving assembly and the fastener, the fastener-driving assembly may operatively engage the fastener, and the fastener-driving assembly may transmit the fastening force to the fastener.
US09108306B2

Disclosed is a machine tool having a spindle driven by a drive device, the spindle having a receiving device on its free end for a tool or a tool holder, an input part being provided in the drive train of the drive device, the input part transferring a torque having a defined play in the direction of rotation via drivers to an output part which is joined in a rotationally fixed manner to the spindle, while a torque acting from the spindle in the direction of the drive device and exceeding a torque on the input side is supported on the housing of the machine tool via clamping surfaces on the periphery of the output part, via clamping elements and via a locking ring having a hollow cylindrical surface. The output part is a driving profile having two or more axially parallel planes, of which a first part acts as clamping surfaces and a second part acts as driving surfaces which cooperate with the drivers of the input part.
US09108289B2

A wafer polishing apparatus configured to polish simultaneously both surfaces of a wafer by pressing and rubbing the wafer, while holding the wafer with: a lower turn table having a flat polishing-upper-surface rotationally driven; an upper turn table having a flat polishing-lower-surface rotationally driven, the upper turn table being arranged with facing to the lower turn table; and a carrier having a wafer-holding hole for holding the wafer, wherein the polishing is performed while measuring a thickness of the wafer through a plurality of openings provided between a rotation center and an edge of the upper turn table or the lower turn table, and switching a polishing slurry with a polishing slurry having a different polishing rate during the polishing of the wafer. As a result, the wafer polishing apparatus can manufacture a wafer having a high flatness and a high smoothness at high productivity and high yield.
US09108277B2

A process for manufacturing a device comprising at least a support and a component, joined together by at least one braze, includes a brazing operation which is carried out starting from a metal oxalate. Advantageously, it is a silver oxalate or a mixture of silver and copper oxalates, the component and/or the support being covered with a film comprising gold or copper in contact with said braze and the component possibly being a power component.
US09108270B2

System and method of photoaltering a region of a material using a pulsed laser beam. The method includes scanning the pulsed laser beam in a first portion of the region with a first pattern, scanning the pulsed laser beam in a second portion of the region with a second pattern, and separating a flap of the material at the region. The system includes a laser, a controller selecting at least first and second patterns, and a scanner operable in response to the controller. The first pattern has a first maximum acceleration associated with the second portion, and the second pattern has a second maximum acceleration associated with the second portion. The second maximum acceleration is less than the first maximum acceleration. The scanner scans the pulsed laser beam from the laser in the first portion with the first pattern and in the second portion with the second pattern.
US09108268B2

A laser processing apparatus including a pulsed laser oscillator for oscillating a pulsed laser beam, a focusing objective lens for focusing the pulsed laser beam, and a varifocal lens provided between the pulsed laser oscillator and the focusing objective lens. The varifocal lens has a piezoelectric device to change its focal length according to the period of radio-frequency waves produced by the piezoelectric device. A repetition frequency adjusting unit is connected to the pulsed laser oscillator, and a radio-frequency current frequency adjusting unit is connected to the piezoelectric device. The laser processing apparatus further includes a controller for controlling the repetition frequency adjusting unit and the radio-frequency current frequency adjusting unit so as to produce a phase difference between the repetition frequency of the pulsed laser beam and the frequency of the radio-frequency current to be applied to the piezoelectric device of the varifocal lens.
US09108265B2

There is provided a spot welding apparatus. The apparatus includes fixed and movable electrodes to hold and press a workpiece therebetween, and a sub pressure force applicator having a sub pressure unit that moves and selectively stops at a plurality of positions including a sub pressure position where the sub pressure unit is adjacent to the fixed electrode and in contact with the workpiece so as to apply a sub pressure, and a sub-pressure-non-requiring position where the sub pressure unit is located away from the workpiece. Spot welding is performed by applying current between the electrodes while holding the workpiece between the fixed electrode together with the sub pressure unit located in the sub pressure position and the movable electrode. Spot welding is also performed by applying current between the electrodes while holding the sub pressure unit in the sub-pressure-non-requiring position and holding the workpiece between the electrodes.
US09108261B1

A method of assembling a light fixture includes positioning a first and a second portion of a light fixture adjacent one another. The method includes applying a brazing material between these portions and fastening the portions together with a coupling device, wherein one or more gaps are formed therebetween the portions. The method includes pre-heating the portions and the brazing material to a first temperature and placing them into a molten salt bath, wherein the brazing material flows into the gaps. The method includes cooling the fastened portions to form a metallurgical bond therebetween. The fixture includes a base, a manifold chamber, and a plurality of structures extending from a second surface of the base to the chamber, which defines a manifold therein. The base includes one or more openings extending therethrough. Each structure defines a wire way that is in communication with the chamber and one or more openings.
US09108250B1

An apparatus, system, and method for creating final openings in a part having initial openings using an alignment system. In one illustrative embodiment, the alignment system comprises a structure having a plurality of openings and a plurality of bushing assemblies. Each of the plurality of bushing assemblies is associated with one of the plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of bushing assemblies comprises a first element, a second element, and a core element located between the first element and the second element. The core element has at least two rotational degrees of freedom and at least two translational degrees of freedom when a bushing assembly is in a free state and zero degrees of freedom when the bushing assembly is in a fixed state.
US09108237B1

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for determining and calibrating a K-factor for material and to methods and systems for calibrating forming devices, forming device controls, and/or forming device components. The disclosed systems and methods can dynamically provide exact and calibrated values for the parameters needed to produce correct and accurate flat patterns based on any type of material or any tooling combination. As such, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used to achieve a first run perfect or near-perfect part capability that does not currently exist.
US09108232B2

A megasonic processing apparatus matches the fundamental resonant or higher-level harmonic frequencies of megasonic thickness-mode transducers to the fundamental resonant or higher-level harmonic frequencies of a plate or other mounting structure upon which the transducers are mounted. The multifrequency transducers are piezoelectric transducers operating in thickness mode at different operating frequencies. The thickness of the mounting plate at the transducer locations is selected to provide a resonant or harmonic frequency matched to that of its corresponding transducer. Two or more megasonic transducers are bonded to the same radiating surface.
US09108216B2

A method for producing a vapor deposition mask capable of satisfying both enhancement in definition and reduction in weight even when a size is increased, a method for producing a vapor deposition mask device capable of aligning the vapor deposition mask to a frame with high precision, and a method for producing an organic semiconductor element capable of producing an organic semiconductor element with high definition are provided. A metal mask provided with a slit, and a resin mask that is positioned on a front surface of the metal mask and has openings corresponding to a pattern to be produced by vapor deposition arranged by lengthwise and crosswise in a plurality of rows, are stacked.
US09108214B2

A dispensing module and method of dispensing an adhesive includes a dispenser body having a valve element and a nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle member, a sealing zone, and a valve seat. The nozzle member includes a liquid passageway having a bore, a cylindrical surface, a second converging surface, and a shoulder. The sealing zone is defined by the cylindrical surface and extends from the bore toward the shoulder and engages the valve element to close a first volume of the liquid passageway from the inlet. The valve seat is defined by the shoulder and the second converging surface and has a circular line of contact that engages the valve element to close a second volume of the liquid passageway from the inlet. The first volume reduces to the second volume as the valve element moves distally along the sealing zone for discharging the adhesive.
US09108209B2

A sprinkler system and sprinkler system module having a blowout subsystem for automatically clearing a sprinkler feed pipe of water, and also without first needing to bleed off system pressure.
US09108203B2

A magnetic drum separator for the separation of ferrous and non-ferrous materials from a material stream that comprises an outer shell that is rotatable by a drive mechanism. The outer shell has a tubular length, a circular cross-section, a traction plate is joined to the outer shell, the traction plate has a traction element. In another embodiment the outer shell has a tubular length, a circular cross-section, and a integral traction element. The traction elements could be a series of negative indentations, raised bumps, perforations, serrated teeth, protruding ridges, segmented protruding ridges, minor cleats, or segmented minor cleats.
US09108202B2

A hammer (5) for a beater mill used to process coal, biomass material and other materials is provided having a hammer body (11), an impeller head (13) at a first end of the hammer body (11), and a bore (15) at a second opposite end of the hammer body (11). The impeller head (13) is detachably connected to the hammer body (11) by a base plate 17. Base plate (17) has a first side with a protrusion (21) and at least one bolt (29) protruding therefrom and a second opposed planar side with a crushing member (19). Protrusion (21) and at least one bolt (29) detachably connects impeller head (13) to first end of hammer body (11).
US09108192B2

A micro reservoir, particularly for integration in a microfluidic flow cell, with a storage space for receiving a fluid and being in connection with an outlet duct for the fluid, wherein a cancelable lock for the fluid is formed. A mechanism is provided for canceling the lock without pressure of the fluid acting on the lock. The mechanism preferably mechanically destroys the lock.
US09108177B2

A multi-port liquid bridge (1) adds aqueous phase droplets (10) in an enveloping oil phase carrier liquid (11) to a draft channel (4, 6). A chamber (3) links four ports, and it is permanently full of oil (11) when in use. Oil phase is fed in a draft flow from an inlet port (4) and exits through a draft exit port (6) and a compensating flow port (7). The oil carrier and the sample droplets (3) (“aqueous phase”) flow through the inlet port (5) with an equivalent fluid flow subtracted through the compensating port (7). The ports of the bridge (1) are formed by the ends of capillaries held in position in plastics housings. The phases are density matched to create an environment where gravitational forces are negligible. This results in droplets (10) adopting spherical forms when suspended from capillary tube tips. Furthermore, the equality of mass flow is equal to the equality of volume flow. The phase of the inlet flow (from the droplet inlet port (5) and the draft inlet port (4) is used to determine the outlet port (6) flow phase.
US09108168B2

The present invention generally relates to a crosslinked silane-modified molecularly self-assembling material, cured manufactured article comprising the crosslinked silane-modified molecularly self-assembling material, semipermeable membrane comprising the crosslinked silane-modified molecularly self-assembling material, method of using the semipermeable membrane to separate an acid gas from a separable gas mixture comprising the acid gas and a permeation-resistant gas, and method of preparing the cured manufactured article from a curable manufactured article comprising a shaped reactive silane-modified molecularly self-assembling material.
US09108167B2

The present invention generally relates to a reactive functional group-modified molecularly self-assembling material; method of making the reactive functional group-modified molecularly self-assembling material; manufactured article comprising the reactive functional group-modified molecularly self-assembling material; and a method of shaping the reactive functional group-modified molecularly self-assembling material.
US09108165B2

The invention relates to a salt solution electrodialysis cell for production of the relevant acids and bases by means of a process with reduced or nil consumption of electrical energy. The cell comprises an anodic chamber fed with hydrogen and a cathodic chamber fed with oxygen or air, provided with the relevant gas-diffusion electrodes; the driving power of the electrodialysis process is given by the oxidation and reduction chemical potentials of hydrogen and oxygen fed to the two chambers.
US09108155B2

The present invention provides a non-PGM catalyst for burning carbon soot without using a noble metal, the non-PGM catalyst comprising: a cerium-praseodymium complex oxide and an iron oxide, the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide impregnated with silver (Ag). The cerium-praseodymium complex oxide illustratively consists of 60 to 95 wt % of cerium oxide and 5 to 40 wt % of praseodymium oxide, and silver (Ag) impregnated in the complex oxide is 1.5 to 3.0 parts by weight of the total weight of the complex oxide. The iron oxide may be an oxide in a form of particles separate from the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide in which silver is impregnated, and may be 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of the total weight of the cerium praseodymium complex oxide.
US09108146B1

A system for removing particulate matter from dirty air and producing cleaned air without the need for heating, cooling, or pressurization. The system uses a bubble tank with grates, a centrifuge connected to the bubble tank with grates, and a pH neutralization container connected to the centrifuge. A pH tester and base bins contain pH adjusting bases that can communicate with a processor and data storage. The system compares the measured pH of the centrifuged water to a preset limit in a library and then determines the amount of base and type of base to be added to the centrifuged water to produce clean water.
US09108144B2

A separator tank for separating and retaining a liquid phase from a liquid-gas fluid mixture is suitable for use with cryogenic as well as non-cryogenic liquids, in space experiments or other applications under weightless conditions. The separator tank has liquid storage members of porous, sponge-like metal foam arranged in a tank vessel. The total pore volume and porosity characteristics of the metal foam are selected to provide capillary uptake greater than the total volume of the liquid to be retained. In a preferred example, the liquid storage members are coaxially arranged, radially spaced, annular cylindrical members, with flow passage notches at alternating opposite ends thereof, to form a meandering fluid flow path therebetween. A gas extraction device is provided at the center of the tank. The separator tank and an upstream connected fluid supply tank can be arranged within a cryostat.
US09108138B2

The invention relates to accelerated mixed gas integrity testing methods, devices, and systems for integrity testing wetted single and multi-layered porous materials, whereby the testing method is non-destructive to the porous materials being tested. The accelerated mixed gas integrity test method includes one or more of the following components: i) a permeate side gas purge component; ii) a permeate side volume reduction component; and iii) a permeate side circulation component. The invention is directed towards reducing the length of time necessary to complete the integrity testing of single and multi layered porous materials, elements and membranes.
US09108136B2

A spark arrestor and dust arrestor for same are provided. In one embodiment, the spark arrestor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned on a dust arrestor mounting side of the housing, and a turn baffle disposed in the housing in a position that creates a tortuous flow path through the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The tortuous flow path includes a low inertia channel formed in the housing having an orientation that directs particles passing through the low inertia channel through an upper portion of the outlet of the housing, and a high inertia channel formed in the housing, wherein a downstream portion of the high inertia channel has an orientation that directs particles passing through the high inertia channel through a lower portion of the outlet of the housing.
US09108132B2

A filter insert has a filter element with an end surface at an inlet side and an end surface at an outlet side that are spaced from one another in a main flow direction of the filter insert. A frame circumferentially extends about lateral sides of the filter element. An axial seal is supported on the frame and has a sealing direction in or opposite to the main flow direction. When inserted into a filter housing and contacting a sealing surface of the filter housing, the seal separates seal-tightly the inlet and outlet. The frame has on two opposite lateral sides of the filter element contact surfaces for clamping the filter insert by matching clamping elements. The contact surfaces are oriented opposite to the sealing direction and each have an individual profile of varying height extending along the two opposite lateral sides.
US09108129B2

A filtering machine (10) for filtering a condensate which includes entrained oily contaminant, the machine (10) including a filter (14) through which the condensate passes from an inlet (17), to a main filter chamber outlet (24), the filter (14) including an exterior housing (15) through which the condensate, in use, passes into a filter interior, and through which filtrate, in use, passes from the filter interior, and the filter interior including a mass of filter material which includes silica-based oleophillic fibers (29).
US09108125B2

A filter device includes a filter housing and a filter element disposed in the filter housing. The filter element is configured to be penetrated by a fuel flow in a radial direction from a raw end to a pure end of the filter element. A water separator is disposed at the pure end of the filter element and extends in an axial direction of the filter element. The water separator has a hydrophobic and annular diaphragm through which fuel can flow from a radially outward to a radially inward direction.
US09108121B2

A plant for the crystallization of adipic acid is described. A plant for the crystallization of adipic acid, some parts of which are made of a corrosion-resistant material, is also described. The corrosion-resistant material used can be a reference austenitic stainless steel of AISI 310L type, according to the AISI (USA) nomenclature, or X1 CrNi 25-21 (1.4335) type, according to the European nomenclature.
US09108116B2

A toy including a ball shaped container removably mounted atop a stand. The container may be opened with the top portion of the container being unfolded creating an erect figurine. The bottom half of the container is inverted atop the stand and has a rotatable platform to removably support the figurine in the erect position.
US09108109B2

A method is provided for implementing and controlling virtual environments, for example “virtual worlds” by which users can for example meet one another virtually and communicate through their respective terminals. For example, the method relates to the display, rendering and/or deletion of the representations of users acting in these virtual environments, at the different terminals in which these representations can be viewed. The method includes the following steps for a given user: determination of a destination zone in the virtual environment in which the representation of the user is to be rendered; determination of an appearance zone in the virtual environment; displaying of the representation in the appearance zone; and automatic movement of the representation from the appearance zone to the destination zone.
US09108108B2

Management of user-generated and context appropriate game play advice is disclosed. The present invention allows for management of context appropriate game play advice that is complete and up-to-date regardless of when a particular interactive gaming title is released. Game play advice is pervasive and easily accessible to game players in addition to being accurate and credible such that game players can trust or rely upon the rendered advice. The game play advice is displayed in environmental contexts that are appropriate to the advice being displayed.
US09108106B2

Disclosed are a virtual world processing device and method. By way of example, data collected from the real world is converted to binary form data which is then transmitted, or is converted to XML data, or the converted XML data is further converted to binary form data which is then transmitted, thereby allowing the data transmission rate to be increased and a low bandwidth to be used, and, in the case of a data-receiving adaptation RV engine, the complexity of the adaptation RV engine can be reduced as there is no need to include an XML parser.
US09108101B2

The disclosure herein is directed toward systems and methods for supporting a person and enabling motion of a person across a surface of snow can while satisfying the countervailing requirements of increasing surface area for weight-carrying capacity on soft snow and reducing the opposing forces, like for example drag and friction, in hard snow. More specifically, a snowboard with improved rider support, increased speed and enhanced safety performance.
US09108100B2

A board for snowboarding, having forward and rear contact lines; lines of greater width located beyond the forward and rear contact lines respectively; binding-mounting areas, each including a set of mounting points by which the binding is secured to the board; a non-zero camber (C), measured substantially midway between the forward and rear contact lines; forward and rear shovels; wherein seen from above, the forward and rear contact lines pass through forward and rear areas respectively, each delimited on the one hand, board center side, by an inner transverse line located at a maximum distance (D1,D3) of 50 mm relative to the central position of the binding-mounting area, and on the other hand, shovel side, by an outer transverse line located at a maximum distance (D2,D4) of 150 mm relative to the central position.
US09108098B2

A system configured to be coupled with a participant of an activity. The system comprises: a participant activity monitoring unit configured for monitoring a performance of the activity by the participant; an activity information module configured for storing performance information corresponding to the activity; and a participant performance correlator configured for delivering comparative performance data based on the monitored performance of the activity by the participant and the stored performance information.
US09108096B2

Embodiments of portable electronic device holders and methods of manufacture of portable electronic device holders are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09108088B2

Embodiments of grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09108082B2

This invention pertains to a golf ball which includes a core, optionally one or more intermediate layers; and an outer cover layer. The outer cover layer and/or one or more intermediate layers includes a blend of a) 2 to 60 wt % (based on the total weight of the blend composition) of a cyclic olefin polymer which includes a norbornene-based monomer having the general formula; where R18 to R21 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a hydrocarbon group and m is from 0 to about 3; and b) about 40 to about 98 wt % (based on the total weight of the blend composition) of one or more additional polymer components. The blend composition has a melt flow index (MFI) from 1 to 80 g/10 min., a material hardness of 30 to 90 Shore D, and a flex modulus of 10 to 120 kpsi.
US09108074B2

Embodiments of the invention relate to a chemical oxygen generator for an emergency oxygen device, comprising an outer housing defining an interior space and comprising an outlet opening, a solid oxygen source within said interior space containing a material which is able to produce oxygen in a chemical reaction. According to embodiments of the invention, a hollow tube within said interior space is embedded in said solid oxygen source.
US09108072B2

A building fire escape system, comprising an auxiliary descending device, the auxiliary descending device being a sliding pole (6) or a spiral chute (6′), and at least one refuge chamber, the refuge chamber being a fireproof spatial structure integrated with the building. The inside of the refuge chamber is divided into a first space (2) and a second space (3) by fire partitions (1, 4). The first space (2) communicates with the interior space of the building. The second space (3) communicates with the exterior space of the building. The fire partition (4) is provided with a fireproof door (11) connecting the first space with the second space. Any two neighboring refuge chambers are interconnected. The fire partition is provided with an observation window (12). The first space and the second space are provided with an air supply pipe (14) and an air exhaust pipe (15). Disposed at the top of the refuge chamber is a water tank (16) connected to the fire main pipe (17). Drencher devices (9) are disposed in the first space.
US09108067B2

Implantable medical devices include elongated conductor bodies and related features including an attachment to the medical device at one end and a connector that receives a medical lead at the other end. The connector may have various features such as a modular design whereby the connector is constructed from a series of stacked contact modules. Other features of the connector include electrical contacts that are relatively thin conductors or the order of 0.040 inches or less and that may include radial protrusions to establish contact with the electrical connectors of the lead. Furthermore, electrical contacts may be mounted within the connector in a floating manner so that radial movement of the electrical contact may occur during lead insertion. Additional features include a feedthrough where conductors exposed beyond a housing of the implantable medical device make direct electrical connection to conductors present within the elongated body.
US09108066B2

A hermetically sealed filtered feedthrough assembly for an AIMD includes an insulator hermetically sealed to a conductive ferrule or housing. A conductor is hermetically sealed and disposed through the insulator in non-conductive relation to the conductive ferrule or housing between a body fluid side and a device side. A feedthrough capacitor is disposed on the device side. A first low impedance electrical connection is between a first end metallization of the capacitor and the conductor. A second low impedance electrical connection is between a second end metallization of the capacitor and the ferrule or housing. The second low impedance electrical connection includes an oxide-resistant metal addition attached directly to the ferrule or housing and an electrical connection coupling the second end metallization electrically and physically directly to the oxide-resistant metal addition.
US09108054B2

A method of modifying larynx position in a human subject includes cutting one end of digastric muscle, attaching the cut end of the digastric muscle to thyroid cartilage thereby trans-positioning the digastric muscle, providing a stimulation electrode configured to stimulate the trans-positioned digastric muscle, generating at least one stimulation parameter for the stimulation electrode using a processor, and stimulating the trans-positioned digastric muscle with the stimulation electrode using the stimulation parameter in order to modify the larynx position.
US09108053B2

Apparatus and methods for rehabilitating a muscle are provided including one or more electrodes configured to be positioned in or adjacent to tissue, one or more sensors configured to sense muscle contraction and to generate a sensor signal based on the muscle contraction, and a pulse generator operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes, e.g., via a lead, and having a controller configured to receive the sensor signal and to adjust the stimulation frequency based on the sensor signal to cause the muscle to contract where muscle contraction is smooth and continuous.
US09108051B2

Silver and/or zinc ion releasing implants, systems and method of operating, inserting and activating/inactivating them are described. In some variations the implant is configured as a bone implant that includes a bone-screw or intramedullary rod like body configured to receive a treatment cartridge having a plurality of ion-releasing members configured as an anode that can controllably engage with a catheter to turn galvanic release of ions on/off as desired. These devices may be configured to release silver ions (and/or zinc ions) above a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time and may maintain a concentration of ions over a relatively large volume of tissue. The ion-releasing members may be configured to reduce or prevent implant movement.
US09108050B2

A system and a method improve a quality of beam delivery in proton therapy by pencil beam scanning of a predeterminable volume within a patient that minimizes beam position errors. The system has a proton source generating a proton beam, a number of proton beam bending/focusing units, a beam nozzle having an outlet for the proton beam to penetrate the predetermined volume, a beam bending magnet, and a couple of sweeper magnets to sweep the proton beam in both lateral directions. A position-sensitive detector is aligned with the nozzle to control the position of the proton beam and control logic controls the position and the energy of the proton beam and has a beam steering data set. A correction logic is aligned with the control logic for correcting beam position errors by comparing an expected beam position with the actual beam position detected and generates beam position correction data.
US09108048B2

Systems and methods for tracking a target volume, e.g., tumor, in real-time during radiation treatment are provided. Under one aspect, a system includes an ultrasound probe, an x-ray imager, a processor, and a computer-readable medium that stores a 3D image of the tumor in a first reference frame and instructions for causing the processor to: instruct the x-ray imager and ultrasound probe to substantially simultaneously obtain inherently registered x-ray and set-up ultrasound images of the tumor in a second reference frame; establish a transformation between the first and second reference frames by registering the 3D image and the x-ray image; instruct the ultrasound probe to obtain an intrafraction ultrasound image of the tumor; registering the intrafraction ultrasound image with the set-up ultrasound image; and track target volume motion based on the registered intrafraction ultrasound image.
US09108034B2

An intravascular valve assembly having a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall. The proximal case portion includes an axially-extending boss that projects distally, with a portion of a distal end of the boss contacting the flow control valve. The valve permits fluid flowing in a distal direction to pass through the slit. Fluid flowing in a proximal direction, however, causes the valve to compresses against the boss and the slit to close, thus restricting fluid flow in a proximal direction.
US09108024B2

The present disclosure provides an innovative retention element for use with feeding tubes for placement in a gastric lumen, desirably under direct visualization using an endoscope. The retention balloon has a shape with a recessed or concave center that provides space to accommodate the distal end of inserted feeding tubes. The retention balloon may be conical, square and half spherical and holds the stomach against the inner abdominal wall.
US09108015B2

A nasal delivery device for and method of delivering substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a container-receiving unit comprising a container chamber for receiving a substance-containing container which contains substance to be delivered to the nasal cavity of the subject, the container chamber including an inlet and an outlet; a nosepiece unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nasal cavity of the subject and being in fluid communication with the outlet of the container chamber; a mouthpiece unit including a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the inlet of the container chamber and through which the subject in use exhales, such as to entrain substance from the container and deliver the same through the nosepiece; and moisture-mitigation means for mitigating an effect of moisture in an exhaled breath on the entrainment of substance from the container, which means are provided, for example, by providing the container in a replaceable container-containing member, by a pressure-sensitive valve which normally closes the fluid connection between the container chamber and the mouthpiece, and a temperature regulator upstream of the container chamber.
US09108003B2

A drive mechanism for a drug delivery device is presented having a housing, an axially displaceable piston rod to act on a piston of a cartridge containing a medicinal product to be dispensed, a drive member threadedly engaged with the piston rod and being slidably disposed relative to the housing between a distal stop position and a proximal stop position. During the setting of a dose the drive member is rotatable with respect to the housing and a dose dial member is operably engaged with the drive member by means of a reduction gear, wherein the drive member at its proximal end section comprises a radially extending receptacle adapted to receive the reduction gear.
US09108002B2

The present invention relates to a handheld mechanical injection device by which set doses of a liquid medicament can be injected from a medical reservoir. The medicament is expelled through an injection needle by release of a power reservoir in the device, the power reservoir being fully or partially released by actuation of a user operable release member being positioned at or near an upper end of the injection device, the upper end being that end of the injection device which is opposite the injection needle.
US09107990B2

Systems, methods, and dressings for treating a linear wound, such as an incision, on a patient are presented. The systems, dressings, and methods include a sealing ring that helps form a fluid seal around the linear wound. In one instance, a sealing material is extruded around the linear wound to help form a seal. In another instance, a sealing ring is coupled to a lower portion of a dressing bolster to form a seal. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed.
US09107987B2

A tube coupling of a phlegm suction tube, which is capable of connecting two injectors having different mating structures, includes a tube body and a tube connector. The tube body is hollow and has a coupling end and a check valve. The tube connector is coaxially connected to the coupling end of the tube body and has a joint portion. The joint portion has a passage communicating with the tube body. The check valve flexibly closes the passage from the tube body. A diameter of the passage fits a first injector with a first mating structure, and an outer diameter of the joint portion fits a second injector with a second mating structure.
US09107983B2

Osteoconductive matrices and methods are provided that have one or more statins disposed therein. The matrices may be injected into a fracture site. The osteoconductive matrices provided allow for sustain release of the statin and facilitate bone formation and repair of the fracture site.
US09107981B2

An antibacterial coating for an implant is provided that contains copper. A method of producing an antibacterial coating for an implant is also provided that includes the coating being applied by a PVD process and the layer generated by the PVD process includes a copper content.
US09107980B2

The invention relates to an orthopaedic implant made of a ceramic metal composite. The composite includes one phase that is a biocompatible metal or metal alloy and a second phase of ceramic particles examples of which include carbides, nitrides and/or oxides. In some embodiments, the implant comprises a homogeneous ceramic layer as part of a multilayered composition. In some embodiments, the multilayered composition comprises a homogeneous metal layer.
US09107978B2

The present invention relates to an implant comprising: a sheet of bacterial cellulose having a macro-pattern positioned on at least a portion thereof. The invention also relates to a method for making such an implant.
US09107973B1

An apparatus for sterilizing and disinfecting medical garments such as lab coats, shoes, and related medical equipment using an electrostatically charged nozzle to deliver high velocity air or steam carrying atomized chemical or antimicrobial treatments. The top chamber is designed to hold a removable supporting member or hanger which is used to hold the garments and equipment being sterilized and disinfected. The top chamber is both electrically and thermally insulated. The bottom chamber is designed to house the various reservoirs, pumps, and generators used to perform the treatment operations. The bottom chamber is a drawer so the reservoirs can easily be refilled and alternative pumps or generators can be installed.
US09107971B2

A disinfectant system for intracavity ultrasound probes in disclosed generally including a housing, a disinfectant chamber positioned in the housing and receiving at least one ultrasound probe, a container for containing a disinfectant solution fluidly coupled to the disinfectant chamber, at least one pump for supplying the disinfection solution from the container to the disinfection chamber and from the disinfection chamber to the container, and a controller for automated operation of the disinfectant system, wherein the disinfectant solution is a multi-use disinfectant solution. A method for disinfecting intracavity ultrasound probes is also disclosed generally including placing at least one ultrasound probe into a disinfectant chamber, supplying a disinfectant solution from a container to the disinfectant chamber via a pump, and returning the solution to the container via the pump, wherein the steps of supplying and returning the disinfectant solution are controlled by a controller.
US09107970B2

A method for capturing airborne agents or products of agents, such as microorganisms, including viruses, and microbial antigens, toxins and allergens, comprising the formation of at least one curtain of charged particles in the form of an emulsion, a suspension or an aerosol, constantly renewing and regenerating said at least one curtain, and passing air containing airborne agents through said at least one curtain, which acting as a filter captures said agents; as well as a particle formulation for performing the method, comprising any charged particles dispersed in a liquid, including lipid-containing particles, e.g. in the form of an emulsion, or micelles, or lipid-containing particles in the form of an aerosol, or any other charged airborne particles in an aerosol.
US09107965B2

This invention relates to polypeptides which bind to EGFR family receptors and to applications of those polypeptides in medicine, veterinary medicine, diagnosis, diagnostics, and imaging.
US09107964B2

The present invention is a compound represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof. In the formula (1), R1 denotes a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or a hydroxymethyl group, and n is an integer of 1 or 2.
US09107961B2

Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.
US09107959B2

The present invention relates to novel complex peptidomimetic products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups that are site-specifically positioned along a linear oligomer or polymer scaffold and methods of making thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to N-substituted glycine peptoid oligomers or peptoids and their use as substrates for azide-alkyne[3+2]-cycloaddition conjugation reactions and subsequent additional rounds of oligomerization and cycloaddition. The methods of the invention may also be used to generate peptoid-peptide hybrid or peptide products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups, which are positioned precisely along the linear oligomer or polymer scaffold.
US09107958B2

1H-Imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines substituted at the 1-position with a substituent bearing a hydrazinobenzamide or hydrazinonicotinamide, a salt thereof, or a protected hydrazinobenzamide or hydrazinonicotinamide and conjugates made from such compounds are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound or the conjugate, methods of making a conjugate, and methods of use of the compounds or conjugates as immunomodulators for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in an animal and for vaccinating an animal are also disclosed.
US09107956B2

The invention provides small molecule drugs that are chemically modified by covalent attachment of a water-soluble oligomer. A conjugate of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits characteristics that are different from the small molecule drug not attached to the water-soluble oligomer.
US09107955B2

Disclosed is a compound represented by the Structural Formula (I): Y is a covalent bond, a phenylene group or a substituted or unsubstituted straight chained hydrocarbyl group. In addition, Y, taken together with both >C═Z groups to which it is bonded, is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group. Preferably, Y is a covalent bond or —C(R7R8)—. R1 and R2 are independently an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, R3 and R4 are independently —H, an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group. R5-R6 are independently —H, an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group. R7 and R8 are each independently —H, an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group, or R7 is —H and R8 is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or, R7 and R8, taken together, are a C2-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group. Z is ═O or ═S. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.Also disclosed is a method of treating a subject with cancer by administering to the subject a compound of Structural Formula (I) in combination with Paclitaxel or an analog of Paclitaxel.
US09107954B2

Bivalent ligands that contain two pharmacophores linked through a spacer, one of which interacts with the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and the other of which interacts with the co-receptor CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), are used for the treatment of neurological disorders such as those associated with AIDS.
US09107946B2

The present invention relates to combinations of a DGAT inhibitor and a peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor (PPAR) agonist or a prodrug thereof.
US09107943B2

The present invention relates to an eye-drop composition comprising 2-amino-9-[[(1S,2R)-1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]-1,9-dihydro-6H-Purin-6-one, and the use thereof for the diagnosis and treatment of herpetic eye infections in companion animals.
US09107940B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies. In particular, the present invention provides compositions comprising poloxamers (e.g., poloxamer 188-P188) and methods of using the same for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies and injuries (e.g., dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle; skeletal muscle having a contraction force deficit; skeletal muscle having a Ca2+ imbalance; skeletal muscle having microtears).
US09107936B2

The present invention concerns antagonists of the Golgi reassembly-stacking protein of 55 k Da (Grasp55), for use as a medicament, in particular for use in the treatment of cell adhesion molecules implicated diseases, notably, MCAM or JAMs implicated diseases. According to some embodiments, said antagonists of the Golgi reassembly-stacking protein of 55 k Da (Grasp55) may be used in the treatment of cancer, metastases, and inflammatory diseases. The present invention further provides methods for screening for compounds liable of treating or preventing such diseases.
US09107931B2

A subject of the present invention is the development of a novel family of cationic lipids and their use as vectors for in vitro, ex vivo and in 5 vivo delivery of biologically active agents.
US09107930B2

The present invention is directed to methods for treating obesity, reducing excessive body weight, treating an obesity-related condition, treating unwanted localized fat deposits, and treating areas of cellulite. The method comprises the steps of first identifying a subject in need thereof, and administering to the subject an effective amount of rhamnolipids. A pharmaceutical composition comprising rhamnolipids can be applied by any accepted mode of administration including oral, intranasal, subcutaneous, percutaneous, intravenous, or intracutaneous administration.
US09107915B2

Patients susceptible to or suffering from conditions and disorders, such as central nervous system disorders, are treated by administering to a patient in need thereof compositions that are hydroxybenzoate salts of E-metanicotine-type compounds. The formation of hydroxybenzoate salts of the E-metanicotine compounds is also useful in purifying the E-metanicotine compounds, as the hydroxybenzoate salts tend to crystallize out, leaving impurities such as Z-metanicotine compounds, and compounds where the double bond has migrated, in solution. If desired, the hydroxybenzoate salts can be converted to either the free base (the E-metanicotine compound) or to another pharmaceutically acceptable salt form.
US09107914B2

The present invention is directed at β-carbolines, preferred 9-alkyl-β-carbolines (9-alkyl-β-BC), their manufacture as well as their use in prophylaxis and treatment of hearing damages, tinnitus, acute acoustic trauma, vertigo and vestibular disorder as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing theses β-carbolines.
US09107913B2

The present disclosure relates to methods for treating viral hepatitis, compounds useful in the treatment of viral hepatitis, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. In one embodiment, pharmaceutical compositions comprising nitazoxanide, tizoxanide, or derivatives and/or mixtures thereof are provided, as well as methods of treating hepatitis C using such compositions.
US09107905B2

The invention relates to modulation of fungal morphology between yeast-to-hyphal growth transition by controlling muramyl-L-alanine concentration and uses thereof.
US09107895B2

Disclosed are compositions comprising nanoparticles and uses thereof. Such nanoparticles include gold nanoparticles conjugated to glucose or a glucose derivative, which are useful as contrast agents in imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT). Nanoparticles disclosed herein are useful in imaging various cells, tissues, and organs, and are particularly useful in imaging tumors and tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.
US09107892B2

Methods for producing an immune response to a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) virus are disclosed herein. In several examples, the immune response is a protective immune response. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for inhibiting an infection with BPH virus, or treating an infection with BPH virus. Also disclosed are methods for detecting presence of BPH virus in a subject. The methods include detecting the presence of one or more BPH virus polynucleotides or polypeptides in a sample from the subject, or presence of at least one antibody that specifically binds to a BPH virus polypeptide.
US09107889B2

The present invention relates to solid compositions comprising a substance which improves nitric oxide (NO) availability, re. an NO donor or a precursor of the biosynthesis of nitric oxide or an direct or indirect NO agonist, with arginine being a preferred compound, in combination with a dithiolane, with α-lipoic acid as a preferred compound, and its use for improvement of sexual function. The compositions according to the invention comprise the NO donor or its precursor in excess, based on the molar amount of the constituents. The compositions are also suited for the improvement of sexual function. In particular the present invention relates to the use of a dithiolane in combination with a NO donor or a precursor thereof for the preparation of a medication for treatment of sexual dysfunction.
US09107888B2

An aqueous liquid bromfenac composition containing (a) bromfenac or a salt thereof and (b) benzalkonium chloride, characterized by that the composition has preservative efficacy and that the concentration of (b) benzalkonium chloride is higher than 0.0005% and lower than 0.005%.
US09107883B2

Methods and compositions are provided for treatment of disorders associated with aberrant adrenal cortex cell behavior, including (but not limited to) treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), Cushing's syndrome and/or pituitary ACTH excess (Cushing's Disease). Such methods involve administration of an effective amount N-(2,6-bis(1-methylethyl)phenyl)-N′-((1-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)cyclopentyl)-methyl)urea hydrochloride to the patient.
US09107882B2

The present invention provides compositions suitable for topical administration to a mammalian subject including sodium hyaluronate and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The present invention also provides methods for making and using the same.
US09107880B2

Protein molecules immunologically correlated to diphtheria toxin are proposed for the treatment of atherosclerosis and further correlated pathologies.
US09107879B1

A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a first amount of a compound of the HAT inhibitor of the following formula: wherein R is chosen from coenzyme A, (CH2)2NHCO(CH2)2NHCOR2; (CH2)2NHCOR3; (CH2)2NHCO(CH2)2NHCOR4; R1 is H, NH2, NH, N, and R1 can optionally cyclize with at least one other X2 to form a C3-8 membered ring containing C, O, S, or N; R2 is chosen from alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl; R3 is chosen from an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl; R4 is chosen from CH(OH)C(CH3)2CH2)OCOR2; X1 is chosen from H or can cyclize with one other X2 or R1 to form a C3-8 membered ring containing C, O, S, or N; and X2 is chosen from C, N, NH, and can optionally cyclize with at least one other X2 or R1 to form a C3-8 membered ring containing C, O, S, or N; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, thereby treating the cancer.
US09107878B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating an animal with a tumor or other metabolic disorder. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of electroporating exosomes shed by tumors and by other metabolic disorders into immune cells such as dendritic cells and T cells. Administration of the electroporated immune cells to an animal with a tumor results in an increased immune response to the tumor and treatment of the tumor.
US09107874B2

Disclosed are pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions containing aromatic aldehyde compounds. Some of the disclosed compositions are useful as topical therapeutics for treating inflammatory dermatologic conditions. Some of the compositions are useful in transdermal and other systemic dose forms for treating other inflammatory conditions in mammals.
US09107868B2

The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel molecular pathway involved in long-term hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, which, in higher animals, is associated with persistent pain. It is based on the discovery that, following injury to an axon of a neuron, an increase in nitric oxide synthase activity results in increased nitric oxide production, which, in turn, activates guanylyl cyclase, thereby increasing levels of cGMP. Increased cGMP results in activation of protein kinase G (“PKG”), which then is retrogradely transported along the axon to the neuron cell body, where it phosphorylates MAPKerk.
US09107862B2

This invention relates to a novel target for production of immune and non-immune based therapeutics and for disease diagnosis. More particularly, the invention provides therapeutic antibodies against VSIG1, ILDR1, LOC253012, AI216611, C1ORF32 or FXYD3 antigens, which are predicted co-stimulatory family members and which are differentially expressed in cancers including, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer, and diagnostic and therapeutic usages. The use of these antibodies for modulating B7 costimulation and related therapies such as the treatment of autoimmunity are also provided. This invention further relates to the discovery of extracellular domains of VSIG1 and its variants, FXYD3 and its variants, ILDR1 and its variants, LOC253012 and its variants, AI216611 and its variants, and C1ORF32 and its variants which are suitable targets for immunotherapy, cancer therapy, and drug development.
US09107860B2

An apparatus to generate nitric oxide is disclosed in one embodiment in accordance with the invention as including a heat source and a vessel containing the heat source. A tablet may be placed within the vessel such that it is in thermal communication with the heat source to receive heat therefrom. The tablet may contain reactants that are substantially non-deliquescent and form nitric oxide in response to heat from the heat source.
US09107855B2

The present invention is an organopolysiloxane shown by the following average composition formula (1), wherein each of R1 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R2 represents any of a hydrogen atom, a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and a monovalent acyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; “n” represents an integer of 0 to 1000; “m” represents 2 or 3; “X” represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 2 to 15 carbon atoms; Y represents C—CH2—CH3 when “m” represents 2, while representing a carbon atom when “m” represents 3; “s” represents an integer of 0 to 100; “t” represents an integer of 0 to 50; and “z” represents an integer of 0 to 50. Organopolysiloxane gives a cosmetic with excellent emulsion stability, temporal stability, and cosmetic durability, and excellent dispersion properties to powders.
US09107846B2

The present invention relates to therapeutic formulations based on pumpkin products, in particular to encapsulated formulations for oral administration. A product of the invention comprises a hard gelatin capsule which encloses a unit dose of a formulation which comprises at least 50% by weight of one or more pumpkin product.
US09107837B2

A sustained-release oral dosage form of naltrexone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is provided. The oral dosage form may be administered with another compound. Administration of the oral dosage form may reduce a side effect, which may be a side effect at least partially attributable to a weight-loss treatment. The oral dosage form may be administered to treat a weight-loss condition.
US09107833B2

A pharmaceutical product comprising lyophilized polymer matrix including a biologically active compound, of particular utility for embolization, having improved rehydration properties is packaged in an airtight package under vacuum.
US09107831B2

Immunogenic compositions comprising microparticles with adsorbed toxoid antigen and/or polysaccharide-containing antigen are disclosed. The immunogenic microparticle compositions comprise (a) polymer microparticles comprising a biodegradable polymer; (b) an antigen adsorbed to the microparticles selected from (i) a toxoid antigen, such as a tetanus toxoid, a diphtheria toxoid, or a combination thereof, and/or (ii) a polysaccharide containing antigen, such as a Hib polysaccharide antigen, a Hib conjugate antigen comprising polysaccharide and polypeptide regions, a meningococcal polysaccharide antigen, a meningococcal conjugate antigen comprising polysaccharide and polypeptide regions, a pneumococcal polysaccharide antigen, and a pneumococcal conjugate antigen comprising polysaccharide and polypeptide regions or a combination thereof; and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The biodegradable polymer can be, for example, a polymer selected from a poly(α-hydroxy acid), a polyhydroxy butyric acid, a polycaprolactone, a polyorthoester, a polyanhydride, and a polycyanoacrylate. Also disclosed are methods of immunization against infection by a pathogenic organisms and methods stimulating immune responses, which comprise administering such compositions to host animals. Methods of producing such microparticle compositions are also disclosed which comprise forming a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion that contains water, organic solvent and biodegradable polymer, followed by removal of the organic solvent from the emulsion to form microparticles, after which toxoid and/or polysaccharide containing antigens are adsorbed on the microparticles.
US09107825B2

A hydrophobic drug delivery system that includes a plant derived sterol (stanol) or a sterol (stanol) derived ester, an emulsifier and an active, hydrophobic drug, all dissolved and then dried to form a liposome delivery system.
US09107814B2

Hydrophobic drugs become more practical for treatments by being encapsulated in micelle compositions for increasing solubility. Micelle compositions may include an excipient tocopherol and/or prodrug formulations of the drug. Micelles extend the time period the drug remains in the micelles to improve drug circulation time and thereby drug delivery. Hydrophobic drugs for micelle encapsulation may include rapamycin, geldanamycin, and paclitaxel. Administration of these micelle compositions does not require Cremophor EL or Tween 80, avoiding serious side effects associated with these products which would previously accompany such drug administration.
US09107801B2

A pelvic therapy support device and method of supporting a patient's legs therewith while performing pelvic support therapy are provided. The device includes a center support, a support member coupled to the center support, and a pair of leg supports carried by the support member. Each of the leg supports is disposed on an opposite side of the center support. The leg supports are moveable independently from one another toward and away from the center support.
US09107799B2

A massage apparatus for use in the therapeutic application of repetitive vibratory force to a recipient. The massage apparatus 5 comprises a housing 10 having a hand portion 26 and a cuff portion 42. The apparatus 5 also comprises a pancake motor mounted 50 within the hand portion 26, the pancake motor 50 having a drive shaft 60 extending forward along the direction of a longitudinal axis 24 of the housing 10. An oscillating assembly 72 mounts within the cuff portion 42 and attaches to the drive shaft 60 of the pancake motor 50, wherein the oscillating assembly 72 translates rotary motion of the drive shaft 60 into orbital oscillations. A counterweight 108 operatively connects to the pancake motor 50 wherein the counterweight 108 decreases vibration in the hand portion 26 by compensating forces generated by the oscillating assembly 72.
US09107791B2

This inurement container (urn) for cremated remains is designed for use in a Cemetery Mausoleum and to occupy the cavity between a sealed Crypt and its decorative facing. The depth of this container and the design to fit the limited available space within the cavity will allow the use of previously unutilized space for the interment of the cremated remains immediately adjacent to an occupied Crypt without the necessity of disturbing the sealed Crypt.
US09107790B2

Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a stand-up wheel chair having automatic stability control.
US09107788B2

A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.
US09107787B2

A transfer bench adapted to facilitate the movement into and out of an enclosure, such as a bathtub, by persons having limited mobility. In one embodiment, a transfer bench comprises a first seating section, a second seating section rotatably coupled to said first seating section and configured to rotate from and between a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, wherein the second seating section cannot rotate more than about 90 degrees from the horizontal position, a first plurality of legs configured to support the first seating section, a second leg configured to support the second seating section, and a back support member extending from a side of the first seating section perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the second seating section.
US09107785B2

A device for existing gurneys to allow for transfer of a litter on a helicopter onto the gurney has a raised platform. The raised platform is configured to be positioned on top of the gurney, wherein a top surface of the raised platform is approximately level with a device for transferring the litter from the helicopter to the gurney.
US09107774B2

A manufacturing method of a composite sheet of an absorbent article, the method includes joining a continuous body of an elastic member in a predetermined meander pattern in respect to a continuous body of a sheet transported continuously in a transporting direction, the method includes: transporting the continuous body of the sheet by wrapping the continuous body of the sheet around an outer circumferential face of a transporting roll that rotates in a direction along the transporting direction; and joining the continuous body of the elastic member to a portion of the continuous body of the sheet wrapped around the transporting roll by feeding the continuous body of the elastic member to the continuous body of the sheet via an oscillating arm that oscillates in an intersecting direction intersecting the transporting direction with a spindle portion as a swivel fulcrum, wherein the oscillating arm includes an oscillating end side roller arranged at an oscillating end side of the oscillating arm and a spindle portion side roller arranged at a spindle portion side, wherein in the joining, the continuous body of the elastic member supplied toward the spindle portion side roller through a supply route along a rotational central axis direction of the spindle portion is put around an outer circumferential face of the spindle portion side roller and an outer circumferential face of the oscillating end side roller successively and guided to the continuous body of the sheet, and a driving force to make the oscillating arm oscillate is input at a position on the oscillating arm different from the spindle portion.
US09107770B2

The present disclosure is directed to an endoprosthesis comprising a graft component and at least one support component with varying compressibility along the length of the endoprosthesis. In various embodiments, the endoprosthesis comprises at least a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is more compressible than the second. In another embodiment having a second segment between the first and third segments, the third segment can also be more compressible than the second segment. Alternatively, in an embodiment, a second segment can have greater rigidity than a first segment, as well as a third segment, if present.
US09107764B2

A medical closure device serves for coupling to a discharge opening of a device protruding from a mammalian body. The medical closure device includes a coupling part for engaging a part of the device protruding from the mammalian body. The coupling part is a circumferential flexible member delimiting a coupling opening configurable between a relaxed configuration where the coupling opening cannot pass over the medical device and a stressed configuration where the coupling opening of the coupling part can pass over the medical device. The coupling part has a securing member for securing the coupling part to a closure part, such as a cap, an ostomy bag, a catheter, or an irrigation device, for subsequent closure of a discharge opening.
US09107763B2

An intervertebral disc implant for use in the spine includes a superior endplate and an inferior endplate. The superior endplate is configured to articulate about the inferior endplate in an anterior-posterior direction during flexion and extension. The superior endplate is further configured to axially rotate about the inferior endplate during axial rotation, and is further configured to articulate about the inferior endplate along a medial-lateral direction during lateral bending. During axial rotation, the superior endplate is induced to articulate about the inferior endplate along the medial-lateral direction. During lateral bending, the superior endplate is induced to axially rotate about the inferior endplate.
US09107761B2

An intervertebral prosthesis includes: a body; at least three apertures extending from within the body; at least three anchoring elements disposed within the at least three apertures; and a drive mechanism operating to simultaneously push the at least three anchoring elements out through the apertures, where: a first deployment direction of a first of the anchoring elements includes: (i) a first substantial directional component in one of an anterior and posterior direction of the body; and (ii) a second substantial directional component parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body; a second deployment direction of a second of the anchoring elements includes: (i) a first substantial directional component in one of an anterior and posterior direction of the body; and (ii) a second substantial directional component parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and opposite to the second substantial directional component of the first deployment direction of the first anchoring element; and the drive mechanism operates to move the first anchoring element at least some distance in the first deployment direction and to move the second anchoring element at least some distance in the second deployment direction.
US09107754B2

A prosthetic joint member includes: a generally concave cup with an outer surface that is bone-implantable, the cup including a first indexing feature; a concave insert disposed inside the cup, the insert comprising a rigid material and including a concave interior defining a nominal surface, the interior including a cantilevered flange defined by an undercut in the insert, the flange defining a wear-resistant first contact surface which protrudes inward relative to the nominal surface, the insert including a second indexing feature. The first and second indexing features engage each other so as to retain the insert in a fixed angular orientation relative to the cup.
US09107752B2

An orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.
US09107741B2

A flexible stent graft for deployment in a body vessel at a treatment site includes a tubular body, at least a first portion of which comprises a graft material and a coiled stent comprising a plurality of helical turns with spacings between the turns. The coiled stent is affixed to the graft material of the first portion. The first portion has a first portion diameter and the coiled stent has a helix diameter which is substantially the same as the first portion diameter. The coiled stent comprises a ratio of helical pitch to helix diameter of from about 1:2 to about 1:20, where the helical pitch is the spacing between adjacent turns of the coiled stent.
US09107737B2

An adjustable goggle with eyepieces that are individually custom fitted over the user's eye sockets. The goggle includes a strap configured to extend around the user's head, two face conforming eyepieces affixed and configured on the strap so that they may be positioned over the user's eyes, and a three axis, adjustable nosepiece that extends between the two eyepieces. The nosepiece is made of one or more elastic strands that have the same or different resilient properties. The ends of the strands are affixed to the eyepieces to apply a resilient force thereon. During use, the user selects the desired nosepiece so that the eyepieces may be independently aligned themselves over the eye sockets and form a comfortable, watertight seal against the surrounding facial tissues when the goggles are worn. If needed, an optional sealing pad may be affixed to the inside surface of each eyepiece to provide a watertight seal against the surrounding facial tissues.
US09107734B2

An embolic protection device for use in a patient's blood vessel, such as the aorta, has an approximately cylindrical outer structure made of a filter mesh material and an approximately conical inner structure also made of a filter mesh material. On the downstream end of the embolic protection device, the wider end of the conical inner structure is joined to the cylindrical outer structure. The upstream end of the embolic protection device is open for blood to flow between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure. The space between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure defines a collection chamber for captured emboli. The narrow upstream end of the conical inner structure has a catheter port with a resilient seal that is sized for passage of a catheter shaft. The filter mesh material may be self-supporting or it may be supported on a resilient-framework or an inflatable framework.
US09107725B2

A green metal body includes metal particles and a binder in the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or base plate. The green metal body is fabricated by being laser-cut with a laser to shape the green metal body into the shape of an orthodontic bracket and/or to carve recesses and/or undercuts into the bonding surface of the bracket. The green metal body is sintered to shrink its volume into a denser and less porous sintered metal body configured to be an orthodontic bracket. The resultant sintered orthodontic bracket includes recesses and/or undercuts in the bonding surface to provide a mechanical aspect when bonded to a tooth.
US09107715B2

The present disclosure generally relates to fixation plates for use in correcting Hallux Valgus deformities under the Lapidus approach. The plate includes holes defined therethrough in such a way to facilitate multiplanar stability across the metatarsocuneiform joint. The plate is further sized and shaped to approximate the natural anatomic contour of the bone segments surrounding the metatarsocuneiform joint. Related methods for using the Lapidus approach to correct Hallux Valgus deformities are also described.
US09107713B2

A bone plate is configured for pancarpal arthrodesis. The bone plate can include a plurality of apertures that can be aligned with the metacarpal bones. The apertures can include a first portion and second portion that is longitudinally and laterally offset with respect to the first portion.
US09107709B2

A targeting system for aligning an axis of a targeting sleeve and a bore in a distal end portion of an intramedullary nail is proposed, the targeting device comprising a distal targeting arm with a first end being configured to be coupled to a trailing end of an intramedullary nail, an adjusting device, the adjusting device being configured to be coupled to the distal targeting arm. The adjusting device may comprise an adjusting element and a nail follower including two targeting holes each being configured to receive a sleeve assembly. The adjusting element may cooperate with the nail follower such that the positions of the two targeting holes are adjustable so as to correspond to respective locking holes at a leading end of the intramedullary nail, even when the nail is bent.
US09107706B2

A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto.
US09107701B2

An apparatus includes: a member configured to be received within an intramedullary canal, the member having an opening therethrough; a flexible elongate element sized to extend through the opening; a section having a first bone-engaging surface and a coupling structure for fixedly securing the section to the elongate element; and a further section having a bone-engaging surface and a coupling structure for fixedly securing the further section to the elongate element. In another form, an apparatus includes a first section having spaced first and second surface portions to engage a bone and a second section configured to extend into a bone. The first surface portion exerts a first force in a direction that is at an angle with respect to a force exerted by the second surface portion. Yet another form involves methods of using each apparatus.
US09107700B2

A cutting implement includes a V-shaped blade portion that defines an aperture through which a quadriceps tendon may pass as a doctor harvests the tendon through a minimally invasive procedure.
US09107698B2

Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for image annotation in image-guided medical procedures. Some embodiments herein allow physicians or other operators to use one or more medical devices in order to define annotations in 3D space. These annotations may later be displayed to the physician or operator in 3D space in the position in which they were first drawn or otherwise generated. In some embodiments, the operator may use various available medical devices, such as needles, scalpels, or even a finger in order to define the annotation. Embodiments herein may allow an operator to more conveniently and efficiently annotate visualizable medical data.
US09107696B2

A method of embryo transfer (“ET”) that improves fertility rates by eliminating transferred air during the procedure is provided. Also provided is a method for hormonally enhancing the uterine wall of a patient either prior to or during the time of ET. Quantitative administration of transfer solutions is accomplished with a modified apparatus that provides for implantation of an embryo into the uterus of a patient. The apparatus comprises an outer sheath and an inner lumen arranged to be slidably disposed within the outer sheath. The inner lumen includes at least one visual marker situated on the exterior surface adjacent its distal end thereof.
US09107687B2

A sinusitis treatment device includes: a flexible first elongated body to be guided into an accessory; an imaging unit which is provided on the first elongated long body, for obtaining an image on the front side of a distal end of the first elongated body; a flexible second elongated body having a lumen in which the first elongated body is inserted; an expansive body which is provided on the second elongated body and which has an effective expansive section capable of radial expansive deformation within a natural ostium located between a nasal cavity and an accessory nasal cavity to push open a stenosed part of the natural ostium; and a positioning unit which is provided on the second elongated body, for positioning the effective expansive section of the second elongated long body moved along the first elongated body relative to the first elongated body.
US09107675B2

A device for in situ milling of joint surfaces, including a milling device and a joint clamping device. The joint clamp device is designed to be inserted between two joint components forming a joint, particularly bones, and for pushing the joint components apart with a predetermined or adjustable tension, wherein the joint clamping device includes a recess in which the milling device can be inserted, wherein the milling device includes a face milling cutter.
US09107673B2

An irrigation catheter assembly comprises an electrode sheath mount for mounting an electrode sheath. The mount has a laterally arranged aperture defined in it through which conductors for electrodes of the electrode sheath pass, in use. A connector, to which a source of irrigation fluid is connectable, is connected to a proximal end of the electrode sheath mount. The connector communicates with an interior of the mount so that, in use, fluid passes through the lumen of the electrode sheath to be delivered to a distal end of the electrode sheath.
US09107664B2

A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove.
US09107662B2

A shipping wedge for use with a surgical instrument includes a base configured to be detachably secured with a body portion of the surgical instrument, a blocking member depending from the base and engageable with a movable operative member of the surgical instrument, and a locking member depending from the base and engageable with a lockout mechanism of the surgical instrument.
US09107660B2

A wound closure device includes an elongated body with proximal and distal ends having a plurality of through-holes along the length and defining a longitudinal axis with a plurality of surface features extending away from the axis. The proximal end is configured and dimensioned to pass through body tissue and thereafter be selectively passed through at least one of the plurality of through-holes such that at least one of the surface features also passes through the through-hole thereby forming a locked closed loop to secure body tissue held therein.
US09107649B2

This invention relates to devices and instruments for implant insertion through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include an implant inserter, and the devices include a spinal fusion implant engageable by the implant inserter. The implant provides bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae when inserted into the disc space from a postero-lateral approach.
US09107647B2

Disclosed is a heart stabilizer used when a coronary artery of a heart is operated. The heart stabilizer allows an intake tube connected to a suction unit for holding the heart to perform a suctioning operation while preventing clogging in any circumstances, allows the direction of the suction unit to be converted to forward, rearward, leftward, and rightward directions, allows the angle of the suction unit to be minutely adjusted even after the suction unit is primarily fixed, and is cleaned while the suction unit maintains the adjusting function of the adjustor for adjusting and fixing the angle.
US09107646B2

A vascular closure device includes a carrier tube, a sealing tip, and a sealing tip connection member. The carrier tube includes a distal end. The sealing tip is releasably connected to the distal end of the carrier tube. The sealing tip connection member extends through the sealing tip and includes a proximal portion extending proximally from the sealing tip. Applying a tension force at the proximal portion of the sealing tip connection member removes the sealing tip connection member from the sealing tip, and removing the sealing tip connection member from the sealing tip radially expands a portion of the sealing tip.
US09107633B2

The invention relates to a medical work station which has a medical technology apparatus and a patient support device. The medical technology apparatus includes a medical technology device and at least one first robot, which has a first robot arm, having a plurality of members and a first control device that controls a motion of the first robot arm. The medical technology device is attached to a first attaching device of the first robot arm. The patient support device includes a patient table and a second robot, which has a second robot arm having a plurality of members, and a second control device that controls a motion of the second robot arm. The patient table is attached to a second attaching device of the second robot arm.
US09107630B2

An ultrasound breast imaging assembly includes first and second compression plates angled with respect to one another, a breast compression area defined between the first and second compression plates, at least one pivot assembly, and an ultrasound probe. The pivot assembly allows relative motion between the first and second compression plates. The ultrasound probe, which is configured to translate over one of the first and second compression plates, includes an active matrix array (AMA) positioned on one of the first and second compression plates.
US09107621B2

A method is described for surgical implantation of a cochlear implant system. An intraoperative baseline value stapedial reflex response is determined for a cochlear implant patient. Then while performing a given step in a multi-step surgical process to implant a cochlear implant system in the patient, the stapedial reflex response is monitored, and if the stapedial reflex response changes from the baseline value response more than a safe change threshold value, the given step is stopped.
US09107605B2

The present invention consists of an implantable structural element for in vivo controlled delivery of bioactive active agents to a situs in a body. The implantable structural element may be configured as an implantable prosthesis, such as an endoluminal stent, cardiac valve, osteal implant or the like, which serves a dual function of being prosthetic and a carrier for a bioactive agent. Control over elution of the bioactive agents occurs through a plurality of cantilever-like cover members which prevent drug elution until an endogenous or exogenous stimulus causes the cover members to open and permit drug elution.
US09107604B2

An electromagnetic localization signal may be sensed by an electromagnetic field sensor in an in-vivo device with an electromagnetic field interference that is superimposed on the electromagnetic localization signal. The electromagnetic field interference may be filtered by outputting, by the electromagnetic field sensor, an alternating signal that represents, or in response to, the electromagnetic localization signal; sampling a first (e.g., positive) portion of the alternating signal during a first sampling window or period to obtain a first set of samples, sampling a second (e.g., negative) portion of the alternating signal during a second sampling window or period to obtain a second set of samples; and calculating a number, NR, from the first and second sets of samples, that approximately represents a substantially interference free electromagnetic localization signal.
US09107602B2

Embodiments for adaptively performing clutter filtering upon in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system includes: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit ultrasound signals to a target object and receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the target object to thereby acquire ultrasound data; and a processing unit configured to form a Doppler signal corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels constructing a Doppler mode image based on the ultrasound data, as well as to adjust coefficients of a clutter filter based on characteristics of the Doppler signal for each of the pixels for performing clutter filtering upon the Doppler signal.
US09107596B2

Provided is an apparatus and method for analyzing a biological signal. The apparatus may measure the biological signal, detect a noise signal influencing the electrical characteristics of the measured biological signal, and display the measured biological signal by distinguishing a normal section of the measured biological signal from an abnormal section of the biological signal.
US09107595B1

Methods and apparatuses for estimating brain activity of a human subject from the measurement of electroencephalograms (EEG) are disclosed. In one method, cortical neural sources in the cerebral cortex of the brain of the subject are specified. Next, using a model of the human brain which treats the cortical neural sources as nodes in a cortical source network, cortical source activations are estimated from the measured electroencephalograms for each of the cortical neural sources in the network for the subject. Source network modulation control signals are then determined for the subject from the cortical source activations which are assumed to correspond to control modulators in the human brain. And a network activity classification is computed from determined modulation control signals for the subject. The innovative technology may be included in an automated aiding system in the electronic aiding of tasks performed by human operators.
US09107594B2

Shown is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire, provides enhanced ergonomics to the clinician, and may alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector may be engaged and disengaged with little or no force imparted to the patient or the ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of inadvertent dislodgement of the pad. In one embodiment the shown connector provides a thumb cam lever which affirmatively engages the press stud to the connector, and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a pushbutton to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector from the ECG stud. The shown connectors may also decrease clinician fatigue, and may provide more reliable ECG results.
US09107571B2

A method and system for detecting and treating abnormal cardiac function. The patient's cardiac activity is substantially continuously monitored via a portable wearable device having electrodes and a microcontroller. Features in the monitored cardiac activity indicative of abnormal cardiac function are automatically detected. In response to the detection of an abnormal detected cardiac function, at least one person is automatically alerted of the detected abnormal cardiac function of the patient, and medication may be automatically caused to be administered to the patient. The portable wearable device preferably includes a plurality of electrodes and a microcontroller in communication with the electrodes, adapted to receive sensed cardiac activity signals and create digital signals enabling identification of at least one cardiac parameter. A remote computer server is in communication with the portable wearable device and compares values of the identified cardiac parameter with a range of normal values for the cardiac parameter.
US09107560B2

A door latch for an electrical household appliance includes a closing spring arrangement which is tensioned in an open position of the door latch and relaxes upon closing of the door, and a gripping unit which grips a closing element upon closing of the door and releases it again upon opening of the door. The gripping unit in the open position of the door latch is in blocking engagement with a blocking element. The closing element upon the closing of the door causes a rotary movement of the gripping unit about an axis of rotation where the gripping unit comes out of blocking engagement with the blocking element. The gripping unit has a base body bearing at least one supporting projection, projecting coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation, for supporting the gripping unit.
US09107555B2

A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus connects to a liquid source under pressure, such as a garden hose, and disperses liquid on to a surface to remove debris from the surface. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a handle member and a manifold. The manifold is connected to the liquid source at one end and the other end is connected to the manifold. The manifold has a right and a left section each of which is pivotally combined to the handle member. The right and left sections rotate between an extended position substantially perpendicular to the handle member and a retracted position parallel with the handle member.
US09107551B2

Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner main body, a dust container including a dust collection body separably disposed on the cleaner main body to define a dust storage chamber for storing dusts and a lower cover disposed under the dust collection body to open and close the dust storage chamber, a pressing member movably disposed inside the dust collection body to compress the dusts within the dust storage chamber, the pressing member including a rotation shaft and a pressing plate connected to the rotation shaft, a transmission part disposed under the lower cover to transmit a power transmitted from the outside, and a connection member disposed above the lower cover to transmit the power transmitted from the transmission part into the rotation shaft.
US09107549B2

Disclosed herein is a vacuum cleaner having a housing defining first and second ports. The vacuum cleaner also includes a cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a cap head to close the first port such that airflow is directed via a flow path to the second port, a sound-influencing material, the sound-influencing material removably held to the cap head and disposed within the flow path to reduce noise effected by the airflow. The flow path is configured to cause the airflow to pass through the sound-influencing material and the flow path to the second port. The sound-influencing material is removable to allow cleaning of the sound-influencing material. The sound-influencing material may include a reticulated foam roll disposed in the frame to diffuse the discharge airflow.
US09107535B2

A barbecue accessory for addressing flare ups, uneven heat distribution, and open lid heat loss features a series of spaced-apart longitudinal members connected together in a flexible endless loop having a width less than a first one of the length and width dimensions of a barbecue firebox. A closed loop drive system is arranged for mounting in the firebox between the bottom wall to engage the flexible endless loop to drive each of the spaced apart members of the flexible endless loop in a closed-loop path back and forth along a second one of the length and width dimensions of the firebox. At least one wiping member presents an upward facing wiping surface in the firebox beneath a moving path of the longitudinal members in close proximity thereto to clean the longitudinal members as they pass the wiping member.
US09107534B2

A cooker is disclosed. The cooker includes a cooking assembly having a cooking member, a hinging arrangement to mount the cooking assembly onto a support so that the cooking assembly can be displaced relative to the support between an operative position in which the cooking member is in a substantially horizontal orientation, and a stowed or inoperative position in which the cooking assembly is displaced towards the support, and a front drip tray that is pivotally mounted on the cooking assembly and that is configured to pivot relative to the cooking assembly while the cooking assembly is pivoted between the operative and stowed positions and to catch cooking waste, such as drippings from the cooking member as the cooking assembly is pivoted into the stowed position.
US09107530B1

A food serving bowl with integrated straining capabilities is provided with a securable lid. A lower surface of the bowl is provided with a rotating cover, thereby exposing a plurality of holes allowing any liquid contained within the bowl to be strained out. A bottom section of the bowl is divided into triangular sections. In an alternating manner a first plurality of sections are provided with holes while a second plurality of sections are not. The movable cover obstructs the open holes when in a closed position, thereby allowing the device to function as a conventional bowl. These features allow the device to serve both roles as a straining container as well as a food mixing or serving bowl.
US09107528B2

An ornamental article representing at least one blank in the form of a hollow three-dimensional component made out of molded paper pulp, different in that the product includes an insert of the same shape as the inner surface of the blank.
US09107523B1

A reusable straw guide container holds dry ice pellets, and is operable with a beverage container. The dry ice pellet is immersed in a beverage to keep it cool and create a mist. The dry ice pellet is loaded into a housing through an opening in a bottom region of the housing. A resilient gate covers the opening. The resilient gate is defined by a shape memory that biases the resilient gate to a closed position, which restricts access to and from the inside of the housing. A force applied on the dry ice pellet bends the resilient gate inwardly into the housing to enable entry of the pellet. After the pellet has passed through, the shape memory returns the resilient gate to the closed position. The housing has a top region having apertures and slits that enable the beverage to flow into contact with the pellet.
US09107518B2

An apparatus for hanging plants allows a user to create 360 degree displays using potted plants. A support structure includes a support pole and a base. The base stabilizes the support pole in a position normal to the resting surface of the base. The support pole is cylindrical and can be separated into a top pole and a bottom pole for ease of storage and transportation. Similarly, the base can be separated into a top support leg and a bottom support leg. At least one plant hanger is positioned around the support pole by an attachment portion. A support arm portion of the plant hanger extends away from the support pole, while a receiving portion provides means for supporting a potted plant. The support pole can be alternatively supported using an at least one support pole mount that suspends the support pole off of the ground.
US09107515B2

A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
US09107511B2

An apparatus for supporting a patient, such as a hospital bed, is provided. The apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one fluid containing bladder. A pressure control assembly is operably coupled with the bladder. When the fluid pressure within the bladder falls outside of an acceptable range of pressure values, the active adjustment of the pressure within the bladder is initiated by the pressure control assembly if the pressure does not return to the acceptable range of pressure values within a time period, e.g., a time delay, that has a variable length.
US09107510B2

The present invention relates generally to an ultimate comfort n care bed, and a bed apparatus capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a person, a method of relieving ulcers, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a medical or a hospital bed, and, more particularly, to a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed-sheets while the hospital bed is occupied by a patient. The present invention also comprises of a medical bed apparatus which allows the seamlessly changing of a used bed sheet with a new bed sheet while the bed is occupied by a person, and a method thereof.
US09107495B2

An adjustable pole caddy includes an elongated pole, a shelf including a generally planar surface for supporting at least one object thereon, a clamp having a first aperture and a second aperture, and a fastener extending through the first aperture of the clamp. The second aperture extends around at least a portion of an outer periphery of the pole. In a locked position of the fastener and clamp, an end portion of the fastener engages the pole and at least a portion of the shelf removably engages at least a portion of the clamp. The clamp is secured to the pole and the shelf is secured to the clamp. In a released position of the fastener and clamp, the end portion of the fastener does not engage the pole.
US09107493B2

A pop-up rotatable tray assembly is disclosed herein. The pop-up rotatable tray assembly includes a base portion, a tray support structure rotatably coupled to the base portion, and a tray top member having a top surface. The tray top member is supported by the tray support structure, and the tray top member is configured to be adjustable between an elevated position and a retracted position. A tabletop assembly, which includes the pop-up rotatable tray assembly, is also disclosed herein. When the tray top member is disposed in the elevated position, the top surface of the tray top member is spaced apart from a top surface of a tabletop peripheral portion by a vertical distance. When the tray top member is disposed in the retracted position, the tray top member is substantially aligned with the top surface of the tabletop peripheral portion.
US09107490B2

A lockable articulated joint comprises a first member having a ball shaped attachment further having a recess on its periphery. A rotationally symmetric conforming plunger is for movably nesting into the recess. A second member pivotally receives the ball shaped attachment and comprises a plunger holding portion. User alignment of the recess with the plunger holding portion allows configuring the joint in one of at least two selectable locked positions. The articulated joint is usable in a multi-axis articulated implement, in which one member is an elongated end effecter having a working face and the other member is an elongated handle portion. A user may configure the implement in various locked attitudes, wherein a working face's longitudinal axis extends parallel or perpendicular to the handle, or wherein the working face's normal axis extends parallel to the handle. The implement may be embodied into a multi-axis snow brush.
US09107482B1

A survival apparatus is disclosed that both removably couples to an end portion of a staff and with a variety of tools. The survival apparatus includes at least one sleeve formed of a hollow, tubular body for removably receiving therein the end portion of the staff and providing for the quick attachment and detachment of various tools so that a tool is co-axial with the staff. A survival apparatus system is disclosed that includes: a staff; a tool; and a survival apparatus that both removably couples to an end portion of the staff and with the tool. Another survival apparatus system is disclosed that includes: a staff; a locking lug coupled to the staff; and a tool removably coupled to both the locking lug and an end portion of the staff.
US09107478B2

An article of footwear is provided, including an upper having an acute angular opening in a vamp region, a base of the acute angular opening being disposed in a first region of the vamp proximate to a forefoot region of the article of footwear and an end of the acute angular opening being disposed in a second region of the vamp proximate to an ankle opening region of the article of footwear; and at least one lace having a length, including a first thickness in a center region of the lace length and a second thickness at each of the two end regions of the lace, and a change in thickness of the lace between the first thickness and the second thickness varying continuously and gradually along the length lace from the center region to each of the end regions.
US09107477B2

A heel guard detachably mountable onto a heel post of a high heel shoe extends the heel post pressure area, while moving over rough terrain preventing the heel post from sinking into soft surfaces. The heel guard comprises a base portion and an upper portion. The base portion dissipates the heel post pressure while the upper portion frictionally grips the heel post. The upper portion projects from the base portion in a curvilinear fashion into a plurality of stays that converge forming an aperture before extending into the upper portion interior. The upper portion can also be an hourglass columnar receptacle with a bore that tapers from a wide opening to a narrower middle section then to a wider base. The narrower middle section frictionally grips heel posts of varying thicknesses.
US09107476B2

An adjustable spring device for Walking and running is attachable to the user's footwear. The device includes an upper sole coupled to the footwear, a lower elastic sole, and a support bracket configured as a curvilinear confined band that includes a flat top fastened to the upper sole, and a concaved bottom fastened to the lower sole. The lower sole is furnished with a plurality of slots, preferably straight-lined, and aligned at a predetermined angle, cut from the periphery towards the longitudinal axis of lower sole and ending at predetermined points thereof. The slots are preferably so arranged that, if the predetermined points are linked by four straight lines extending therethrough, the four lines will form a rhomb-shaped figure having two vertexes positioned at the front and the rear ends of the lower sole. Means for variable adjustment of the support bracket are provided, creating comfortable energy exchange conditions.
US09107469B2

A snowshoe with an integrated articulating link is provided, where a surface support structure and a foot connector plate are connected by a multi-axial articulating link. The surface support structure, the foot connector plate and the articulating link constitute a structural unit, a mono-construction. The multi-axial tilt motion in the articulating link is achieved by extension and compression in the material structure. The extension and compression in the material structure is controlled by one or more corrugations in the arms.
US09107466B2

A batting helmet having localized impact protection comprises a rigid shell with a padded inner core affixed therein. Localized impact protection comprises additional padding attached to the inner core, increased thickness of the rigid shell, increased stiffness of the rigid shell, and additional padding attached to the rigid shell, alone or in combination, positioned in various regions of the helmet.
US09107463B2

[Object of the Invention] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for integrating multi-layer sheet fabric pieces for use in a chemical protective suit, wherein fewer fabrication man-hours are required than in the conventional method.[Disclosure of the Invention] A method for integrating multi-layer sheet fabric pieces for use in a chemical protective suit comprises the steps of (a) stacking one of a pair of multi-layer sheet fabric pieces for use in a chemical protective suit, each of which comprises a front surface layer of thermoplastic resin film, a rear surface layer of thermoplastic resin film, and at least one middle layer of chemical permeability resistant resin film, on the other of the pair of multi-layer sheet fabric pieces, with a part of a peripheral edge of one multi-layer sheet fabric piece opposed to a part of a peripheral edge of the other multi-layer sheet fabric piece, (b) seaming the stacked multi-layer sheet fabric pieces at a portion close to the peripheral edges opposed to each other along the peripheral edges opposed to each other so as to form a seam line, and (c) high frequency dielectric heating the stacked multi-layer sheet fabric pieces at a band portion of predetermined breadth close to the seam line along the seam line, wherein the peripheral edges opposed to each other and the band portion are disposed to face opposite sides of the seam line, so as to weld and integrate the stacked multi-layer sheet fabric pieces with each other at the band portion.
US09107460B1

A weaveable wig comprising a cap comprising front and back edges, the cap comprising a reinforced fabric portion having a first edge forming a portion of a perimeter of the front edge of the cap, a plurality of longitudinal weft-securing members coupled to the second edge of the reinforced fabric portion and extending to the back edge of the cap, and at least one hair-part inlay extending from the perimeter of the cap at the front edge toward a crown of the cap within the reinforced fabric portion, the hair-part inlay comprising a reinforced border surrounding the hair-part inlay except along the front edge. The weaveable wig further comprises a plurality of hair wefts coupled laterally across at a least a portion of the plurality of longitudinal weft-securing members and a weaving band comprising an elastic mesh material extending outward from a majority of the perimeter of the cap.
US09107457B2

A breast enlargement simulator comprises two cups and elastic expansion bags. The two cups are provided and configured with a specification equal to that of a normal brassiere matched with breast convexity. The elastic expansion bag arranged in front of each cup comprises an inner cavity and a substrate having a profile dimensionally matched with that of the cup. The adjustment of desired breast enlargement effect can be adjusted by injecting air or water into the elastic expansion bag, thus to stimulatingly obtain the continuous adjustable dynamic effect. The patient can conveniently wear the elastic expansion bag over a long period of time. As the expect effect of desired breast enlargement can be simulated by the breast enlargement simulator of the invention, the patient is willing to agree the breast enlargement surgery, viz authorizing the medical institutes to do the breast enlargement surgery, and postoperative effect satisfaction can be promoted.
US09107454B2

The present invention relates to the inclusion of additives in a filter element comprising a non-woven sheet material or paper as the filter material to increase the selective removal of semi-volatile compounds and to improve the taste characteristics of the smoke drawn through the filter element. The increased selective removal of semi-volatile compounds from the smoke being drawn through the filter element is provided by polyethylene glycol. TEC and/or triacetin are additives which have been found to improve the taste characteristics of smoke drawn through the filter element.
US09107450B2

The present invention provides a pectic polysaccharide, wherein a degree of methyl esterification of constituent galacturonic acid is 45% or less, a structure of a single molecule observed with an atomic force microscope comprises a star structure, and a diameter of the molecule is more than 100 nm and equal to or less than 200 nm.
US09107442B2

An extruded or molded article containing iron based oxygen scavenger, electrolytes, activated carbon, silica gel, or other water absorbing media, and optionally pore formers, is subjected to deformation to create voids or porosity, and subjected to water spraying or dipping to obtain a water activity of 0.4 or higher. The article is placed in a container or package containing oxygen sensitive articles.
US09107435B2

A reconstituted cereal grain in which the grain has at least about 10 wt % of resistant starch dietary fibre, at least about 25 wt % of cereal starch in addition to the resistance dietary fibre and at least about 0.5 wt % emulsifier based on the dry weight of the grain. The grain has a product density of greater than about 1 kg/l. The grains have a natural appearance and cooking properties similar to parboiled milled cereal grains.
US09107432B2

The invention relates to a novel Mogul procedure for manufacturing sweets, in particular starch-based gummi candies, which have a comparable texture to gelatin-based gummi candies, with at least one portion of the starch not being completely dissolved until after the pouring into the form of the confection article. In comparison to previous Mogul technology, the casting mass is poured at a comparatively low temperature, and the gelling and/or settling occurs at a comparatively high temperature.
US09107431B2

Object: To provide a chocolate or chocolate-like food capable of inhibiting occurrence of low-temperature bloom.Means for solving problem: A chocolate or chocolate-like food of the present invention comprises an oil and fat, wherein the oil and fat comprises 50 to 85% by weight of triglyceride having an oleic acid at position 2 and saturated fatty acids having 16 or more carbon atoms at positions 1 and 3 (XOX type triglyceride); and 5 to 18% by weight of triglyceride in which two oleic acids are bound and one saturated fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms is bound (XO2 type triglyceride). According to such a chocolate or chocolate-like food, the low temperature bloom can be inhibited.
US09107416B2

The present invention is directed to novel insecticidal and/or miticidal compositions comprising bifenthrin and a cyano-pyrethroid. The compositions exhibit an unexpected increase in insecticidal activity as compared to the insecticidal activity of the individual components.
US09107412B2

Disclosed is a fungicidal composition comprising (a) at least one compound selected from the compounds of Formula 1, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined in the disclosure; and (b) at least one additional fungicidal compound. Also disclosed is a method for controlling plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens comprising applying to the plant or portion thereof, or to the plant seed, a fungicidally effective amount of a compound of Formula 1, an N-oxide, or salt thereof (e.g., as a component in the aforesaid composition). Also disclosed is a composition comprising: (a) at least one compound selected from the compounds of Formula 1 described above, N-oxides, and salts thereof; and at least one invertebrate pest control compound or agent.
US09107406B2

The present invention refers to a process for bacterial stabilizing aqueous preparations like e.g. calcium carbonate slurries and a composition which can be used for the biocidal treatment of such aqueous preparations.
US09107399B2

A method for controlling an insect pest with vibrations, including a step of determining a frequency range and an amplitude range of vibrations in a habitat medium of an insect pest that induce or suppress a specific behavior of the insect pest, and a step of controlling the insect pest behavior by applying vibrations in the frequency range and amplitude range once or two or more times in the insect pest habitat medium.
US09107398B2

The present invention provides metal alloys that comprise at least copper, zinc and aluminum and, in addition, include manganese and iron, for the production of horseshoes that have bactericidal and fungicidal properties, impeding the proliferation of bacteria and fungi specific to equines and mitigating the effects of vibration on equine joints, absorbing impacts known as “absolute shock”.
US09107377B1

A novel maize variety designated PH1THN and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1THN with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1THN through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1THN or a locus conversion of PH1THN with another maize variety.
US09107372B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046965. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046965. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046965 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046965 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09107368B2

The present invention is in the field of soybean variety WN1013689-1 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety WN1013689-1 and its progeny, and methods of making WN1013689-1.
US09107367B2

The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AR1011191 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR1011191 and its progeny, and methods of making AR1011191.
US09107354B2

A method, system and apparatus for early diagnosis and real time remote intervention of crop condition by correlating collected crop characteristics with known plant parameters, economic variables and algorithms to computer generate an irrigation decision, remotely execute the same and notify the end user.
US09107343B1

An apparatus for mounting grass collection bags to a riding lawn mower includes a mounting assembly fixed to a riding lawn mower frame and a lid assembly for carrying removable grass clippings collection bags. The mounting assembly includes slotted brackets that are adapted to receive transverse base pins that are fixed to the lid assembly. An operator may hang the lid assembly by its transverse base pins on the mounting assembly slotted brackets in a hanging position and then rotate the lid assembly up into a raised, operating position. As the lid assembly is rotated to the raised, operating position, a releasable latch mechanism connected to the mounting assembly receives and captures the lid assembly latch pins. With this grass clippings collection unit, a single operator can install or remove the lid assembly, making it possible to rapidly reconfigure the mower for collecting clippings or for not collecting clippings.
US09107338B2

An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.
US09113583B2

An apparatus includes a substrate and a plurality of conductive traces formed on the substrate. The conductive traces are doped with a concentration of an aluminum material forming a protective layer as a portion of the plurality of conductive traces to inhibit oxidation. A set of first metal contact pads are formed in contact with the plurality of conductive traces. The substrate, the plurality of conductive traces and the set of first metal contact pads define an electronic circuit board configured to operate at a temperature greater than 200 degrees Celsius. A high operating temperature electronic device is configured in electrical communication with the conductive traces defining an assembly configured to operate at a temperature greater than 200 degrees Celsius.
US09113577B2

A battery-cooling system includes a battery array and a plurality of heat pipes that each include a low-profile extrusion having a plurality of hollow tubes formed therein A heat transfer fluid is disposed in the plurality of hollow tubes. Each heat pipe includes an evaporator portion and a condenser portion. The evaporator portion is disposed between successive batteries within the battery array and the condenser portion is disposed outside of the battery array and exposed to a heat sink.
US09113569B2

A wiring board includes a core structure having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, a first buildup structure formed on the first surface of the core structure and including insulation layers, and a second buildup structure formed on the second surface of the core structure and including insulation layers and an inductor device. The insulation layers in the second buildup structure have the thicknesses which are thinner than the thicknesses of the insulation layers in the first buildup structure, and the inductor device in the second buildup structure is position on the second surface of the core structure and includes at least a portion of a conductive pattern formed in the core structure.
US09113555B2

A method of reducing crosstalk. The method may include forming a first contact over a first vertical conductor. The method may include forming a second contact over a second vertical conductor. The method may include forming a capacitive coupler between the first contact and the second contact, wherein the capacitive coupler is to cancel crosstalk received at the second vertical conductor from the first vertical conductor.
US09113543B2

The invention relates to a device and method for measuring the density of a plasma by determining an impulse response to a high-frequency signal coupled into a plasma. The density, electron temperature and/or collision frequency as a function of the impulse response can be determined. A probe having a probe head and a probe shaft can be introduced into the plasma, wherein the probe shaft is connected to a signal generator for electrically coupling a high-frequency signal into the probe head. The probe core is enclosed by the jacket and has at its surface mutually insulated electrode areas of opposite polarity. A balun is arranged at the transition between the probe head and an electrically unbalanced high-frequency signal feed to convert electrically unbalanced signals into balanced signals.
US09113542B2

A method is disclosed for the temperature stabilization of a direct-converting X-ray detector, including a detector surface having a semiconductor and being divided into a plurality of partial detector surfaces. During the irradiation of the detector surface, heat is generated in the semiconductor by electric power. Electric power generated in the semiconductor is kept constant for each partial detector surface at least during a heterogeneous and/or temporally variable irradiation of the detector surface by feeding-in power-adjusted additional radiation for each partial detector surface. A direct-converting X-ray detector is disclosed for the detection of X-rays. At least one control loop with at least one reference variable is embodied for the energy regulation of the additional radiation, which keeps the temperature in the semiconductor constant for each partial detector surface by keeping the electric power in the semiconductor constant by changing the energy of the additional radiation. A CT system is disclosed.
US09113536B2

The present invention relates to electroluminescent devices that comprise organic layers that contain triazole compounds of the formula (I), or formula (II). The compounds are suitable components of, for example, blue-emitting, durable, organo-electroluminescent layers. The electroluminescent devices may be employed for full color display panels in, for example, mobile phones, televisions and personal computer screens.
US09113530B2

A lighting device includes an AC to DC conversion unit for receiving a setting signal and converting it into a DC voltage having a predetermined voltage, voltage conversion units for converting the DC voltage inputted from the AC to DC conversion unit and driving the light source modules according to drive signals, a PWM signal generating unit for generating a PWM signal having a duty ratio corresponding to the setting signal, and a control unit, by outputting the drive signals to the voltage conversion units based on a command value determined according to the duty ratio, for controlling output powers of the voltage conversion units such that a characteristic curve of the sum of the output powers of the voltage conversion units has the maximum or at least one inflection point within an adjustment range of the conduction angle.
US09113524B2

A series arrangement of LED loads (LP1-LP4) is coupled between output terminals of a rectifier having its input terminals coupled to a mains supply supplying a low frequency AC voltage. Control means render the LED loads conductive one by one, when the amplitude of the supply voltage increases, and non-conductive one by one when the amplitude of the supply voltage decreases. The first LED load (LP1, LP2) has a forward voltage that is substantially higher than that of the other LED loads. As a consequence, the LED utilization is comparatively high, thus allowing the LED loads used in the series arrangement to be comparatively cheap.
US09113521B2

A load control device for controlling the intensity of a lighting load, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) light source, may include a power converter circuit operable to receive a rectified AC voltage and to generate a DC bus voltage, a load regulation circuit operable to receive the bus voltage and to control the magnitude of a load current conducted through the lighting load, and a control circuit operatively coupled to the load regulation circuit for pulse width modulating or pulse frequency modulating the load current to control the intensity of the lighting load to a target intensity. The control circuit may control the intensity of the lighting load by pulse width modulating the load current when the target intensity is above a predetermined threshold and control the intensity of the lighting load by pulse frequency modulating the load current when the target intensity is below the predetermined threshold.
US09113520B2

A light emitting diode (LED) backlight system and a driving apparatus and a driving method thereof are provided. The driving apparatus is suitable for an LED backlight system with N LED strings, where N is a positive integer greater than 1, and which includes an LED driver and a switching unit. The LED driver is configured to receive a dimming signal and time-divisionally generate N control signals in response to a counting clock and an enabling time and a period time both related to the dimming signal. The switching unit is coupled to the LED driver and the N LED strings, and is configured to respectively control an on-off time ratio of a current flowing through each of the LED strings in response to the N control signals.
US09113516B2

A dimmable LED driver adapted to be operated with a dimmer that is configured to generate a predetermined conductive angle, wherein the dimmable LED driver comprises: a rectifier configured to convert an alternating current output by the dimmer to a direct current, a buck PFC block configured to adjust an output voltage of the direct current so as to obtain a stable output voltage, a second buck DC/DC block configured to realize output of a constant current after the stable output voltage is realized, a dimming block configured to, after realizing output of the constant current, accomplish a dimming function jointly with the second buck DC/DC block, and an MCU configured to control the buck PFC block, the second buck DC/DC block and the dimming block.
US09113510B2

A light adjusting system for use with sport simulation equipment and a method of adjusting a state of operation of at least one light source used with golf simulation equipment is provided. The light adjusting system comprises a data interface, a light controller, an operations processor, and a storage device. The data interface is in communication with the sport simulation equipment. The light controller is in communication with at least one light source. The operations processor is in communication with the data interface and the light controller. The storage device is in data communication with the operations processor. The storage device includes at least one lighting profile. In response to communication between the sport simulation equipment and the data interface, the operations processor accesses the at least one lighting profile on the storage device and adjusts a state of operation of the at least one light source using the light controller.
US09113509B2

The lighting device according to the present invention includes: a power source configured to supply power to a light source having a plurality of regions; a plurality of cooling devices arranged corresponding to the plurality of regions to cool the plurality of regions, respectively; and a cooling control circuit configured to control the plurality of cooling devices. The cooling control circuit includes: a plurality of output circuits configured to supply drive voltages to the plurality of cooling devices by use of power from the power source to drive the plurality of cooling devices, respectively; a plurality of temperature measurement circuits configured to respectively measure temperatures of the plurality of regions; and an output control circuit configured to regulate the drive voltages respectively supplied from the plurality of output circuits based on the temperatures respectively measured by the plurality of temperature measurement circuits.
US09113498B2

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a user equipment having a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), multiple baseband modems, and routing logic for handling communications between the UICC and the baseband modems, and methods for operating the user equipment in which the routing logic arbitrates communication between the UICC and the baseband modems in accordance with arbitration logic. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.
US09113495B1

A system and method for measuring the quantity, type and transmission quality of mobile communication devices within a defined geographical area is disclosed herein. A data server is configured to receive new transmission data for mobile devices from each of a plurality of sensor devices and associate the new transmission data with a corresponding sensor device of the plurality of sensor devices. A console application is also configured to display the display information to an end-user operator.
US09113485B2

A wireless data transmission method includes providing a plurality of radio frequency transmitters. A receiver is provided to receive transmissions from the transmitters. A data format including a plurality of transmission time slots is defined. Each of the transmitters is caused to independently select one of the time slots. The transmitters are used to transmit the transmissions to the receiver in the independently selected time slots.
US09113484B2

In orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) selects a random access channel (RACH) and a phase for a constant amplitude zero auto correlation (CAZAC) sequence for RACH transmission. The WTRU then transmits a RACH transmission to a Node B via the selected RACH. Once the RACH transmission is detected, the Node B sends an acknowledgement (ACK) to the WTRU over an ACK channel. The Node B may transmit the ACK on a shared channel. The WTRU may ramp up transmit power while the RACH transmission is transmitted, or steps up transmit power of a subsequent RACH transmission. The RACH transmission and data transmission may be either time multiplexed or frequency multiplexed. A plurality of RACHs may be defined and one of the defined RACHs may be selected randomly or based on predetermined criteria.
US09113479B2

A method and apparatus of transmitting a multicast frame in a wireless communication system is provided. The method comprises transmitting a request to send (RTS) frame to stations (STAs) included in a multicast group by using an omni-directional antenna, and receiving a clear to send (CTS) frame transmitted by the STAs included in the multicast group in response to the RTS frame, and transmitting the multicast frame to the STAs included in the multicast group by using a directional antenna.
US09113478B2

In accordance with a method for scheduling transmission opportunities (TXOPs) in a wireless communications system, a subscriber station may send a request-to-send multiple (RTSM) frame to an access point. The access point may allocate resources for multiple TXOPs based on the RTSM frame. The access point may send a clear-to-send multiple (CTSM) frame.
US09113475B2

A method includes, in a receiver that includes an uncompensated crystal oscillator, receiving signals from a transmitter by activating the receiver periodically at intervals corresponding to a specified wake-up time period. In response to detecting at the receiver that the specified wake-up time period is insufficient for maintaining synchronization between the receiver and the transmitter using the uncompensated crystal oscillator, an actual wake-up time period, smaller than the specified wake-up time period, is selected. The receiver is activated periodically according to the selected actual wake-up time period.
US09113465B2

Disclosed herein relates to a resource allocation method for a machine type communication (MTC) device. The resource allocation method for the MTC device includes allocating a control channel with respect to a user terminal to a first time domain of a sub frame, and mixing at least one of a control channel with respect to the at least one MTC device, a data channel with respect to the user terminal, and a data channel with respect to the MTC device in a second time domain of the sub frame, and allocating the mixed channel to the second time domain of the sub frame. Accordingly, in a wireless communication system, control information and data may be transmitted and received to and from the MTC device while maintaining compatibility with the user terminal.
US09113463B2

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for managing resources utilized for enhanced physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmissions. According to certain aspects, a method is provided for wireless communications which may be performed, for example, by a user equipment (UE). The method generally includes receiving signaling indicating a set of time and frequency resources in one or more subframes allocated for an enhanced physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), receiving a downlink transmission in a subframe, making a determination to monitor for the enhanced PDCCH in the subframe based on the signaling, and decoding the enhanced PDCCH transmitted using the set of time and frequency resources in the subframe, in response to the determination.
US09113460B2

A transmission of information from a secondary to a primary node occurs in a plurality of N logical time durations on an uplink channel in a wireless network. A scheme for mapping between logical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource blocks (RBs) and physical RBs (PRBs) used by PUCCH is described. A logical uplink control resource block index nLRB is derived by the secondary node in response to information from the primary node. The secondary node then maps the logical uplink control resource block index nLRB to a first uplink physical resource block index nPRB,1 of a plurality of uplink physical resource blocks, wherein nPRB,1=nLRB/2 if nLRB is even and nPRB,1=NPRB−ceil(nLRB/2) if nLRB is odd; wherein NPRB is the total number of the plurality of uplink physical resource blocks; and wherein ceil denotes the ceiling operation. The secondary node then transmits an uplink control information in a subframe using one of the plurality of uplink physical resource blocks indexed by nPRB,1.
US09113458B2

The present invention relates to a method for a terminal to transmit acknowledgement information including: determining a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) format and resource, in which the acknowledgement information is transmitted in response to a downlink transmission received in a downlink sub-frame set including M(M≧1) downlink sub-frame; and transmitting the acknowledgement information using the PUCCH format and resource in one uplink sub-frame. Here, more than one serving cells are configured to the terminal, and the more than one serving cells can include one PCell and at least one SCell. The acknowledgement information can be transmitted using a PUCCH format 1a/1b when one physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) without a corresponding physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) detected, exists only on PCell in the downlink sub-frame set, and a semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) release PDCCH does not exist in the downlink sub-frame set.
US09113457B2

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transmitting uplink control information when a plurality of cells are configured, comprising the following steps: receiving PDCCH; generating reception reply information on PDSCH which corresponds to the PDCCH; and transmitting the reception reply information through PUCCH.
US09113456B2

A method and device for transmitting a first and second uplink signal, each having data and control information is provided. The method includes channel encoding the control information of the second uplink signal based on a number of symbols of control information to produce. The channel encoding includes determining the number of symbols in accordance with a payload size of the data of the first uplink signal and a total number of transmissible symbols of a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) of the first uplink signal.
US09113453B2

An Uplink control channel resource Management Module (120, 130), referred to as “UMM”, and a method in the UMM for assigning, to a radio network node 110, uplink control channel resources, referred to as “UCCHR”, for use in a uplink control channel between the radio network node (110) and a communication device (160) are provided. The UMM obtains (210) resource allocation information, referred to as “RAI”, and generates (220) a resource allocation command, referred to as “RAC”, based on the RAI. The RAC indicates UCCHR to be used by the radio network node. Furthermore, the UMM provides (230) the RAC to the radio network node (110). Related methods and nodes to enable the UMM to assign UCCHR are also provided.
US09113449B2

Provided are an apparatus for managing a network zone having a plurality of wireless access points (APs), a method of connecting a mobile terminal to an AP by the apparatus, and the mobile terminal. The apparatus for managing a network zone having a plurality of wireless APS includes a group manager configured to classify the plurality of wireless APs into a plurality of AP groups based on AP device information on the APs belonging to the network zone. Each of the plurality of AP groups can cover the entire network zone.
US09113448B2

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to facilitate the establishment of device-to-device communications, such as non-cellular communications or cellular communications in a licensed exempt band. A method and apparatus receive cellular signals including one or more beacon transmission parameters, such as a beacon transmission interval and an identifier, and a beacon transmission status flag. The method and apparatus may also determine that the beacon transmission status flag is set to authorize beacon transmissions and then cause non-cellular beacon signals to be repeatedly transmitted in accordance with the one or more beacon transmission parameters. The method and apparatus may also cause a device-to-device connection to be established following transmission of the beacon signals. The device-to-device connection may be either a non-cellular device-to-device connection or a cellular device-to-device connection.
US09113442B2

Embodiments herein relate to a method in a mobile terminal (10) for requesting access to a wireless communication system. The mobile terminal (10) receives broadcasted system information that indicates a first available resource of a contention based channel. The mobile terminal (10) derives a second available resource of the contention based channel based on the first available resource of the contention based channel. The mobile terminal (10) further transmits an access request preamble mapped to the second available resource to access the wireless communication system.
US09113438B2

An apparatus and method support user devices (109-113) and multiple core networks (125, 126) with a network. A rule set for a user device is associated with a core network (125, 126). Access information associated with a network is converted to core network behaviors using the rule set. A network element (400) can be employed to map the network information to core network information using the rule set for network uses.
US09113436B2

The present invention discloses a method and system for information transmission. Said method includes: an Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) notifying a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) entity of the location information of a User Equipment (UE); the PCRF entity sending the location information of the UE to a Broadband Policy Control Function (BPCF) entity. The method and system provided by the present invention solve the problem that the BPCF in a fixed network can not initiate an S9* session to the PCRF entity.
US09113435B2

A mobile node includes a plurality of transceivers, has a network conforming to network-based mobility as its home link and performs position registration to a positional managing apparatus and performs position registration to the position managing apparatus through a foreign network by position registration conforming to host-based mobility. In mobile node and position managing apparatus, a plurality of routes passing through the home link and the foreign link are established. Accordingly, when the mobile node has the plurality of transceivers, it can simultaneously connect to the home link and the foreign link through respective transceivers, to perform communication.
US09113421B2

Techniques are described that provide uplink power control techniques that can support different uplink multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transmission schemes. Open and closed loop power control schemes can be used to prescribe the power level of the mobile station.
US09113413B2

An example communication terminal in which a plurality of communication protocols are executed includes a communication device configured to form an association with communication equipment; a communication managing unit configured to decide an operational mode of the communication device; and a device power managing unit configured to control power state of the communication device in accordance with an operational mode decided by the communication managing unit. A plurality of communication protocols (or a plurality of application software) are executed in the communication terminal and a frame to be transmitted is selected according to an execution situation of the communication protocols. The selected frame is transmitted via the association so that the association is maintained and a connection/session of the communication protocol of the selected frame is also maintained.
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