US09140347B2
A force transfer device, comprising a hub, disposed in the drive train of a motor vehicle for torque transfer between a drive unit and a transmission, in particular a turbine shell hub of a turbine shell of a hydrodynamic machine, coupled to a damper hub with a vibration damper device connected in between. The vibration damping device is provided with a mechanical stop device, which becomes effective, as soon as a maximum design load of the vibration damping device is exceeded, and the mechanical stop device is disposed between the turbine shell hub and the damper hub.
US09140346B2
A torque converter, including: a cover; a pump shell non-rotatably connected to the cover; a turbine shell; and a one-way clutch including: an outer race non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell and including a groove; an output hub including a first outer surface with first ramps; and at least one wedge plate including a second inner surface with second ramps engaged with the first ramps and a second outer surface disposed within the groove. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the output hub in a first direction, the outer race is rotatable with respect to the at least one wedge plate and the output hub. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the hub in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the at least one wedge plate is arranged to non-rotatably connect the outer race and the hub.
US09140343B1
A transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include first and second motor/generators, a planetary gear set, first and second output gears, and first and second clutches on an axis of an input shaft receiving torque of an engine in a transmission housing, a hollow shaft disposed at a radial exterior of the input shaft and adapted to transmit the torque of the engine or torque of the first motor/generator to the second output gear, an outer shaft disposed at a radial exterior of the hollow shaft and adapted to transmit torque of the second motor/generator to the first output gear, and a rear cover coupled to a rear end portion of the transmission housing, in which the planetary gear set includes a sun gear, a planet carrier and a ring gear as rotation elements thereof.
US09140341B2
A gyroscopic device is described for providing rotation about at least one output axis and a method for providing rotation. A body (2) is mounted for a rotation about first (4), second (11), and third (16) axes. The first axis (4) is oriented with respect to the second axis (11) at an inclination angle. The second axis (11) and/or the third axis (16) constitute the at least one output axis of device. The rotation of the body (2) about the third axis (16) gives rise to a change in the inclination angle. A ram (15) applies a torque (21) to the body (2) about the third axis (16) in a sense of increasing inclination angle when the first axis (4) is at a selected inclination angle with respect to the second axis (11) which is greater than 0° and less than 90°. The rotation of the body (2) about the third axis (16) in a sense of decreasing inclination angle is limited such that the inclination angle of the first axis (4) with respect to the second axis (11) remains greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The body (2) is rotated about the first axis (4) at an angular velocity greater than a critical angular velocity so that a constant or a decreasing inclination angle is reached.
US09140339B1
A turret includes a rotary bearing with an inner race, an outer race and a central axis of rotation. An internal tooth drive sprocket is fixed to the outer race of the bearing and centered on the central axis of rotation of the bearing. A turret plinth is fixed to the inner race of the bearing. A drive mechanism for rotating the turret plinth with respect to the internal tooth drive sprocket includes first and second sprocket assemblies each having a pair of upper and lower external tooth sprockets fixed to a shaft. The middle chain row of a triple roller chain engages the internal tooth drive sprocket. One of the outer chain rows engages the upper sprockets of the first and second sprocket assemblies and the other of the outer chain rows engages the lower sprockets of the first and second sprocket assemblies. Hand wheels connected to the shafts of the sprocket assemblies provide input motion to the drive mechanism.
US09140337B2
A method for operating a powertrain through selective application of a hydraulically actuated clutch includes monitoring a state of a pressure control switch operatively coupled the clutch, monitoring a hydraulic line pressure utilized by the pressure control switch to fill the clutch, determining a hydraulic flow rate flowing to the clutch based upon the state of the pressure control switch and the hydraulic line pressure, tracking a clutch fill volume of the clutch based upon the hydraulic flow rate, and controlling operation of the clutch based upon the clutch fill volume.
US09140332B2
A rotational speed-reduction device is disclosed. The speed-reduction device includes a flange, a planetary bracket fixedly mounted on the flange, a planetary gear assembly movably mounted on the planetary bracket, a first bearing sleeved on the planetary bracket, an input member, and an output member. The planetary bracket includes a mounting portion, a fixing portion fixed to the flange, and a support portion. The support portion connects the mounting portion to the fixing portion. The planetary gear assembly includes a number of planetary gear pairs movably mounted between the fixing portion and the mounting portion, a fixing shaft passing through the planetary gear pairs, and rotation members movably received between the planetary gear pairs and sleeved on the fixing shaft. Opposite ends of the fixing shaft are connected to the mounting portion and the fixing portion, respectively.
US09140326B2
A structure for bending transversal elastic waves around a zone to isolate of a plate, has an anisotropic Young's modulus and/or a heterogeneous mass density. The wavelengths of the elastic waves to bend are large with respect to the thickness of the plate and small with respect to the other dimensions of the plate. The structure is made by defining a meshing of a peripheral zone surrounding the zone to isolate; dividing the peripheral zone into several elementary rings and several elementary angular sectors; and forming, in each mesh delimited by an elementary angular sector and an elementary ring, a structural element in a material having a Young's modulus and/or a mass density different than those of the material forming the plate, the dimensions of the meshes and of the structural elements in the plane of the plate being less than half the wavelengths of the elastic waves to bend.
US09140318B2
One way clutch has an inner ring, an outer ring and torque transmission members between the inner ring and the outer ring. Each torque transmission member can shift between a torque transmission position and a non torque transmission position. The one way clutch further has biasing members that bias the torque transmission members respectively toward the torque transmission positions, and a retainer that retains the torque transmission members and the biasing members. The retainer includes first and second mount portions that retain the torque transmission members and the biasing members corresponding thereto. Each of the first and second mount portions has a securing portion that secures one end of the biasing member, and the torque transmission member is pressed by the other end of the biasing member. The biasing force that the biasing members retained by the second mount portions exert on the torque transmission members corresponding thereto is larger than the biasing force that the biasing members retained by the first mount portions exert on the torque transmission members corresponding thereto.
US09140316B2
A mechanical system with a one-way clutch, such as a motor vehicle alternator pulley, includes an outer first ring and an inner second ring able to move relative to one another in rotation about a central axis and delimit between them, radially with respect to this central axis, an annular housing. The mechanical system includes a free-wheel mechanism having members arranged in the annular housing, and at least one rolling bearing providing rollers arranged in the annular housing. The first and second rings are common to the free-wheel mechanism and to the rolling bearing. The members of the free-wheel mechanism are cams in contact with a first race formed by the first ring and a second race formed by the second ring. The first and second races are circular, centered on the axis of rotation and have no ramp.
US09140315B2
A bimetal fan clutch may include a disc-shaped rotor that is affixed to a shaft coupled with an engine between a lower case fixed to the shaft via a bearing and an upper case covering the lower case and having a space, an oil storage that is attached to one face of the rotor to be housed in the space and has a projection inserted into a central hollow part formed in the upper case, a bimetal oil valve that is provided inside the oil storage, wherein the bimetal oil valve changes its shape in response to heat transferred through a bimetal assembly mounted through the projection and thereby opens/closes a through-hole formed in the oil storage, and a return line that is formed in the lower case so that oil ejected to the space through the through-hole is collected into the oil storage.
US09140311B2
A vehicle driving apparatus includes a rotating electrical machine and an engagement device, which are disposed on a power transmission path linking an input member drive-coupled to an internal combustion engine and an output member drive-coupled to a wheel. The engagement device includes an engagement input coupled to the input member, an engagement output that forms a pair with the engagement input and is coupled to the rotating electrical machine, a friction member disposed between the engagement input and the engagement output, and a pressing member that presses the friction member in a pressing direction. An oil pressure chamber is formed between the pressing member and either the engagement input or the engagement output. A biasing spring biases the pressing member in the pressing direction when no oil pressure is supplied to the oil pressure chamber and is disposed on an exterior of the oil pressure chamber.
US09140310B2
A disc carrier of a friction clutch is described and illustrated, and in some embodiments has a subassembly of a modular structure which is composed of interconnectable component parts. The component parts can include a holding ring, at least one web, and a base plate.
US09140309B2
A magnet holder assembly suitable for use as an eddy current drive of a clutch includes magnet holder means for securing one or more magnets to a rotatable component of the clutch, a first permanent magnet radially retained by the magnet holder means, wherein the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the magnet holder means, and a second permanent magnet radially retained by the magnet holder means. The first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another.
US09140308B2
A clutch arrangement for a drivetrain of a vehicle comprises a first friction surface, a second friction surface and a pressing element. The first and second friction surfaces are arranged to be movable relative to each other along an axis of rotation of the clutch arrangement. The first and second friction surfaces are formed that they can be brought into a frictional engagement with each other to make a torque transmittable from the first friction surface to the second friction surface. One of the first and the second friction surfaces is arranged at a component part. The pressing element comprises a spring structure and is configured to produce or sever the frictional engagement upon actuation by causing a force along the axis of rotation. The spring structure is configured and arranged to at least partially cause the force on the component part through a change in shape.
US09140303B2
A cage for a roller bearing having a bearing axis extending in an axial direction, the cage including at least two crosspieces which extend between two axially spaced edges and are spaced from one another in a circumferential direction oriented perpendicular to the axial direction so that a rolling element can be disposed between them. At least one crosspiece of the at least two crosspieces has a first surface region that is a constant radial distance from the bearing axis, and the at least one crosspiece has a second surface region which is adjacent to the first surface region and includes a step along which the radial distance from the bearing axis varies.
US09140291B2
A method and apparatus for covering a fastener system. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a cover. The cover is configured to be placed over a fastener system at a surface of an object in which the fastener system is installed. The cover is comprised of a number of composite materials selected such that the cover is configured to reduce an effect of an electrical discharge, which occurs around the fastener system, on an environment outside the cover.
US09140282B2
A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame.
US09140280B2
A latching system includes a hub with one or more openings defined in the hub. Each opening includes a latching feature to which a fastener is releasably coupled. The latching feature may be configured to couple to only a single fastener provided from one side of the hub. Alternately, the latching feature may be configured to couple to two fasteners, one from each side of the hub, at the same time. The fastener includes prongs that are configured to be sufficiently separated from one another, when a removal tool is inserted between them, to facilitate the release of the fastener from the latching feature and the removal of the fastener from the opening. A flange may be held in place between the hub and a portion of the coupled fastener.
US09140278B2
A connection joint includes a first plate (186, 286), a second plate (182, 282), and connection members (184, 284). The connection members are coupled to the first plate and the second plate and positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The connection members are configured to resist rotation of the first plate with respect to the second plate around a first axis and allow a compression or expansion of the first plate with respect to the second plate on the first axis.
US09140276B2
A latching actuator capable of repeated operation in a cryogenic, remote, or difficult-to-access environment, capable of enduring many cycles without user intervention or maintenance, capable of latching in a fixed position without consuming additional power, or to operate independent of external environmental conditions. In selected embodiments, a latching actuator may comprise an expansion chamber that houses a working substance capable of undergoing a phase change, a logic mechanism, a biasing assembly, and an output pin. In one embodiment, a wax motor may provide the motive force to toggle a latching mechanism. An actuator may be capable of positioning an output pin in two or more discrete latching positions and may be used to create a thermal connection between two structures, to engage or disengage a clutch, or to position an optical element in an optical instrument. An actuator may also be used as a launch lock apparatus.
US09140271B2
Interference of a leakage vortex flow generated at the tip end side of the full blade with the leading edge of the splitter blade is avoided and high pressure ratio and enhanced efficiency can be achieved. A throat of am impeller is formed so that a distance from a leading edge of a rear side full blade on the rear side of the rotation direction of the compressor to a front side full blade adjacent to the rear side full blade is minimized, and the leading edge of the splitter blade is placed in a fluid flow streaming along the flow passage between the mutually adjacent full blades, on the downstream side of a leakage vortex line formed to connect the middle location of the throat to the leading edge of the front side full blade.
US09140270B2
The present invention relates to a centrifugal fan assembly and a HVAC-system, comprising a housing, a blower wheel comprising a plurality of fan blades, the blower wheel being rotatably mounted in the housing and constructed to generate an airflow flowing axially into the blower wheel and radially out from the blower wheel, a guiding vane device including a plurality of guiding vanes, the guiding vane device being coupled to the blower wheel and configured to guide the airflow into the blower wheel.
US09140263B2
An advection fan includes a housing having a metal housing base and a closure member. A lateral wall is arranged between the metal housing base and the closure member and includes an air inlet and an air outlet. A horizontal air passage is defined between the metal housing base and the closure member. The metal housing base includes an engagement section. A stator includes a coil unit embedded in or abutting and attached to the engagement section of the metal housing base. The coil unit abuts the engagement face of the metal housing base. The coil unit includes a substrate and at least one coil formed on a surface of the substrate by a printing circuit or electroforming process. An impeller is rotatably coupled to the shaft tube of the stator. A gap is formed between the impeller and the coil unit of the stator.
US09140262B2
An electrical machine (20) coupled to a compressor (12) having a rotatable shaft (16), comprising: a rotor forming part of the rotatable shaft and having at least two magnetic portions (22A, 22B) separated by an inclined non-magnetic portion (24) and two elements (26A, 26B) of non-magnetic material at each end of the rotatable shaft, a stator comprising a laminated magnetic iron stack (28) surrounded by a winding (30) and disposed along a periphery of the rotor to define a first annular gap (32), a ring (34) of non-magnetic material disposed around the stator, and a casing (40) of magnetic material comprising permanent magnets (36), disposed around the non magnetic ring and having radial walls (40A, 40B) that project inwardly towards the rotor by defining a second annular gap (42) therebetween.
US09140261B2
A shunt pulsation trap for a cyclic positive displacement (PD) compressor reduces gas pulsation and NVH, and improves off-design efficiency, without using a traditional serial pulsation dampener and a variable geometry. A shunt pulsation trap for a cyclic PD compressor is configured to trap and attenuate gas pulsations before discharge and includes a housing having a flow suction port, a flow discharge port, a compressor cavity, and a pulsation trap chamber adjacent to the PD compressor cavity. The pulsation trap chamber includes at least one pulsation dampening device, at least one injection port (trap inlet) branching off from the PD compressor cavity into the pulsation trap chamber and a feedback region (trap outlet) communicating with the PD compressor outlet. The associated methods of reducing pulsations are included as another aspect of the invention.
US09140255B2
A pump monitoring device is configured to be connected to a case drain of a pump. The device includes a manifold having an inlet for connection to the case drain. A flow rate sensor generates a signal indicative of a flow rate of fluid in a fluid path. The flow rate sensor includes a temperature sensor, a heater, and a sensor barrel. The heater heats the sensor barrel while in fluid communication with the fluid. A pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a pressure of the fluid. There is at least one fault indicator operatively coupled to at least one of the flow rate sensor, the temperature sensor, and the pressure sensor. The fault indicator provides a human perceptible indication that at least one of a sensed flow rate, a sensed temperature, or a sensed pressure of the fluid flowing in the fluid path exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
US09140252B2
A fluid transporter includes: a rotor; a fluid delivery channel which has a groove having a circular-arc shape around a rotation axis of the rotor and disposed on a surface of a channel frame opposed to the rotor, and a sheet-shaped elastic member sealing an opening of the groove; and a plurality of pressing members disposed between the rotor and the elastic member to sequentially and repeatedly open and close the delivery channel from the upstream side to the downstream side by deforming the elastic member in accordance with the rotation of the rotor.
US09140243B2
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a SMA element connected to a first crown to move the first crown with respect to a second crown along an axis to toggle the actuator rod between a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position maintained when the SMA element is deenergized.
US09140234B2
Wind turbine rotor blades with a reduced radar cross sections include a shell having a leading edge opposite a trailing edge, a structural support member that supports the shell and is disposed internal the wind turbine rotor blade between the leading edge and the trailing edge and extends for at least a portion of a rotor blade span length, wherein the structural support member comprises carbon fiber, one or more cavities internal the wind turbine rotor blade, and a lightweight broadband radar absorbing filler material disposed in at least one of the one or more cavities to provide the reduced radar cross section.
US09140229B2
A knocking control system comprises a knocking determiner device for determining whether or not knocking with a predetermined intensity or higher has occurred in a cylinder of a gas engine in each cycle; an integration variable calculator which adds to an integration variable CT when the knocking determiner device determines that the knocking with the predetermined intensity or higher has occurred, and subtracts from the integration variable CT when the knocking determiner determines that the knocking with the predetermined intensity or higher has not occurred; and a main controller for reducing a power output of the cylinder if the integration variable CT is not less than a threshold.
US09140227B2
A control device for a vehicle including an engine stop and start device includes a battery and a vehicle speed detecting unit and includes a battery current detecting unit, a battery temperature detecting unit, a deceleration state detecting unit, a fuel supply stop unit, an average charging current calculating unit, and an SOC estimating unit. The control device calculates, with the average charging current calculating unit, an average of a battery current in a predetermined time from detection of a stop of fuel supply to an engine in a deceleration state of the vehicle. The control device permits a stop of the engine when an SOC calculated by the SOC estimating unit is larger than a predetermined value.
US09140220B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for operating an engine. Another embodiment is a unique engine system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for engines and engine systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US09140219B2
A canister absorbs evaporated fuel produced in a fuel tank and supplies the absorbed evaporated fuel to an engine. A sealing valve is equipped between the fuel tank and the canister. A detection unit detects a state of a lid of the fuel tank. An intention estimation unit estimates existence of a refueling intention according to an activity of a user. A release time period estimation unit estimates a release time period, which is needed to release a pressure in the fuel tank, according to a state of a vehicle. A manipulation control unit opens the sealing valve when the lid is opened. The manipulation control unit opens the sealing valve, even in a case where the lid is closed, on estimation that the refueling intention exists, and on determination that the estimated release time period is greater than a predetermined time period.
US09140212B2
A gas turbine engine includes a bypass flow path. A core flow path has a reverse duct configured to reverse a direction of core flow. The core flow path includes an exhaust duct in fluid communication with the bypass flow path and is configured to introduce core exhaust flow in the core flow path back into the bypass flow path. A splitter is arranged in the bypass flow path and adjoins the exhaust duct.
US09140207B2
A cylinder head capable of improving a productivity of a cylinder head having an exhaust collecting portion and improving a cooling efficiency of the exhaust collecting portion is disclosed. An exhaust collecting portion 9 is surrounded by an upper side flow passage portion 15, a lower side flow passage portion 16 and extended flow passage portions 17 into which coolant flows through a coolant communication passage 26 from a lower portion side water jacket 12 that is opening in a cylinder block 2. The upper side flow passage portion 15 and the extended flow passage portions 17 are formed at a time of the molding along with an upper portion side water jacket 11 by a core for upper portion side water jacket 18, while the lower side flow passage portion 16 is formed by the drilling after the molding.
US09140204B2
A portable, handheld work apparatus such as a chain saw has a handle (5, 7) to guide the work apparatus (1) and has an air-cooled, mixture-lubricated combustion engine (10) arranged in a casing as a drive for a work tool (3). The cylinder (11) has a combustion chamber (13) formed therein to which an air/fuel mixture is supplied. The air/fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug (23) which projects into the combustion chamber (13). An ignition control (30) triggers a spark in dependence on the angular position of the crankshaft (15). A temperature sensor (35, 45, 55) is provided to control the cylinder temperature. The temperature signal of the temperature sensor (35, 45, 55) is connected to a power control (40). When a predetermined temperature is exceeded, the power control (40) changes the operating parameters of the combustion engine (10) in such a manner that the power of the combustion engine (10) is changed.
US09140197B2
A valve timing control apparatus includes a temperature sensing member which expands at a main lock phase when a temperature of an engine is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature so as to prohibit a main lock component from moving out of a main lock hole to a guide slot. The temperature sensing member shrinks at the main lock phase when the temperature of the engine is lower than the predetermined temperature so as to allow the main lock component to move out of the main lock hole toward the guide slot.
US09140194B2
A gas turbine engine starter-generator includes a housing assembly, a motor-generator, and a lubricant pump. The housing assembly includes a lubricant inlet port for receiving a flow of lubricant. The motor-generator is disposed within the housing assembly and is adapted to be coupled to an auxiliary power unit. The motor-generator is configured to selectively operate in either a motor mode or a generator mode. The lubricant pump is disposed within the housing assembly and includes one or more pump inlets and one or more pump outlets.
US09140192B2
A method of controlling a steam turbine, having a controller controlling at least the position of a steam inlet valve located in a steam conduit between a steam generator and the turbine to control mass flow into the turbine, includes selecting, before beginning startup, a predefined set of startup sequences of setpoints based on a turbine status at the beginning of startup and/or a startup mode chosen by the operator, the set of startup sequences of setpoints includes parameters controlled and not controlled by the controller; using the controller to control the parameters controlled by the controller so as to progress the turbine from setpoint to setpoint in accordance with predefined set of startup sequences until reaching a release point; and at the release point, delaying moving to the next setpoint until actual setpoint values agree with predefined release point setpoint values for parameters not controlled by the controller.
US09140189B2
Embodiments can provide systems and methods for detecting fuel leaks in gas turbine engines. According to one embodiment, there is disclosed a method for detecting a fuel leak in a gas turbine engine. The method may include adjusting a control valve to correspond with a desired fuel flow. The method may also include determining an actual fuel flow based at least in part on an upstream pressure in a fuel manifold and one or more gas turbine engine parameters. The method may also include comparing the desired fuel flow with the actual fuel flow. Moreover, the method may include determining a difference between the desired fuel flow and the actual fuel flow, wherein the difference indicates a fuel leak.
US09140186B2
A process involving membrane-based gas separation and power generation, specifically for controlling carbon dioxide emissions from gas-fired power plants. The process includes a compression step, a combustion step, and an expansion/electricity generation step, as in traditional power plants. The process also includes a sweep-driven membrane separation step and a carbon dioxide removal or capture step. The carbon dioxide removal step is carried out on a portion of gas from the compression step.
US09140174B2
An exhaust treatment device includes an inner shell spaced apart from an outer shell by a first gap. An inlet assembly includes a first inner cap and a first outer cap spaced apart by a second gap. An outlet assembly includes a second inner cap and a second outer cap spaced apart from each other by a third gap. A substrate is located within the inner shell. An insulating mat is positioned between the substrate and the inner shell and includes a reduced diameter portion compressing the insulating mat between the inner shall and the substrate. Insulation material fills the first, second and third gaps that are in communication with each other.
US09140169B2
A method for controlling regeneration within an after-treatment component of a compression-ignition engine comprises calculating an initial estimate of accumulated particulate matter based on a pressure-based soot accumulation model and a pressure drop index indicative of a decrease in pressure across the component. An adjusted estimate of accumulated particulate matter in the component is calculated based on the initial estimate and a soot prediction error inherent in the soot model. The adjusted estimate is compared to a predetermined threshold associated with the after-treatment component, and a remedial action is initiated when the adjusted estimate of accumulated particulate matter in the after-treatment component exceeds the predetermined threshold. The pressure-based soot accumulation model may be configured to predict soot accumulation in the absence of passive regeneration, and an adjusted kinetic burn model may be used to estimate a quantity of soot disposed through passive regeneration.
US09140168B2
An exhaust system for an engine comprises an exhaust heat recovery apparatus configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine and comprises a first flow passage in fluid communication with the exhaust gas and a second flow passage in fluid communication with the exhaust gas. A heat exchanger/energy recovery unit is disposed in the second flow passage and has a working fluid circulating therethrough for exchange of heat from the exhaust gas to the working fluid. A control valve is disposed downstream of the first and the second flow passages in a low temperature region of the exhaust heat recovery apparatus to direct exhaust gas through the first flow passage or the second flow passage.
US09140165B2
A method for operating a reducing agent delivery unit having a tank, a feed line running from the tank to an addition point, a return line branching off from the feed line and a valve to be activated with an electrical current for closing off the return line, includes initially applying an activation current to the valve for a first time interval. Subsequently, a holding current is applied to the valve when the first time interval has elapsed. Then, an operating variable of the delivery unit is determined and at least the activation current, the holding current and/or the first time interval are adapted as a function of the determined operating variable. A motor vehicle having a delivery unit is also provided.
US09140161B2
A conventional gasoline engine is retrofitted to operate as a bi-fuel engine using Hydrogen gas as a primary fuel and gasoline as a secondary fuel at various acceptable air fuel ratios while avoiding forbidden air fuel ratios. The engine is preferably operated to burn Hydrogen fuel in a charged mode and lean mode at certain acceptable air fuel ratios where relatively little NOx emissions occur. When additional power or acceleration is requested, processor controlled fuel injectors are operated to inject relatively small amounts of gasoline into the engine resulting in a fuel mixture that prevents increases in NOx emissions as the processor operates at a stoichiometric air fuel ratio where a catalytic converter is best able to reduce harmful emissions. The injection of the liquid gasoline fuel to the gaseous Hydrogen fuel reduces the temperature of the fuels significantly and reduces or eliminates backfiring tendency of the engine.
US09140155B2
A modular exhaust system is disclosed for treating the exhaust from a fossil fuel powered prime mover; the exhaust system includes bricks, inserts placed inside of the bricks and funnels to direct exhaust through various flow paths in order to treat the exhaust.
US09140152B2
A method is provided to diagnose a failure of an OPCJ valve of an internal combustion engine. The OPCJ valve is located in an auxiliary line connecting an engine lubrication line to at least an oil jet for squirting lubricating oil from the engine lubrication line towards a piston surface. The method provides for monitoring the pressure variation in the engine lubrication line due to a switching signal sent to the OPCJ valve.
US09140150B2
A camshaft phaser (1), having a drive element (2), an output element (3), and a cover element (4), the cover element (4) being joined in latching-type, form-locking engagement with the drive element or output element (2, 3), and the cover element (4) having play-eliminator that eliminates a play in the connection.
US09140144B2
An engine is configured to extract energy from a heat source as follows. A shaft is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a support and rotatable in a first direction. A plurality of vessels is coupled to and arranged about the shaft. At least a first vessel of the plurality of vessels includes a thermally insulative portion and a thermally conductive portion. A plurality of conduits connects the plurality of vessels together. Each of the plurality of vessels is in communication with at least one other of the plurality of vessels via at least one of the conduits. The plurality of vessels is arranged to allow the thermally conductive portion of the first vessel to encounter the heat source. The thermally conductive portion is capable of transferring heat to at least partially vaporize volatile fluid within the first vessel to cause a mass to at least partially move towards a connected vessel located above the first vessel. This produces a gravitational moment that encourages rotation of the shaft and the plurality of vessels in the first direction.
US09140133B2
A disclosed vane assembly includes a vane section formed of a plurality of circumferentially spaced fixed vanes. The vanes extend radially outward from an inner platform and hooked into case. The inner platform includes a mount rail extending radially inwardly from the inner platform. An air seal is attached to the inner platform of the vane section and includes a ring extending circumferentially about the axis. The disclosed air seal includes a plurality of tabs that receive lugs disposed on the mount rail. A ring nut is secured to the air seal and engaged to the mount rail for securing the vane section to the air seal.
US09140132B2
A turbine blade is disclosed. The turbine blade includes a platform, an airfoil extending from one side of the platform, a root extending radially from another side of the platform, and a pocket located beneath the platform. The pocket is defined by a plurality of walls, and a pad is disposed in a corner of the pocket. The pad includes three pad corners and three sides connecting the three pad corners, wherein each side extends along a different one of the plurality of walls.
US09140131B2
A method of conditioning a first, heterogeneous contact surface for operational engagement with a second contact surface, the method comprising: performing a smoothing operation on part or all of the first contact surface while subjecting said part or all of the first contact surface respectively to a contact pre-stress corresponding to a nominal operational contact stress between the first and second contact surfaces.
US09140129B2
The turbomachine has a ring of radial blades which are connected to an annular end wall. Situated on the end wall upstream of each blade is a deflector wedge with two divergent guide surfaces. The deflector wedge generates pressure-side and suction-side vortices of which the vortices caused by the blade cascade are altered such that the transverse flow and backflow areas on the blade are reduced, and therefore the edge zone losses are decreased.
US09140127B2
An airfoil of a turbine engine includes pressure and suction sides that extend in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. The airfoil has a relationship between a tangential stacking offset and a span position that is at least a third order polynomial curve that includes at least one positive and negative slope. The positive slope leans toward the suction side and the negative slope leans toward the pressure side. An initial slope starting at the 0% span position is either zero or positive. The first critical point is in the range of 5-15% span.
US09140126B2
A novel airfoil design comprising a reactionary front face that pushes into the flow of air with a high angle of attack and a vacuum-producing face which forces the early separation of the flow of air from the top side of the airfoil, creating an area of high negative pressure which pulls upward, contributing to lift.
US09140125B2
An apparatus and method for connecting a fan rotor to a shaft of a gas turbine engine includes a segmented clinch nut plate having a plurality of clinch nuts installed in pre-drilled holes in each segment. A plurality of mounting bolts extending through the holes in the rotor shaft and holes in a mounting device of the shaft threadedly engage the clinch nuts of the clinch nut plate. The segments of the clinch nut plate are disposed separately one from another.
US09140114B2
A technique facilitates drilling of wellbores or other types of bore holes in a variety of applications. A steerable system is designed with a main shaft coupled to a drill bit shaft by a universal joint to provide steering functionality. A sensor system is mounted on the steerable system and comprises at least one sensor positioned to measure desired parameters, such as weight on bit and/or torque on bit parameters during drilling.
US09140106B2
A system for producing hydrocarbons from a well includes an unloading unit that receives fluids from a wellhead. The unloading unit separates the oil and gas, and the oil is pumped to a pipeline. Using the unloading unit and the pump helps to reduce the pressure at the wellhead which helps increase production. The gas separated by the unloading unit is compressed and re-injected into the well to create a gas lift which further helps increase production. Capturing and reinjecting the separated gas for gas lift operations reduces environmental damages associated with conventional unloading unit and pump assemblies. The unloading unit, compressor, and pump are modular for quicker installation and a smaller footprint. After increasing the productive life of a first reservoir, the system can be broken down and reassembled for use at another reservoir.
US09140102B2
Systems for determining hydraulic fracture geometry and/or areal extent of an area of interest in a reservoir, are provided. An embodiment of a system can include downhole acoustic receiver equipment isolated from fracturing operations in a lower portion of a first wellbore, and fracturing equipment located in a second wellbore connected to the first wellbore. Communications between surface equipment in the downhole acoustic receiver equipment is provided through a communications conduit bypass that permits well operations in the second wellbore without interfering with communications between the surface equipment and the downhole acoustic receiver equipment.
US09140101B2
Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a subsurface safety valve disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The subsurface safety valve can include a closure mechanism. In some embodiments, the subsurface safety valve can be coupled with an electric submersible pump. The subsurface safety valve coupled to the electric submersible pump can be positioned in a passageway defined by a tubing string via a power cable coupled to the electric submersible pump. In some embodiments, the subsurface safety valve can include at least one terminal. The at least one terminal can form an electrical connection between the subsurface safety valve and the electric submersible pump. The subsurface safety valve can receive power from the electric submersible pump via the electrical connection.
US09140098B2
A depressurization tool is described for use downhole in depressurizing an isolated zone. A decompression chamber containing a compressible fluid volume is described. The opening of the chamber is sealed with a closure that is configured to open upon application of a pressure differential across the opening. When used downhole within an isolated and nonpermeable wellbore zone, excessive ambient pressure will cause the closure to open and allow the chamber to fill with fluid at increased pressure, depressurizing the wellbore zone. The tool is useful in wellbore completion systems that include sliding sleeves.
US09140095B2
The present invention generally relates to a packer for creating a seal in an annular area. In one aspect, a packer cup for use in a wellbore is provided. The packer cup includes a base and a first seal segment having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first seal segment is attached to the base. The packer cup further includes a second seal segment that is spaced apart from the base. The second seal segment is attached to the second end of the first seal segment, wherein each seal segment is configured to move from a retracted shape to an expanded shape upon activation of the respective seal segment. In another aspect, a method for creating a seal between a tubular and a wellbore is provided. In a further aspect, a packer is provided.
US09140093B2
Apparatus (10) for restricting a flow of fluid through a bore (14) comprises a bore sealing member (12a) and an actuation assembly for moving the bore sealing member (12a) between first and second configurations. The actuation assembly is configured to isolate first and second end portions (46, 48) of the activation member (12a) from a bore fluid (50). The apparatus (10) provides for moving the bore sealing member (12a) between the first and second configurations without a bore fluid (50) pressure acting on an end portion (46, 48) of the activation member (12a).
US09140091B1
An apparatus for causing an indication of a connector of a subsea structure has a lifting structure pivotally affixed adjacent an upper end of the subsea structure, an extension extending outwardly adjacent a bottom of the subsea structure and an inclination tool cooperative with the extension so as to move the lower end of the subsea structure in an angular direction offset from horizontal. The inclination tool has a ratchet mechanism cooperative with a line extending from the lifting structure. Hydraulic actuators serve to draw the ratchet mechanism upwardly in a direction toward the lifting structure.
US09140083B2
An anchor device is utilized to locate the whipstock both longitudinally and rotationally in order to properly orient the whipstock prior to beginning the sidetrack operation. In order to hydraulically set the slips a hydraulically actuated piston in a hydraulic cylinder is pressurized to overcome a restraint such as a shear pin thereby releasing a spring that drives a second piston to force the slips radially outwards thereby setting the anchor. In certain instances the anchor may also be set down on a rod that is also attached to the hydraulic piston. By setting down on the rod the shear pin is also overcome which also releases the spring.
US09140081B2
A system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore. The system includes an outer tool assembly including a latch coupling having a latch profile and a slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile. An inner tool assembly is positionable within the outer tool assembly. The inner tool assembly includes a latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys and an orienting subassembly having a plurality orienting keys. In operation, after axial alignment of the orienting subassembly with the slot subassembly, rotation of the orienting subassembly causes operable engagement of at least one orienting key with the slot profile and, thereafter, axial alignment of the latch assembly with the latch coupling causes operable engagement of the latch keys with the latch profile.
US09140078B2
An elevator to manipulate a tubular segment includes an elevator body with a bore formed therethrough having an axis therein, the elevator body including a plurality of openings extending from an outer surface of the elevator body to the bore of the elevator body, and a base member coupled to a bottom surface of the elevator body, the base member having a guide portion that directs the tubular segment into the bore of the elevator body. The elevator also includes a plurality of slip assemblies disposed inside the plurality of openings and coupled to the elevator body, each of the plurality of slip assemblies including an actuator body coupled to the elevator body, a slip, the slip including an engagement surface disposed orthogonal to the axis of the bore of the elevator body that engages the tubular segment.
US09140067B2
This invention relates to braking mechanism for a downhole tool such as a steering tool. The braking mechanism comprises: a body adapted for mounting upon the tool; at least one braking member which is movably mounted upon the body; a resilient biasing means biasing the braking member away from the body; and a damping mechanism connected to the braking member, the damping mechanism providing a damping force opposing movements of the braking member relative to the body, the damping force being dependent upon the rate of movement of the braking member.
US09140064B2
Among other things, there is shown embodiments of an enclosure such as a portable building with features focusing on overall improvement in energy usage. Wall, roof and floor configurations are disclosed that provide significant energy savings. Methods are also disclosed for preparing such features and/or refitting existing portable buildings for such energy savings.
US09140054B2
The present invention is directed to an insert holding system, a kit, and a method of installing the same. In several embodiments, the kit and/or system is constructed so that it can be installed in a standard interior door by modifying the existing door. In other embodiments, the insert holding system is installed in a door during the manufacturing of the door. The system and kit can also be configured to be installed in a wall, furniture, or another item or fixture. In several embodiments, the insert is constructed in a modular frame for easy replacement and exchange of the insert, if damaged, or if a different functionality is desired. For example, the insert could include a screen, a window, a mirror, a poster frame, a picture frame, a poster, a chalk board, a dry erase board, a cork board, or any combination thereof.
US09140044B2
An assembly for a vehicle includes a bin defining a compartment with an access opening. A lid at least partially covers the access opening when in a closed position. A single cross bar is adjacent the lid. The cross bar is pivotably attached to the bin near a first end of the cross bar and is pivotably attached to the lid near a second end of the cross bar. Latching mechanisms releasably latch the lid to the bin and the single cross bar. The lid is releasably latched only to the bin and the single cross bar. The lid is pivotable in a first direction to a first open position, and is alternately pivotable in a second direction to a second open position. A first biasing mechanism biases the lid to the first open position. A second biasing mechanism biases the lid to the second open position.
US09140043B2
A hydraulic hinge buffer assembly for a door has a fastening device, a buffering device and a clamping device. The fastening device has a holding mount and a pivot block. The buffering device is mounted in the fastening device and has a pivot pin and a piston element. The pivot pin has an abutting face and at least one holding hook. The piston element is mounted between the holding mount and the pivot pin and has a pushing piston. The pushing piston has a pressing face selectively abutting the abutting face and at least one engaging hook axially formed on and protruding from the pressing face and engaging with the at least one holding hook. The clamping device is connected to the buffering device to rotate relative to the fastening device and has two clamping panels.
US09140042B2
A mechanical device includes a long, narrow element made of a rigid, elastic material. A rigid frame is configured to anchor at least one end of the element, which is attached to the frame, and to define a gap running longitudinally along the element between the beam and the frame, so that the element is free to move within the gap. A solid filler material, different from the rigid, elastic material, fills at least a part of the gap between the element and the frame so as to permit a first mode of movement of the element within the gap while inhibiting a different, second mode of movement.
US09140040B2
A latch assembly with an automatic returning bolt includes a chassis, a bolt and an elastic element. The chassis has a pair of supporting boards and a guiding board located on one side of the pair of supporting boards. The guiding board is formed with a guiding slot. Each supporting board is formed with a receiving hole. The bolt has a main shaft, a lateral-guiding post and a restricting portion disposed on a periphery of the main shaft. The main shaft is slidably passed through the receiving holes of the supporting boards. The lateral-guiding post is slidably disposed in the guiding slot for limiting a stroke distance thereof. The elastic element is disposed between the restricting portion and one of the supporting boards, and constantly pushes one end of the main shaft to protrude outside the other supporting boards to lock a locking piece.
US09140039B1
An adjustable striker assembly for a vehicle closure. The striker assembly employs at least one threaded connector that when rotated moves a striker relative the vehicle in an axial direction of the threaded connector. A latch in combination with the striker define a gap between the closure and vehicle part proximate the two. Adjustment of the striker via the threaded connector allows for changing the distance of the gap between the closure and vehicle part.
US09140032B2
A door lock (3) includes a latch device (30) and an inner operational device (20) mounted to a first side (1A) of a door (1) and an outer operational device (16) mounted to a second side (1B) of the door (1). The inner and outer operational devices (20, 16) can be operated to retract a latch (38) of a latch device (30) from an extended, latching position to a retracted, unlatching position. A tooth (223) on an actuator (219) of the outer operational device (16) breaks if a large force is applied to a handle (197). A spindle (191) pivots freely without moving the latch (38), preventing damage to components of the outer operational device (16) and the latch device (30). A base (811) of the latch device (30) can be comprised of first, second, and third plates (813, 847, 883) to allow sheet metal processing without sacrificing structural strength.
US09140029B2
In certain embodiments, a tower lifting system comprises a primary lifting system and a secondary lifting system. The primary lifting system includes a lift cap configured to support a tower section to be lifted, the lift cap having a first plurality of hoists, and a lift pole coupled to the lift cap, the lift pole having a lifting mechanism configured to lift the lift cap, the lift pole, and the tower section to be lifted from within a previously lifted tower section. The secondary lifting system comprises a second plurality of hoists configured to raise the tower section to be lifted to the lift cap from a tower foundation.
US09140027B2
A mixed-class service multiple-tier theater that allows different patrons attending the same movie to experience differing levels of service depending on how much they wish to pay. There are two tiers for seating. The upper tier would be for regular, stadium style seating, while the lower tier would be for VIP seating with fully reclining seats. The lower and upper tiers are completely separated, each offering its own ingress/egress access, with a balcony overhang from the upper tier cantilevered over the lower tier.
US09140026B2
A grout fillable prop has an inner member and an outer member adapted for movement between an extended use position and a retracted position. A grout inlet is formed in an upper part of a sidewall of the outer member to allow grout to pass into the prop. The inner member and the outer member have wall portions with plastic properties and are self-supporting. An installation fitting is fitted to the grout inlet and adapted to hold a grout filling tool without the use of separate fasteners. A one way valve is fitted to the installation fitting. The one way valve is formed of a length of lay flat hose one end of which is attached to the installation fitting. The hose locates inside the prop when the installation fitting is attached to the prop.
US09140022B2
An apparatus for forming a barrier along a perimeter of a roof being formed of a roof deck and a roof covering comprises an anchor plate having a plurality of fastener bores therethrough. The anchor plate is securable between the roof deck and the roof covering proximate to the perimeter of the roof. The apparatus also comprises an upright extending between top and bottom ends. The upright is pivotally securable to the anchor plate and the top end includes at least one connector for connecting a barrier member thereto. The apparatus further includes a brace extending from the bottom end of the upright to abut against an edge surface of the roof.
US09140021B2
A tool for distributing adhesive material on a flat surface, comprising two opposite side portions and a comb portion connecting said side portions, said side sections defining together with said comb portion on three sides a U-shaped open space for receiving adhesive material, and said comb portion having teeth and intermediate indentations. At least one of said side portions comprises at least one oblique section that is inclined towards an opposite side portion.
US09140007B2
The present invention provides a universal framing system for securing cladding to the interior or exterior of a structure. The framing system comprises hat channels, face plates, Z-channels, inside corner trims, outside corner trims, and window trims. The components of the framing system are secured to a wall of a structure, then panels of cladding are secured to the components.
US09140001B1
A wall anchor for use in a cavity wall includes an elongate body having a driven end portion and a driving end portion. The driven end portion is adapted to be threadedly mounted on the inner wythe of the cavity wall. The driving end portion includes a drive head including an interior surface defining a receptor for receiving a portion of a veneer tie. A thermal coating is disposed on the interior surface defining the receptor. The thermal coating is configured and arranged to reduce thermal transfer in the cavity wall between the elongate body and a veneer tie when attached to the elongate body.
US09140000B1
A building construction system is provided having an elongated track (bypass clip track) that overlays a front edge of a concrete slab. The elongated track provides an even flat surface along an uneven concrete slab because the elongated track can be placed at adjustable distances from slab edges that may be uneven. The track is secured to a bracketing structure that has foam inserts that become embedded within the top and/or bottom surface of the concrete slab after the concrete hardens. By attaching the track to these foam inserts instead of the concrete directly, breakage or spalling of the slab edge is reduced. Studs are then attached to a stud attachment plate extending from the track, such that thereafter, a wall or façade may be attached to the track that overlays the uneven slab edge.
US09139999B2
Apparatus and methods for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure are described. In one embodiment, a support hanger assembly comprises a joist bracket for fastening to the joist, a support bracket comprising a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure and at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to the joist bracket, and a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket.
US09139995B2
A funnel device to assist individuals, especially males, with the standing use of toilet facilities. The funnel is used to contain any urine overspray from an individual standing in front of a toilet. The device may be easily placed and positioned on, or removed from, the toilet. The device is a truncated cone of flexible plastic material, with a large V-shaped space formed in one side. The narrow end of the cone is inserted into the toilet and is sized to extend into the toilet basin. The device is preferably constructed from a sheet of heavy flexible plastic, attached back onto itself at a point near the narrow end of the cone. Holes near the base may be incorporated to allow water to flow into the cone from the toilet bowl. Handle cutouts may be positioned near the upper perimeter of the cone to facilitate placement of the device.
US09139991B2
An improved floor drain valve for buildings, basements, exterior paved areas, and the like. The invention provides floor drain assemblies and check valves providing improved drainage performance, particularly where drainage is an irregular occurrence, and having unprecedented simplicity and reliability. Floor drains according to the invention comprise check valves having elastomeric hinge structures mounting relatively rigid flapper structures biased upwardly against sealing surfaces adapted for disposition within floor drains. Water entering the valve structure opens the flapper valves by gravitational forces downwardly against the relatively rigid flapper, and after passage of the water, the valve is elastomerically urged into the sealed position restricting back flow of gases from the downstream area of the drain conduit and permitting pressure testing of the downstream conduit.
US09139988B2
Aeration devices for generating bubbles in a flow of water are disclosed including an aerator body (1), a diverter (3) including orifices (31) for receiving the flow of water, each of the orifices (31) including a decreasing pore size in the direction from the upper portion of the diverter (3b) towards the lower portion of the diverter (3a), and a lower body portion (2) including a water chamber (2a) for receiving and aerating the flow of water from the orifices (31) in the diverter (3). Aeration devices are also disclosed including a pressure compensator (6) mounted on the upper portion of the diverter (3b) for regulation of the maximum flow of water therethrough, the aerator body (1) including a ball joint opening (11) and a ball joint (12) mounted within the ball joint opening (11), the ball joint (12) comprising plastic and the upper ball joint (13) comprising metal.
US09139987B2
A method for regulating water output from a faucet is presented. The method includes receiving an input at a plurality of sensors, transmitting a signal to a control unit in response to receiving the input, controlling, via the control unit, at least a temperature or volume of water in response to the signal received at the plurality of sensors, outputting the water via a water output device, and outputting, via a display module, a visual indicator for at least the temperature or the volume.
US09139985B2
A valve assembly for a water circulation system includes a bypass valve with an inlet and an outlet that permits recirculating flow of water from a hot water line of the water circulation system. The valve assembly also includes a shut-off valve with a valve body having a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet configured to be coupled to a fixture of the water circulation system. The shut-off valve is located proximate the fixture and operating in an open position allowing water to flow to the hot water outlet and a closed position restricting water from flowing to the hot water outlet. The shut-off valve is configured to move automatically from the open position to the closed position in a controlled manner to limit discharge, from the hot water outlet, of water having a temperature below a desired level.
US09139984B2
Various exemplary embodiments of a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer system may include a lock configured to receive a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool and a retainer bushing including an inner surface configured to rotatably receive the lock. The lock may be rotatable relative to the inner surface of the retainer bushing between an unlocked position and a locked position. The retainer system may also include a plug configured to substantially fill at least a space between the lock and the inner surface of the retainer bushing when the lock is in the locked position.
US09139974B2
A compressed fluid storage system includes a bi-directional compressor/expander (C/E) unit constructed to compress fluid during a first operational mode and allow expansion of fluid in a second operational mode, a fluid storage system positioned on a sea floor under a body of water, and a piping system positioned between the C/E unit and the fluid storage system and configured to pass fluid between the C/E unit and the fluid storage system.
US09139961B2
A composite material comprises: an open grid comprising at least two sets of strands. Each set of strands has openings between adjacent strands. The sets are oriented at a substantial angle to one another. A tack film is laminated to the open grid. The tack film has first and second major surfaces, such that a material of the tack film at its first and second major surfaces is a material including about 50% or more of resinous non-asphaltic component and about 50% or less of asphaltic component.
US09139960B2
A new photocatalytic composition is described that is designed for percolation in road surfaces. The composition contains no aggregates, but consists of cement, a photocatalyst, a superfluidifier, a viscosity modifier and an antifoaming agent, in suitable proportions. The composition is applied to porous open-graded asphalt courses, completely filling the cavities down to a thickness coming between 30 and 50 mm. The treated asphalt acquires a strong, durable photocatalytic activity, even when it is submitted to heavy mechanical loads and adverse weather conditions, as in the case of road surfaces in and out of town, liable to intense traffic.
US09139957B2
A fibrous sheet having a basis weight of between 20 and 1000 g/m2 being manufactured according to a wet papermaking process, and disintegrating in water in less than 120 seconds, has 10 to 70% starch and at least 30% of papermaking fibres on the basis of the total weight of the dry fibrous sheet. The sheet may be used for the manufacture of a water disintegrable core in a roll of tissue paper.
US09139956B1
A flash tank including: a closed interior chamber; a gas exhaust port coupled to an upper portion of the chamber; a liquid discharge port coupled to a lower portion of the chamber; an inlet nozzle attached to an inlet port of the chamber, wherein the inlet nozzle includes a flow passage, and a movable valve plate in the flow passage, wherein the valve plate has a first position which defines a first throat in the flow passage and a second position which defines a second throat having a smaller cross-sectional area than the first throat.
US09139948B2
A heat pump type clothes dryer compensates for pressure loss caused by a radiator to increase the flow rate of air passing around the radiator, and suppressing introduction of ambient air through gaps formed in air flow lines to avoid degradation in drying capacity, while avoiding an increase in the power consumption or noise of a fan. The clothes dryer includes a drum to accommodate clothes, an air suction or intake line to suck air into the drum, an air exhaust line to exhaust air from the drum, a heat pump circuit including a compressor, a radiator, a pressure reducer, and a heat absorber, where the heat absorber is provided in the air exhaust line, and the radiator is provided in the air suction or intake line, a first blowing mechanism provided in the air exhaust line, and a second blowing mechanism provided in the air suction or intake line.
US09139936B2
An oxidation furnace for the oxidative treatment of fibers, in particular for producing carbon fibers, with a housing which is gas-tight, apart from passage areas for the carbon fibers, and a process chamber located in the interior of the housing. Hot air can be blown into the process chamber by at least one air inlet device. Deflecting rollers flanking the process chamber guide the fibers arranged side by side in the form of a carpet through the process chamber in a serpentine manner, wherein each fiber carpet spans a plane between opposite deflecting rollers. The air inlet device allows hot air to be diverted to the side of the deflecting rollers facing away from the process chamber such that hot air flows over the respective deflecting roller and the fibers before it enters the process chamber.
US09139932B2
There is provided a quartz glass article having a surface treated with novel coating materials which provides a reduced chemistry, wherein the quartz glass surface having a reduced chemistry upon exposure to melted silicon or similarly corrosive environments, forms crystalline structures covering at least 30% of the coated surface of the quartz glass crucible. Said crystalline covered surface provides a more stable surface of contact with the silicon melt and the growth of single crystal silicon. In one embodiment of the invention, the coating material comprises at least a methyl group for providing at least one of a hydrogenated and a methylated surface on the coated surface, forming rosette structures, or other crystalline morphologies covering at last 80% of the coated surface. In another embodiment of the invention, the coating material is selected from at least one of an amine, an organosilane halogen and mixtures thereof.
US09139928B2
A method of removing a corrodible downhole article having a surface coating includes eroding the surface coating by physical abrasion, chemical etching, or a combination of physical abrasion and chemical etching, the surface coating comprising a metallic layer of a metal resistant to corrosion by a corrosive material.
US09139925B2
The invention concerns the field of micromechanical parts, in particular, for timepiece movements. The invention relates to a method of fabricating a mold that includes the following steps: (a) providing a substrate that has a top layer and a bottom layer made of electrically conductive, micromachinable material, and secured to each other by an electrically insulating, intermediate layer; (b) etching at least one pattern in the top layer as far as the intermediate layer to form at least one cavity in the mold; (c) coating the top part of the substrate with an electrically insulating coating; and (d) directionally etching the coating and the intermediate layer to limit the presence thereof exclusively at each vertical wall formed in the top layer.
US09139921B2
An Alkaline Electrolyzer Cell Configuration (AECC) has a hydrogen half cell; an oxygen half cell; a GSM (Gas Separation Membrane); two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens; an outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen; a hydrogen electrode; two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens; an outer oxygen half cell spacer screen; and an oxygen electrode. The hydrogen half cell includes the hydrogen electrode which is located between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens and said outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen. The oxygen half cell includes the oxygen electrode which is located between said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens and said outer oxygen half cell spacer screen. The GSM is provided between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens of the hydrogen half cell and said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens of the oxygen half cell to from the electrolyzer.
US09139907B2
The present quantum crystals are produced by a method characterized in that an aqueous solution of plasmon metal complex made from a ligand and a plasmon metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, copper, nickel, zinc, aluminum, and platinum is prepared and brought into contact with a carrier made of a metal or a metal alloy having an electrode potential lower than an electrode potential of the plasmon metal in the aqueous solution. When the plasmon metal complex is precipitated as quantum crystals arranged on the carrier, the metal complex crystals are formed as metal quantum dots.
US09139905B2
A method and system for providing a micro-channel plate detector. An anodized aluminum oxide membrane is provided and includes a plurality of nanopores which have an Al coating and a thin layer of an emissive oxide material responsive to incident radiation, thereby providing a plurality of radiation sensitive channels for the micro-channel plate detector.
US09139892B2
The invention relates to a process for conditioning material for pyrometallurgical conversion to magnesium, the process comprising carrying out de-sulfation of the material in a slurry to reduce sulfur content of the material; and carrying out de-ferration of the de-sulfated material in a slurry to reduce iron content of the material to produce a conditioned material suitable for pyrometallurgical conversion to magnesium.
US09139889B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for atomizing molten slag and recovering valuable metals, and more particularly to an apparatus for atomizing molten slag and recovering valuable metals, which enables molten slag of a blast furnace or a converter or an electric furnace to be atomized and valuable metals to be recovered.
US09139882B2
Provided herein are methods for assaying a biological sample for microorganisms having drug resistant and/or drug sensitive phenotypes, wherein the methods are capable of detecting resistant and sensitive phenotypes associated with known and/or unknown mutations. In some aspects, methods are provided for detecting drug resistant Myobacterium tuberculosis (MTb), including multi-drug resistant MTb, wherein drug resistance is associated with one or more novel mutations. Also provided are systems, kits, and compositions related to such methods.
US09139881B2
The present invention aims to provide a method for determining breast cancer susceptibility, in which a DNA copy number polymorphism associated with breast cancer susceptibility is identified and determination is made based on an increase or decrease in the DNA copy number polymorphism. The present invention attempts to achieve this by performing microarray assay using the peripheral blood of sporadic breast cancer patients, identifying a DNA copy number polymorphism associated with breast cancer susceptibility in a chromosomal region, detecting the number of copies of the above DNA copy number polymorphism by quantitative PCR, and then determining breast cancer susceptibility based on an increase or decrease in the DNA copy number polymorphism. Furthermore, the precision of the determination of breast cancer susceptibility can be improved by detecting a DNA copy number polymorphism by the aforementioned quantitative PCR by selecting two or more chromosomal regions and then performing a discriminant analysis based on the results thus obtained.
US09139879B2
Methods, compositions and kits based on TAM receptors, or TAM receptor ligands or agonists are for detection of neuropathological diseases or determination of their progression. The neural diseases include multiple sclerosis or other inflammatory neural disorders that are characterized by demyelination, oligodendrocyte cytotoxicity and microglial activation. These methods include screening cells of a subject where identification of an elevation of expression of a TAM receptor or a change in expression of a TAM receptor ligand indicates the presence of the disease presence or progression. In addition, subjects with such neuropathological diseases can be treated by administering TAM receptor ligands (such as GAS 6 or Protein S) or by administering agonists such as antibodies specific for the TAM receptors; Axl, Mer or Tyro3.
US09139875B2
An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session.
US09139870B2
Improved methods for use in nucleic acid amplification, including multiplex amplification, where the amplification is carried out in two or more distinct phases are disclosed. The first phase amplification reaction preferably lacks one or more components required for exponential amplification. The lacking component is subsequently provided in a second, third or further phase(s) of amplification, resulting in a rapid exponential amplification reaction. The multiphase protocol results in faster and more sensitive detection and lower variability at low analyte concentrations. Compositions for carrying out the claimed methods are also disclosed.
US09139868B2
Si- and Ge-based dyes and methods of using same.
US09139866B2
Live cells of a microorganism in a test sample are detected by the following steps: a) the step of treating the test sample with a topoisomerase poison and/or a DNA gyrase poison, b) the step of extracting DNA from the test sample, and amplifying a target region of the extracted DNA by PCR, and c) the step of analyzing an amplification product.
US09139864B2
Objective quantitation of the c-Src protein directly in cancer patient tissue can aid in determining the aggressiveness of an individual patient's tumor as well as help make more informed decisions about choice of therapy. However, the c-Src protein is currently analyzed directly in formalin fixed patient tissue only by immunohistochemistry methodology which is at best subjectively semi-quantitative. This invention describes an objective quantitative assay for the c-Src protein using mass spectrometry as the analytical methodology. Specific peptides, experimentally discovered characteristics about the peptides, and experimentally established assay conditions based on those peptide characteristics are provided for use in a mass spectrometry-based Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) assay in order to measure relative or absolute quantitative levels of c-Src directly in a protein preparation obtained from a formalin fixed cancer patient tissue sample.
US09139860B2
The present invention relates to a self-amplifying folded oligonucleotide structure for sensitive oligonucleotide sensing without polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A self-amplifying folded oligonucleotide structure comprise a target sensing sequence having stem loop structure, a signaling molecule and signal modifying molecule labeled two stems wherein the two stems include oligonucleotide sequence that is complementary to a target sensing sequence of another self-amplifying folded oligonucleotide structure.
US09139854B2
The present invention relates to polynucleotides from Cochliobolus heterostrophus C5, Cyanothece sp. CCY0110, Mycocentrospora acerin and Hyaloperonospora parasitica, which code for desaturases and which can be employed for the recombinant production of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The invention furthermore relates to vectors, host cells and transgenic nonhuman organisms which comprise the polynucleotides according to the invention, and to the polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides. The invention furthermore relates to antibodies against the polypeptides according to the invention. Finally, the invention also relates to production processes for the polyunsaturated fatty acids and for oil, lipid and fatty acid compositions and to their use as drugs, cosmetics, foodstuffs, feedstuffs, preferably fish food, or food supplements.
US09139853B2
A non-naturally occurring microbial organism has cyclohexanone pathways that include at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a cyclohexanone pathway enzyme. A pathway includes a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on C—C bond), a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxylate decarboxylase and an enzyme selected from a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on thioester), a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA transferase, and a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA synthetase. A pathway includes an enzyme selected from a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on C—C bond), a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA synthetase, a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on thioester), a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA transferase, a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA reductase, a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxylate decarboxylase, a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxylate reductase, a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA synthetase, a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA transferase, a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on thioester), a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxylate decarboxylase, and a cyclohexanone dehydrogenase. A pathway includes an adipate semialdehyde dehydratase, a cyclohexane-1,2-diol dehydrogenase, and a cyclohexane-1,2-diol dehydratase. A pathway includes a 3-oxopimelate decarboxylase, a 4-acetylbutyrate dehydratase, a 3-hydroxycyclohexanone dehydrogenase, a 2-cyclohexenone hydratase, a cyclohexanone dehydrogenase and an enzyme selected from a 3-oxopimeloyl-CoA synthetase, a 3-oxopimeloyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on thioester), and a 3-oxopimeloyl-coA transferase. Each these pathways can include a PEP carboxykinase. A method for producing cyclohexanone includes culturing these non-naturally occurring microbial organisms.
US09139852B2
A method for pretreating a biomass, in which a water-reactive anhydride contacts a biomass, is disclosed. The biomass is pretreated using internal heating by an exothermic reaction. Further, an apparatus for pretreating a biomass having a reaction part including an inlet part and an outlet part for the water-reactive anhydride is disclosed.
US09139845B2
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 81-97 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races B1:1 to B1:28 and CA-I to CA-VIII, resistance against currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, resistance against Lettuce Mosaic Virus (LMV), moderate anthocyanin concentration in the mature leaves, and a non-heading plant habit of the Batavia type. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 81-97 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 81-97 RZ.
US09139831B2
Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of an ANGPTL3 mRNA and protein in an animal. Also provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing plasma lipids, plasma glucose and atherosclerotic plaques in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate any one or more of cardiovascular disease or metabolic disease, or a symptom thereof.
US09139825B2
The invention pertains to a natural-variant combinatorial library of fibronectin Type 3 domain (Fn3) polypeptides useful in screening for the presence of one or more polypeptides having a selected binding or enzymatic activity. The library polypeptides include (a) regions A, AB, B, C, CD, D, E, EF, F, and G having wildtype amino acid sequences of a selected native fibronectin Type 3 polypeptide or polypeptides, and (b) loop regions AB, CD, and EF having selected lengths (Bottom Loops). The Fn3 may also have loop regions BC, DE, and FG having wildtype amino acid sequences, having selected lengths, or mutagenized amino acid sequences (Top Loops).
US09139824B2
The present invention pertains to a protein having the characteristics of a serine protease having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 2 for use as a medicament. The invention also pertains to this protein for use in a vaccine to protect an animal against an infection with a micro organism that secretes said protein, and to the corresponding antibodies directed against the protein.
US09139785B2
A gasification reactor for processing organic waste in batches comprises a primary gasification reactor (62) that includes a primary gasification chamber (18) and a surrounding combustion chamber (19), a secondary gasification chamber (21), a synthesis gas decontamination unit (42) and a combustible gas selector (41). The waste is loaded into the primary gasification chamber through a latched opening and heated from the combustion of a fuel in the combustion chamber (19) to convert the waste to a synthesis gas. The gasification chamber (18) has an intake (20) for introducing pre-heated process air (1) therein. The combustion chamber operates either with a conventional fuel (9) or with the produced synthesis gas (6). The secondary gasification chamber (21) thermally treats the synthesis gas (2) to eliminate tars. The decontamination unit (42) scrubs the synthesis gas of contaminants including particulates and acid gases. The clean synthesis gas (6) is directed to the combustible gas selector (41) which selectively feeds either the combustible fluid (9) or the synthesis gas (6) to the burner (40).
US09139777B2
The present invention provides a composition of liquid crystal medium. The composition of liquid crystal medium includes a negative type liquid crystal material, a stabilizer, one or more than one type of polymerizable monomers capable of forming a polymerization under ultraviolent irradiation and a polymerizable photo-initiator; wherein a structural formula of the polymerizable monomers comprises at least one aromatic ring and at least a polymerizable group connected to the aromatic ring. In the composition of liquid crystal medium according to the present invention, a structural formula of the polymerizable monomers includes at least one aromatic ring and at least a polymerizable group connected to the aromatic ring, and a structural formula of the polymerizable photo-initiator includes a benzene ring or cyclohexane so as to provide a broader conjugate system than conventional photo-initiators. Therefore, the composition of liquid crystal medium can greatly increase initiation efficiency of a polymerization.
US09139772B2
A liquid composition including: a radical polymerization inhibitor; a solvent; and a surfactant, wherein the content of the radical polymerization inhibitor is 0.1 to 50% by weight.
US09139766B2
An enhancing reagent for enhancing chemiluminescence of 1,2-dioxetane compounds and a method for using the enhancing reagent to enhance the chemiluminescence are provided, in which the enhancing reagent contains an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I. A chemiluminescent composition with a 1,2-dioxetane compound as a substrate and a kit thereof are further provided, which contain a 1,2-dioxetane compound and an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I.
US09139751B2
Disclosed are coating material compositions comprising at least one polyhydroxyl group-containing compound (A), at least one polyisocyanate group-containing compound (B) having free and/or blocked isocyanate groups, at least one catalyst (D) based on a zinc-amidine complex which comprises the reaction product of 1.0 moles of at least one zinc(II) biscarboxylate with more than 2.0 moles of at least one amidine where R5=hydrogen and R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each identical or different radicals, R1 and R3 being hydrogen or an alkyl radical or an aryl radical, and R2 and R4 being an alkyl radical or an aryl radical, and at least one monomeric aromatic, optionally substituted carboxylic acid (S) whose carboxyl group is in conjugation with a π-electron system.
US09139747B2
An image forming method has applying an ink composition winch includes: at least a pigment, water, and polyvalent (meth)acrylamide of 3.0 mass % or more and 15.0 mass % or less with respect to the entire ink composition as a polymerizable compound, to a coated paper having a pigment layer on at least one surface of a support in which cellulose pulp is a main component, using an ink jet method; at least drying the applied ink composition; and curing the ink composition on the coated paper by irradiating active energy rays at an illuminance of 1 W/cm2 or more and 2 W/cm2 or less to the ink composition which has undergone drying processing.
US09139744B2
The present disclosure describes compositions comprising an acrylic polymer binder and nano-particles less than about 100 nm that provide a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating that may also display oleophobicity. The coating composition may advantageously be prepared using VOC exempt compounds that are compatible with a variety of surface materials including many electronic components. In addition, the coating composition may also be rapidly dried rendering it useful for the rapid preparation of coated objects and surfaces in manufacturing/assembly line environments.
US09139741B2
Disclosed here is a method for producing an antifouling paint composition using metal-containing polymer particles, an organic solvent and acrylic polymer (P) that is soluble in the organic solvent. According to the method, an antifouling paint composition is obtained, which is useful for producing a high-solid antifouling paint having excellent storage stability along with a shorter drying time because of capillary action among the polymer particles.
US09139738B2
A system and method for preparing a pelletized carbon black product is provided. The system includes a source of a carbon black product from a pyrolysis process. A mixer is in communication with the source of the carbon black product. A binder oil storage tank is in fluid communication with the mixer. The binder oil storage tank is configured to inject a desired amount of a binder oil into the mixer to form the pelletized carbon black product.
US09139732B2
A polymer composition having improved processing properties, in particular improved crystallization behavior, comprising a semi-aromatic polyamide and a graphene material. The graphene material may be a nano-graphene platelet. The semi-aromatic polyamide may comprise recurring units obtainable by a polycondensation reaction between at least one aromatic diamine and at least one non-aromatic diacid or derivatives thereof and/or recurring units obtainable by a polycondensation reaction between at least one aromatic diacid or derivatives thereof and at least one non-aromatic diamine. The composition may further comprise a polyamide different than the semi-aromatic polyamide. The composition may further comprise a filler.
US09139726B2
A process and the resultant product from the process for continuously making a blend of a terpolymer and a tetrapolymer utilizing ethylene, propylene, and non-conjugated dienes. This process allows for the creation of products with high diene contents and broad molecular weight distributions while utilizing a continuous flow reactor and a known catalyst. The process allows for these products to be made without gelling or fouling of the reactor, which are problems known in the art.
US09139721B2
A rubber composition comprises, per 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber containing from 35% to 89% by weight of a modified conjugated diene polymer rubber and from 11% to 40% by weight of a butadiene rubber, from 3 to 60 parts by weight of an aromatic modified terpene resin and from 100 to 150 parts by weight of a filler. A ratio of the compounded amount of the aromatic modified terpene resin to the compounded amount of the butadiene rubber is from 0.5 to 1.3. An aromatic vinyl unit content is from 38% to 48% by weight of the modified conjugated diene polymer rubber, with a vinyl unit content being from 20% to 35% by weight of the modified conjugated diene polymer rubber, and a weight-average molecular weight of the modified conjugated diene polymer rubber being from 600,000 to 1,000,000.
US09139719B2
The present invention provides a rubber composition that achieves a well-balanced improvement in fuel economy, wet-grip performance, and abrasion resistance, and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition, including a rubber component and silica, wherein the rubber component contains not less than 5% by mass of a conjugated diene polymer, based on 100% by mass of the rubber component, the conjugated diene polymer containing a constituent unit derived from a conjugated diene and a constituent unit represented by the following formula (I): at least one terminal of the conjugated diene polymer being modified by a compound containing a group represented by the following formula (II): and wherein the silica is contained in an amount of 5 to 150 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.
US09139712B2
A golf ball 2 has a spherical core 4 and a cover 6 positioned outside this core 4. The core 4 has a spherical center 8 and a mid layer 10 positioned outside this center 8. The center 8 is formed by crosslinking a rubber composition. A base rubber of the rubber composition contains polybutadiene as a principal component. The rubber composition contains sulfur as a crosslinking agent. The center 8 has a diameter of 1 mm or greater and 15 mm or less. The center 8 has a central hardness H1 of 20 or greater and 50 or less. A difference (H4−H3) between a hardness H4 of a surface of the mid layer 10 and a hardness of an innermost part thereof is equal to or greater than 10.
US09139708B2
Methods of extruding polyurethane composite materials are described. One method includes introducing at least one polyol and inorganic filler to a first conveying section of the extruder, transferring the at least one polyol and inorganic filler to a first mixing section of an extruder, mixing the at least one polyol and the inorganic filler in the first mixing section, transferring the mixed at least one polyol and inorganic filler to a second conveying section of the extruder, introducing a di- or poly-isocyanate to the second conveying section, transferring the mixed at least one polyol and inorganic filler and the di- or poly-isocyanate to a second mixing section, mixing the mixed at least one polyol and inorganic filler with the di- or poly-isocyanate in the second mixing section of the extruder to provide a composite mixture, and transferring the composite mixture to an output end of the extruder. Other related methods are also described.
US09139704B2
A method of introducing an additive, for example a dye, into a polymeric material comprises using a liquid formulation comprising the additive, a vehicle and an active compound added to increase the melt viscosity of the polymeric material. The active compound may be a multi-functional anhydride. The liquid formulation is suitably contacted with the polymeric material in a melt processing apparatus and suitably a cavity transfer mixer is used in the process. A fiber is suitably subsequently produced.
US09139699B2
A composition is capable of curing via condensation reaction. The composition uses a new condensation reaction catalyst. The new condensation reaction catalyst is used to replace conventional tin catalysts. The composition can react to form a gum, gel, rubber, or resin.
US09139695B2
Compositions and methods for producing compositions comprising a monoamine-endcapped polyimide component. Based on a gas chromatography mass spectroscopy analysis of a surface rinse of the composition performed at room temperature, the composition can have at least one surface with less than or equal to 5 ppb releasable phosphorous residuals, and less than or equal to 5 ppb releasable volatile organic compound residuals. The composition can also comprise less than or equal to 10 ppb combined releasable residuals. Because of the very low levels of residual contamination, the compositions can be used to produce a variety of articles including a disk drive.
US09139694B1
A cured polycyanurate, thermoset resins, and methods of producing the same that will have both high thermal resistance as well as high hydrophobicity. Naturally occurring 5-alkylresorcinols and synthetic analogs can be made into cyanate ester. Composites made from these products will have greater durability against atmospheric water exposure. Applications include use in fiber-reinforced composite materials for lightweight, strong, and water-resistant aerospace components.
US09139689B1
A bioderived plasticizer for biopolymers includes a compatibilizing unit and a polyester plasticizing unit. The plasticizer improves the flexibility of biopolymers while not adversely affecting the modulus of the biopolymer. The compatibilizing unit renders the plasticizer more miscible with the desired base biopolymer, and may increase crystallization and includes a lower alkyl (C3 to C7) organic acid including enantiomeric isomers of the base polymer. The polyester plasticizing unit is formed from monomers comprising a multifunctional alcohol and an aliphatic anhydride or its equivalent dicarboxylic acid and ester derivatives. The polyester plasticizing unit may optionally include one or more difunctional alcohols in combination with the multifunctional alcohol. The resulting bioderived plasticizer lowers glass transition temperature (Tg), can improve brittleness, may increases heat deflection temperature and improves melt viscosity.
US09139684B2
A compound having the formula: X−N+(CH3)(CH2CH2OH)2[(CH2)n—COO—R1] and a polymer having the repeat unit: X−{—OCH2CH2—N+(CH3)[(CH2)n—CO—Y]—CH2CH2O—CO—NH—R2—NH—CO—}. R1 is an ester protecting group, R2 is an organic group, X is a halide, and n is a positive integer. Each Y is O−Z+ or O—R1, where Z+ is a cation from an aqueous base. A method of reacting N-methyldiethanolamine with an ω-halo-n-alkanoate ester to form the above compound.
US09139670B2
Surface-modified zirconia nanoparticles include zirconia nanoparticles and surface-modifying ligands attached to the zirconia nanoparticles. The ligand includes a hydroxamate functionality, and either a reactive group or an oligomeric group. Reactive groups include chain transfer groups or photoinitiator groups. Oligomeric groups include poly(meth)acrylate or poly(meth)acrylamide groups. Articles can be prepared that include the surface-modified zirconia nanoparticles in an organic matrix.
US09139666B2
A method of forming a particle includes, in a disperse phase within an aqueous suspension, polymerizing a plurality of mer units of a hydrophilic monomer having a hydrophobic protection group, thereby forming a polymeric particle including a plurality of the hydrophobic protection groups. The method further includes converting the polymeric particle to a hydrophilic particle.
US09139663B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of hemostasis, including methods, compositions, and devices that can be employed to treat wounds. More specifically the present invention relates to hemostatic compositions that reduce the need for, and cost of, nursing care of patients with chronic wounds by reducing the frequency of wound dressing changes.
US09139657B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of humanized, chimeric or human Class I anti-CEA antibodies or fragments thereof, preferably comprising the light chain variable region CDR sequences SASSRVSYIH (SEQ ID NO:1); GTSTLAS (SEQ ID NO:2); and QQWSYNPPT (SEQ ID NO:3); and the heavy chain variable region CDR sequences DYYMS (SEQ ID NO:4); FIANKANGHTTDYSPSVKG (SEQ ID NO:5); and DMGIRWNFDV (SEQ ID NO:6). The Class I anti-CEA antibodies or fragments are useful for treating diseases, such as cancer, wherein the diseased cells express CEACAM5 and/or CEACAM6 antigens. The Class I anti-CEA antibodies or fragments are also of use for interfering with specific processes, such as metastasis, invasiveness and/or adhesion of cancer cells, or for enhancing sensitivity of cancer cells to cytotoxic agents and have favorable effects on the survival of subjects with cancer.
US09139651B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating patients suffering from Contact dermatitis, Drug induced delayed type cutaneous allergic reactions, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma, Bullous pemphigoid, Alopecia aereata, Vitiligo, Acne Rosacea, Prurigo nodularis, Scleroderma, Herpes simplex virus, or combination by administering an IL-31RA antagonist.
US09139648B1
The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US09139641B2
The present invention generally provides processes for purification of Inter-alpha inhibitor proteins (IαIp) and compositions thereof from blood.
US09139637B2
The present invention provides a genetic method of tethering polypeptides to the yeast cell wall in a form accessible for binding to macromolecules. Combining this method with fluorescence-activated cell sorting provides a means of selecting proteins with increased or decreased affinity for another molecule, altered specificity, or conditional binding. As one embodiment, attaching an scFv antibody fragment to the Aga2p agglutinin effectively mimics the cell surface display of antibodies by B cells in the immune system for affinity maturation in vivo. As another embodiment, T cell receptor mutants can be isolated by this method that are efficiently displayed on the yeast cell surface, providing a means of altering T cell receptor binding affinity and specificity by library screening.
US09139633B2
The present invention provides for methods and compositions for treating or preventing arthritis and joint injury.
US09139628B2
Methods for delivering non-mitochondrial proteins to mitochondria are provided. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs comprising a coding sequence encoding a DNA-binding polypeptide, fused to a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) and a nuclear export signal (NES), and the encoded proteins. The construct successfully delivers DNA binding proteins to the mitochondrion. A chimeric methylase based on the above construct is successfully delivered to mitochondria, resulting in modification of mtDNA.
US09139621B2
The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis, including the amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. The proteins are predicted to be useful antigens for vaccines and/or diagnostics.
US09139617B2
The present invention relates to a method for detecting an antibody against a small protein encoded by the intermediate stage transcript of HHV-6 (SITH-1) in a biological sample. The method of the present invention includes the following steps: 1) providing the SITH-1 protein; 2) binding the SITH-1 protein provided in step 1) to a carrier; and 3) contacting the biological sample with the SITH-1 protein-bound carrier prepared in step 2) to detect the SITH-1 protein antibody.
US09139615B2
The invention provides novel potent inhibitors of the ternary protein complex of nNOS, PSD-95, and the NMDA receptor and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inhibitors for prophylaxis and/or treatment of excitotoxic-related disease and chronic pain conditions in a subject. The inhibitors are dimeric PSD-95 inhibitors comprising a first peptide or peptide analogue linked to a second peptide or peptide analogue by a linker, wherein the first and the second peptide or peptide analogue comprise at least four amide-bonded residues having a sequence YTXV (SEQ ID NO: 5) or YSXV (SEQ ID NO: 6), wherein a. Y is selected from among E, Q, and A, or an analogue thereof, and b. X is selected from among A, Q, D, N, N-Me-A, N-Me-Q, N-Me-D, and N-Me-N or an analogue thereof, and wherein a Cell Penetrating Peptide (CPP) is linked to the linker or to an amino acid side chain of the first and second peptide or peptide analogue. The linker can be a PEG or NPEG linker.
US09139608B2
Disclosed is a commercially viable asiaticoside composition having at least 99% purity that is derived from plant Centella asiatica and a manufacturing process thereof. Also disclosed is a method and the models for oral administration of therapeutically effective amounts of the asiaticoside composition for treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and associated complications of inflammatory bowel diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas. Also disclosed is a method and model for oral administration of therapeutically effective amounts of the asiaticoside composition for treatment of Helicobacter Pylori, as well as a method and the models for oral administration of therapeutically effective amounts of the asiaticoside composition for prevention of colon cancer, gastric diseases and gastric carcinoma.
US09139605B2
This invention relates generally to olefin metathesis, and more particularly relates to the synthesis of terminal alkenes from internal alkenes using a cross-metathesis reaction catalyzed by a selected olefin metathesis catalyst. In one embodiment of the invention, for example, a method is provided for synthesizing a terminal olefin, the method comprising contacting an olefinic substrate comprised of at least one internal olefin with ethylene, in the presence of a metathesis catalyst, wherein the catalyst is present in an amount that is less than about 1000 ppm relative to the olefinic substrate, and wherein the metathesis catalyst has the structure of formula (II) wherein the various substituents are as defined herein. The invention has utility, for example, in the fields of catalysis, organic synthesis, and industrial chemistry.
US09139602B2
A fused ring compound represented by Formula 1: In Formula 1, X1, X2, Y1 to Y6, Ar1 to Ar3, R1 to R11, L1 to L3, a, b, and c are as defined in the specification.
US09139598B2
Compounds are provided for use with glucokinase that comprise the formula: wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds; methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds; and methods of using said compounds.
US09139597B2
The present invention relates to a method for the production of organic compounds, in particular sodium (6R,7R)-7-[(Z)-2-(5-amino-[1,2,4]thiadiazol-3-yl)-2-hydroxyimino-acetylamino]-8-oxo-3-[(E)-(R)-1′-(5-methyl-2-oxo-[1,3]-dioxol-4-ylmethoxycarbonyl)-2-oxo-[1,3′]bipyrrolidinyl-3-ylidenemethyl]-5-thia-1-aza-bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylate (ceftobiprole medocaril), and compounds of the general formula (1) and of the general formula (2), the compounds themselves and intermediates in the production according to the invention.
US09139595B2
The present invention provides a compound of the formula (I) or (II), wherein R1 is H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl, R2 is H, alkyl or aryl, R3 is H, a alkyl, alkenyl or aryl, R4 and R4-R8 are independently R10, C(O)R10 or SO2R10, wherein R10 is H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl, and R9 is R9a, C(O)R9a or SO2R9a, wherein R9a is H, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl. R9a can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more oxo(═O), OR9b, OC(O)R9b, OSO2R9b, NHR9b, NHC(O)R9b and NHSO2R9b groups. R9b is H, alkyl, alkenyl, or aryl. R9b can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more groups such as oxo(═O), OR9c, CO2R9c, CO2R9c and OC(O)R9c. R9c is H, or a unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl. The present invention further provides a composition comprising at least one compound of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, alone or in combination with at least one additional active agent. The present invention further provides a method of treating a condition treatable by the inhibition of vacuolar-type (H+)-ATPase and a method of treating cancer.
US09139593B2
Provided are compounds of Formula I, R1-L1-A-L2-R2 (I), and stereoisomers, tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein A, L1, L2, R1 and R2 are defined herein. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition and methods of using such compounds. The compounds are useful for therapy and/or prophylaxis in a patient, and in particular to inhibitors of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH).
US09139577B2
This invention relates to novel sulfoximine substituted quinazoline derivatives of formula I wherein Ar, R1 and R2 are as defined in the description and claims, and their use as MNK1 (MNK1a or MNK1b) and/or MNK2 (MNK2a or MNK2b) kinase inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same as agents for treatment or amelioration of MNK1 (MNK1a or MNK1b) and/or MNK2 (MNK2a or MNK2b) mediated disorders.
US09139575B2
The invention provides compounds represented by the formulae: (I) and (II) where the compounds are useful in treating, for example, viral and/or parasitic infections. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of treatment using the compounds.
US09139574B2
The present invention relates to imidazole, oxazole and thiazole derivatives of tumor-targeted drug combretastatin A4, and phosphate esters, sulfonate esters or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, glycoside derivatives, solvates thereof, wherein the A-ring comprises a 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl group having a substituent at the 4-position. The pharmacological activity assays have demonstrated that the compounds of the present invention have good in vitro anti-tumor activity and excellent tubulin inhibitory effect.
US09139572B2
The invention concerns stable nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP/NADPH) derivatives, enzyme complexes of these derivatives and their use in biochemical detection methods and reagent matrices.
US09139570B2
Amorphous and crystalline solid forms of the anti-HCV compound (1-{3-[6-(9,9-difluoro-7-{2-[5-(2-methoxycarbonylamino-3-methyl-butyryl)-5-aza-spiro[2.4]hept-6-yl]-3H-imidazol-4-yl}-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl]-2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carbonyl}-2-methyl-propyl)-carbamic acid methyl ester (Compound I) were prepared and characterized in the solid state: Also provided are processes of manufacture and methods of using the amorphous and crystalline forms.
US09139563B2
The invention is directed to a compound represented by the following structural formula and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: Compounds represented by this structural formula are kinase inhibitors and are therefore disclosed herein for the treatment of cancer. Definitions for the variables in the structural formula are provided herein.
US09139560B2
Compounds of general formula (I), (II), (III) and (V) are described for use in modulating microtubule polymerization and in the treatment of associated disease states. Use of compounds (I), (III) and (V) in the treatment of kinase-associated disease states is also described. Further described are novel compounds of formula (II), (III) and (V).
US09139559B2
Compounds of Formula (I) promote axonal outgrowth angiogenesis and can therefore be used to reduce central nerve injuries such as head injury and spinal cord injury, cerebral infarction, ischemic heart diseases, peripheral arterial occlusive diseases, or after-effects of these diseases. in which Nx group is preferably a 6-membered aromatic ring containing two nitrogen atoms; R0, R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an amino group; E is an oxygen atom or an —NR8 group (wherein R8 is an alkyl group or the like); n is an integer of 0 to 5; X and Y are each a connecting bond, a cycloalkyl group, or —CO—; and Q is a hydrogen atom or a phenyl group.
US09139549B2
The present invention relates to a process for the integrated preparation of 2-substituted 4-hydroxy-4-methyltetrahydropyrans and of 2-substituted 4-methyltetrahydropyrans.
US09139543B2
The present invention relates to a compound of Formula (I), or an isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and solvate thereof; the present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition, which comprises the compound of Formula (I), or isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluents; the present invention further relates to the use of the compound of Formula (I), or isomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for anti-apoptosis, prophylaxis or treatment of a disease or symptom associated with apoptosis, especially for protecting myocardial cells, and prophylaxis or treatment of a disease or symptom associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
US09139540B1
A method for preparation of 2-alkyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-ones from 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one by contacting 1,2-benzisothiazolm-3-one with a dialkyl carbonate in the presence of a base.
US09139538B2
The present invention provides a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3 and B4 are as defined herein. The compounds of Formula I have been found to act as glucagon antagonists or inverse agonists. Consequently, the compounds of Formula I and the pharmaceutical compositions thereof are useful for the treatment of diseases, disorders, or conditions mediated by glucagon.
US09139517B2
Crystalline (3R)-4-{[(1S)-2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropanoyloxy)propoxy]carbonylamino}-3-(4-chlorophenyl)butanoic acid anhydrate and crystalline (3R)-4-{[(1S)-2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropanoyloxy)propoxy]carbonylamino}-3-(4-chlorophenyl)butanoic acid hemihydrate, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of making and methods of using the same are disclosed.
US09139508B2
The present invention relates to a process and a plant for the production, in particular the continuous production, of nitrobenzene by means of adiabatic nitration of benzene with nitric acid in the presence of sulfuric acid, in which, following the nitration, a multi-stage concentration of the sulfuric acid is carried out by means of heating at a pressure that is reduced as compared with ambient pressure, and wherein the heating takes place using the heat generated in the adiabatic nitration of benzene.
US09139505B2
The invention is directed to a process for preparing a terephthalic acid di-ester. The process includes contacting terephthalic acid with a C6-C10 alcohol in the presence of an organo-titanium catalyst and an alcohol-amine promoter under conditions effective to form a corresponding terephthalic acid di-ester. The promoter can improve the reaction time by as much as 50%.
US09139496B2
A process is described of pyrolyzing at least one perfluorinated hydrocarbon, or a material containing at least one perfluorinated hydrocarbon, in the presence of hydrogen, to yield a reaction mixture containing difluorocarbene.
US09139491B2
A process for chilling ethylene to required storage temperatures is disclosed, the process including: cooling an ethylene product from at least one of an ethylene production process and an ethylene recovery process via indirect heat exchange with a coolant at a temperature less than about −100° C. to decrease the temperature of the ethylene product; mixing a portion of the cooled ethylene product with methane to form the coolant; expanding at least one of the coolant, the methane, and the portion of the cooled ethylene to reduce a temperature of the coolant to less than −100° C. prior to the cooling; and feeding the heat exchanged coolant to at least one of the ethylene production process, the ethylene recovery process, and an open-loop refrigeration system.
US09139488B2
Disclosed is an improved sublimation method for the purification of organic small molecules. The new method features that barriers are applied in the collection region of sublimation tube so that the gas flow path is modified to pass through or bypass the barriers from the heating region to the vacuum pump. The arrangement of the barriers can effectively separate the main product from the impurities. The main product is enriched in a collection region, while the volatile impurities are enriched in an impurity region. This method has been proved to improve the quality of sublimed materials substantially according to the purity measurements and OLED performance tests.
US09139467B2
Disclosed is an optical fiber formed from a preform that includes a clad component and a core component. The core component includes one or more precursor core materials. The precursor core materials and the clad materials are selected such that that the photoelastic constants of at least one precursor core material and the clad material are of opposite sign resulting in a final glass optical fiber of tailored Brillouin performance. The clad material may include an oxide glass having a positive photoelastic constant and the core component may include a precursor core material that has a negative photoelastic constant. During formation, the precursor core material can melt and interact with clad material that precipitates into the core to form a glass of at least one tailored Brillouin property, such as very low Brillouin gain.
US09139461B2
A solar concentrator includes a solid body of a transparent material, which comprises a light coupling-in surface and a light coupling-out surface. A supporting frame and a light-transmitting part are located between the light coupling-in surface and the light coupling-out surface.
US09139460B2
A method of deactivating biomass is set forth. The method includes two stages, a disrupting stage and a rupture stage. The disrupting stage includes the steps of injecting an oxidizer gas into the biomass with minimal or significant elevated pressure and then a depressurizing of the biomass. The steps cause a disruption of cellular membranes of cells present in the biomass. The rupture stage includes the step of injecting the biomass with a rupture gas sufficient to pressurize the biomass to a second elevated pressure following by the depressurizing of the biomass. The injecting and depressurizing steps of the rupture stage can be repeated at least two times in order to rupture the cell membranes and expose residual cell contents.
US09139459B2
The present disclosure provides a process for removing naphthenic acid and/or naphthenic compounds from an aqueous solution. The process comprises one or more of the steps of: (a) feeding an aqueous solution comprising a constituent selected from the group consisting of naphthenic aldehyde, naphthenic alcohol, naphthenic acid, and combinations thereof, into a mix tank; (b) feeding an oxidizing agent into the mix tank forming a reactant mixture; (c) mixing the reactant mixture in the mix tank; (d) coagulating the reactant mixture with a polyvalent metallic electrode forming metallic naphthenate particles; (e) flocculating the metallic naphthenate particles forming floc; (f) sparging to float the floc to the surface of the aqueous solution; and (g) removing the floc from the aqueous solution. A system for removing naphthenic acid and/or naphthenic compounds from an aqueous solution is also disclosed herein.
US09139444B2
Disclosed is a flame reactor characterized in that the flame reactor comprises a reactor chamber having a volume of 1 m3 to 10 m3, is 1 m to 10 m high, and includes a reactor nozzle for feeding the reactants.
US09139441B2
A porous silicon based material comprising porous crystalline elemental silicon formed by reducing silicon dioxide with a reducing metal in a heating process followed by acid etching is used to construct negative electrode used in lithium ion batteries. Gradual temperature heating ramp(s) with optional temperature steps can be used to perform the heating process. The porous silicon formed has a high surface area from about 10 m2/g to about 200 m2/g and is substantially free of carbon. The negative electrode formed can have a discharge specific capacity of at least 1800 mAh/g at rate of C/3 discharged from 1.5V to 0.005V against lithium with in some embodiments loading levels ranging from about 1.4 mg/cm2 to about 3.5 mg/cm2. In some embodiments, the porous silicon can be coated with a carbon coating or blended with carbon nanofibers or other conductive carbon material.
US09139433B2
Methods of making supported monolithic gold (Au) catalysts that can be used for generating a hydrogen-rich gas from gas mixtures containing carbon monoxide, hydrogen and water via a water gas shift reaction, and for the removal of carbon monoxide from air at a low reaction temperature via its oxidation reaction are described. Methods of making highly dispersed gold catalysts on washcoated monoliths and the stabilization of monolithic catalyst supports by the addition of a third metal oxide, such as zirconia (ZrO2), lanthanum oxide (La2O3), or manganese oxide (MnxOy). The catalyst supports and/or washcoats may include a variety of transition metal oxides such as alpha iron oxide (α-Fe2O3), cerium oxide (CeO2), ZrO2, gamma alumina (γ-Al2O3), or their combinations.
US09139429B2
In one aspect of the invention, methods of synthesizing iron phosphate precursors and lithium iron phosphate active material usable for a lithium secondary battery include the steps of first forming fine particle iron phosphate precursors hydrated and anhydrous, then forming electrode active material lithium iron phosphate with said iron phosphate precursors. The unique methods are generally efficient and cost effective, as well as stable and scalable for a high performance electrode active material with high capacity, good discharge profile, high electronic conductivity, as well as long cycle life.
US09139427B2
A method for producing at least one cavity within a semiconductor substrate includes dry etching the semiconductor substrate from a surface of the semiconductor substrate at at least one intended cavity location in order to obtain at least one provisional cavity. The method includes depositing a protective material with regard to a subsequent wet-etching process at the surface of the semiconductor substrate and at cavity surfaces of the at least one provisional cavity. Furthermore, the method includes removing the protective material at least at a section of a bottom of the at least one provisional cavity in order to expose the semiconductor substrate. This is followed by electrochemically etching the semiconductor substrate at the exposed section of the bottom of the at least one provisional cavity. A method for producing a micromechanical sensor system in which this type of cavity formation is used and a corresponding MEMS are also disclosed.
US09139423B2
A micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) structure includes a first substrate structure including a bonding pad structure. The bonding pad structure has at least one recess therein. A second substrate structure is bonded with the bonding pad structure of the first substrate structure.
US09139408B2
The invention relates to an industrial truck (10; 15) comprising a truck body (20) and a load supporting member (30). The load supporting member (30) is movable in a vertical direction (40) and in a horizontal direction (50; 80) in relation to the truck body (20). According to the invention, the industrial truck (10; 15) is adapted to reduce the maximum allowed acceleration of the load supporting member (30) in the vertical direction (40) when the load supporting member is located at specific horizontal positions in relation to the truck body (20). The invention also pertains to a corresponding method and a computer program.
US09139406B2
A handling device intended to grasp and to carry a pack (k) formed by a stack of tires maintained in compression by a continuous, substantially airtight band covering the entire surface of the pack (k) and wound under tension around the pack (k) so as to constitute a unit of which the vertical faces are generally devoid of roughness and which can be grasped by the handling device, comprising an inclinable carriage (2) extended by at least two feet (21, 22) oriented toward the front of the inclinable carriage (2) and secured to the carriage (2), at the end of which feet is arranged an articulation of horizontal axis (BB′) allowing the inclination of the carriage (2) from a substantially vertical position to an inclination forming a given angle (β) with the vertical direction, wherein the carriage (2) comprises a plurality of suction cups (20) intended to apply a vertical face of the pack of tires (k) against the front face of the inclinable carriage (2).
US09139405B2
A boom accessory for a fork truck comprises a frame having receiver tubes for receiving forks of a fork truck, a boom extending forwardly from the frame, and a frame-to-carriage anchor assembly on the frame. The frame-to-carriage anchor assembly includes a carriage-attaching subassembly with top and bottom connectors for securely engaging mating structure on the fork truck's carriage, and includes a vertically-slidable anchor between the carriage-attaching subassembly and the frame to restrain the frame horizontally from sliding forwardly off the forks. By this arrangement, the forks can lift a weight of the frame, boom, and boom-carried load without stressing the anchor assembly, but can provide a substantial and secure horizontal retaining force prevent the boom accessory from sliding forward off the forks.
US09139400B2
A hose reel has a latch assembly for catching a ratchet element on a hose reel spool. The hose reel includes a hose reel frame and a hose reel guide arm, both of which are capable of mounting the latch assembly.
US09139396B2
First and second buffer roller pairs are driven such that a sheet conveyed sequentially by a conveying roller pair is overlapped with a standby sheet by shifting in a sheet conveying direction and such that the overlapped sheets standby at a branch path. A shift length in overlapping the standby sheet with the conveyed sheet is set such that the more the number of times of drawal into the branch path of the sheet, the shorter the shift length becomes. Thereby, the shift length between the respective sheets turns out to be a predetermined shift length in overlapping the standby sheets with a final conveyed sheet and conveying the sheets to an intermediate processing tray.
US09139393B2
A roll stand assembly for processing a sheet product with a plurality of rolls on a frame. A first roll has a first sheet engaging surface and a first shaft assembly. A second roll has a second sheet engaging surface and a second shaft assembly. The first and second rolls are relatively movable between: a) an operating relationship; and b) an open relationship. A safety assembly prevents inadvertent changing of the first and second rolls from the open relationship into the operating relationship. The safety assembly includes a first chuck component mounted for movement relative to the frame between: a) a running position wherein the safety assembly is in a disengaged state; and b) a lockout position.
US09139390B2
An image recording apparatus including a sheet supplier configured to supply a recording medium, a first conveyor configured to convey the recording medium supplied from the sheet supplier in a conveying direction, and a recording portion configured to record an image on the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor may further include a controller configured to detect an orientation of the recording medium with respect to the conveying direction while the recording medium is conveyed and change a conveying speed of the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor depending on the detected orientation of the recording medium.
US09139386B2
A document feeder includes a feed roller provided in a feed path for a document, a conveying roller provided on a downstream side of the feed roller in the feed path, and a protruding portion provided between the feed roller and the conveying roller in the feed path and protruding from a lower side of the feed path.
US09139371B2
A spiral conveyor has a conveying device that is moved along a helically running spiral region. The conveying device is supported along the spiral region on the radially loaded side of the conveying device. The support is realized by multiple individual deflecting devices that lie along the radially loaded side of the conveying device. Each said deflecting device has a central body including a roller body that surrounds the central body, the roller body including a plurality of rollers. The rollers are rolled on a roller track of the central body in an annular segment of a helically running supporting region of the spiral conveyor.
US09139370B1
A link for a mechanical chain configured for engaging sprocket teeth is provided, the link having one or more features for minimizing pinch points and contamination within a conveyor system and for minimizing wear of the link when used within a conveyor system. A mechanical chain incorporating links with such features and a conveyor system incorporating the mechanical chain also are provided.
US09139366B2
A wear protection device including a plurality of shaped elements. The shaped elements are substantially plate-shaped in formation. The shaped elements are formed in an integral manner and have at least two planes which are disposed in an offset manner with respect to one another. At least two of the shaped elements are fixed in a shaped element composite in a positional relationship with respect to one another with a first plane of a first shaped element overlaps in sections a second plane of a second shaped element. In the shaped element composite a first shaped element can overlap in sections up to three further shaped elements in a second planes thereof.
US09139360B2
A flavor pouch includes a porous covering that encloses a carrier having a flavorant. The carrier may be solid or particulate. Flavorants may be one or more of tea, coffee, rose hips, honey, royal jelly, fruit extracts, mint, sweeteners, ginger, pepper extract, exotic flavors, ethnic flavors and the like. Where the carrier comprises a plurality of beads, the beads may have randomly dissolvable encapsulation to extend the time duration of flavor release. To use the flavor pouch, it is placed in the mouth and masticated or exposed to saliva to thereby release the flavorant.
US09139355B2
A glove packaging comprises a container for holding the gloves and a barrier positioned to cover at least a portion of an opening in the container. The barrier protects the gloves from airborne particles and other materials or contaminants that may contaminate the gloves prior to removal from the packaging. The barrier also includes an antimicrobial material for protecting the gloves from microorganisms, pathogens or other materials or contaminants that come in contact with the barrier to further reduce the possibility of contamination.
US09139344B2
Provided are a packing tape, and a method of forming the same, the packing tape including a flexible member having a first surface and a second surface defining a body therebetween having a thickness, a width and a length. The packing tape further includes a tear-away member defined by a first row and a second row of a plurality of perforated members which are parallel to each other and centrally located along the width of the flexible member. The packing tape also includes an adhesive on the second surface of the flexible member.
US09139333B2
Pallet includes an inner structural support with a bottom section and a top section. The top section has an upward facing, load bearing surface that is bonded with a substantially smooth polymer layer. More specifically, the bottom section includes an annular ring that supports a top section comprising an annular ring and a flange that supports the load. The top section is bonded with a polymer to form a smooth surface suitable for curing concrete.
US09139327B2
A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes includes a container body defining an internal space and having a main body portion that defines a longitudinal axis and an outer diameter. The main body portion is substantially cylindrical at its outer diameter, and includes first and second recessed flexible vacuum uptake panels, each of which is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly to provide vacuum uptake when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space relative to ambient external pressure. The main body portion further includes a front side defining a first curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels and a rear side defining a second curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels. The first curved sidewall portion has a length L1 as viewed in horizontal cross-section that is less than a length L2 of the second curved sidewall portion. Each of the recessed panels has an upper portion and a lower portion, and each recessed panel is tapered so that the upper portion is recessed with respect to the outer diameter to a greater extent than the lower portion is recessed with respect to the outer diameter. This optimizes the usable surface area of the vacuum panels and forms a tapered grip configuration that enhances grippability of the plastic container by consumers.
US09139321B2
The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for packaging a product in a packaging material. It also relates to packaged products obtained by packaging them in the packaging material that has been provided with one or more openings, in order to make it easy to open the package. The packaged products can also be provided with a cover element. A punching unit (5) is also described that comprises a rotatable backing roll (34), a rotatable punch roll (33) and a frame in which the backing roll (34) and the punch roll (33) are arranged with respect to each other, and where the punch roll (33) can rotate independently of the backing roll (34). The punch roll (33) can make one or more openings in the packaging material.
US09139309B1
The ground-based recovery system for aircraft with disabled landing gear includes an in-ground recovery vehicle channel in which an aircraft recovery vehicle travels. Additional lateral slots contain lateral wheel trucks extending from the vehicle to secure the vehicle positively within the channel. The vehicle is preferably powered by at least one turbojet engine and has an aircraft recovery cradle extending therefrom, the cradle articulating to capture and support the disabled aircraft. The cradle includes wing supports and leading and trailing edge retaining arms to prevent relative movement of the disabled aircraft on the recovery vehicle. Additional retaining straps are deployed from the sides of the cradle to secure the aircraft positively to the recovery vehicle. The recovery vehicle is accelerated along its channel to match its speed closely to the landing speed of the disabled aircraft, enabling the aircraft to land upon the vehicle cradle without significant damage.
US09139292B2
Systems and methods for dynamically stable braking are disclosed. A first electromechanical brake actuator controller may be placed in communication with a second electromechanical brake actuator controller, wherein each of the first electromechanical brake actuator controller and second electromechanical brake actuator controller are in communication with electromechanical brake actuators that are associated with the same wheel. The first electromechanical brake actuator controller and second electromechanical brake actuator controllers may then communicate electromechanical brake actuator status information and take corrective measures in accordance with the status information.
US09139287B2
According to one embodiment, a propeller blade includes a carbon foam core and a structural layer that surrounds at least a portion of the carbon foam core.
US09139285B2
The invention relates to a wing with an extension in the wingspan direction, in the wing chord direction and in the wing thickness direction for use in an aircraft, with a retractable wing end piece. A mechanical lever system is here used, which can execute a pivoting motion of a wing end piece comprising both a rotational component and a translational component. The lever kinematics here comprises two lever arrangements, for which a respective two hinged devices are provided.
US09139280B2
The invention provides a control box for selectively delivering orders to receivers (8, 12), the control box comprising: a shaft (14) mounted to turn about an axis of rotation (X), while being capable of sliding along said axis (X) between a rest position towards which it is urged by return means (24), and an active position; order delivery means (16, 11) co-operating with the shaft (14) to deliver orders as a function of the angular position of the shaft (14); rotary drive means (15) for causing the shaft to turn; and safety actuation means (23) for causing the shaft to slide from the rest position in which anti-rotation means (27, 28) prevent the shaft from turning to the active position in which the anti-rotation means (27, 28) leave the shaft free to turn under drive from the rotary drive means (15).
US09139273B2
Method for manufacturing a membrane material especially for use in the manufacturing of sails for sailboats and the like, where said method comprises the following steps:a) distributing a first material layer on a vacuum table;b) dispensing an adhesively coated yarn from a dispenser in a predefined pattern on said first material layer;c) arranging a second material layer superposed the first material layer and the treads, thereby creating a membrane matrix;d) passing a heating source across the matrix, thereby curing the adhesive applied to the yarn and laminating the membrane;where the first material layer is provided with pin holes distributed across the first material layer, allowing the vacuum to traverse the first material layer.
US09139269B2
A boat hull cleaner comprises a pole having at least two parts 2, 3 which can be set at an angle with respect to one another, a float 6, and a brush 7, the float having a buoyancy portion which gives a minimum buoyancy to the float. The float has an opening or openings arranged to admit water into the float when it is tilted while under water with the result that effective buoyancy of the float is adjusted. The hull cleaner is formed such that when it is in use a human operator can hold one end of the pole from above water level and move it to manipulate the float and the brush beneath water level such that the float encourages the brush against a boat hull to assist the operator to clean the hull.
US09139268B2
A method and system for detaching one or more compartments attached to a watercraft in response to a detected event, the method including detecting an event with respect to a compartment attached to the watercraft and causing, in response to detecting the event, a release of one or more attaching members that attach the compartment to the watercraft.
US09139260B2
A floating construction having a base, a tensioning member extending from the sea bed in the direction of the base, a connector at an upper end of the tensioning member and attachment elements on the base for attaching to the connector, characterized in that, the attachment elements include a guide member for lowering a tensioning member section by a predetermined distance, which tensioning member section at a free end is provided with a complementary connector for attaching to the connector on the upper end of the tensioning member, the tensioning member section including at an upper end a stopper for engaging with the base and for fixing and/or adjusting the upper end in a vertical direction, the floating construction including a pulling device attached to the tensioning member section, for lowering the tensioning member section along the guide member towards the tensioning member.
US09139259B2
A folding bimini top having a vertical arch member that may be pivotally raised and lowered or released relative to a boat hull, and a lateral support member that can receive a sun cover or cargo, and which has a first portion pivotally connected to the arch member and a second portion that releasably connects to the arch member via a latch.
US09139255B1
A snowmobile includes a frame and a plurality of skis operably coupled to the frame. Each ski has an outer edge and a first width is defined between the outer edges of the skis. The snowmobile also includes a body assembly generally surrounding the frame. The body assembly includes a hood panel and fenders. A second width is defined between outermost surfaces of the fenders. The second width is less than the first width.
US09139254B2
Compared to derailleur bicycle chain transmissions, internal hub transmissions for bicycles have higher friction and a lower torque capacity. In addition, bicycle hub transmissions are generally incompatible with alternate drive arrangements such as direct-drive, or different mounting options such as mono-blade mounting. The present invention addresses these concerns by employing bevel gears with roller teeth in a planetary bicycle hub transmission. The bevel gear configuration allows larger planet gears, which gives sufficient circumferential space for roller teeth to reduce the meshing friction. The larger planet gears also increase the allowable torque. Furthermore, the bevel gear configuration facilitates the high ratios required for direct-drive, and results a hub structure highly compatible with mono-blade mounting. With this is view, the hub is designed for both chain-drive and direct-drive, and for both double-blade and mono-blade mounting.
US09139236B2
An endgate system providing multiple positions or angles of the endgate relative to the cargo box is disclosed. An end piece for attaching a cable to an anchor point includes a fixed link attached to the cable and a rotating link operatively attached to the fixed link. The rotating link is rotatable about a pivot point between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed link. The second position of the rotatable link is more proximal to the cable than the first position. A primary keyway is formed in the rotating link and is configured to selectively mate with the anchor point in the first position. A secondary keyway is formed in the rotating link and is configured to selectively mate with the anchor point in the second position
US09139225B2
A system and method for steering an oversized trailer is described herein. In one embodiment, the system can comprise a steering frame, a column, and one or more biasing devices. The steering frame can be horizontally positionable at the bottom of a center support. The steering frame can comprise a pair of stabilizers and a track rod. The stabilizers can be mounted to the steering frame. Further, the center support can be positionable between the stabilizers. Additionally, The track rod can be mateable with a dolly. The column sleeve can be mateable to the track rod. Furthermore, the biasing device can be connected to the track rod and the column sleeve.
US09139222B2
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of controlling steering of a vehicle. The method includes identifying a reduced-order vehicle model, the reduced-order vehicle model representing a vehicle transfer function in which a least one high-frequency pole is removed. The method further includes generating target closed loop pole locations based on at least one user preference parameter. The method further includes determining calibration parameters that place closed loop poles of a composite system at the target closed loop poles. The composite system in this context includes the reduced-order vehicle model and a steering control system. Finally, the method includes controlling the steering using the steering control system configured using the calibration parameters.
US09139215B2
An infant stroller apparatus includes a stroller frame having a push handle, a child safety seat installed with the stroller frame, and a restraint system for holding the child safety seat with the stroller frame. The restraint system includes a holding structure disposed at a transversal position and near a rear portion of the child safety seat, and two first and second abuttal arrangements provided symmetrically at left and right sides of the child safety seat. Each first abuttal arrangement includes a bearing surface carried by one side segment, and a protruding structure connected with the child safety seat that rests on the bearing surface. The second abuttal arrangements are disposed near the front portion of the child safety seat to prevent the child safety seat from moving in a direction that raises the protruding structures out of contact with the bearing surfaces.
US09139209B2
A derailment detector for a railway vehicle includes a housing in selective fluid communication with a brake pipe of the railway vehicle to receive compressed air from a pneumatic braking system. A main chamber is disposed within the housing and pressurized by the compressed air. A shock detection assembly is adapted for detecting an acceleration indicative of a derailment condition and activating a main valve disposed within the main chamber upon detection of the acceleration indicative of the derailment condition. A discharge valve is in selective fluid communication with the main chamber, where, upon detection of the acceleration indicative of the derailment condition, the discharge valve is operative for discharging a predetermined amount of the compressed air from the main chamber to indicate that the derailment condition has occurred.
US09139201B2
A driving assistance device includes; a speed zone computation unit configured to compute a speed zone of the host vehicle having a possibility that the host vehicle will come into contact with the mobile object when progressing in the progressing direction, based on the mobile object information set by the mobile object information setting unit; a target speed computation unit configured to compute a target speed of the host vehicle based on a speed zone; and a target speed profile creation unit configured to create a target speed profile for decelerating the host vehicle from the current speed to the blind spot entry target speed, based on a blind spot entry target speed which is the target speed of the host vehicle at the time of entering a place forming the blind spot, a current speed of the host vehicle, and a target acceleration for deceleration.
US09139195B2
An electric motor-generator controller (8) is configured to control a left electric power of the left electric motor-generator (2A) and a right electric power of the right electric motor-generator (2B), based on the sum of the left electric power and the right electric power, wherein the left electric power is defined as an electric power generated or consumed by the left electric motor-generator (2A) and, the right electric power is defined as an electric power generated or consumed by the right electric motor-generator (2B). The electric motor-generator controller (8) control the left electric power of the left electric motor-generator and the right electric power of the right electric motor-generator such that the sum of the left electric power and the right electric power becomes a constant value, when the rotation restrictor controller (8) controls the rotation restrictor (60A, 60B) such that the rotation restrictor releases the third rotation elements.
US09139190B2
An apparatus for controlling a vehicle includes a target rotational speed calculator, a transmission controller, a fuel supply stop controller, and an inhibition controller. The target rotational speed calculator is configured to calculate a target rotational speed of an internal combustion engine in accordance with a drive condition of the vehicle. The transmission controller is configured to change a transmission gear ratio of an automatic transmission so that a rotational speed of an output shaft of the internal combustion engine approaches the target rotational speed. The output shaft of the internal combustion engine is connected to the automatic transmission via a transfer mechanism. The fuel supply stop controller is configured to stop supplying fuel to the internal combustion engine if a predetermined fuel supply stop condition is satisfied during deceleration of the vehicle.
US09139186B2
An electromechanical brake booster is disclosed. The brake booster is constructed with two worm gears which run in opposite directions and whose axial forces compensate one another. The worm gears drive toothed rack gears which convert a rotational driving movement into a translatory output movement for activating a master brake cylinder. As a result of the provision of two gear paths, the loading of each gear path is halved and an application of force to a booster body, which forms a gear output, is symmetrical.
US09139185B2
A method for operating a braking system of a vehicle which is equipped with a plunger device, including the increasing of a brake pressure in at least one brake circuit of the braking system by transferring a brake fluid volume from the plunger device into the at least one brake circuit of the braking system, the method including: comparing an actual pressure variable to a predefined reference pressure variable with regard to an actual pressure present at least in one subsection of the braking system before the brake pressure is increased; and reducing at least a pre-pressure in the braking system prior to transferring the brake fluid volume from the plunger device into the at least one brake circuit if the actual pressure variable exceeds the reference pressure variable. A control unit is also described for a braking system of a vehicle which is equipped with a plunger device.
US09139184B2
Disclosed herein is a brake system capable of reducing periodic pressure pulsation generated by operation of a pump. The brake system includes a damper member provided with a cylinder having a step portion and a piston to reciprocate between the cylinder and the cap. The piston may be prevented from being excessively pushed toward one side of the damper member, and pressure pulsation generated by operation of the pump may be attenuated. Therefore, overall operating noise may be reduced during control the brake and product reliability may be increased.
US09139181B2
A pedal arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a pedal module, on which at least one pedal is movably fastened. The pedal has a mount in which a push rod is movably mounted for the transmission of actuating forces which are exerted onto the pedal. The pedal module has a guide, in which the push rod is guided in a defined position such that an end region of the push rod is able to be positioned in the mount.
US09139180B2
A hydraulic main brake cylinder, preferably having an electro-mechanical brake booster for a brake assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The main brake cylinder is provided with two pressure rod pistons, preferably nesting within each other, one of which is actuated by muscle power, and the other one is actuated by the brake booster. Furthermore, an energy store is provided, which stores energy when the main brake cylinder is released and then transferred to the main brake cylinder upon the actuation thereof, thus supporting the operation of the main brake cylinder.
US09139179B2
A magnetic valve includes a valve body having a valve seat which can be closed by a sealing element, at least one outlet channel which leads into a fluid chamber of the magnetic valve, receiving the sealing element at least in parts, and a flow guiding element which surrounds the sealing element at least in parts. The sealing element is operatively connected to a magnet armature arranged in a magnet armature chamber embodied on one side of the flow guiding element facing away from the fluid chamber. The valve body and the flow guiding element together form at least one connection channel producing a fluidic connection between the fluid chamber and the magnet armature chamber.
US09139174B2
According to the invention, in a system that provides driving support for a vehicle, if a solid body is recognized in an advancing direction of a host vehicle, at least one avoidance target trajectory that allows a collision of the host vehicle with the solid body to be avoided are acquired on the basis of a traveling state of the host vehicle. Then, if the acquired avoidance target trajectories exist in both right and left sides of the host vehicle across the solid body, the control regarding the braking of the host vehicle is performed without performing the control regarding the turning of the host vehicle.
US09139162B1
A seat belt safety insert system with distance and temperature sensitivity in communication with a remote control to warn the remote control holder of excessive distance from and potential danger from heat within a vehicle.
US09139156B2
An inflator as well as a method of manufacturing an inflator, a module including an inflator and an airbag module. In an inflator, especially for a protective device in a vehicle, comprising plural components a sealant is applied in the area of abutting components, especially a sealant which adheres to both abutting components.
US09139151B2
This airbag device includes a first protective cover and a second protective cover which store and protect an airbag. The airbag has a tab formed between the first protective cover and the second protective cover so as to protrude outward approximately in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the airbag. The tab has one end connected to the first protective cover and the other end connected to the second protective cover.
US09139148B2
A fascia assembly including a bumper beam, a bumper cover, and a sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly may include a bracket and a sensor. The sensor assembly is disposed between the beam and cover. The bracket may define a base bonded to a surface of the cover and a key hole. The sensor may include a connector, clip, and key for the hole. The sensor may be configured to rotate between first and second positions such that the clip prevents connector access in the first but not the second position.
US09139146B2
A vehicular impact absorber including: a hollow tubular body having a plurality of flat plate-shaped side walls and having a polygonal section; and a vehicle body-side attachment plate that is fixed integrally with the tubular body via a bracket in a state where the vehicle body-side attachment plate is in contact with one end portion of the tubular body in an axial direction, the vehicular impact absorber being fixed at the vehicle body-side attachment plate to a vehicle body-side member, and the vehicular impact absorber absorbing impact energy as the tubular body is crushed in the axial direction when an impact load is applied to the tubular body through the other end portion of the tubular body in the axial direction, the vehicular impact absorber being configured such that the bracket has a fixed plate portion that has a prescribed length in the axial direction of the tubular body.
US09139142B2
A 3-layer acoustic insulator system includes an acoustic de-coupler layer, a film acoustic barrier layer connected to the de-coupler layer, and a microfiber acoustic absorber layer connected to an opposite side of the barrier film layer as the acoustic de-coupler layer. The acoustic de-coupler layer is positioned in direct contact with a vehicle component and mimics the geometry of the vehicle component. The acoustic absorber layer is positioned on a passenger compartment facing side of the vehicle component.
US09139141B2
A bearing skate system for an extendable cargo bed frame assembly is provided to improve the performance of the cargo bed frame assembly. The bearing skate system has a plurality of pivotable bearing skates and each bearing skate has a pivotable skate plate having a plurality of rotating main bearings distributed along the skate plate between each side of a pivot axis of said skate plate to allow a plurality of said rotating main bearings of each skate plate to participate in supporting the cargo bed frame assembly and a cargo load on the cargo bed frame assembly when the assembly is in a closed position, in an open position, and in all intermediate positions between the closed position and the open position during extension or retraction of the cargo bed frame assembly.
US09139140B2
A camera for a vehicle, in particular for monitoring the exterior environment. The camera having: an imager having a plurality of pixels, having different imager regions for different object distances, and an objective situated before the imager. Between the objective and the imager there is provided an additional optical unit that has in particular optical microelements, e.g., microlenses, the additional optical unit having different imaging properties for the imager regions of the imager, in particular for the compensation of different object distances and/or image distances.
US09139139B2
A vehicle passenger is provided with a console for mounting an entertainment apparatus, the console being coupled to the back of a more forwardly located seat by headrest retaining clips of the kind adapted to hold posts of a height adjustable headrest for the seat at a height selected position. In one arrangement, the console is sandwiched between the headrest retaining clips and the top of the seat back. In an alternative arrangement, the console incorporates integral headrest retaining clips that replace the conventional headrest retaining clips.
US09139126B2
A shipping strap assembly for use in securing items during transport. The shipping strap assembly includes a first locking element and a second locking element disposed within a frame. The locking elements may be cam buckles oriented in the same direction. In certain embodiments, the shipping strap assembly further includes a strap extending from one side of the frame to the other and engaging both the first and second locking elements, the strap being adjustable to form a nose between the first and second locking elements. In certain embodiments, the strap further terminates at one or both ends in an attachment element, which may include an E, L, or A-track fitting or a hook, ring, clip, clamp, coupler, shackle, or loop.
US09139123B2
An RV trailer motion lock-out system is provided for installation on an RV trailer having a brake light and having at least one protruding component with a corresponding protruding component activation unit for extending said protruding component. A detect circuit detects when voltage is applied to the brake light for illuminating the brake light. A lock-out circuit controls the protruding component activation unit to permit the extending of the protruding component upon user command, and once the brake light is illuminated, the lock-out circuit latches for preventing the extending of the protruding component, the illumination of the brake light being indicative of transit of the RV trailer.
US09139122B2
An apparatus for loading a wheelchair into a vehicle and automatically storing the wheelchair within an enclosure that protects the wheelchair and the mechanisms of the apparatus from exposure to weather during transportation is disclosed. The Wheelchair Transportation Loading and Storage Apparatus would primarily be used to automatically load into and store a wheelchair within an enclosure, which protects the wheelchair and the apparatus' mechanisms from exposure to weather during transportation, which is mounted in a portion of a pick-up truck bed as to allow for substantial use of the pickup bed for other purposes such as the transportation and storage of tools and materials, and which appears as an ordinary pick-up-truck-bed tool box when it is in the stowed position. The Wheelchair Transportation Loading and Storage Apparatus comprises a wheelchair hoist, a weather-resistant enclosure and a control module which may be operated remotely.
US09139117B2
The invention relates to a center arm rest (01) for use in a vehicle with a console part (03), which can be directly or indirectly attached to the vehicle body, and with an arm rest (05), which is mounted on the console part so as to be swivelable about a swivel axis between a lower use position and an upper rest position, the arm rest (05) having a top side (07) for resting an arm thereon, which is padded at least in sections, and a bottom side (08) on the opposite side, which is padded at least in sections and forms part of a back rest, comprising a tray device (11), which is swivelably mounted in the center arm rest (01) and which is in an upper non-use position behind the arm rest (05) when the arm rest (05) is in the rest position, and which is swivelable about a hinge axis (12) between the non-use position and a lower use position having the tray device (11) resting on the top side of the arm rest (05) when the arm rest (05) is in the use position.
US09139114B2
A leg restraint for side-seated vehicle occupants, and including a leg-restraining member adapted for being mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and selectively moveable between a deployed, outwardly-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position, and an actuator positioned operatively proximate the leg-restraining member and responsive to a signal output by a sensor for deploying the leg-restraining member upon the occurrence of an abrupt deceleration of the vehicle sensed by the sensor. The actuator includes a cushion, and is adapted for being positioned for deployment between the leg-restraining member and the legs of the seat occupant. The cushion is positioned on the actuator to cushion the legs against direct impact against the deployed leg-restraining member.
US09139107B2
A steered condition vehicle behavior improving apparatus is provided for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is capable of running with a road wheel driven by a driving force from a power source. The steered condition vehicle behavior improving apparatus includes a steering operation detecting means and a driving force reducing means. The steering operation detecting means detects a steering operation of steering a steerable wheel of the vehicle. The driving force reducing means temporarily reduces the driving force to the road wheel a set time period after the steering operation is detected by the steering operation detecting means.
US09139105B2
A deceleration control method and system for an electric vehicle that performs deceleration by hydraulic pressure braking when a battery of the electric vehicle is in a fully charged state while coasting. The deceleration control method for an electric vehicle includes determining whether the electric vehicle is coasting, comparing a coasting speed with a predetermined creep speed when the electric vehicle is coasting, calculating an amount of regenerative power generation corresponding to the coasting speed when the coasting speed is higher than the predetermined creep speed, comparing the calculated regenerative power generation amount with a chargeable power amount of the battery, and generating predetermined hydraulic pressure braking torque when the calculated regenerative power generation amount is higher than the chargeable power amount of the battery.
US09139103B2
A power system for a vehicle may include at least one controller and a battery having a plurality of cells. The at least one controller may, for each of the cells, determine a capacity of the cell, determine a duration of time to supply cell load current to reduce the determined capacity of the cell to a value approximately equal to a minimum of the determined capacities, and cause the cell to supply cell load current for the determined duration of time to balance the battery.
US09139097B2
An electric power source supplies electrical power to an electric machine of a vehicle via a plurality of high voltage lines. A plurality of connections are disposed within a housing for connecting the high voltage lines. A cover member encloses a hidden magnet and is removably secured to the housing so that removal is necessary to obtain access to the high voltage lines. A reed switch is mounted proximate the cover member, when secured, within a magnetic field of the magnet, whereby the reed switch is closed when the cover member is secured and is open when the cover member is removed. A controller is controllably coupled to the power source via a control connector and circuit of the electric machine. Such circuit extends from the reed switch to the controller, where the controller causes the electric power source to stop supplying electrical power when the cover member is removed.
US09139095B2
Disclosed is a technique for calculating Distance to Empty (DTE) in an electric vehicle. In the disclosed technique, a learning DTE is calculated by blending an average fuel efficiency stored during a past charge cycle and an average fuel efficiency within a current single charge cycle. Also, a section DTE is calculated using an average fuel efficiency over the certain section within a current single charge cycle. Then, the learning DTE and the section DTE are simultaneously displayed on a cluster.
US09139093B2
The printed matter manufacturing method includes the steps of providing a printed layer in a predetermined pattern on a substrate, and providing an open part penetrating through the substrate and the printed layer in an open part formation region. The printed matter manufacturing method has a step of providing a buffer layer for mitigating a shock imparted to the printed layer when the open part is provided, so that the buffer layer contacts the printed layer in at least a portion of a periphery of the open part formation region.
US09139092B2
An instrument cluster assembly mounts within a vehicle dashboard. An opening is defined within the dashboard provides for mounting of an instrument cluster assembly. The example instrument cluster assembly includes a top surface that corresponds with the top surface of the dashboard to provide a completed top visible surface when in a completed assembled condition. The instrument cluster assembly includes a first gauge and a second gauge separated by an open space therebetween. A bi-vision display is mounted in the open space between the first and second gauges. The bi-vision display generates a virtual image that is viewed by the operator between the first and second gauges.
US09139087B2
A method for monitoring the alertness of the driver of a vehicle, includes continuously detecting and evaluating at least one physical parameter of the driver while the vehicle is in motion, and transmitting a periodic audio signal with a predetermined frequency into a vehicle interior within a predetermined time period if the evaluated physical parameter is in a critical range, whereby the critical range indicates an appropriate level of fatigue of the driver. An apparatus for monitoring the alertness includes a monitoring unit with a sensor unit, which detects at least one physical parameter of the driver, and an evaluation unit, which evaluates the detected physical parameter while the vehicle is in motion. The evaluation unit is coupled to an audio device, which transmits a periodic audio signal into a vehicle interior within a predetermined time if the evaluated physical parameter is in a critical range.
US09139086B1
A transmission disposed in a housing with a power take off clutch, the clutch including a planetary gear assembly, a cage having an internal gear form engaging a first set of clutch plates, and a second set of clutch plates interleaved with the first set of clutch plates. The sun gear is engaged to and selectively driven by the second set of clutch plates, and a clutch mechanism engages the clutch plates to transmit a rotational force of the cage to the sun gear. A power take off shaft extends into the housing and is driven by the planetary gear assembly. The power take off shaft has a second axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a primary input to the transmission.
US09139077B2
A vehicle control system includes a controller configured to be able to perform a slip control in which an internal combustion engine becomes a non-operation state by setting a first clutch to a release state and an electric rotating machine is driven by setting a second clutch to a slip state. In a case where a vehicle starts to run by starting up the internal combustion engine during the slip control is performed, the controller performs a first engagement control in which the second clutch becomes an engagement state and then the first clutch becomes an engagement state at the time a lock-up clutch is in a non-engagement state, and performs a second engagement control in which the first clutch becomes an engagement state and then the second clutch becomes an engagement state at the time the lock-up clutch is in an engagement state.
US09139071B2
An installation aid is provided for a ventilation nozzle and a ventilation duct of a motor vehicle, which are connected to during the installation, the installation arranged on the ventilation nozzle or the ventilation duct and having a material section, which protrudes forward in the installation direction beyond the ventilation nozzle or the ventilation duct when the installation aid is fastened on the ventilation nozzle or the ventilation duct and is at least partially insertable into the ventilation duct or the ventilation nozzle. Before the installation of ventilation nozzle and ventilation duct against one another, with the installation aid fastened on the ventilation nozzle, the material section is fixed in motion with respect to the ventilation nozzle or, if the installation aid is fastened on the ventilation duct, the material section is fixed in motion with respect to the ventilation duct.
US09139070B2
In an arrangement structure for an air-conditioning compressor in a hybrid electric vehicle, an engine, a power generating motor, a driving motor, and an air-conditioning compressor are disposed in an engine room, the engine and the power generating motor being arranged in series, in which the air-conditioning compressor is arranged on a side portion of the power generating motor. The power generating motor and the driving motor are provided in parallel with each other in a vehicle longitudinal direction and are accommodated respectively in separate motor cases, and one of the motor cases on which the air-conditioning compressor is fixed is arranged at a position behind and higher than another one of the motor cases.
US09139064B2
A vehicle suspension system enables active control of pre-load, spring rate, and ride height by using a fluid damper housing defining an interior chamber containing an incompressible fluid and a hollow rod supporting a piston extending into the interior chamber. The housing is movable relative to the hollow rod such that fluid volume in the interior chamber varies. A multi-chambered manifold is operatively connected to the hollow rod and has a first gas chamber in fluid communication with a second gas chamber. A first plunger, a second plunger, and a third plunger are supported by the manifold. A first actuator is operable to move the third plunger to vary a volume of the first gas chamber between the first and third plungers. A second actuator is operable to move the second plunger to vary a volume of the second gas chamber in communication with the first gas chamber.
US09139057B2
An installation adapter includes four downwardly extending tabs which mate into the cylindrical ball tube of an underbed portion of a hitch. A center hole on the installation adapter designates a location for drilling a pilot hole upward through the bed of the pickup truck. Four arms on the installation adapter extend outward from the center hole, covering and protecting the top face of the hitch during hole sawing using the pilot hole downward through the bed material. The installation adapter is preferably molded from a brightly colored polymer material.
US09139047B2
A tire contour shape is formed by a single arc in a condition in which tire flattening rate is more than 55% and less than 70% and internal pressure is 5%. Shoulder lateral grooves extend at an angle α of 80 to 90° from the axially outer side of the tread ground-contact edge to the axially inner side of the tire, and the tire axially inner ends terminate within the shoulder land portion. A tire axial distance Ds between the tire axially inner end and the shoulder circumferential main groove is in the range of 3.5 to 5.5 mm, the shoulder lateral groove has the deepest part where the groove depth is largest, and the groove depth of the deepest part is 70 to 90% of the groove depth of the shoulder circumferential main grooves.
US09139042B2
A sealing device for a hub-wheel assembly that includes a rolling bearing is provided. The sealing device being has a screen assembled on an outer ring of the bearing and has an annular cylindrical wall, having an internal lateral surface press fit along an external lateral surface of a collar of the outer ring. The internal surface has a respective inner diameter (Di) and the external lateral surface has a respective outer diameter (De). A static sealing element is constrained to the screen; the ratio of the interference between inner diameter (Di) and outer diameter (De) over a screen thickness ranging between 0.22 and 0.5; a coupling length (L, L′) between the internal lateral surface and the external lateral surface is equal or greater than 5 mm; and a ratio between outer diameter (De) of the external lateral surface and coupling length (L, L′) ranging between 1 and 1.19.
US09139041B2
An arrangement including a portion of a radially outer lateral surface of an inner ring of wheel hub on which an annular step is formed on the side of a constant velocity joint. The step is an L-shaped fold of a sleeve portion of a first shield that is protrudingly mounted, a flange portion of which shield radially extends so as to protrude towards an outer ring of a wheel hub, in front of a flange portion of a second shield; the L-shaped fold defines, with a wing thereof, a tubular element arranged straddling wheel hub and an outer ring of the constant velocity joint, which has a free end supporting an annular seal; an annular signal generating insert completely covers a face of the flange portion where it is provided with a shallow recess defining, together with the L-shaped fold, a thrust shoulder for mounting the first shield.
US09139038B1
A flexible barrier sleeve device and method to temporarily store a wet paint roller between uses, to avoid cleanups between successive applications of paint, or other roller-applied coatings. The flexible barrier sleeve has combined water- and solvent-barrier properties. A twist-tie can provide a closure and sealing means, and a stiffening strip disposed along the outer lip of the sleeve facilitates forming an opening into the sleeve for ease of loading of the wet paint roller. The sleeve material has barrier properties sufficient to keep both water and organic solvents (“paint diluents”) inside the closed and sealed barrier sleeve. The twist-tie provides a vapor-resistant seal, to minimize the loss of water and organic solvents from inside the sleeve through the sealed opening. The combined barrier properties of the sleeve material and vapor-resistant seal prevent the wet paint from drying on the enclosed roller, and allows the paint roller to be later removed in a condition ready for the next use. The barrier sleeve can be used to store the wet paint roller on or off the roller frame.
US09139033B2
An image forming apparatus includes an access cover that opens/closes relative to an apparatus body, a carriage that includes an image forming device and moves in a moving area which is exposed when the cover is opened, a first detector that detects that the cover has been opened from a fully closed position to a first position, a second detector that detects that the cover has been opened to a second position at which the cover is more open than at the first position, a drive source that drives the carriage to move, and a controller that brakes the drive source while the drive source is supplied with power when the first detector detects that the cover has been opened to the first position, and cuts off power supply to the drive source when the second detector detects that the cover has been opened to the second position.
US09139032B2
A heating device includes first and second heating rollers and first and second pressing rollers. The first pressing roller and the second heating roller forms a first unit, and the second pressing roller and the first heating roller forms a second unit that is rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the first unit. The heating device also includes an eccentric shaft unit disposed on one of the first unit and the second unit and extending in a direction parallel to the rotational axis, a rotational position of an eccentric portion of the eccentric shaft unit being changeable, and an engaging unit disposed on the other one of the first unit and the second unit, and configured to engage with the eccentric shaft, a position of the second unit relative to the first unit being adjusted when the rotational position of the eccentric portion of the eccentric shaft unit is changed.
US09139031B2
An inkjet printing system includes: a printer frame; a print head chassis mounted on the printer frame, the print head chassis supporting a plurality of print head cartridges, each print head cartridge having a longitudinal axis extending across a direction of print media propagation, each print head cartridge being spaced apart along the direction of print media propagation, and each print head cartridge having a respective monochrome inkjet printhead; a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the print head chassis relative to the printer frame; and a plurality of ink blades slidably received in respective docking slots of the printer frame. Each ink blade includes a blade chassis and an ink reservoir mounted on the blade chassis, the ink reservoir being in fluid communication with a respective printhead.
US09139030B2
A carriage moving device has a motor, and a carriage. The carriage moves in a first direction when the motor rotates forwardly, while the carriage moves in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction when the motor rotates reversely. The carriage moving device further includes a facing object having a plurality of reflection ratios at a plurality of positions in the scanning direction. A first sensor unit has a light emitting unit configured to emit light to the facing object and a light receiving unit configured to receive light reflected by the facing object. A second sensor unit is configured to output a second signal in response to movement of the carriage. The controller notifies an error of the second sensor unit in response to a condition where a changing amount of the first signal in the reversing step exceeds a threshold amount and the controller cannot obtain the second signal.
US09139028B1
Provided is a printing apparatus including: a head unit that is provided with a discharge unit which discharges a liquid; a carriage into which the head unit is built; a power delivery unit that delivers at least a part of supplied power to the head unit; and a power supply unit that supplies power to the power delivery unit, in which the power delivery unit is provided with a first conductor and a second conductor, wherein power that is supplied from the power supply unit is delivered to the head unit through a coupling capacitance that is formed by the first conductor and the second conductor, and in which the power supply unit supplies different amounts of power to the power delivery unit depending on a type of a recording medium that is in a transport pathway.
US09139027B2
A printing device includes a head, an irradiation unit and a controller. The head is configured and arranged to eject a liquid onto a medium. The irradiation unit is configured and arranged to radiate active rays for curing the liquid on the medium. The irradiation unit is relatively movable with respect to the medium. The controller is configured to decrease radiation of the active rays of the irradiation unit when a time in which the irradiation unit relatively passes over an entire length of the medium has elapsed since start of lighting of the irradiation unit.
US09139019B2
The invention relates to a marking device for marking an object (1) with marking light. The marking device comprises a plurality of marking modules (10a-d) for emitting marking light, and a base unit (20) to which the plurality of marking modules (10a-d) is connected wherein the base unit (20) comprises a control unit (25) for controlling the plurality of marking modules (10a-d). The plurality of marking modules (10a-d) comprises at least a first marking module (10a) and a second marking module (10b) which employ different marking technologies.
US09139018B2
To provide a printing apparatus without waste of a ribbon panel in using a two-side dedicated ribbon, a printing apparatus 1 capable of printing on both surfaces of a printing medium performs two-side printing using an ink ribbon 41 with a color ribbon panel 41a and monochrome ribbon panel 41b configured in a face sequential manner. At this point, the apparatus detects a position of each ribbon panel, judges a type (color or monochrome) of a next usable nearest ribbon panel of the ink ribbon 41, judges which type of the ribbon panel (color or monochrome) is used for printing data sent from a higher apparatus 201, and compares the type of the next usable nearest ribbon panel with the ribbon panel judged with the printing data to determine the printing order on the printing medium.
US09139016B2
A printing apparatus includes an image disposition processing unit that disposes a metallic image and a color image as a printing image. The image disposition processing unit disposes a color image in an outline area of the printing image.
US09139002B2
A method of making an ink jet print head front face or nozzle plate having a textured superoleophobic surface that prevents undesirable drooling, wetting and/or adhesion of the ink on the print head. The textured surface includes a rim formed around the nozzle. Also described are methods for forming the textured superoleophobic ink jet print head front face or nozzle plate from silicon having the textured, oleophobic surface.
US09138998B2
A liquid drop ejecting head includes a a nozzle plate to form nozzles, a liquid chamber substrate including one surface bonded to the nozzle plate and forming liquid chambers provided for the nozzles and communicating with the nozzles, a diaphragm bonded to the other surface of the liquid chamber substrate to form a part of each liquid chamber, and a pressure generating unit giving pressure oscillation to the diaphragm in accordance with a liquid drop eject signal to exert pressure on a liquid in each liquid chamber through the diaphragm. In the liquid drop ejecting head, a protection film is formed on an inner side wall of each liquid chamber by a chemical reaction of fluorocarbon and silicon fluoride oxide of a by-product formed on the inner side wall of the liquid chamber with the formation of the liquid chambers in the liquid chamber substrate.
US09138991B2
One aspect of this invention is directed to suitable drive control in accordance with an output from the temperature sensor of a printhead. More specifically, a printing apparatus by using a printhead that includes heaters and a temperature sensor on a substrate and discharges ink by driving the heaters executes the following steps. First, when printing a test pattern by using a predetermined driving pulse in a maintenance mode, a detected temperature is stored as a reference temperature in a memory. Then, in a normal printing mode, the difference between a detected temperature and the stored reference temperature is calculated, and a driving pulse for driving the printhead is selected from a plurality of driving pulses based on the difference. The printhead is controlled to be driven using the selected driving pulse and print.
US09138984B2
An apparatus includes an input unit and a printing control unit to cause a printing unit to execute printing on a continuous sheet. The input unit inputs an instruction for printing by the printing unit. The printing control unit causes the printing unit to execute printing according to a second job subsequent to printing on a first surface of the continuous sheet based on a first job, wherein the instruction input by the input unit may include a first job that is a two-sided printing and a second job that is a one-sided printing, or a first job that is a one-sided printing and a second job that is a two-sided printing. A supplying unit is controlled to supply the printed continuous sheet to a reversal unit which reverses the continuous sheet to execute printing on a second surface after executing printing on a first surface of the continuous sheet.
US09138982B2
A method and systems to control the temperature of a Keyless inker for variable data lithography printing. Inker heating elements are adjustable to control ink feed to individual zones located across the width of an ink roller. Feedforward and feedback control loops adjust the ink supply dynamically based on a pixel count of the image content. The pixel count looks ahead in the video stream to allow time for the adjustment at the inker heating elements to propagate through the inker unit to affect ink output onto the imaging drum surface. Feedback of the achieved ink density on control patches on the imaging drum is also used to command the inker heating elements. Feedback is also used to update the inker propagation delay and dynamic model used to determine how much the inker keys need to be adjusted based on the pixel count stream.
US09138971B2
Portable apparatus for curing a part includes a wheeled frame having sliding part supports that move the part from a loading position to a curing position. A part clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the frame to apply clamping pressure to the part when the part is in the curing position in order to compact the part during a cure cycle. The clamping assembly includes a set of electrically heated shoes that heat the part to a cure temperature. A fan is provided to accelerate cool down the part after curing is complete. The heating and cooling operations are automatically performed by a programmed controller.
US09138968B2
The invention provides a novel flexible, substantially gas impermeable laminate material comprising starch/polymer blends, which can be used to make dispensing tubes, e.g., for toothpaste, which material is light, resilient, and inexpensive, which can be made almost entirely from renewable materials, and which can be recycled.
US09138957B2
A hook strip is provided having a backing with a first surface and a length in a first direction; multiple rows of hook elements aligned in the first direction and projecting from the first surface of the backing; and slits in the backing between at least some pairs of adjacent rows of the hook elements. The slits may be interrupted by a bridging region of the backing, or the slits may be partial slits that penetrate the thickness of the backing in a range from 40 to 90 percent. A fastening laminate that includes a carrier and the hook strip described above joined to the carrier is also provided. In some embodiments, the fastening laminate includes slits that form separate, abutting portions of the backing on the carrier. An absorbent article containing the hook strip and a method of making the hook strip are also disclosed.
US09138954B2
The invention relates to a press for producing pellets from powdered material comprising at least one die with a mold cavity imaging the pellet, at least one upper punch and at least one lower punch that interact with the mold cavity to form the pellet, and at least one electric drive for driving the upper punch, and/or the lower punch, and/or the die along a main press axis, wherein the press also comprises at least one movable element acting on the die and/or the mold cavity of the die, wherein at least one electro-hydrostatic drive is provided to drive the at least one movable element.
US09138949B2
It is provided that a method and a system for manufacturing an optical display device, which make it possible to bond an optical member and an optical display unit together with a certain degree of cleanliness maintained. The method for manufacturing an optical display device including an optical display unit (W) and an optical member (11, 12) bonded to the optical display unit (W), which includes a bonding step for bonding the optical member (11, 12) to the optical display unit (W) in an environment with an airflow.
US09138948B2
A compact, optically double-ended sensor probe with at least one 180° bend provided in the optical fiber in close proximity to a fiber Bragg grating temperature sensor suspends the optical fiber within a casing in such a way that the expansion and contract of the probe casing will not materially influence the temperature reading of the fiber Bragg grating by adding time varying or temperature varying stress components.
US09138939B2
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes: a stage; a regulating body having a surface including a linear region along a first direction and being arranged to face the stage so that the linear region of the surface comes closest to the stage; a supply nozzle configured to supply a material to be cured by energy of an energy beam to a slit region which is a region between the stage and the linear region; a movement mechanism configured to move the regulating body and the stage relative to each other along a second direction other than the first direction to form a cured layer of the material for at least one layer; and an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the material supplied from the supply nozzle to the slit region with the energy beam under a state in which the stage and the regulating body rest relative to each other.
US09138938B1
In one embodiment, a vent assembly for mounting on a collapsible storage tank is provided including a flange member having a central hub, and a flange extending outwardly from the central hub; a top sealing layer of flexible fabric having a hole for receiving the central hub and mounted at least partially over the flange and extending outwardly beyond the flange; an intermediate sealing layer of flexible fabric having a hole aligned with the opening in the hub and mounted beneath the flange and extending outwardly there beyond and bonded to the top sealing layer beyond the flange; and a wall of the collapsible storage tank formed from flexible fabric material, the intermediate sealing layer bonded to the wall.
US09138936B2
The invention relates to a stamper in which an oxide film having a fine concave-convex structure made up of a plurality of fine pores having an aspect ratio represented by [the depth of the fine pores/the average interval between the fine pores] of 1 to 4 is formed on the surface of an aluminum base material which is made of aluminum having a content of Ti of 150 ppm to 500 ppm, a content of B or C of 1 ppm to 50 ppm and a purity of 99.9% or more. According to the invention, it is possible to provide a low-cost stamper in which the emergence of a pattern derived from the traces of crystal grains on the surface of the oxide film is suppressed, an article having a favorable appearance, which is manufactured using the above stamper, and a method for manufacturing the above.
US09138922B2
A load bearing panel member having a first portion, a second portion, and an appearance surface portion is formed by injection molding such that the first portion includes a plurality of ribs forming a grid pattern on the first portion and another plurality of ribs extending toward the periphery of the first portion which may be non-orthogonal to each other and to the ribs forming the grid pattern. An internal channel may be formed within each of the non-orthogonal ribs by injecting a gas into the rib during the molding process forming the panel. An appearance surface portion attached to the first portion and second portion of the panel member forms an integral hinge between the first and second portions of the panel member. The panel member may be configured as a floor panel of a vehicle.
US09138917B1
The three-dimensional positions of points on a surface of a vehicle foot well are digitally measured and are stored in a memory. The stored points are used to construct an electronic model of the vehicle foot well surface. The electronic model of the vehicle foot well surface in turn is used to construct an electronic three-dimensional image of the vehicle floor tray. A vehicle tray data file is created from the electronic three-dimensional image. The data file is in turn used to make a mold for a vehicle floor tray, and vehicle floor trays are manufactured by molding polymer material in the mold.
US09138892B2
A compact micromanipulator system has a micromanipulator element that cause movement of a tool attached to the micromanipulator element. The micromanipulator element is attached to a support structure, which in turn is attached to a sliding base in a hinged manner to allow sliding and/or tipping of the micromanipulator element away from the normal operating position of the micromanipulator element.
US09138889B2
The present invention provides a supporting structure of a maintenance platform. The maintenance platform includes a main plate, a supporting module, a plurality of supporting plates, and a plurality of transverse rods. The main plate is provided on the supporting module. The transverse rods penetrate the main plate in a transverse direction. The transverse rods allow the supporting plates to be connected to both sides of the main plate. With the transverse rods penetrating the main plate in a transverse direction, the supporting strength of the maintenance platform is increased, and the undesired break or bend of the supporting plate is reduced.
US09138879B2
A method for lubricating a drill shank of a rock drilling machine, wherein at least part of the flow of the pressure fluid of a hydraulic circuit of a device of the rock drilling machine performing at least one function is directed to the rotation mechanism of the drill shank for the purpose of lubricating the rotation mechanism of the drill shank.
US09138875B2
A ratchet tool device includes a wrench body, a receiving hole and a receiving space opened at a top end of the wrench body, the receiving space axially opened from an inner wall of the receiving hole toward a bottom end of the wrench body, the receiving space communicating with the receiving hole, a ratchet wheel received in the receiving hole, a pawl set having a first pawl, a second pawl and an abutting elastomer, a switching set having a switching member and a positioning member, the switching member assembled to the wrench body and sealing the receiving space, the switching member having a driving block, the first pawl and the second pawl both assembled to the driving block.
US09138874B2
An open wrench includes a body having a mounting hole which is partially defined by a first side face which has a curved reception recess and a cavity which communicates with the reception recess. A protrusion is formed at the intersectional area between the cavity and the reception recess. A first contact face is located in opposite to the first side face of the mounting hole so as to contact one side of the object. A second distance is defined between the reception recess and the first contact face. The second distance is larger than the diametrical distance of two corners of the object. A slide is located in the cavity and a resilient member is located in the cavity to bias the slide which partially protrudes from the cavity. The slide is restricted from dropping from the cavity by the protrusion. The slide contacts the object.
US09138872B2
A cutting element and a method of making the superabrasive cutter are disclosed. The cutting element has a substrate and a superabrasive layer. The substrate has an inner face and an annular face. The inner face may have a center. The annular face may have a periphery. A superabrasive layer attaches to the substrate along the inner face and the annular face, wherein the inner face slopes outwardly and upwardly from the center at an angle ranging from between about 1° and about 7° from horizontal.
US09138869B2
An abrasive cutting tool includes a body in a shape of a large diameter disk having an outer diameter of at least about 60 centimeters. The body has an aspect ratio defined as a ratio (D:T) between the outer diameter to an axial thickness of the body of at least about 10:1. The body includes an abrasive portion having a bond material and abrasive particles contained within the bond material. The abrasive portion also includes a first filler having iron and sulfur with an average particle size of not greater than about 40 microns. The body also includes a reinforcing member and a Thermal Adhesion Factor (TAF) of at least about 30%.
US09138864B2
In one aspect, coated cutting tools are described herein. A coated cutting tool described herein comprises a substrate and a coating adhered to the substrate, the coating comprising at least one composite layer deposited by chemical vapor deposition, the composite layer comprising an aluminum oxynitride phase, a metal oxide phase including zirconium oxide, a zirconium sulfur nitride phase and a metal oxynitride phase in addition to the aluminum oxynitride phase, the metal oxynitride phase comprising zirconium oxynitride.
US09138861B2
The present disclosure relates to a two-phase cleaning element that enhances polishing pad cleaning so as to prevent wafer scratches and contamination in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes. In some embodiments, the two-phase pad cleaning element comprises a first cleaning element and a second cleaning element configured to successively operate upon a section of a CMP polishing pad. The first cleaning element comprises a megasonic cleaning jet configured to utilize cavitation energy to dislodge particles embedded in the CMP polishing pad without damaging the surface of the polishing pad. The second cleaning element is configured to apply a high pressure mist, comprising two fluids, to remove by-products from the CMP polishing pad. By using megasonic cleaning to dislodge embedded particles a two-fluid mist to flush away by-products (e.g., including the dislodged embedded particles), the two-phase pad cleaning element enhances polishing pad cleaning.
US09138860B2
Embodiments described herein use closed-loop control (CLC) of conditioning sweep to enable uniform groove depth removal across the pad, throughout pad life. A sensor integrated into the conditioning arm enables the pad stack thickness to be monitored in-situ and in real time. Feedback from the thickness sensor is used to modify pad conditioner dwell times across the pad surface, correcting for drifts in the pad profile that may arise as the pad and disk age. Pad profile CLC enables uniform reduction in groove depth with continued conditioning, providing longer consumables lifetimes and reduced operating costs.
US09138859B2
Method for manufacturing an optical component, including a substrate made of a fusible material, includes the following steps a) and b) of steps a), b) and c), or steps a), b), c) and d): a) roughing; b) fine grinding; c) polishing; and d) finishing. The method includes steps, subsequent to any one of steps b), c) and/or d): e) inspecting the optical surface of the optical component; f) detecting and locating at least one surface defect to be eliminated; g) for each surface defect, applying a laser beam to an area emcompassing the defect, so as to produce a local remelting of the fusible material, and to form, at the location of the defect, an area of material remelted; h) polishing the optical surface including at least one area of remelted material, to produce a polished optical surface free of surface defects, and continuing with steps c) and d).
US09138856B2
The present invention describes a method and an apparatus for surface strengthening and/or smoothing of an integrally bladed rotor area of a jet engine. The rotor area can be connected to a device and held by the latter inside the container in a position equivalent to an at least approximately horizontal orientation of a rotary axis of the rotor area. A space delimited by the container and the rotor area between a surface of the rotor area and that surface of the container facing the rotor area is filled at least partially with strengthening and/or smoothing elements. A relative movement is generated between the surface of the rotor area and the strengthening and/or smoothing elements. The surface region of the rotor area to be strengthened and/or smoothed is at a distance from the surface of the container facing the rotor area.
US09138853B2
The present invention provides a portable optical fiber end face polisher that has a probe, a shuttle, a cover and a resilient actuator. The probe has a driving shaft holding a pin having two through holes. The shuttle holds the driving shaft, a supplying reel and a spooling reel. The cover guides the driving shaft to rotate axially and draws a cleaning medium from the supplying reel to pass through the through holes across a probing face of the pin to the spooling reel. The resilient actuator is mounted between a stopping base of the cover and the shuttle to recover the relative positions of the shuttle and the cover.
US09138851B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a member made by stainless steel, which is capable of preventing a burr from being folded from the root and a sharp edge from being chipped. A method of manufacturing a member made by stainless steel, in which a member having a sharp edge is manufactured by grinding stainless steel, includes grinding a face which forms the sharp edge of the stainless steel in the longitudinal direction of the sharp edge, grinding both side faces, which come into contact with each other in the longitudinal direction of the sharp edge, from the non-tip-end face of the sharp edge toward a tip-end direction of the sharp edge while grinding both the side faces in the longitudinal direction of the sharp edge, and polishing the face which forms the sharp edge by moving a polishing unit in the longitudinal direction of the sharp edge.
US09138849B2
A portable sharpening apparatus is described. The sharpening apparatus includes a body portion and a cavity formed in the body portion for receiving an object to be sharpened. A rotatable abrasive drum capable of sharpening and having an axis of rotation is provided and the abrasive drum is located in the body portion. The apparatus further comprises a motor arranged to drive the abrasive drum and a mouth communicating with the abrasive drum and arranged in the body portion so as to direct an object to be sharpened towards the abrasive drum, wherein the mouth has a supporting means for locating an object to be sharpened at the abrasive drum, the supporting means being such that, when in use, an object to be sharpened is orientated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the abrasive drum.
US09138846B2
A battery-powered tool includes: a housing, a driven element supported by the housing, an electric motor coupled to the driven element so as to drive the driven element, a battery electrically coupled to the motor so as to supply electric current to the motor and a control circuit arranged to control the supply of electric current to the motor from the battery. The control circuit includes a main switch operable by a user and an auxiliary switch also operable by a user. The control circuit has an active state in which operation of the main switch by the user allows electric current to flow to the motor to cause the driven element to be driven; and an inactive state in which operation of the main switch does not allow electric current to flow to the motor and so the motor does not drive the driven element. Operation of the auxiliary switch causes the control circuit to change between the active and inactive states.
US09138845B2
A suction cup dust extractor for a drill including a housing; a drill collar having a drill passage formed through it; a recess formed by the walls of the housing having an opening and which, in use, locates against a work piece to create a chamber; an aperture located on the housing through which air can pass; at least one first air passage formed within the housing which connects to the aperture; and at least one second air passage formed within the housing which enables air to pass from the recess to the aperture; the collar being releasably attachable to the housing, the at least one first air passage making fluid connection with the drill passage when it is attached to the housing to enable air to pass from the drill passage to the aperture.
US09138843B2
A device for handling workpieces at a workpiece support defining a workpiece support plane includes a bearing structure extending with a main plane of the bearing structure parallel to the workpiece support plane. The bearing structure has bearing structure segments arranged next to one another parallel to the main plane, and the bearing structure segments define a planar extent of the bearing structure in the main plane. The device includes a guide device for the bearing structure segments, and the bearing structure segments are guided on the guide device such that the bearing structure segments can be positioned parallel to the main plane of the bearing structure. The device also includes retaining elements provided with the bearing structure segments, and the retaining elements are configured to be positioned on a workpiece and to be handled to fix the workpiece.
US09138823B2
Systems and methods providing an energy limited arc re-ignition voltage for AC arc welding processes to re-ignite an arc during polarity transitions. In arc welding power source embodiments, configurations of bridge and superposition circuits allow for the directional switching of the welding output current through the welding output circuit path and provide a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece of the welding output circuit path that is sufficient to re-ignite the arc during polarity transition of the output current. The superposition circuit provides a capacitor for storing energy from a dedicated charging source which produces the voltage level for re-igniting the arc during the zero crossing of the output current in both polarities.
US09138817B1
A method is provided for removing an abandoned marine platform from a seabed. The platform extends below the seabed mud line. In order to remove the platform, a frame is provided having a perimeter that surrounds an open center. The frame is lowered over the platform wherein the platform occupies the open center portion. A movable cutter cable is fitted to the frame. At least a part of the cutter cable is positioned below the mud line. The cutter is moved relative to the frame to cut the platform below the mud line. Such movement can be a back and forth movement wherein the cutter cable moves in a first direction, stops and then moves in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction. A lifting device can employ two vessels and two frames, each frame bridging from one vessel to the other. Winches on the vessel can be used to provide movement to the cutter cable. These same winches can take up cable slack as cutting moves from one platform member (e.g. leg, jacket leg, piling, etc) to another.
US09138811B2
A method and apparatus for orienting and rigidly clamping a cutting tool in alignment with a lathe's spindle axis in a manner to minimize the setup time required. The method and apparatus uses the lathe's spindle chuck for establishing and clamping the angular orientation and radial position of a cutting tool retainer in order to align the cutting tool with the lathe's spindle axis.
US09138809B2
The invention relates to the linear drive for the drive rollers (1, 1′) of an under-floor wheelset lathe. The two drive rollers (1, 1′), which each form a roller pair, are connected to each other in a form-fit manner. The form-fit connection comprises two gear racks (17, 17′) that engage with a common pinion (23), wherein the gear racks (17, 17′) are each connected to one power cylinder (25, 25′) and one intermediate lever (16, 16′) in an articulated manner and are supported on the side opposite the engagement with the pinion (23) by a roller guide (26, 26′).
US09138804B2
A core for a casting process includes a core body and a first cooling hole forming portion that extends from the core body. The core body includes a varying thickness along a length of the core body. The core body can include an undulating shaped section and can be a ceramic core body.
US09138795B2
A bending device is provided with a bending mechanism, a fixing table, an articulated robot, and a control unit. Control performed by the control unit includes a bending/movement control in which a workpiece is moved by clamping the workpiece by the bending mechanism and moving the bending mechanism by the articulated robot, and the workpiece is bent by the bending mechanism while the workpiece is being moved.
US09138790B2
A method for measuring flatness of a sheet material in which a light and dark pattern composed by a light portion and a dark portion is projected onto a surface of the sheet material running in a longitudinal direction, a pattern image is acquired by photographing the light and dark pattern by an image pickup device having an image pickup visual field larger than a width of the sheet material, and the flatness of the sheet material is measured by analyzing the acquired pattern image. A staggered pattern is used for the projecting step and for light to be specularly reflected for receipt by the image pickup device. Calculating the flatness also includes steps of setting a shape measurement line, averaging picture element concentrations, calculating a distribution of the concentrations, and calculating the flatness based on surface shape using the distribution.
US09138789B2
Drive loads for a plurality of drives of a mill train for rolling rolling stock with a plurality of rolling stands each being assigned at least one drive, are adjusted essentially to a first set point value on the basis of operation of the mill train in accordance with a first pass sequence. Redistribution of drive loads is improved, by adjusting the drive loads during the rolling to a second set point value different from the first set point value based on operating the mill train in accordance with a second pass sequence different from the first pass sequence, wherein at least during the adjustment of the second set point values a feed rate of the rolling stock into the mill train is adjusted as a function of a discharge rate of the rolling stock which is arranged upstream of the mill train in the direction of mass flow.
US09138786B2
There is provided a high power laser tool system for transmitting and delivering high power laser energy within the interior of pipes, which includes a high power laser-pig and long distance high power optical tether. The high power laser system performs high power laser pigging operations and other operations, such as, cleaning, assembling, maintaining and monitoring of pipelines.
US09138785B2
A cleaning and inspection system includes a cleaning chamber and retaining structure disposed within the cleaning chamber and configured to secure an article to be cleaned within the cleaning chamber. The cleaning and inspection system also includes a gas distributor disposed within the cleaning chamber and configured to distribute a turbulent flow of gas into the cleaning chamber that facilitates removal of foreign particles from a surface of the article. Further, the system includes a particle collection surface positioned to collect foreign particles removed from the surface of the article.
US09138784B1
An apparatus for conditioning deionized water and delivering it to a semiconductor wafer in a post electrofill module includes a degassing station configured to remove dissolved gas from the deionized water flow, a heating station configured to heat the deionized water flow, and a nozzle configured to deliver the deionized water flow to the wafer. The heating and degassing are performed before the delivery of the deionized water flow to the wafer. In some implementations the degassing station includes a contact degasser or an inert gas bubbler, and the heating station is configured to heating the deionized water flow to a temperature of between about 35-40° C. In some embodiments the deionized water flow is passed through the degassing station before being passed through the heating station.
US09138783B2
An apparatus and method for cleaning a surface. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels and a handle extending outwardly therefrom. A disc plate assembly is mounted on the frame for rotation about a first vertical axis and a nozzle assembly is mounted on the disc plate assembly for rotation about a second vertical axis. The disc plate assembly is rotated at a lower speed than the nozzle assembly. Separate pneumatically-operable motors drive the wheels, the disc plate assembly and nozzle assembly. A skirt extends downwardly from the frame and outwardly from nozzles on the nozzle assembly. The nozzles may be raised or lowered relative to the surface to be cleaned. Fluid is delivered from a fluid source to the nozzles and a vacuum port is provided on the frame to enable dirty fluid to be removed from a chamber bounded by the skirt.
US09138782B2
A collector for collecting wash liquid from an engine washing operation including an inlet duct to receive wash liquid from the wash operation; a plurality of droplet separators to retain the wash liquid within the collector while allowing air to flow out of the collector; a base to receive the wash liquid; an outlet connected to the base to discharge wash liquid from the collector; and a plurality of wheels connected to the base for moving the collector.
US09138776B2
The invention relates to a procedure for applying a coating with metallic or ceramic finish on the entirety or part of the surface of a thermoplastic, metallic or metallic alloy article, which comprises: preparing the thermoplastic, metallic, or metallic alloy article; applying on the article a base polymeric layer based on aqueous dispersions of resins without volatile organic components or on dispersions in organic solvents of resins without urethane; curing the base polymeric layer; and depositing a single layer of a metallic or ceramic material on the article coated with the cured base polymeric layer. The curing of the base polymeric layer is carried out at a temperature of between 30 and 80° C. in the case of thermal polymeric layers, or by means of ultraviolet radiation in the case of photosensitive polymeric layers. Optionally, a second transparent polymeric layer can be applied for protective purposes. This coating confers a metallic or ceramic appearance on the articles, as desired, as well as resistance to chemical corrosion and to external effects due to changes in weather and the mechanical friction produced in daily use.
US09138773B1
The terry cloth with impregnated rubber substrate and tool for application thereon includes a roller having a plurality of spur members equally spaced thereon, and which are ideal in distribution of a rubber solution into the individual loops of a terry cloth. The formation of a rubber substrate into the individual loops of a terry cloth provides for traction of said terry cloth upon smooth surfaces. The spur members are discs that have a plurality of fingers that extend laterally to opposing sides, which manages and spreads a rubber solution into the individual loops of a single side of the terry cloth. Moreover, the tool does not saturate the rubber solution through the base and the opposing side of loops of said terry cloth. Upon application of the rubber solution onto the side of the terry cloth, the individual loops are vertically orientated and individually coated.
US09138766B2
A nozzle, comprises an elongated hollow lance configured for feeding a coating agent through the lance along a longitudinal axis of the lance and at least one nozzle opening configured for dispensing the coating agent. The nozzle opening is arranged in a lateral surface of the lance and dispenses the coating agent sideways with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lance. The nozzle opening is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the lance such that the coating agent can be dispensed in differenct directions according to an angular position of the nozzle opening.
US09138762B2
A texture spray gun having an air passageway (29) and a texture material passageway (28) in a handle (14) of the gun do) and a selectively removable screw to convert the gun from a non-air bleed configuration to an air bleed configuration and an improved air valve (22) providing a minimum air flow regardless of the setting of the air valve (22), preventing texture material from clogging an air path at the outlet of the gun.
US09138758B2
An apparatus for applying mortar is provided. The apparatus includes a spray head adapted to receive a pumped mortar and liquid mixture and spray the mixture in a direction perpendicular to a direction of travel of the mortar and liquid mixture into the spray head, the spray head oscillating in the direction of travel of the mortar and liquid mixture into the spray head.
US09138753B1
A spray nozzle for providing a high efficient atomization and a uniform fluid flow pattern, includes an internal fluid channel, sealing and a spray nozzle, on which two of spray orifices are designed close to each other. The fluid flow is guided in the internal fluid channel smoothly and separated to two fluid flows inside of spray nozzle. These two fluid flows are pressed out from the spray orifices and interfered with each other right after flow out from the spray orifices. The fluid is being atomized efficiently because the spray nozzle is designed to fully utilize both flow velocity energy and flow pressure potential energy, which is well known as “Potential Core” or “Potential Zone” and will disappear in a very short distance right after fluids flow out from the spray orifices. During the fluid flows collide with each other by using the flow velocity right after flow out from the orifices, the fluid flows explode within the potential core by using the flow pressure potential energy. And then, the fluid flow and the fluid particles are continuously atomized by using the velocity difference between the fluid flow and the air around the fluid flow to have very fine particles.
US09138747B2
A specimen collection apparatus is provided. The specimen collection apparatus may include a container, a funnel for removable insertion in an opening of the container, a funnel cover; a removable seal, and a dispensing apparatus sealed within the funnel cover in a reagent-specific atmosphere. The dispensing apparatus may include a cap, a reagent housing attached to the cap, and a reagent designed to liquefy a specimen, stabilize the pH of the liquefied specimen, and be compatible with diagnostic procedures.
US09138744B2
An interface cartridge for a microfluidic chip, with microfluidic process channels and fluidic connection holes at opposed ends of the process channels, provides ancillary fluid structure, including fluid flow channels and input and/or waste wells, which mix and/or convey reaction fluids to the fluidic connection holes and into the process channels of the microfluidic chip.
US09138741B2
Filter pipette tip with a small tube with a relatively large aperture at one end for attaching to a pipette, a relatively small aperture at the other end for the passage of liquid and a through-channel between the large aperture and the small aperture and a porous filter arranged in the through-channel, filling up a portion of the through-channel and comprising at least two layers arranged in series in the direction of the through-channel of which a fine-pore layer has a pore size of a maximum of approximately 20 μm and a coarse-pore layer a pore size of approximately 20 to 50 μm, the two layers having different pore sizes.
US09138733B2
Catalysts which include nanoparticles of palladium metal and cellulose derivatives are used in electroless metal plating. The palladium catalysts are free of tin.
US09138726B2
A copper-based catalyst which is suitable for converting ammonia of high concentration and with better selectivity, thereby solving a problem of pollution and toxicity due to nitrogen oxides by a conventional catalyst reacting under high temperature is disclosed. The copper-based catalyst comprises: a porous oxide support and a low valent copper compound mixing with the porous oxide support by an acid hydrothermal method; wherein the low valent copper compound with is Cu and Cu2O.
US09138725B2
A catalyst material for the oxidation of NO comprising a catalyst carrier including a ceria-alumina support having platinum and optionally palladium dispersed on the support is described. When palladium is present, the ratio of platinum to palladium by weight is at least 1:1. The amount of ceria in the support is in the range of 1% to 12% by weight. The catalyst material is useful for methods and systems of abating pollutants from automotive exhaust gas from lean burn engines.
US09138724B2
An oxidation catalyst for treating an exhaust gas produced by a combustion engine, wherein the oxidation catalyst comprises a substrate and a catalyst layer, wherein the catalyst layer comprises: a first support material; a first noble metal; and a second noble metal; wherein the catalyst layer is disposed on a surface of the substrate, and the catalyst layer has a non-uniform distribution of the first noble metal in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. The oxidation catalyst can be used to oxidize carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HCs) and also oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in such an exhaust gas.
US09138723B2
A method of preparing a catalyst coating solution may realize high purification performance by preventing the active surface of a catalyst from being reduced, and may greatly improve the durability of a catalyst by preventing soot from directly coming into contact with a catalyst layer containing a precious metal so that the catalyst layer can continuously exhibit proper purification performance. A method of manufacturing a catalyst body using the catalyst coating solution, and a catalyst body manufactured by the method are also described.
US09138722B2
There is disclosed a method for producing water-absorbent resin particles comprising a step that includes reversed-phase suspension polymerization of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer in a suspension containing a surfactant that comprises a surfactant that comprises a fatty acid ester of sorbitan or sorbitol, or derivative thereof, and a hydrocarbon dispersion medium. The fatty acid ester includes a lauric acid ester and at least one kind of other ester selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid esters, stearic acid esters and behenic acid esters. The proportion of the peak area for lauric acid ester is 30-60%, based on the total peak area for fatty acid esters in the GPC chromatogram obtained from the fatty acid esters, and the proportion of the total peak area for other ester is 10-50%.
US09138712B2
A system (8; 9; 50) is described of walls for catalytic beds of synthesis reactors (1), in which there is a wall (14) in direct contact with a catalytic bed (7) for containing it, said wall (14) having a plurality of portions (17) permeable to the gases and a plurality of portions (19; 54; 55) impermeable to the gases, said portions (17) permeable to the gases being equipped with slits (18; 52, 53; 60; 70) of a size such as to allow the free passage of the synthesis gases through them but not the passage of the catalyst, in which the slits are obtained with milling, water cutting or electro-erosion processing.
US09138710B2
A device and method for automatic unloading of particles from the vertical tubes of a chemical reactor automatically feeds a fish tape into the bottom of the vertical tube to contact and dislodge the particles and automatically retracts the fish tape to allow the particles to fall out of the tube.
US09138705B2
A solute is precipitated from a solution of a solute, a solvent, and a non-solvent by preparing the solution and introducing the solution into a precipitation chamber contain a supercritical fluid.
US09138703B2
A novel composition made of polyalkoxylated derivatives of trimethylolpropane and fatty alcohols, the preparation thereof and the use thereof as a reversing agent for a reversible reverse latex.
US09138695B2
An apparatus for making high-oxygenated water includes an oxygen supply, an exchange tank, and a pressure tank. The oxygen supply respectively supplies pure oxygen to the exchange tank and the pressure tank. The pure oxygen is dissolved in water in the exchange tank in a normal pressure environment to obtain oxygenated water. A slow-down unit is provided in the exchange tank to extend the time of the pure oxygen staying in the exchange to raise the dissolved oxygen of the oxygenated water. Next, the oxygenated water is drained to the pressure tank, and then the pure oxygen is dissolved in the oxygenated water in the exchange tank in a high pressure environment to obtain high-oxygenated water.
US09138694B2
A mixing apparatus 100 for mixing at least two fluids, the mixing apparatus 100 comprising a shaft 120 rotatable about its longitudinal axis 121, a first 122 and a second 124 radially extending impeller mounted on the shaft 120 and respectively axially spaced apart, characterised in that the first impeller 122 comprises a plurality of curved blades 125 operable to move said fluids in an axial direction towards the second impeller 124, and the second impeller 124 comprises a plurality of curved blades 125 operable to move said fluids in an axial direction towards the first impeller 122.
US09138693B2
The present invention relates to an automated solution preparation apparatus having containers for holding solid reagents, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagents to a balance, a supply for providing liquid to rinse the reagents from the balance into a chamber where additional liquids can be added, and a manifold connected to the chamber for dispensing the solution into receptacles. The chamber can have probes for monitoring properties of the solution, and heating and cooling jackets for adjusting the solution temperature. The present invention also relates to a method for using the automated solution preparation apparatus to prepare solutions of different concentrations and properties by dispensing reagents from containers into a weighing zone, where each reagent is separately weighed and rinsed from the weighing zone into a chamber, diluting the reagents with additional liquid solvent to prepare the solution and discharging the solution from the chamber into receptacles.
US09138683B1
Disclosed herein is a clay-alkali-amine CO2 sorbent composition prepared by integrating a clay substrate, basic alkali salt, and amine liquid. The basic alkali salt is present relative to the clay substrate in a weight ratio of from about 1 part to about 50 parts per 100 parts of the clay substrate. The amine liquid is present relative to a clay-alkali combination in a weight ratio of from about 1 part to about 10 parts per 10 parts of the clay-alkali combination. The clay-alkali-amine C02 sorbent is particularly advantageous for low temperature CO2 removal cycles in a gas stream having a C02 concentration less than around 2000 ppm and an oxygen concentration around 21%, such as air.
US09138678B2
Disclosed herein are processes for removing water from organic solvents, such as ethanol. The processes include distillation in two columns operated at sequentially higher pressure, followed by treatment of the overhead vapor by one or two membrane separation steps.
US09138676B2
High volumetric-efficiency thermally integrated systems for capturing a target gas from a process gas stream include a monolithic body and a distribution system. The monolithic body includes a first plurality of channels and a second plurality of channels each having sorbent surfaces that reversibly adsorb the target gas. The channels are in thermal communication such that heat from an exothermic adsorption of target gas in one plurality of channels is used by an endothermic desorption of target gas from the other plurality of channels. Methods for separating a target gas from a process gas stream include switching the high volumetric-efficiency thermally integrated systems between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first plurality of channels undergoes desorption while the second undergoes adsorption. In the second state, the second plurality of channels undergoes desorption while the first plurality undergoes adsorption.
US09138668B2
A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: diluting the mixture; adding a flocculating agent to the diluted mixture and stirring to form a chemically processed mixture; pumping the chemically processed mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber. Furthermore, before the diluting, additional solids may be added to the mixture. The method may be used to dewater drilling mud, and mixtures of drilling mud with drill cuttings.
US09138665B2
A filter system for filtering particles from a liquid includes an underdrain assembly having an underdrain defining at least one underdrain chamber and a media retainer assembly. The media retainer assembly includes an upper filter media retainer plate defining a plurality of hopper-shaped cavities and a lower filter media retainer plate defining a plurality of hopper-shaped cavities corresponding to the plurality of hopper-shaped cavities on the upper plate. The plates are in a nested arrangement such that the hopper-shaped cavities on the upper plate are in alignment with the corresponding plurality of hopper-shaped cavities on the lower plate to define a plurality of passages therebetween and allow for the passage of the liquid while preventing the passage of a filter media. During a backwash operation, the upper and lower plates are relatively moveable such that the backwash fluid releases any particles lodged in the passages between the plates.
US09138660B2
A method for efficiently reducing water content of an object to be treated that contains water without requiring a high-temperature environment such as one exceeding the boiling point of water, and a method for efficiently extracting an oil-soluble substance from an object to be treated that contains water and the oil-soluble substance. A method for reducing water content of an object to be treated and/or extracting an oil-soluble substance in the object to be treated into oil is performed by mixing the object to be treated containing water or water and the oil-soluble substance with an oil at a temperature that is lower than the boiling point of water, at which temperature the oil is a liquid.
US09138648B2
A system and method are disclosed for dynamically loading game software for smooth game play. A load boundary associated with a game environment is identified. A position of a character in the game environment is then monitored. Instructions corresponding to a next game environment are loaded into a memory when the character crosses the load boundary, such that game play is not interrupted.
US09138647B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a library of video related to game play involving the use of particular objects. By observing game play of users in a game play environment, determinations may be made as to users who excel at the use of a particular object. Video of game play related to these users and a particular object may be created, cataloged, and stored for later use by users that lack proficiency with that object. By observing video of game players with particular skill as to an object, less skilled players may improve their game play thereby avoiding frustration with a game, which may lead to a loss of interest. Acquisition and proffering of video may be facilitated through the use of an analytics server or functional software module that observes game play and identifies players of particular skill or lack thereof.
US09138642B2
The disclosed data generation system is provided with a monitor for displaying a game area and a touch panel, wherein in a game for displaying two operation reference units and an object which moves therebetween upon the game area, sequence data used as data for designating an operation time period for touch-operation and operation reference units are generated. The data generation system displays, upon a display unit, an editing screen including a time period information display area for displaying information of all operation time periods chronologically and a criteria unit designation area for displaying information of operation time periods of each of the operation reference units chronologically, and for displaying, upon a criteria unit designation area, information for associating information of each of the objects corresponding to each operation time period with information of the operation reference unit where display of each of the objects is started.
US09138638B2
Golf game management integrates pre-game, in-game, and post-game activities for a golf game into a unified experience. A golf cart-mounted entertainment console includes video cameras, sensory devices worn by the players during the game, and locally-mounted data processing components for modeling collected data. A cart-mounted interface, website, and mobile device application present game-related content that allows players to view and manipulate data before, during and after the game. Multiple data processing modules provide several functions built on data collected from playing a game of golf for players to enjoy an enhanced golf experience.
US09138631B2
A ski harness has a back panel with connected shoulder straps that a person wears. A flap is connected to the bottom edge of the back panel, and to left and right pocket points on the back panel sides near the bottom edge, so the bottom portions of the flap and back panel form a pocket. The flap extends upward beyond the pocket points, but is not connected to the back panel above the pocket points, so the flap can fall away from the back panel. A release strap is connected to the top edge of the flap and to the user's shoulder straps to hold the flap against the back panel, and the release strap has a quick release fastener. Skis can be placed between the flap and back panel such that the bottoms of the skis are in the pocket, and the release strap holds the middle of the skis against the back panel and within the ski harness. The skis can be quickly released and dropped by unbuckling the quick release fastener on the release strap.
US09138627B1
A bat useable for training bunting in baseball or softball includes a leveling device located within the barrel of the bat indicative of the angle between the axis of the bat and horizontal. A batter may use the bat and view the leveling device to determine whether the bat is held at a proper angle for bunting a baseball or softball. The leveling device may indicate the bat being held at different angles such as 0 degrees, 15 degrees, and 45 degrees from horizontal.
US09138616B2
Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.
US09138615B2
Incline mechanisms are provided for adjusting an incline of an inclinable portion of an exercise device. The incline mechanism may include one or more racks disposed on a frame, such as a generally upright support structure of a treadmill. One or more pinions may be movably connected to the inclinable portion of the exercise device, such as a treadbase of a treadmill, and may engage the one or more racks. An incline motor may rotate the pinions, which causes the pinions to ride up or down the racks. As the pinions rides up or down the racks or linear gear bars, the incline of the inclinable portion of the exercise device is increased or decreased. The pinions may rotate between various positions on the racks which correspond to various inclines and declines, including fully inclined, fully declined, and neutral positions.
US09138600B2
An oral care composition comprising a dye polymer, for modifying the color of teeth.
US09138587B2
Medical devices provide connector enclosures that have a metallic portion that has a metallic weld to a metallic portion of a can that houses medical circuitry. The connector enclosure may have a metallic base that receives the metallic weld to the can. The can may have an open top that is capped by the metallic base of the connector enclosure upon mounting the connector enclosure to the can, and the metallic weld to the base of the connector enclosure may create a hermetic seal for the can. The metallic base may provide feedthrough pin passageways where feedthrough pins are present within the connector enclosure and are exposed beyond the metallic base for connection to medical circuitry within the can. The connector enclosure may also include additional metal features where an enclosure for the lead connectors may have walls that are entirely metal.
US09138585B2
An interactive representation of electrostimulation electrodes or vectors can be provided, such as for configuring combinations of electrostimulation electrodes. In an example, electrodes or test parameters can be presented graphically or in a table. A user interface can be configured to receive user-input designating electrode combinations or vectors for test or for use in programming an implantable or ambulatory medical device. The interface can be used to indicate suggested electrode combinations or vectors in response to a first selection of an electrode. Tests can be performed on electrode combinations and vectors, and the results of the tests can be presented to a user using the interactive representation. In an example, test results can be analyzed by a processor and optionally used to program an implantable or ambulatory medical device.
US09138580B2
Described herein are methods and systems for improving or adapting a breathing pattern of a patient with disordered breathing toward a more helpful state, as well as systems and devices for adapting breathing. These methods and systems may be used for improving sleep in patients with sleep disordered breathing and a system by which to implement devices for performing these methods.
US09138579B2
The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for restoring or improving nervous system function of a subject. Provided is a method involving: (i) providing an operant conditioning protocol effective to produce targeted neural plasticity (TNP) in a primary targeted central nervous system (CNS) pathway of a subject; and (ii) administering the operant conditioning protocol to the subject to elicit TNP in the primary targeted CNS pathway and to elicit generalized neural plasticity (GNP) in one or more other CNS pathway. The elicitation of the GNP in the one or more other CNS pathway serves to restore or improve a nervous system function of the subject. Provided is a device comprising a nerve stimulation-electromyographic recording component and a controller for operating the nerve stimulation-electromyographic recording component in accordance with an operant conditioning protocol.
US09138567B2
A catheter assembly includes an elongate member and a balloon. The elongate member defines at least one lumen and an outer surface. The outer surface defines at least one opening in fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The balloon is disposed within the at least one lumen. The balloon is inflatable such that a portion of the balloon expands from the at least lumen through the at least one opening. The expansion of the balloon increases the flow restriction through the at least one opening compared to the flow restriction through the at least one opening when the balloon is in a deflated condition. Methods for using a catheter assembly to remove occlusive material from a catheter are also described.
US09138566B2
A steering tool including an internal tube disposed inside an external tube, the internal and external tubes being arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another, wherein a distal end of the internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal end of the external tube, and at least one of the internal and external tubes is slotted near the distal end thereof, and wherein the longitudinal axial movement causes bending of the distal ends of the tubes.
US09138565B2
A guide wire for a catheter comprises an elongated hollow shaft has a lumen for delivering or leading away the fluid, and an insertion aid in the form of a flexible wire coil connected coaxially to a distal end of the hollow shaft. The wire coil has a guide wire tip arranged at a distal end, a core wire being arranged in the lumen of the hollow shaft to control the flexibility of the guide wire. The core wire extends out of the lumen and through the wire coil to the guide wire tip. A distal inner area of the wire coil adjacent to the guide wire tip in a proximal direction communicates with the lumen of the hollow shaft by means of a fluid channel formed next to the core wire and has at least one outwardly open passage opening for the fluid to be introduced or removed.
US09138558B1
A computer-implemented method for improving psychophysiological function for performance of a subject under stress includes, after a plurality of sensors that monitor stress-indicating physiological parameters have been coupled to the subject, exposing the subject, using computer processes, to at least one training segment during which is determined a degree to which the subject has achieved a targeted level of least one stress-indicating physiological parameter as to be indicative of coherence in the subject. Additionally, the method includes providing, to the subject, feedback indicative of the degree to which the subject has achieved the targeted level of the at least one parameter as to be indicative of coherence in the subject.
US09138551B2
Ventilator apparatus provides a breathing circuit for supplying breathing gas to a patient. The breathing circuit includes a variable volume enclosure (3) provided within an enclosure chamber (2) and a gas supply path (21) into the enclosure chamber enabling the enclosure chamber to be pressurized by the supplied gas in order to vary the volume of the enclosure. An alternative path (9) for the gas supply is provided enabling the gas supplied, in predetermined circumstances, to enter directly into the breathing circuit via a valve (4). The gas supply path into the chamber is directed such that as a result of gas passing into the enclosure chamber the valve is biased more firmly to a closed condition.
US09138537B2
A method for determining the status of a catheter of an implanted infusion system, where the catheter is intended to deliver a fluid composition to CSF of a patient, includes monitoring catheter pressure, developing a pressure modulation profile based on the monitored pressure, and comparing the developed pressure modulation profile to a predetermined pressure profile. The predetermined pressure profile may be a profile of cerebrospinal fluid or a bolus infusion or withdrawal profile for the catheter. A determination of catheter status, such as properly functioning, occluded or leaky, can be made based on the comparison.
US09138536B2
An apparatus for monitoring a vascular access includes a dialysis circuit having a venous needle and a blood pump of a peristaltic type which generates oscillatory perturbations in the circuit. An optical sensor, arranged on a patient's body by the venous needle, perceives the perturbations transmitted through the needle and sends a pulsating signal to an analysis device. The absence of a pulsating signal indicates a detachment of the needle.
US09138534B2
Systems, methods and apparatuses for delivering therapeutic fluid to the body of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus includes a dispensing unit having a driving mechanism, a pumping mechanism, a reservoir containing therapeutic fluid, and an outlet port. The driving mechanism causes the pumping mechanism to positively displace therapeutic fluid within the reservoir for delivery of therapeutic fluid to the body of the patient via the outlet port.
US09138533B2
Disclosed herein is an identification system for an infusion set when the infusion set is installed in a pump. The identification system includes a pump, at least one sensor, a catheter, a tube and an alarm. The pump includes at least one sensor disposed thereon, which is in communication with the alarm. The catheter includes a distal end adapted for insertion into a body, and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The tube is operatively configured at a first end to removeably attach to the proximal end of the catheter, and the tube further includes a second end proximate to the sensor(s) on the pump. The sensor(s) are operatively configured to receive a signal generated at the first end or along a length of the tube, and to trigger the alarm upon receiving the signal so as to identify the corresponding pump.
US09138529B2
An extracorporeal blood treatment system includes means for withdrawing blood from a patient, and means for transporting the blood through a calcium trap. The calcium trap includes a substrate having an immobilized species, the species being adapted to reduce the calcium concentration in the blood to a concentration that prevents blood clotting in the extracorporeal blood treatment system, thereby producing calcium-depleted blood. The extracorporeal blood treatment system also includes means for treating the calcium-depleted blood downstream of the calcium trap by an extracorporeal blood treatment device, thereby producing treated calcium-depleted blood, means for infusing calcium into the treated calcium-depleted blood downstream of the extracorporeal blood treatment device to add calcium to the treated calcium-depleted blood, and means for returning treated blood back to the patient.
US09138526B2
A renal failure therapy system includes a blood pump, a dialysis fluid pump, a filtrate pump, at least one infusion pump, and a control unit configured to synchronize operation of the infusion pump to the blood pump or the filtrate pump.
US09138525B2
A device that allows for serial (time) use of clean blood filters during the use of a heart lung machine. The device is comprised of a series of filters and a switching mechanism that allows the new filter to be placed in the blood flow pathway while at the same time removing the old (previous) filter. A clean filter is always available, and filters for specific components of blood or those able to bind and remove specific biochemicals can be used.
US09138511B2
A bioabsorbable blend comprising poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and a phosphorylcholine group-containing copolymer (PPCP) capable of enduring the mechanical strength of blood vessel walls and applicable for fabricating cardiovascular devices was developed. The blend acts as a scaffold to support blood vessel walls during vascular healing and undergoes biodegradation in vivo after vascular healing is complete. Furthermore, the blend can prevent the formation and adsorption of thrombi.
US09138506B2
The invention relates to a treated HPPE yarn characterized in that the treated HPPE yarn comprises: a porous polyolefin layer that adheres to a surface of a HPPE yarn and covers at least partly the surface of the HPPE yarn; a composition comprising an active agent and which composition is at least partially absorbed within the porous polyolefin layer. The invention further relates to an article comprising the treated HPPE yarn, a device comprising the treated HPPE yarn or the article. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the treated HPPE yarn or treated HPPE yarn structure or treated HPPE yarn configuration and use of the treated HPPE yarn or an article or a device comprising the treated HPPE yarn for automotive applications, marine applications, aerospace applications, medical applications, defense applications, sports/recreational applications, architectural applications, clothing applications, bottling applications, machinery applications.
US09138505B2
Disclosed is a method for producing a water absorbent resin, by which a surface-crosslinked water absorbent resin having excellent physical properties can be efficiently obtained at low cost, while assuring high productivity. When the production scale is increased to a continuous production on a huge scale (for example, 1 t/hr or more), the physical properties are improved and stabilized (for example, standard deviation of the physical properties is reduced) by a surface-crosslinking treatment, and the absorption against pressure (AAP) and liquid permeability (SFC) are further improved. Specifically disclosed is a method for continuously producing a polyacrylic acid (salt)-type water absorbent resin powder, which comprises: a step of preparing an aqueous monomer solution using an acrylic acid (salt); a step of polymerizing the aqueous monomer solution; a shredding step of a hydrous gel-like crosslinked polymer during or after the polymerization; a step of drying the thus-obtained particulate hydrous gel-like crosslinked polymer; a step of crushing and classifying the dried product; a step of heating and surface-crosslinking after the classification; and a step of cooling after the surface-crosslinking. In the method for producing a polyacrylic acid (salt)-type water absorbent resin, the internal area of the cooling device that is used in the cooling step is 0.25-0.95 times the internal area of the heating device that is used in the surface-crosslinking step.
US09138489B2
A microsphere and method for forming the same are disclosed. The microsphere includes modified cellulose and at least one visualization agent.
US09138482B2
The present invention provides a liquid composition in comprising an aqueous solution of an NSAID and one or more cyclodextrins.
US09138474B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a Ninjurin1 expression or activity inhibitor for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory disease. Ninjurin1 protein is specifically expressed in macrophages around blood vessels, increases cell-cell adhesion and cell-matrix adhesion, increases expressions of Wnt7b (Wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 7B) and Ang2 (angiopoietin-2), but reduces expression of Ang1 to induce apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. In addition, Ninjurin1 protein is up-regulated when inflammation is induced and induces iNOS expression as well as increased NO generation. Therefore, the Ninjurin1 protein expression or activation inhibitor can be effectively used as an active ingredient of a composition for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory disease.
US09138471B2
The invention relates to methods for one-dose influenza vaccine for intradermal delivery of a trivalent, non-live influenza antigen preparation, particularly a split influenza preparation.
US09138469B2
The present invention relates to novel bacterial and mycobacterial compositions containing RNA and cell walls, and methods for making and using these compositions. These compositions have immune stimulating and anti-cancer activity.
US09138468B2
Described herein are microorganisms that are modified so that they have an increased ability to be recognized by the innate immune system of a eukaryote, relative to an unmodified microorganism. A microorganism may be a gram-negative bacterium that has been modified to produce high potency lipopolysaccharide, e.g., Yersinia pestis expressing LpxL. Such modified microorganisms may be used as vaccines for protection against an infection by the unmodified microorganism. They may also be used as delivery vehicles of one or more heterologous antigens, e.g., antigens from pathogens or those associated with a hyperproliferative eukaryotic cell.
US09138455B2
The present disclosure provides a method for activating adiponectin by administering a composition comprising peptides selected from a casein hydrolysate. Such a composition may reduce risk of heart attack and help in maintaining healthy weight. Preferably, the hydrolysate consists of peptides with a molecular weight of more than 500 Da.
US09138449B2
The invention provides a composition containing extracts from salvia miltiorrhiza bunge, gynostemma pentaphyllum mak, Chinese magnoliavine, cordyceps extract piece, pollen pini, and semen persicae and methods of and using the same.
US09138445B2
Described are medical grafting materials that include a base substrate material and an adherent fibrous mass of extracellular matrix components received upon the substrate material. Also described are methods of preparing and using such materials.
US09138442B2
The present invention provides compositions methods for treating susceptible viral infections, especially hepatitis C viral (HCV) infections as well as co infections of HCV with other viruses such as HBV and/or HIV. In one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions having the formula (I) and their use in treating viral infections: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, stereoisomer, tautomers, solvate, prodrug, or combination thereof.
US09138439B2
The present invention relates to a method for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of p300/CBP. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the newly identified lysine-CoA inhibitor binding site, L1 loop, electronegative pocket, or electronegative groove of the HAT domain of p300/CBP and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of p300/CBP. Compositions and methods for preventing or treating diseases or disorders associated with p300/CBP are also provided as is a method for producing a semi-synthetic HAT domain.
US09138427B2
The present invention is directed to inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such GSNOR inhibitors, and methods of making and using the same.
US09138425B2
A drug delivery system is presented to increase the bioavailability of biopharmaceutic class II, III, or IV active agents.
US09138422B2
The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth of cancer stem cells, particularly colorectal cancer stem cells, liver cancer stem cells, lung cancer stem cells or breast cancer stem cells, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of antimycin A or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US09138420B2
Beta-hydroxybutyrate mineral salts in combination with medium chain fatty acids or an ester thereof such as medium chain triglycerides were used to induce ketosis, achieving blood ketone levels of (2-7 mmol/L), with or without dietary restriction. The combination results in substantial improvements in metabolic biomarkers related to insulin resistance, diabetes, weight loss, and physical performance in a short period of time. Further, use of these supplements to achieve ketosis yields a significant elevation of blood ketones and reduction of blood glucose levels. Use of these substances does not adversely affect lipid profiles. By initiating rapid ketosis and accelerating the rate of ketoadaptation, this invention is useful for the avoidance of glucose withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced by individuals initiating a ketogenic diet, and minimizes the loss of lean body mass during dietary restriction.
US09138414B1
Dietary calcium supplements comprising highly bioavailable forms of calcium carbonate and methods of using these calcium carbonate forms to improve calcium balance, strengthen bones, and prevent, treat, and/or ameliorate bone loss associated with osteoporosis are provided.
US09138413B2
The present invention comprises a co-processed carbohydrate system, and formulations produced therefrom, which formulations are directly compressible into solid dosage forms, some of which rapidly and completely dissolve or disintegrate in the oral cavity within 60 seconds. The invention also comprises the solid dosage forms produced by directly compressing the co-processed carbohydrate system, some of which, when placed in the oral cavity, shall dissolve or disintegrate, preferably within about 60 seconds.
US09138409B2
A stable, high VOC, single phase, non-aqueous liquid aerosol composition having enhanced dispersion based on reduced particle size and increased evaporation rate to result in improved active ingredient dispersion, slower settling in air and less residue on surfaces. The composition includes at least one hydrocarbon propellant, at least one active ingredient and a solvent blend. The solvent blend includes at least one low volatility solvent and at least one high volatility solvent wherein each has a defined vapor pressure and Hansen solubility parameter. The composition upon dispersion as a spray has an aerosol particle size of less than 30 microns.
US09138408B2
The invention relates to a method of treating and preventing ageing of the pilosebaceous unit and/or alopecia in human through the administration of taurine and/or hypotaurine and/or the acceptable salts thereof in an oral composition. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of treating and preventing miniaturization of the hair follicle. The invention also relates to the use of polyphenols to achieve these same ends. Finally, the invention relates to oral compositions that include polyphenols or taurine and/or hypotaurine and/or the acceptable salts thereof as active ingredients.
US09138407B2
Provided is an inhalatory pharmaceutical composition that comprises a drug, a soluble excipient and a surfactant, wherein the soluble excipient is present in an amount between 10% and less than 100% by weight; and the solid excipient forms a solid matrix in which the drug is dispersed; the weight ratio between the surfactant and drug is between 0.01 and 10; the particle size of at least 50% of the particles of the powder is below 5 μm; the bulk density db of the powder is between 0.1 and 0.3 g/cc; the tapped density dt of the powder is between 0.15 and 0.7 g/cc and the ratio db/dt is between 0.2 and 0.65. Also provided is the method for fabricating the composition.
US09138406B2
The invention relates to a gel composition comprising: a) a carboxy polymethylene polymer; b) glycine; c) a source of calcium ions; and d) water. The invention also extends to a dry composition comprising the aforementioned components a), b) and c). The gel compositions of the invention are useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of epistaxis. The gel compositions can be easily administered to the nasal cavity and do not require removal after use.
US09138397B2
A composition for highly efficient and quick plaque and tartar removal and inhibition including pure ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars (vitamin C) and an enamel repairing composition such as hydroxyapatite. The composition can contain from about 10% up to 90% of ascorbic acid without compromising the integrity of tooth enamel because hydroxyapatite will repair any damage to the enamel. The composition can the used as dental powder, toothpaste, mouthwash, mouth spray and chewing gum in order to cover a wide range of consumers in different settings.
US09138395B2
The disclosure relates to sunscreen compositions having a synergistic combination of ultraviolet light (UV) filtering agents that provide a high sun protection factor (SPF). Compositions according to the disclosure have high SPF values without requiring high overall amounts of UV filtering agents. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to methods of using the described compositions for protecting keratinous substances such as skin and hair from UV radiation.
US09138394B2
The object of the invention is a mixture of catechin and quercetin in a molar ratio varying between 3:1 and 6:1, respectively, for the treatment of the immunosuppression induced in the skin by aggressive agents such as airborne pollutants, dehydrating agents, ultraviolet radiation, and thermal and osmotic shocks, and a pharmaceutical, dermatological, nutritional or cosmetic composition containing said mixture as an active ingredient.
US09138389B2
The invention relates to a method for cosmetically treating oily skin, including the topical application onto the skin of a composition containing a jasmonic acid compound in a physiologically acceptable medium.
US09138386B2
A two-component whitening system has a de-sensitizing effect as well as re-mineralizing capability. The system may be an unfoamed, a foamed or a foamable composition.The system has a first component with at least one peroxide compound, at least one source of phosphate and at least one gelling agent; and a second component with at least one source of calcium, strontium and/or mixtures thereof. The second component may also contain at least one gelling agent, and the composition maybe present as a foam or is foamable.The composition may be packed in a two-compartment syringe.
US09138384B2
The invention relates to personal care products containing multilayer films with decorative layers and may impart a noticeable color change. The invention is applicable in products including type toothpaste, soaps, and other products until diluted with water (or saliva).
US09138383B1
The present invention provides soluble nanogel polymers produced by polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising a monovinyl monomer, multivinyl monomer, and an iniferter. The disclosure also provides a reactive nanogel with pendant reactive groups such as oxirane or (meth)acrylate groups.
US09138382B2
Radically polymerizable macrocyclic polyethers or macrocyclic heteroanalogous polyethers, preferably crown ethers, heteroanalogous crown ethers and cryptands for use in dental materials is disclosed.
US09138377B1
A container neck supports a disc which presents an information. The disc is not visible until a container cap is removed. The information may have a warning which is critical to the use of the container or its contents. Because the information is presented as a surprise to the user who removes the cap, the user is more likely to take notice and therefore heed what the information presents. Such understanding by the user may be critical to the successful use of the contents and may prevent a dangerous situation from arising such as ingesting an improper medication. It has been shown through statistical testing that a user is more likely to take heed of a hidden message visible only upon removal of the cap, than a similar message presented on a disc or other label that is visible prior to removal of the cap.
US09138375B2
An intraoral acupressure apparatus and method of treating a user are disclosed. The apparatus may include a base shaped to conform to a palate of a user, the base configured to be removably held adjacent to the palate in a predetermined position relative to acupressure points located on the user's palate. The apparatus may additionally include one or more projections extending out from the base and configured to contact one or more acupressure points of the user's palate when the apparatus is removably held in the predetermined position. The base may be configured to be removably held in the predetermined position without wire hooks or clasps.
US09138360B1
The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and sweat pads. According to the present invention the absorbent article in the region designated for liquid deposition on its wearer facing surface has a single layer topsheet onto which liquid to be absorbed is provided during use of the article. The absorbent article includes a backsheet forming the liquid barrier surface and a unitary absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. Importantly the unitary core provides improved liquid handling to the absorbent article and increases the masking, i.e. ability to hide stains due to absorbed liquid, of the article. This is particularly beneficial in the context of articles for absorption of liquids with high color intensity, such as menstrual liquid or urine of older adults.
US09138359B2
A method of making a nonwoven web comprising nanofibers that are made by a melt film fibrillation process is disclosed. The nanofibers have a diameter of less than 1 micron, and comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web. The process generally includes the steps of providing a polymeric melt, utilizing a central fluid stream to form an elongated hollow polymeric film tube, and using this and/or other fluid streams to form multiple nanofibers from the hollow tube.
US09138350B2
A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.
US09138348B2
An apparatus for operating a laser materials processing and measurement device with a controllable laser for generating a laser beam and beam control means for adjusting the focus zone of a controlled portion of the laser beam in three spatial directions comprises an interface for operating a bidirectional data transfer link with the laser and the beam control means, and user control means for inputting and displaying control commands or control command sequences and for monitoring and/or controlling operation and/or the operating state of the device. So that all the components of the apparatus may also be tested with regard to all functionalities, if the laser materials processing and measurement device is not operationally ready and/or not connected to the interface, according to the invention the apparatus comprises simulation means for simulating operation of the device and/or of the user control means.
US09138344B2
A balloon catheter is used in a closed-loop heat exchange system for manipulating the temperature of a patient. The balloon catheter is positioned in the stomach of the patient, and then expanded with a heat exchange fluid delivered through a lumen formed in the shaft of the catheter. The balloon catheter comes into contact with the wall of the stomach, and the stomach substantially conforms around the expanded balloon catheter. The heat exchange fluid is allowed to flow continuously into and out of the balloon catheter. Heat is exchanged between the balloon catheter and the stomach so as to controllably alter the temperature of at least a portion of the patient. Anti-shivering mechanisms and automatic control based on temperature feedback from the patient may be used in connection with the heat exchange system.
US09138341B2
The present invention is a dental oral appliance to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance includes a base to secure the appliance within the mouth for the individual. Typically, the base will fit over and secure to the lower teeth of the individual. The appliance also includes a tongue restraining device connected to the base. The tongue restraining device has a substantial breach formed therein to permit movement of the tongue so that the user can more easily swallow saliva. A ramp might also be attached to the anterior portion of the base to advance the mandible.
US09138336B2
An expandable mechanical distension device for hollow organ growth comprising a spring stent structure to elongate hollow organs by mechanical expansion. The device preferably expands radially to engage the internal walls of the hollow organ segment at a desired treatment location and expands axially to enlarge the hollow organ segment. The distension device may be configured for the treatment of patients with insufficient hollow viscus, e.g. hollow organ deficiency such as short gut syndrome, to enhance their gut length by mechanical force.
US09138331B2
A system, device, and method are disclosed for anterior intervertebral fusion with fixation. An intervertebral fusion with fixation device includes a spacer configured to fit into a disc space between plural vertebrae, the spacer including through holes between and through plural sidewalls. A first fixating element is rigidly preloaded in a first portion of the spacer along a first linear trajectory. A second fixating element is rigidly preloaded in a second portion of the spacer along a second linear trajectory. An integrated drill and screwdriver instrument is adapted to extend through a cannula of the first fixating element and second fixating element and penetrate the vertebra. The instrument is further adapted to drive the head of the first fixating element and second fixating element into the vertebra and lock the first fixating element and second fixating element with respect to the spacer to prevent extrusion from the spacer.
US09138325B2
A prosthetic implant for restoring lamina after a laminectomy. The implant is generally a lamina-sized construct having a hollow interior. The lamina removed during the laminectomy may be converted to autologous bone that may then be placed inside the hollow interior of the implant. The implant may then be secured to the spine at the site of the laminectomy so that lamina restoration can occur as the hollow interior of the implant solidifies with bone growth.
US09138324B2
A spinal implant includes a first member having a wall that defines an axial cavity. A second member extends between a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis. The second member is configured for disposal with the axial cavity and translation relative to the first member. A third member has an outer surface engageable with tissue and an inner surface disposed to dynamically engage the first end in response to the engagement of the outer surface with the tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.
US09138316B2
An adjustment tool enables manipulation of a prosthetic anatomical device such as an annuloplasty ring. The tool includes a compression member which is operative for retarding rotation of the adjustment shaft to preclude inadvertent rotation thereof during use of the tool by the surgeon. A locking device is associated with the adjustment tool to enable the releasable attachment of the tool to the anatomical device during its adjustment by manipulation of the tool. The locking device is oriented into operative and inoperative positions by the engagement and disengagement of locking elements. A scale may be provided on the adjustment tool to assist a surgeon in determining the size or amount of adjustment to the size of the anatomical device during its adjustment.
US09138307B2
An expandable and retrievable device for treatment of a stenotic lesion in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a tubular portion including a proximal end and a distal end extending from the proximal end. The tubular portion has a lumen formed therethrough between the proximal and distal ends. The device further comprises an expandable member formed helically about the tubular portion. The expandable member is configured to helically close, defining a collapsed state for delivery of the device. The expandable member is configured to helically open, defining an expanded state for treatment of the stenotic lesion in the body vessel. The expandable member has at least one filter portion that helically extends from the tubular portion at a predetermined angle. This defines a proximally faced opening when the expandable member is in the expanded state.
US09138294B2
A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.
US09138292B2
Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally spiral/helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., spiral/helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function.
US09138286B2
An interventional medical device for use with a motion-sensitive ultrasonic imaging system comprising a flexible elongated member for insertion into soft tissue, a two-axis, flexing mechanism coupled to the flexible elongated member and a mechanism for controlled electrical excitation of the flexible elongated member. Each of the axial flexing mechanisms, when acted upon by electrical excitation, forcibly bends the elongated member along a section of it length causing its tip to move in the plane of the applied bending force. As a direct result of direct energy coupling by bending rather than vibration, the relative phases of the two axes can be controlled to accomplish specific movement of the tip of the flexible elongated member.
US09138285B2
A coagulation forceps with a tubular shaft and with two forceps limbs and, which can both be movable or of which one is fixed, are uncovered on the gripping surfaces that face one another and serve for gripping tissue to be treated. At the distal ends, they have end surfaces, which contact a common plane, and are insulated on their outer sides that face away from one another, and provision is made for current connections for connection to a radiofrequency generator or to a current source for bipolar coagulation. Here, not only the gripping surfaces, but also the distal end surfaces of the forceps limbs and are uncovered and these uncovered end surfaces can be connected to uncovered outer surfaces of the forceps limbs and continuing said end surfaces such that tissue contacted by the two end surfaces and/or the outer surfaces can also be coagulated in a bipolar manner.
US09138284B2
A cover for an electrosurgical instrument having a wrist structure and an end effector is provided. The cover includes a hollow elongated structure, which includes a tip cover portion and a base cover portion integrally connected to the tip cover portion. The tip cover portion has a distal end with an opening therethrough sized to receive the end effector of the electrosurgical instrument and is composed of a first, electrically insulative material having a flexibility sufficient to allow the end effector to be manipulated while the end effector is received in the opening. The base cover portion is composed of a second material having a higher tear strength than the first material. The tip cover portion and the base cover portion overlap at an overlap region configured to receive the wrist structure of the electrosurgical instrument when the end effector is received in the opening.
US09138282B2
An electrosurgical controller with wave-shaping. At least some embodiments are methods including generating an alternating current (AC) voltage signal within an electrosurgical controller. The generating may be by inducing an intermediate AC voltage signal on a secondary winding of a first transformer, and wave-shaping the intermediate AC voltage signal by a second winding of a second transformer coupled to the first transformer, and thereby creating a final AC voltage signal. Thereafter, the method includes applying the final AC voltage signal to electrical pins of a connector configured to couple to an electrosurgical wand.
US09138279B2
A fixation assembly having a driver, a holding sleeve, and an alignment mechanism is disclosed. The driver may include a driver body and a coupling extending from a distal end of the driver body. The holding sleeve may have a holding sleeve body, a channel extending through the holding sleeve body, and a fixation element coupler disposed at a distal portion of the holding sleeve body. The channel may be configured to receive the driver, and the fixation element coupler may be configured to temporarily hold a fixation element. The alignment mechanism may extend from the holding sleeve, and may have at least one alignment member configured to engage an underlying structure to which the fixation element is to be affixed so as to align the fixation element and driver assembly with respect to the underlying structure.
US09138274B1
A fastening device having a bellows made of a material that changes shape when activated by a catalyst, and having a pleated structure that contracts from an extended state to a contracted state upon activation. The shape changing material may be a shape memory metal alloy, shape memory polymer or elastic memory composite. A method of using this fastener provides apposition and compression of abutment surfaces to join together two pieces of material, and is suitable for joining apposing bone surfaces together to heal fractures via the use of orthopedic hardware.
US09138269B2
A system, devices and methods are provided for facilitating stabilization of periarticular fractures. The system includes a compression plate and one or more of a cerclage cable for encircling the bone and securing the compression plate to the bone, a crimp lug for securing the cable in tension relative to the bone and/or a plate, and a supplemental plate coupled to the compression plate and adapted to receive bicortical or unicortical bone screws to further secure the compression plate relative to the bone. In addition, the system includes a cable tensioner for temporarily retaining the cable in tension and then applying a tension to the cable until a desired compression is effected between a plate and bone and while a cable retaining structure is secured to the cable to retain the applied tension on the cable. Also provided is a jig for use with plates for minimally invasive fracture stabilization.
US09138268B2
A system, devices and methods are provided for facilitating stabilization of periarticular fractures. The system includes a compression plate and one or more of a cerclage cable for encircling the bone and securing the compression plate to the bone, a crimp lug for securing the cable in tension relative to the bone and/or a plate, and a supplemental plate coupled to the compression plate and adapted to receive bicortical or unicortical bone screws to further secure the compression plate relative to the bone. In addition, the system includes a cable tensioner for temporarily retaining the cable in tension and then applying a tension to the cable until a desired compression is effected between a plate and bone and while a cable retaining structure is secured to the cable to retain the applied tension on the cable. Also provided is a jig for use with plates for minimally invasive fracture stabilization.
US09138267B2
A system, devices and methods are provided for facilitating stabilization of periarticular fractures. The system includes a compression plate and one or more of a cerclage cable for encircling the bone and securing the compression plate to the bone, a crimp lug for securing the cable in tension relative to the bone and/or a plate, and a supplemental plate coupled to the compression plate and adapted to receive bicortical or unicortical bone screws to further secure the compression plate relative to the bone. In addition, the system includes a cable tensioner for temporarily retaining the cable in tension and then applying a tension to the cable until a desired compression is effected between a plate and bone and while a cable retaining structure is secured to the cable to retain the applied tension on the cable. Also provided is a jig for use with plates for minimally invasive fracture stabilization.
US09138260B2
A clamping device for attaching to an external fixation element of an external fixation system includes a first jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a second jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface of the first jaw and the inner surface of the second jaw together forming a passage configured to receive the external fixation element of the external fixation system. A locking system is engageable with the first and the second jaws. A portion of the locking system is moveable relative to the first and the second jaws between a first position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a first size from between the first jaw and the second jaw and a second position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a second size from between the first jaw and the second jaw.
US09138258B2
The present invention relates to guiding instruments for acetabular cup reamers, which allow for a much more accurate and precise reaming of the acetabular implant zone. The invention further provides combinations of acetabular cup reamers and guiding instruments therefor and methods for their manufacture and their use.
US09138254B2
A distal portion of a filament is extended beyond the distal end of a needle with a gripper. The needle with the extended filament is inserted into a cannula with snagging points at the distal opening of the cannula in tissue. The snagging points of the cannula hook and retain the distal portion of the filament. During partial withdrawal of the needle, a section of filament is deposited in the lumen of the cannula between the distal ends of the needle and cannula. When the needle is re-advanced, the section of filament is expelled or pushed out of the cannula into tissue. The needle is then rotated; the gripper engages and spirals the expelled filament, burrowing into tissue. The needle can further advanced to push and pack the spiral of filament deep into the tissue. The knot-like filament spiral is individually formed by rotation of the needle and friction between the extended filament and tissue. The process of needle partial withdrawal, re-advancement, rotation and pushing is repeated to pack and fill the tissue with interconnecting spirals of filament to prevent migration from tissue. Spiraling of the filament driven by the rotating needle is space seeking, filling, fitting or conforming to fortify, bulk, fill, cushion or repair the tissue. Bulking with filament spirals can repair degenerated disc, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence or other defective tissue. The filament spirals can also be used as a suture anchor deep within tissue.
US09138248B2
An axial height adjustable, revision cutting in the shape of a final distal femur implant component. The revision guide includes a rod adapted for intimate contact within an intramedullary canal of a femur, and includes a threaded passageway. The revision cutting guide is adapted for removable attachment to a distal portion of the femur. A vernier-bolt is rotatably positioned through the shaped body of the revision cutting guide so as to be adjustably received within the threaded passageway thereby providing for movement of the shaped body of the revision cutting guide relative to the distal portion of the femur.
US09138246B2
Techniques and instrumentation for elbow reconstruction, specifically, for repairs of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The instrumentation provides for precise formation of sockets and tunnels along with easy suture/graft passage while accommodating all forms of elbow UCL reconstruction techniques. A V-drill guide is provided with a handle and two drill sleeves having intersecting trajectories for creating an intersecting V-shaped bone tunnel in the ulna. An adjustable humeral guide has an adjustable arm with an arc shape, and a peg and a block extending from each end of the adjustable arm. The peg is shaped to fit within an already-formed humeral socket. The block allows a drill to pass through and form other tunnels which intersect with the originally-formed tunnel at various positions.
US09138236B2
A tourniquet hazard suppressor suppresses an action initiated by a user of a surgical tourniquet system having a touchscreen user interface if implementation of that action by the system may be hazardous to a surgical patient.
US09138235B2
A disposable tourniquet and its method of use is disclosed. The tourniquet is in the form of a band formed of a thin flexible, non-stretchable material and has releasable securable means, e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive. The tourniquet is arranged to be wrapped around the patient's limb, tightened and locked in place to reduce circulation. The tourniquet has means for controlling the amount of tension applied to the band when it is tightened about the limb of the patient, means for indicating the amount of tension applied. Means for indicating the ambient temperature at the patient's limb on which the tourniquet is used may be included in the tourniquet. The tourniquet may also include means to enable it to be folded into a compact configuration. Plural tourniquets can be provided in the form of a stack.
US09138228B2
The present invention provides a vascular conduit device including a deformable flange and complementary securing ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in a tissue wall. The present invention further provides a system for implanting such a vascular conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, the present invention provides a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue wall (such as a ventricle and/or a blood vessel) and securely implanting a vascular conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the vascular conduit device.
US09138223B2
A method and apparatus for anatomical tissue repair, such as ligament repair and reconstruction with suture and/or graft passage, employing a pin with a suture passing mechanism. The suture passing mechanism may include a loop (for example, a wire loop or suture loop) securely attached to a pin (for example, a drill pin). The loop may be crimped onto the pin, or welded on the end of the drill pin (in place of the eyelet formed within the pin), to alleviate the difficulty in threading the eyelet and to lower the manufacturing cost of the pin. The suture passing mechanism may alternatively include a slotted suture eyelet (i.e., a longitudinal slot) provided at a proximal end of a pin, to allow suture loading from the side of the instrument.
US09138218B2
A handleless surgical stay includes an elastomeric band with a longitudinal body having a first end. The surgical stay further includes a tissue retention member including a tissue engaging portion and an anchor portion. The anchor portion is coupled to the first end of the elastomeric band such that the tissue engaging portion extends outwardly relative to the first end. Substantially all of the elastomeric band can be configured for engagement with a surgical retractor frame such that the stay does not include a handle.
US09138216B2
In various embodiments of the invention, an electro-vacuum pump can be used either as a stand alone unit to create, monitor and control a vacuum or to maintain, assist or as a back up for a hand operated pump in a variety of surgical procedures. The vacuum pump is controlled by a processor and is automatically activated when the vacuum is below a pre-selected parameter or a parameter selected on the fly by the surgeon. Visual or audio feedback is used to allow the surgeon increased control of the vacuum device while carrying out the surgical procedure.
US09138202B2
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transmission/reception unit which generates echo signals associated with scan planes by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from an object via the ultrasonic probe, an image data generating unit which generate tomogram data respectively corresponding to the scan planes based on the echo signals, a contour line extraction processing unit which extracts contour lines of a specific region from the plurality of tomograms, a contour line processing unit which generates curves respectively corresponding to the extracted contour lines, and a surface image generating unit which generates one-dimensional brightness trains on the curves from the tomograms and generates a surface image expressing the surface unevenness of the specific region with brightness changes by arraying the brightness trains in accordance with the positions of the corresponding scan planes.
US09138192B2
A variable indication estimator which determines an output value representative of a set of input data. For example, the estimator can reduce input data to estimates of a desired signal, select a time, and determine an output value from the estimates and the time. In one embodiment, the time is selected using one or more adjustable signal confidence parameters determine where along the estimates the output value will be computed. By varying the parameters, the characteristics of the output value are variable. For example, when input signal confidence is low, the parameters are adjusted so that the output value is a smoothed representation of the input signal. When input signal confidence is high, the parameters are adjusted so that the output value has a faster and more accurate response to the input signal.
US09138161B2
The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatus and sensor for measurement of cardiovascular quantities. In particular, a method for determining one or more cardiovascular quantities is disclosed, the method comprising determining the distension of a vessel enclosed by tissue having a skin surface, wherein determining the distension is based on a first sensor signal indicating capacitance variations between a first electrode and a second electrode; determining the vascular stiffness of the vessel; and determining the blood pressure based on the distension and the vascular stiffness of the vessel.
US09138158B2
A biological information detecting apparatus has an apparatus main body, a pair of biological signal detecting parts provided on the apparatus main body, a fixing part attached to the apparatus main body, holders provided to be slidable along a longitudinal direction of the fixing part, and joining parts configured to releasably join the pair of biological signal detecting parts to the respective holders. Each of the biological signal detecting parts has an electrode adapted to be in contact with a biological surface of a user's body. The fixing part is configured to fix the apparatus main body and the pair of biological signal detecting parts to the user's body.
US09138153B2
A sphygmograph includes: a first signal processing unit and a second signal processing unit that process pulse waves obtained from a pulse sensor unit; a signal processing selection unit that determines whether or not to cause the second signal processing unit to also operate at the same time as the first signal processing unit; and a save data generation unit that saves, of the signal processing results from the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit, the signal processing result selected by the signal processing selection unit.
US09138138B2
An ophthalmic apparatus includes: an input unit configured to obtain corneal incision information that is information on a corneal incision to be formed on a cornea of an examinee's eye; an imaging device configured to image an examinee's eye image; and a controller. The controller is configured to calculate first wavefront aberration distribution that is wavefront aberration distribution of the cornea before incision on the examinee's eye based on the examinee's eye image, obtain incision aberration information corresponding to the corneal incision information; calculate second wavefront aberration distribution that is wavefront aberration distribution after formation of the incision based on the first wavefront aberration distribution and the incision aberration information, and output guide information that guides an intraocular lens surgery based on the second wavefront aberration distribution.
US09138132B2
A steerable endoscope has an elongated body with a selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled proximal portion. The endoscope body is inserted into a patient and the selectively steerable distal portion is used to select a desired path within the patient's body. When the endoscope body is advanced, an electronic motion controller operates the automatically controlled proximal portion to assume the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. Another desired path is selected with the selectively steerable distal portion and the endoscope body is advanced again. As the endoscope body is further advanced, the selected curves propagate proximally along the endoscope body, and when the endoscope body is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves propagate distally along the endoscope body. This creates a serpentine motion in the endoscope body that allows it to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through, around, and between organs within the body.
US09138120B2
An automatic floor cleaner includes a cover, a base plate, a motive assembly, a driving wheel assembly, and a flat bottom plate. In use, the flat bottom plate can be attached with a dust removal sheet to mop a floor surface. When the floor cleaner hits an object, the driving wheel assembly can rotate about a vertical output axle of the motive assembly to cause the moving direction of the floor cleaner to be changed to a randomly new direction, so that the floor cleaner can escape the object to continue advancing and cleaning the floor surface. Furthermore, the floor cleaner can be mounted with a vacuum cleaning unit, so that the cleaning effect can be improved.
US09138113B2
A hand held blower/vacuum device includes an impeller mounted in a scroll housing and a handle by which the device may be suspended and which is rotatably mounted to turn between vacuum and blower positions. In both of the blower and vacuum positions a longitudinal axis of the grip generally lies in an upright plane that passes through a center of gravity of the device, and the grip is disposed above the center of gravity, such that the device hangs below the grip in different balanced orientations in the blower and vacuum positions.
US09138109B1
A universal automated hands-free liquid dispensing system is provided that includes an expandable tube to fit different liquid containers, a pump to draw liquid out of the container and through the tube, and a sensor for detecting the presence of a user so that the user can receive liquid from the container without the need to touch the dispensing system. In some embodiments, a universal dispenser cap is also provided to fit over dispensers of varied neck and spout configurations and dimensions.
US09138103B1
A stirring apparatus for agitating fluids in a container utilizing a powered rotor held in a housing. The rotor includes an elongated aperture that loosely engages a stirring elements that is permitted to swing outwardly upon rotation and to drop downwardly to the base of the container.
US09138102B2
The present invention relates to release system for a kitchen utensil (1) comprising a coupling system (2) for connecting an accessory (3) to a power unit (4) of the kitchen utensil (1). A release mechanism on the coupling system (2) for connecting the accessory (3) comprise one or more locking member(s) (6) and one or more release lever(s). These parts (6) are adapted to move between a locked position and a release position where they slidably connect(s) with one another. Hereby the accessory (3) can be separated from the power unit (4) by only pushing a single release button (5) on the kitchen utensils' (1) power unit (4).
US09138098B1
A removable flame heat regulating apparatus for a cooktop of a gas stove including an inner hollow shell and outer wall which are both placed onto the cooktop to surround an upper section of a gas burner wherein the outer wall surrounds the inner hollow shell. The inner hollow shell is circularly arcuate in shape, and has a smaller bottom opening with a smaller bottom edge and a larger top opening with a larger top edge. A plurality of air passages of openings penetrate through lower and upper parts of the inner hollow shell, wherein the air passages are more densely located in the lower part as compared with the air passages which are less densely located in the upper part. The outer wall has a plurality of air passages of openings which are evenly penetrate therethrough. In addition, a plurality of extensions projecting upwardly are spaced apart onto a top edge of the outer wall to support a cookware. The apparatus improves the heating efficiency of a flame of the gas burner and prevents undesirable heating of a handle of the cookware in cooking.
US09138096B2
A method for preventing shortage at a customer location (5,5′) of consumable ingredient capsules for use in a machine (10,10′) for preparing a beverage by receiving a capsule in a capsule extraction unit, circulating a carrier liquid, such as water in particular heated water, through said capsule in the extraction unit and by dispensing a resulting beverage, the beverage preparation machine at the customer location being distant from a capsule supplier (40) and in data-exchange connection (20) with a server (50) of the capsule supplier to form a network (1), such method comprising: —supplying from the capsule supplier a stock of consumable ingredient capsules to the customer location; —automatically monitoring via the network consumption of the consumable ingredient capsules in the beverage preparation machine; and —whenever the automatic monitoring detects a reaching of a shortage of consumable ingredient capsules at the customer location, generating automatically by the supplier server an instruction: a) to invite the customer to make an order for a shipment of a new stock of capsules, or b) to prepare a shipment of a new stock of capsules for supply to said customer.
US09138095B2
A beverage preparation machine (1) has: a housing (5); a duct (10) with an outlet (15); a conduit (20) upstream the duct and connected thereto; and a waste liquid collector (30) arranged to collect waste liquid from the outlet. The duct has: an operative position for circulating beverage through the conduit and dispensing said beverage from the outlet outside the housing above a user-receptacle filling area (35); and a cleaning position for circulating cleaning fluid through the conduit and evacuating said cleaning fluid from the outlet inside the housing to the waste liquid collector. The duct is pivotally assembled about a pivoting axis (11) to the conduit for pivoting the outlet between the operative position and the cleaning position.
US09138088B2
A leak resistant drinking cup has a container for holding liquid and a lid assembly selectively attachable to the container. A diaphragm of the cup includes a liquid discharge member and a sealing member adapted for movement between a sealed position in which the sealing member blocks the flow of liquid from the container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member. The liquid discharge member and sealing member are formed as one-piece.
US09138086B1
An assembly is configured to include a pillow portion and an elongate eye covering portion. The pillow portion includes an enclosure which can contain a pillow therein. The elongate eye covering portion is preferably configured as a sleeve divided into multiple adjacent cells filled with beads or other media. The cells on the sleeve are spaced apart by a distance similar to a spacing between eyes of an adult. Adjacent cells can thus cover eyes and optionally also ears of the user. Seams divide the cells from each other and define a contour of the cells. This contour preferably includes notches between adjacent cells to provide relief for a nose of the user between adjacent cells.
US09138084B1
The present invention relates to a dual purpose CPAP memory foam pillow that is configured to contain at least three layers of memory foam, at least one of which layer is removable for providing variation in height. The memory foam pillow is comprised of an herbal extract to invoke a soothing ambiance for a peaceful sleep. Furthermore, the memory foam pillow is infused with a cooling gel to absorb aerial moisture.
US09138082B2
A system for hanging a framed object using a pin hanger including a neck section having a top surface and two outer lateral edges. An intermediate shoulder section having two outer lateral edges extends outward beyond that of the outer lateral edges of the neck section forming substantially planar ledges. An inward tapered section starts from the outer lateral edges of the intermediate shoulder section and terminates in a substantially planar bottom surface that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the neck section. A pin projects from the top surface of the neck section at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the top surface of the neck section. The pin hanger is releasably secured at any desired location within the track frame section via a set screw received within a hole.
US09138081B1
Some embodiments disclose a corral configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements. The corral can include: (a) an enclosure having an opening configured to receive the one or more shopping carts, the enclosure having a first side; and (b) at least one first panel located at the first side and configured to display at least a first advertisement of the one or more advertisements. The advertising panels can be configured to be coupled adjacent the opening of the corral to facilitate better visibility.
US09138074B2
In one implementation, a jewelry product display system includes jewelry display cases having translucent panels and product displayed on top of, rather than inside, the display cases. In certain embodiments the display cases may be laid out so that customer can approach both sides of the display case. In some implementations the display cases are arranged to form, when viewed from above, two L-shaped counters that face one another with a low central island positioned between the L-shaped jewelry display counters. In various embodiments this arrangement may increase the sales rate by making product more readily accessible to customers while at the same time keeping theft rates low by mimicking a traditional jewelry environment, which customers may associate with intensified security monitoring, and by creating a shopping environment which is relatively tightly contained, which may tend to deter shoplifting.
US09138073B2
A removable seat restraint apparatus intended to restrain a child on a variety of seats is provided. The apparatus may include an adjustable waist strap that fits snugly around the waist of the child and at least two connecting straps that are transversely attached at opposing end of the waist strap. The connecting straps may connect on the periphery of the seat to a support strap assembly which may be attached to one or more support structures such as a chair leg or pedestal. The length of the support straps may be adjustable to keep the waist centered on the seat when secured around the waist of the child.
US09138069B2
A continuously height adjustable mattress support and apparatus therefor is disclosed. The mattress support is vertically displaceable by means of at least one drive unit for applying a vertical force to a corresponding solely vertically displaceable driven component and is stabilized during vertical displacement by at least one stabilizing means connected thereto. The driven component is connected to, or is in supporting relation with, the mattress support, so that a height of the mattress support above a floor surface is settable and continuously adjustable by means of at least one actuator associated with the at least one drive unit. In one embodiment, a locking device for preventing displacement of the mattress support following inadvertent actuation of the at least one drive unit is employed.
US09138059B2
The present invention provides a foldable chair includes a main body including a backrest, a seat, and legs; the backrest and the legs are connected to the seat; the seat includes a seating pad ring and a seating pad; the seating pad is placed on the seating pad ring; two folding parts extending upwards are formed on two sides of the seating pad ring; the folding part is provided with a receiving groove; two supports of the backrest are fixed to the folding parts; one end of the support is inserted into the receiving groove and detaches from the receiving groove when the support is moved; the folding part is provided with an opening, where the opening supports the support when the backrest is folded onto the seating pad. The foldable chair requires no bolt for use and packing, and does not occupy large storage.
US09138045B2
An internally fed applicator for applying a fluid is provided having a closure piece for a preferable locking fixing of the applicator of a dispensing apparatus and having an internally hollow lip section connected to the closure piece in a fluid conducting manner, which lip section has, at least one of its borders which bound its free outlet, a bristle stock made of bristles injection molded at the lip section each having a diameter of ≦0.8 mm to which bristle stock the supplied fluid is delivered via the lip section.
US09138041B2
A cosmetic or dermatological system includes a packaging and dispensing device including one or more compositions on the basis of which a product is delivered, an adjustment system coupled or able to be coupled to the packaging and dispensing device, making it possible to modify the amount dispensed and/or at least one property of the product dispensed by the packaging and dispensing device, an electronic means for executing a program and acting automatically on the adjustment system, or for indicating to the user an action to be exerted on the adjustment system, to make the adjustment evolve in the course of the use of the device, the program determining the evolution of the adjustment as a function at least of a quantity representative of the number of uses of said device or of the amount of said product or of at least one of said compositions and already dispensed.
US09138036B2
A modular bag system has components for constructing a carrying bag of a variable, customized shape. The bag includes a main body and side gusset panels. The main body has edges provided with zippers. Two lateral edges are approximated to form a tube; at least part of the outer edge of each side gusset panel has a zipper for joining to the ends of the tube. The bag may also include a handle piece provided with a zipper for joining to the main body. The side gusset panels each have a round shape, a substantially square shape, an oblong shape, or a trapezoidal shape, for forming a duffel/gym bag, an overnight/weekender bag, a briefcase/portfolio, or a tote bag, respectively.
US09138035B2
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible canopy. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a central shaft, a sliding collar, a plurality of supports, a plurality of tensioners, a tensioner connection hub, and a membrane. The sliding collar is slidably connected to and surrounds the central shaft. A first end of each of the supports is connected to the sliding collar, and a second end of each of the supports is connected to the membrane near the edge of the membrane. Each of the tensioners is connected at one end to a different one of the supports and at the other end to the tensioner connection hub. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a handle connected to a first, lower end of the central shaft. In other embodiments, the first, lower end of the central shaft includes or is insertable into a base.
US09138031B2
A method of making a mechanical fastening strip and a reticulated mechanical fastening strip are disclosed. The method includes providing a backing having upstanding posts; providing interrupted slits through the backing, the interrupted slits being interrupted by at least one intact bridging region; spreading the slit backing to provide multiple strands separated from each other between at least some of the bridging regions to provide at least one opening; and fixing the multiple strands of the backing in a spread configuration. The reticulated mechanical fastening strip includes multiple strands of a backing attached to each other at bridging regions in the backing and separated from each other between the bridging regions to provide openings. Upstanding posts on each of the multiple strands have bases attached to the backing, and each of the multiple strands has a width that is greater than that of the bases of its attached upstanding posts.
US09138023B2
A headband assembly includes a lower band element and an upper band element. The lower band element has upstanding flanges that define a cavity to provide for storage of personal items such as eyeglasses, lipstick, lip balm, etc., and the flanges include a plurality of reliefs or notches therein for making the lower band flexible. The upper band element pivots with respect to the lower element and includes a lock mechanism. The lower band element also includes a plurality of coupling members in the form of rows of rod-shaped bar members for receiving and coupling with a clip. The clip member may be coupled to a hair accessory which may include any known or appropriate accessory. The coupling members are integrated in the lower band on the front and back sides of the upstanding flanges as well as on the bottom surface of the lower band to provide greater flexibility and accessorizing options. The ornamental designs of the headband, eyeglass frame, and clips are also disclosed.
US09138019B2
A protective garment including an outer shell and a thermal barrier positioned inside the outer shell such that the thermal barrier is configured to be positioned between the outer shell and a wearer when the garment is worn. The thermal barrier includes at least two areas of elastic material, each elastic area having directional stretch qualities such that each elastic area has greater elasticity in an associated particular direction than in other directions, and wherein said particular directions for said at least two elastic areas are not parallel.
US09138017B2
A system for producing porous masses may include a mold cavity disposed along the material path, at least one hopper before at least a portion of the mold cavity for feeding a matrix material to the material path, a heat source in thermal communication with at least a first portion of the material path, and a cutter disposed along the material path after the first portion of the material path.
US09138016B2
A smoking article having a tobacco rod, which is adapted to produce mainstream smoke, and a filter attached to said tobacco rod. A permeable wrapping paper circumscribes the tobacco rod and the filter. The filter has an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, and includes a flow restricting segment of smoke impermeable material, which includes at least one open flow passage therethrough to deliver mainstream smoke, and a cavity downstream of the flow restricting segment. The smoking article also includes at least one ventilation zone upstream of the flow restricting segment.
US09138015B2
A device and method for shelling nuts. The device may be attached to a belt sander. The device includes a hopper into which the nuts are initially placed. Two large threaded fasteners on the central portion are used to adjust the system for the size of nut being shelled. A bracket placed behind the central portion attaches the device to the sander. The rotating belt brings the nut down to a lower opening formed to be just smaller than the shell of the nut being shelled. As the shell of the nut is caused to pass through this opening, the shell cracks. The nut with the cracked shell now impacts on one or more strike plates. These impacts further propagate the cracks formed in the shell so that the fragmented shells fall away from the nut. The nut and the cracked shells fall into the collection bag.
US09138014B2
An apparatus for and method of using the apparatus to crack hard shelled nuts. A pair of hollow cylindrical tubes, each having both a proximal and a distal end with a chamfer at the respective proximal ends may be axially aligned with one another with their proximal ends facing one another. A nut to be cracked may be placed between the proximal ends of the spaced apart hollow cylindrical tubes. A linear compressive force may be applied to the distal ends of the two hollow cylindrical tubes the shell of the nut cracks) i.e., separates the hard shelled nut exterior shell casing from interior nutmeat). The apparatus allows hard shelled nuts like black walnuts, to be cracked with minimal damage, such as fragmentation, of the nutmeat.
US09138006B2
The present invention relates to Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains suitable for the production of baker's yeasts which are osmotolerant and which exhibit intrinsic resistance to weak organic acids.The strains of the present invention are obtained by means of a process of hybridization or of mutation of the industrial S. cerevisiae strain deposited on Jul. 8, 2010 with the CNCM [French National Collection of Microorganism Cultures] under number I-4341, or from an industrial strain related thereto via the Ty profile thereof and/or via quantitative trait locus mapping (QTL mapping).
US09138004B2
Dairy animals have been milked since prehistory. Because these dairy animals are often kept in confined areas the teat areas of these animals are often contaminated with bacteria. This invention is concerned with a process for sanitizing these contaminated teat areas by treating these areas with a solution of Chloramine T. The preferred solutions for sanitizing the teat areas have concentrations of from about 0.005 to about 1 weight percent. Treating solutions for use in this invention may further incorporate a coloring agents, wetting agent, surfactants, healing agents, dyes, thickening agents, skin conditioning agents, softeners etc. The process of this invention is fast acting and is effective against a wide spectrum of bacteria. After treatment the teat area of the dairy animal being milked is bacteria free and hence bacterial contamination of the milk, and Mastitis infections are eliminated.
US09138001B2
This invention is related to use of a volatile antimicrobial compound against pathogens affecting meats, plants, or plant parts. The volatile antimicrobial compounds provided include certain oxaborole compounds, for example benzoxaboroles. Delivery systems are provided to take advantage of the volatile nature of these antimicrobial compounds. Also combinations with a volatile plant growth regulator, for example 1-methylcyclopropene, are disclosed.
US09137993B2
A herbicidal concentrate composition comprising a mixture of the monomethylamine and dimethylamine salts of at least one picolinic acid herbicide of formula (Ia): wherein X2 is selected from hydrogen and amino.
US09137992B2
The invention provides, biologically active spinosyns, hybrid spinosyn polyketide synthases capable of functioning in Saccharopolyspora spinosa to produce the spinosyns, and methods of controlling insects using the spinosyns.
US09137991B1
This invention pertains to a choline containing composition, delivered through a delivery system, to reverse the negative effects of urine on plants, containing turf grass, ornamental flowers, shrubs and bushes. The invention also provides method to deliver choline containing products to the foliar portion of plants.
US09137989B2
The present invention relates to a pesticidal control device that includes at least one pesticidal active ingredient, cellulose fibers, and a polymer or polymer matrix. The combination of the cellulose fibers with the polymer allows for a higher loading of liquid pesticidal active ingredients within the pesticidal control device, maintains the active ingredient within the control device during transportation, storage and handling, and provides higher efficacy or control of pests during treatment. The pesticidal control device may be an ear tag, collar, or bee strip.
US09137986B2
The present invention relates to a mixed agrochemical emulsion composition comprising: an organic phosphorous pesticide represented by formula (I) (wherein, R1 represents a C1-4 linear or branched alkyl group; R2 represents a C1-4 linear or branched alkyl group; R3 represents a nitrogenated heterocyclic group which may have a substituent or a group —OR4 (wherein R4 represents a nitrogenated heterocyclic group which may have a substituent; and X and Y each independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, wherein Y is a sulfur atom when X is an oxygen atom, and Y is an oxygen atom when X is a sulfur atom); chloropicrin; and a nonionic surfactant. The composition has excellent storage stability and excellent emulsifying properties in water and can be sprayed and applied conveniently by diluting the composition with water, in spite of a fact that both chloropicrin and the organic phosphorous pesticide, which are effective for the control of pests, are contained.
US09137984B2
The invention relates to seed treatment compositions comprising active ingredient, polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulphate, and copolymer having polyalkoxy ether side chains.The polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or the polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulphate in combination with the copolymer having polyalkoxy ether side chains are used as dispersant, especially to provide a dispersion of suspended active ingredient.The present invention also relates to methods of treating seed with such a composition.
US09137983B2
The invention relates to a dispensing unit for dispensing fluid into an external container. The dispensing unit comprises: a connector, a reagent cylinder for storing the fluid, and a locking ring. The connector comprises an upper fastener, and a bottom wall with at least one passage therethrough. The reagent cylinder comprises at least one compartment for storing the fluid, which compartment comprises at least one opening through a cylinder bottom. The at least one opening is located so that for at least one mutual orientation of the reagent cylinder and the connector, fluid can flow from the compartment to the external container via the at least one opening and the at least one passage. The locking ring comprises a second fastener which fastens to the upper fastener of the connector, so that when the locking ring is tightened, the reagent cylinder is pressed towards the interior bottom of the connector.
US09137982B2
A convertible treestand has been disclosed. The convertible treestand includes a lower standing platform adapted to be secured to a tree and an upper seating platform adapted to be secured to the tree at a position above the lower standing platform and to provide a user with a seat. The lower standing platform includes an outer frame having a front end and first and second spaced-apart sides and a support platform secured between the first and second sides to provide a user with a platform to stand on. The convertible treestand further includes a wheel assembly secured to the lower standing platform in a storage position such that the wheel assembly lies between the first and second sides and in the same plane as the support platform.
US09137972B2
A novel pet care device for walking a dog is provided. The device integrates many pet care items that are necessary while walking a dog into a unitary device that is simple to operate and provides a new convenience to the dog owner. In certain embodiments, the device includes an integrated retractable leash, a flashlight, fluid spraying to dispose of pet waste, a source of fresh drinking water, and a water bowl from which a dog may drink the water.
US09137947B2
The invention relates to a self-propelled outdoor power equipment unit, an attachment for use with such a unit and associated methods. The unit may be in the form of a mower having a mower deck. The attachment includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper. The conveyor assembly has operational and stored positions, the latter of which provides a narrower profile of the attachment and unit. The attachment and mower deck may be mounted on the frame of the unit together or separately. The attachment is configured for rapid mounting and dismounting on the frame of the unit, and provides additional functionality to a mower or other unit on which the attachment is mounted.
US09137945B2
A method of controlling a conveyance rate of grain of an unloader system, including providing a grain holding device and an unloader in communication with the grain holding device, the unloader having an inlet for receiving grain from the grain holding device and an outlet for discharging grain. An apparatus within the grain holding device is operable for controllably feeding grain within the grain holding device to the unloader. The method includes monitoring a parameter associated with a power source of the apparatus, and comparing the parameter of the power source to a maximum predetermined threshold value. The method includes automatically controlling the conveyance rate of grain of the apparatus to the unloader.
US09137942B2
A seed meter is provided for use with a row crop planter or seed planter that includes a seed disk assembly that rotates within a meter housing cavity and that has a seed disk assembly cavity in which a vacuum pressure is applied for pulling seeds into seed pockets of a seed disk of the seed disc assembly. The vacuum pressure is applied to the seed disk assembly by pulling a vacuum airflow through a spindle that supports the seed disk assembly. A wiper basket is arranged in a fixed position within the seed disk assembly cavity and seals against the seed disk assembly as a support plate and seed disk of the seed disk assembly rotate over the wiper basket, so that side walls of the wiper basket create a boundary between a vacuum zone and a non-vacuum zone inside of the seed disc assembly cavity.
US09137940B2
One row unit for an agricultural implement includes a ground engaging tool configured to penetrate soil and to form a furrow in the soil. The row unit also includes gauge wheels disposed adjacent to the ground engaging tool and configured to enable the ground engaging tool to penetrate the soil at a selectable penetration depth. Each of the gauge wheels extends substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the row unit.
US09137938B2
A self-centering pivot assembly for an agricultural implement having a tool bar is provided. The self-centering pivot assembly includes at least one spring, a bar segment operatively connected to one or more working tools of the agricultural implement, and a mounting assembly operatively connected between the tool bar and the bar segment. The self-centering pivot assembly further includes a pivot operatively connected to the bar segment and the at least one spring such that as the agricultural implements travels over the ground and the bar segment deviates laterally from a neutral position, the at least one spring temporarily compresses and urges the bar segment back towards the neutral position.
US09137937B2
A modified surface topography for agricultural tools includes dimples are arranged in a parallelogram (hexagonal) pattern, the morphological unit of which is an equilateral triangle. This surface pattern can be applied to various tools which are impeded by the traction of the soil.
US09144183B2
A package-integrated EMI compartment shielding structure includes an encapsulating member disposed on a mounting surface of a substrate. The substrate has a ground pad exposedly arranged thereon. The encapsulating member, who defines a peripheral surface, covers the ground pad and encapsulates at least one electronic element. A compartment structure is disposed in the encapsulating member, electrically connecting the ground pad and substantially dividing the encapsulating member into at least two package compartments. The terminal portions of the compartment structure are arranged within the encapsulating member proximal to yet without compromising the peripheral surface. A notch is disposed into the encapsulating member from the peripheral surface corresponding to the location of the terminal portions of the compartment structure to expose the lateral surface thereof across the thickness of the encapsulating member. A conformal shield is disposed on the encapsulating member, electrically connecting the compartment structure through the notch.
