US09169817B2
A method for operating a fuel pump is provided. The method may include decreasing a pump chamber pressure, passively opening a metering valve coupled to a pump chamber in response to the decreasing, and while the metering valve is open, generating a rotational output via a motor, transferring the rotational output into an actuation force applied to the metering valve via a metering valve actuation device, and inhibiting the metering valve from closing via sustaining application of the actuation force.
US09169799B2
A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine is provided which include a valve spring boss having a central opening for accommodating a valve and having a contact area for retaining said valve. The contact area has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion being ring-shaped and delimited by the opening, and the second portion being radially protruding from the first portion.
US09169789B2
A control system for an engine includes a fuel mass determination module, a mass fraction determination module, and a fuel injector control module. The fuel mass determination module determines a first minimum fuel mass corresponding to a first fuel system of the engine. The mass fraction determination module determines first minimum and maximum mass fractions based on the first minimum fuel mass and a total fuel mass. The fuel injector control module limits a first desired mass fraction based on the first minimum and maximum mass fractions, and controls a first fuel injector of the engine based on the limited first desired mass fraction.
US09169782B2
A turbine includes a compressor to intake a fluid and to compress the fluid, a combustion chamber to heat the fluid from the compressor, a turbine section to rotate a shaft with the heated fluid from the combustion chamber, and a bypass circuit to generate a bypass flow by removing a portion of the fluid from the compressor, to heat the bypass flow, and to insert the bypass flow to the turbine section.
US09169781B2
A gas turbine engine comprises a fan, and a fan drive turbine rotor. The fan drive turbine drives the fan through a gear reduction. The gear reduction includes at least two double helical gears in meshed engagement. Each of the at least two double helical gears are disposed to rotate about respective axes, and each have a first plurality of gear teeth axially spaced from a second plurality of gear teeth by a spacer. Each of the first plurality of gear teeth has a first end facing the spacer and each of the second plurality of gear teeth has a first end facing the spacer. Each first end of the first plurality of gear teeth is circumferentially offset from each first end of the second plurality of gear teeth.
US09169772B2
One-stroke internal combustion engines may comprise reciprocating pistons which are either straight or rotary. Three principles are required to make one-stroke engines work: create four dedicated chambers, assign the chambers with coordinated functions, and make pistons move in unison. The functions will be assigned only to a single stroke but an Otto cycle produces a repeating four stroke cycle. Since four functions are performed simultaneously during one stroke, every stroke becomes a power stroke. In reality, 1-stroke engines are physically rearranged 4-stroke engines. Both straight and rotary 1-stroke engines can be modified to comprise opposed piston opposed cylinder (OPOC) engines. The reciprocating piston output of 1-stroke pistons may be converted to continuously rotating output by using crankshafts with split bushings or newly developed Crankgears with conventional bearings. A 1-stroke engine may require only one crankshaft and thus may reduce the number of parts and increase the specific power ratio.
US09169765B2
A method of regenerating a diesel particulate filter involves directing an exhaust stream from a combustion engine through the diesel particulate filter and selectively introducing a syngas stream at least periodically into the diesel particulate filter to regenerate it. The syngas stream is introduced at a first average flow rate during an initial regeneration stage and at a second average flow rate during a subsequent regeneration stage. In preferred embodiments the flow rate is varied in order to reduce temperature spikes and/or the rate at which CO slips through the filter during regeneration. In certain embodiments the first average flow rate is lower than the second average flow rate.
US09169763B2
A system and method for providing energy to auto systems such as systems after-treating exhaust. Energy may be received from a solar energy source electrically connected to an after-treatment system. At least some of the energy from the solar energy source may be provided to the after-treatment system to purify exhaust from an engine. A control module may provide at least some of the energy from the solar energy source to a heater, for example, to initiate heating the after-treatment system prior to starting the engine. The heater may heat the after-treatment to temperatures within a predetermined temperature range associated with optimal efficiency for the after-treatment system.
US09169762B2
A hydro-carbon injection supply unit includes a fuel filter including a damping head which reduces a high fuel pulsation pressure generated in a cylinder head through an inner circulation path along of the fuel, and an HCI part for receiving the fuel discharged from the fuel filter whose pulsation pressure has been reduced and injecting the fuel to an exhaust manifold at a front end of a catalyst. Accordingly, even if a fuel pulsation pressure exceeding a design value is generated in the cylinder head, the HCI part is not influenced at all.
US09169759B2
A fuel reservoir with a diesel tank for receiving diesel fuel and a reduction agent tank for receiving urea. A partition wall is provided between the diesel tank and the reduction agent tank, and a diesel return line extends into the diesel tank. The diesel tank is fitted with a wash plate which has at least one passage opening and lies opposite the partition wall forming a diesel preheating chamber. The at least one passage opening is arranged in the wash plate such that diesel from the diesel return line is captured and held in the diesel preheating chamber.
US09169756B2
An exhaust gas cooler for cooling combustion exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine having a cooling medium, wherein the exhaust gas cooler has an exhaust gas inlet for introducing hot combustion exhaust gas into the exhaust gas cooler. Furthermore, the exhaust gas cooler has an exhaust gas outlet for directing cooled combustion exhaust gas out of the exhaust gas cooler, wherein the exhaust gas outlet is fluidically connected to the exhaust gas inlet. Furthermore, the exhaust gas cooler has at least one coolant inlet for fluidically connecting the exhaust gas cooler to at least one coolant outlet of the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the exhaust gas cooler has an interface for fluidically connecting a water collecting adapter, wherein the interface is designed to carry the coolant out of the exhaust gas cooler.
US09169754B2
A method for enriching the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine with a reducing agent is provided, the internal combustion engine including at least one cylinder and having an intake system for admission of charge air, an exhaust gas discharge system for discharging exhaust gases, and at least one exhaust gas aftertreatment system for reducing nitrogen oxides arranged in the exhaust gas discharge system and which is periodically provided with a supply of reducing agent. The method comprises enriching the exhaust gas with the reducing agent in the exhaust gas discharge system upstream of at least the one exhaust gas aftertreatment system when a fuel supply of the at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine is deactivated due to an absence of load demand.
US09169752B2
A device for decreasing soot particles in exhaust gas, especially from an internal combustion engine, includes concentric outer and inner tubes forming an intermediate space through which the exhaust gas can flow. At least one annular electrode with a multiplicity of electrode tips protruding radially into the intermediate space is disposed on the inside of the outer tube. Terminals can connect the annular electrode and inner tube to a high voltage source forming an electric field in the intermediate space. At least two electrodes are preferably disposed axially at an electrode spacing of preferably 10 to 30 mm. The electrode tips can be approximately conical or pin-shaped with a radial length of 3 to 10 mm. The electrode tips of each electrode have a tip spacing in circumferential direction of 3 to 20 mm or 5 to 10 mm creating a very effective and uniform radial electric field for ionization.
US09169739B2
A Blade Outer Air Seal (BOAS) includes a body manufactured of a metal alloy, the body includes a face opposite a forward interface and an aft interface, the face includes a cavity. A non-metallic insert within the cavity such that the insert is flush with the face.
US09169723B2
An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular having an opening and a formation includes a particulate control device and a flow control device positioned adjacent to the particulate control device. A flow path is formed between the opening of the wellbore tubular and the formation and that is internal to the particulate control device and the flow control device. The apparatus may include an additive supply line having an outlet positioned to dispense at least one additive into the flow path. A related method for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular having an opening and a formation may include positioning a flow control device adjacent to a particulate control device in the wellbore and dispensing at least one additive into a flow path internal to the particulate control device and the flow control device.
US09169722B2
An expansion tool for use in a wellbore includes an expansion surface made up of a concave portion, a convex portion and a straight section therebetween. The straight section is formed according to a formula Y=(1.26)(X)−0.13, where X is the wall thickness of a tubular and Y is the length of the straight section. The concave portion and the convex portion have an arc length extending the concave portion to a trailing edge of the tool. The concave and convex portions are radius-shaped. The arrangement of the shapes and their relation to each other reduces relatively high and low contact pressures and lessens the effects of axial bending in a tubular or a connection.
US09169721B2
Expansion tools used to centralize a casing-casing annulus in a wellbore. Providing an elongate body having a first force multiplier case coupled to an expansion tool case. A piston may be arranged within the first force multiplier case and configured to translate axially therein. A ram may be arranged within the expansion tool case, the ram being coupled to the piston and configured to translate axially within the expansion tool case in response to a force applied by the piston. One or more lug assemblies are arranged within the expansion tool case and configured to radially expand once engaged by the ram as the ram translates axially.
US09169718B2
A nozzle assembly including a nozzle. The nozzle has an elongated body. The elongated body has a nozzle end at one end and a connection portion at another end. A joint section is connected with the connection portion. The joint section allows the nozzle to move axially and radially when an axial force is applied to the nozzle end.
US09169716B2
Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to a liquid valve assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The liquid valve assembly can include a housing and a liquid valve. The housing can define an inner chamber and an opening adapted to allow fluid to flow between the inner chamber and a passageway. The liquid valve can be disposed in the inner chamber. The liquid valve can include a yield stress fluid. The yield stress fluid can prevent fluid from flowing between the inner chamber and the passageway.
US09169707B1
Tunable down-hole stimulation arrays feature closed-loop control of spatial arrays comprising several connected stimulators. Each stimulator is responsive to a timed activation signal. Stimulators periodically transmit bursts comprising a plurality of vibration frequencies, each burst having an adjustable power spectral density (PSD) that is tunable via an adjustable rebound cycle time. Rebound cycle times also affect vibration interference among array stimulators, while simultaneous or sequential timed activation signals from a programmable controller affect directional propagation of combined vibration wave fronts from an array. Stimulator PSD's are adjusted for resonance excitation and fracturing of adjacent geologic materials. Closed-loop feedback control incorporates backscatter vibration from stimulated geologic material. As fracturing proceeds to smaller (proppant-sized) fragments having higher resonant frequencies, PSD's are up-shifted, increasing relative power in higher vibration frequencies. Progressive geologic stimulation is optimized, with inherent potential for plain-water fracs completed with self-generated proppant.
US09169701B2
An apparatus for restraining an assembly suspended by a structure on an offshore platform or vessel, includes a movable carrier configured for controllable movement on a structure of the platform or vessel. A restraining member is movably connected to the carrier via a joint and the restraining member includes an abutment region for abutment with at least one element of the assembly. An assembly-locking device is provided for selectively and releasably locking at least one element of the assembly to the restraining member. A restraining device for a tensioner assembly which is suspended by a structure on an offshore platform or vessel and extending into a moonpool, includes a pair of restraining apparatuses, arranged on opposite sides of the moonpool and individually movable on respective rails by a traction device in interaction with respective racks.
US09169700B2
A method of maintaining a substantially fixed orientation of a pressure control device relative to a movable rig can include rotating a body of the pressure control device while the rig rotates. A method of remotely controlling an orientation of a pressure control device relative to a movable rig can include rotating a body of the pressure control device, and controlling the rotation of the body from a location on the rig remote from the body. A pressure control device for use in conjunction with a rig can include a body, a flange, an orientation device which changes a rotational orientation of the body relative to the flange, and an orientation control system which remotely controls the orientation device.
US09169688B2
A sealing strip for a motor vehicle is provided. The sealing strip includes a sealing structure able to be brought into operative position against a window pane of the motor vehicle and a fastening structure for fastening the sealing strip on a body part of the motor vehicle. The fastening structure has a mount able to be fitted onto an end of the body part and has at least one connecting section. The connecting section is able to be brought into operative position against an abutment of the body part to form, with the sealing strip fitted on, a form-fitting locking of the sealing strip and the body part against one another.
US09169684B2
Embodiments of method performed in conjunction with a vehicular garage door control system are provided, as are embodiments of a vehicular garage door control system and a program product executed by a smartphone in communicating with such a garage door control system. The vehicular garage door control system may include an in-vehicle Garage Door Opener (GDO) signal generator, a wireless receiver, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, at the controller via the wireless receiver, a request signal originating from a remote electronic device requesting actuation of a GDO unit that, when actuated, moves a garage door between open and closed positions. In response to receipt of the request signal, a command signal is supplied from the controller to the in-vehicle GDO signal generator commanding the in-vehicle GDO signal generator to generate a GDO actuation signal requesting actuation of the GDO unit.
US09169682B2
A hinge assembly for a transportable load carrying platform having a pivot mounting for attachment to a base frame and pivot arm for attachment to an end wall. Cooperative lock means are provided on the pivot mounting and pivot arm and configured to engage one another when the arm is pivoted towards the mounting. Once locked in position, the pivot arm and mounting cannot be pivotally separated.
US09169679B2
A storage cabinet includes a frame assembly having a forward facing surface and defining an interior configured to store items; a door assembly having a lateral surface; and a hinge assembly pivotally coupling the frame assembly to the door assembly such that the door assembly is moveable from a closed position to a plurality of open positions. The hinge assembly includes a frame component mounted to the forward facing surface of the frame assembly; and a door component mounted to the lateral surface of the door component and configured to rotate relative to the frame component upon rotation of the door assembly relative to the frame assembly. The hinge assembly is configured to enable a user to remove the door assembly from the frame assembly by lifting the door in a vertical direction only when the door assembly is moved from the closed position at least a predetermined amount.
US09169678B2
A latch mechanism for use in attaching portions or panels on an aircraft. The latch mechanism and related method include a detent mechanism for releasably coupling a bolt portion of the latch to a handle portion of the latch. The latch allows the bolt and handle to conjointly pivot with respect to a corresponding mounting bracket. The latch operates to relieve pressure in an excess pressure condition when the forces associated with the detention mechanism are overcome.
US09169674B2
A locking device for a cover of a storage compartment in a motor vehicle has at least one bolt element that is displaceable by an actuating handle and, in the locked state, engages in a first storage compartment recess for fixing the cover in a closed position. At least one securing bolt engages in a second storage compartment recess and is actuable via the bolt element so that it only extends out of the second recess if the bolt element already is extended out of the first recess and which thereby secures the cover against undesirably opening in the event of accident-induced accelerations. Increased safety standards can thereby be obtained.
US09169669B2
A lock assembly is disclosed that is operable to mechanically lock a moveable structure to a fixed structure. An escutcheon assembly having an indicator plate movable between a first position and a second position is operable to indicate a locked and unlocked configuration respectively of the lock assembly. A status indicator located proximate a front face and a pair of opposing side faces on the indicator plate to indicate a locked or unlocked status is visible across a 180 degree viewing angle.
US09169666B2
A device for securing a spindle to a hub in a mortise lock for a door. The device includes a hub defining a central opening about an axis of rotation and a spindle with a first end adapted to be received in the opening in the hub to apply rotational force to the hub. A securing element is moveable between a first position in which the securing element engages the spindle and the spindle is secured to the hub, and a second position in which the securing element is disengaged from the spindle and the spindle may be freely removed from the opening in the first hub. The securing element may be adapted for reciprocal linear movement in the housing, and may engage the first spindle by part of the securing element being received in a peripheral groove in the spindle.
US09169659B1
A hybrid underlayment, includes a thermoplastic making up between 92.0% by volume to 95.5% by volume of the hybrid underlayment. A plurality of expanded microspheres is dispersed through the thermoplastic. The microspheres are expanded to a cross-sectional area in a range of between 180 square micrometers and 1450 square micrometers. The microspheres makeup between 1.0% by volume to 7.5% by volume of the hybrid underlayment. The hybrid underlayment is extruded into a flat sheet having a thickness of between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm and a density from 7 pcf to 25 pcf. A metalized thermoplastic film is laminated to the top surface of the thermoplastic sheet.
US09169658B2
A floor panel including structure for releasably connecting at least two panels. A tongue is formed extending in the longitudinal direction of the side edge and corresponding recess is formed opposite it. The recess comprises a top lip and a bottom lip, and the bottom lip forms a shoulder with a front shoulder side. The shoulder blocks the panels in the transverse direction. An undercut is adjoined by a recess, with a bearing region which corresponds to the shoulder, and a wall, which, with the front shoulder side in the installed state, is located opposite the latter. Form-fitting elements are formed on the wall and the front shoulder side that, in the installed state, engage one inside the other and bring about locking in the vertical direction. An underside of the tongue and a top side of the bottom lip runs parallel to the top side.
US09169656B2
The present invention relates to a flooring system base unit (1), made of a resilient material, and comprising a first portion (3) having a first surface (4) which, in use, contacts the floor to cover, and a second surface (5), opposite to said first surface (4), a second portion (7) set above said first portion (3), at least one space (9) provided on said second surface (5) of said first portion (3) and provided by a side edge of said second portion (7), anchoring means provided through said first and second portions (3, 7) to anchor said base unit (1) to the floor to cover.
US09169646B2
A solar roofing panel has a rectangular body with solar cells exposed on the upper surface of the body and an electrical junction box on the lower surface of body along the forward edge portion thereof. A cutout is formed in the upper edge portion of the rectangular body at a corner thereof. When a plurality of solar panels are arranged on a roof in courses with an upper course partially overlapping a lower course, the junction boxes of roofing panels in the upper course are disposed in the cutouts of roofing panels of the lower course. Accordingly, the solar roofing panels present a low profile mimicking the profile of slate-style shingles.
US09169643B2
A form for a concrete slab which consists of a series of similarly shaped steel plates that are held in predetermined spaced relationship by a series of special rebars, (special nuts are provided) before the slab is poured. The slab is criss-crossed by rebars which extend through the form to accurately locate the remaining steel plates as well as to prevent excessive cracking of the slab.
US09169641B2
A cleanroom wall panel system is provided for defining the perimeter or interior divisions of a cleanroom. The system includes a plurality of elongate retainer elements, which are mounted to wall studs, and a plurality of wall panels with hook portions configured to engage the elongate retainer elements. The retainer elements and/or wall panels may be oriented at either of two different orientations, and further are designed to accommodate some variations in the positioning of the components relative to one another, which facilitates assembly of the wall panel assembly. Each wall panel's weight is supported, either directly or indirectly, by a floor surface located below the wall panel, so that the hook portions are used primarily to secure the wall panels against the retainer elements.
US09169640B2
A frameless mounting system for glass or the like includes one or more bracket assemblies that adjustably interconnect a sheet of material along an upper edge of an existing partition system. The bracket assemblies permit the sheet of material to be adjusted upwardly or sidewardly to align the sheets of material with adjacent sheets of material. Furthermore, the sheets of material can be tilted as required to align adjacent sheets. The sheet of material is preferably transparent glass, but may comprise various other materials such as polymers, translucent materials, frosted, or opaque materials.
US09169638B2
An expandable vinyl aromatic polymer may include a matrix of a vinyl aromatic polymer, 1-10% of an expanding agent, 0.1 to 5% talc, carbon black, and 0 to 20% fillers. The expanding agent may be englobed in the matrix. The talc may have a mean diameter above about 8 μm as measured by Laser Mastersizer according to standard ISO 13320-1. The BET of the talc may be in the range 0.5-25 m2/g. The carbon black may be present in a proportion sufficient for a foamed material obtained from the expandable vinyl aromatic polymer to have a thermal conductivity λ of about 34 mW/m° K or lower. The fillers may be homogeneously distributed in the matrix.
US09169637B2
A method for installing a vapor bather in a building includes loosely hanging a strip around a periphery of an area to be insulated, providing a vapor bather having a plurality of attachments, the attachments adapted to attach to the strip, attaching the attachments to the strip, and then tightening the strip to tighten the vapor bather.
US09169634B2
An actuator is provided for reconfiguring a reversibly expandable structure, also referred to as a deployable structure. The deployable structure includes an enclosed mechanical linkage capable of transformation between expanded and collapsed configurations while maintaining its shape. An actuator coupled to the deployable structure provides a load, force or torque for actuating a transformation. The actuated deployable structure transfers the actuation force to an external body substances, or element in contact with the deployable structure. The force can be directed inwardly or outwardly depending upon direction of the transformation (i.e., expanding or contracting). The force provided by the deployable structure can be used to perform work by its application over at least a portion of the distance traveled by a perimeter of the deployable structure during its transformation. In some embodiments, the actuatable deployable structure is lockable structure supporting a static load.
US09169633B2
Disclosed is a foldable transportable structure with a three dimensional rectangular shed roof shape having improved component and structural properties, and improved shipping and deployment capabilities. The integrated unique geometric folding pattern means provides enhanced folding accuracy and correct placement of interactive panels during collapse or assembly of the structure, and also greatly increases the flexibility for multiple unit combinations and component materials selection. The folding transportable structure provides a strong, safe, insulated weatherproof structure with a quick setup time, and requires NO tools or separate loose components for assembly.
US09169630B2
The invention concerns a cover element for covering an opening in an in particular horizontal surface of a drainage body, with an edge region which is configured to support the cover element on the drainage body, and with a cover region which has a grid-like or perforated structure with supporting elements. It is distinguished in that the supporting elements have a thickness increasing in the vertical direction starting from the edge region in the direction of the regions remote from the edge, such that the cover element has a substantially plano-convex outer contour.
US09169626B2
An automatic bathroom flusher includes a flusher body, a valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a flusher cover. The flusher body includes an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to accommodate the valve assembly that controls water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat providing a sealing action. The bathroom flusher may include a user sensor, and one or more photovoltaic cells for supplying electrical power to the electronic control system. The bathroom flusher enables two or multiple flush volumes in automatic or manual modes, depending on a user action. The bathroom flusher may include a user interface including a button and visible LEDs.
US09169622B2
A hydraulic excavator is provided, facilitating access to the lower side inside an engine compartment, allowing a maintenance job to be performed in a reasonable posture. The hydraulic excavator includes a revolving frame, an engine arranged on the revolving frame, and a counterweight arranged on the revolving frame, at the back side of the engine. A recess indented from the bottom face in the upward direction is formed at the counterweight. An opening is formed at the revolving frame for allowing a person to access from the lower side of the revolving frame to the space between the engine and the counterweight. The recess has a section overlapping with the opening, when viewed from the top.
US09169621B2
A hydraulic tubing support that reduces noise transmitted to an operator due to pulsation of hydraulic oil in a junction tube. The hydraulic tubing support structure includes a pair of left and right remote control valves for generating pilot pressures for the plurality of hydraulic actuators in response to an input operation performed on each operating lever, pump-side tubes and tank-side tubes respectively extending from the respective remote control valves, a junction tube for allowing communication of the tubes guided to below a floor plate through a through hole and communication of the tubes guided to below the floor plate through a through hole, and a middle reinforcement beam extending in a right-and-left direction and fixed to the lower surface of the floor plate. The junction tube is fixed to the middle reinforcement beam in a non-contact state with the floor plate.
US09169612B2
Alpine anchor for anchoring threaded rods in soil or rock, with a metal base plate having a number of threaded bores which are distributed about the circumference and into which the threaded rods can be screwed with an assembly machine, wherein at least one plug coupling is arranged between the stationary part and the base plate.
US09169606B2
An emitter unit for repairing an aged asphalt pavement is provided. The emitter panels of the emitter unit comprise a frame having a high-density ceramic liner, a sheet of a micaceous material exhibiting biaxial birefringence, and a serpentine wire positioned between the high-density ceramic liner and the sheet of the micaceous material. The emitter panel is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength of from about 2 microns to 1 millimeter and a power density of from 0.47 to 2.33 W/cm2 or from 133 to 664 (ft·lbf/min)/in2.
US09169601B2
A method for treating a paper to provide at least a part of it with anisotropic electric conductivity, by i) applying to the paper a dispersion comprising a non-aqueous, liquid dispersing agent and conductive particles, ii) applying an electric field over at least part of the paper, so that a number of the conductive particles are aligned with the field, thus creating conductive pathways, and wholly or partially eliminating the dispersing agent and allowing the paper to dry thereby stabilizing and preserving the conductive pathways in the paper as well as paper so produced. The paper may alternatively be prepared from a cellulose dispersion comprising conductive particles and subjecting the dispersion for similar aligning of the conductive particles.
US09169598B2
A clothing fabric for a paper machine has two or more endless strips, which are each formed by a film-like web spliced along a joint to form a film-like web that is endless in the direction of circulation of the fabric. The endless strips are connected to one another at the side edges with the joints of two endless strips that are connected to each other are arranged to be offset in relation to one another with respect to the direction of circulation of the fabric.
US09169597B2
The present invention generally relates to a method of recycling and producing fibers from sewage sludge, such as streams of municipal, agricultural and industrial flowing wastes to be further processed. The present invention also relates to industrial means adapted for recycling the same. The present invention discloses environmentally friendly processes and means for recovering valuable fibers and especially cellulose fibers and the like from agricultural and/or urban sewage sludge, waste and/or industrial effluents to decrease its volume especially BOD and TSS, obtaining valuable raw materials and decreasing environmental damages.
US09169595B2
A system and method for welding edge seams at the edges of fabric is presented. A method begins by lowering a fabric pre-fold bar onto a piece of fabric. A pre-aligned portion of the fabric is pushed on top of the pre-fold bar so that the pre-fold bar is between the portion of fabric on top of the fabric pre-fold bar and other fabric below the pre-fold bar. The fabric on top of the fabric pre-fold bar is folded edge fabric and fabric not on top of the fabric pre-fold bar is not folded edge fabric. A folded edge is formed between these two sections of fabric. The method pinches some of the fabric at the folded end and then pulls the folded edge fabric off of the fabric pre-fold bar. After that, the method welds at least some of the folded edge fabric to the not folded edge fabric.
US09169580B2
An apparatus for forming fiber balls uses automated clippers that can cooperate with a wheel that turns and operates in a stop and go sequence to hold gathered segments of lengths of elongate fibers, then present the gathered segments to a clipper, then rotate with the clipped segments of elongate fibers, allowing a knife or blade to extend to cut between adjacent clipped segments to form fiber balls with a clip or clips at a medial portion thereof.
US09169579B2
The present disclosure provides an improved membrane or substrate having carbon nanotubes introduced and/or immobilized therein, and an improved method for introducing and/or immobilizing carbon nanotubes in membranes or substrates. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved systems and methods for fabricating membranes or substrates having carbon nanotubes immobilized therein. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for introducing and/or immobilizing functionalized carbon nanotubes into the pore structure of a polymeric membrane or substrate, thereby dramatically improving the performance of the polymeric membrane or substrate. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for the fabrication of nanotube immobilized membranes by incorporating CNTs in a membrane or substrate.
US09169571B2
Method and electrochemical cells for producing xylo-pent-1,5-diose are provided. The xylo-pent-1,5-diose may be formed in a solution initially comprising D-glucuronic acid or D-glucuronic acid glycoside. The xylo-pent-1,5-diose may be formed by electrochemical oxidative decarboxylation of the D-glucuronic acid or D-glucuronic acid glycoside in the solution in the presence of a graphite foil electrode with improved current efficiency and/or current density.
US09169566B2
The invention relates to a method for spatially resolving the enlargement and fine adjustment of precious metal nanoparticles according to size on a substrate surface and to the nanoparticle arrangements and nanostructured substrate surfaces thereby produced and to the use thereof. The invention particularly relates to a method for spatially resolving the enlargement of precious metal nanoparticles present on a substrate, comprising the following steps: a) providing a substrate coated by precious metal nanoparticles, b) optionally functionalizing the substrate by means of an agent which supports the adhesion of the precious metal nanoparticles to the substrate, c) contacting the substrate with a precious metal salt solution, d) UV irradiating the substrate in contact with the precious metal salt solution, thus creating a reduction of the precious metal salt and a currentless deposition of elementary precious metal on the precious metal nanoparticles and corresponding growth of the precious metal nanoparticles in the irradiated regions of the substrate, and e) optionally using a mask in order to create localized growth of the precious metal nanoparticles in predetermined regions of the substrate.
US09169561B2
There is disclosed a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition apparatus including a loading station to load an object on a pallet, an operation station to form a functional film by performing plasma reaction to the object loaded on the pallet, a unloading station to separate the object from the pallet, a circulation station to convey the pallet from the unloading station to the loading station, and a conveyer to convey the pallet to the stations sequentially to circulate the pallet.
US09169557B2
Processes are provided for producing bismuth-containing oxide thin films by atomic layer deposition. In preferred embodiments an organic bismuth compound having at least one monodentate alkoxide ligand is used as a bismuth source material. Bismuth-containing oxide thin films can be used, for example, as ferroelectric or dielectric materials in integrated circuits and as superconductor materials.
US09169550B2
Disclosed is a surface treatment method for producing a coating layer, which improves surface properties (e.g., low friction wear-resistance) of the coating layer at high temperature. The surface treatment method controls a process pressure during the formation of a coating layer to form a fine surface morphology with increased silver (Ag) content. The surface treatment method includes: heating a coated material in a chamber; removing foreign substances from the surface of the heated, coated material; forming a buffer layer on the surface of the coated material; and forming a coating layer on the buffer layer, wherein the process pressure is controlled during the formation of the coating layer to improve the surface properties at high temperatures.
US09169549B2
The disclosure discloses a method for modifying the light absorption layer, including: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a light absorption layer on the substrate, wherein the light absorption layer includes a Group IB element, Group IIIA element and Group VIA element; (c) forming a slurry on the light absorption layer, wherein the slurry includes a Group VIA element; and (d) conducting a thermal process for the light absorption layer with the slurry.
US09169537B2
A method for providing a suspension smelting furnace with constant and continuous feed is disclosed. The method employs intermediate storage bins for fine-grained feed, a feed rate controller for accurately controlling the feed rate of the fine-grained material, and a pneumatic conveyor for lifting the feed up to the top level of the suspension smelting furnace where the burner of the furnace is adapted. The heavy constructions of the storage bins are located close to the ground level and the constructions around and on top of the furnace have been designed essentially lighter than in conventional solutions.
US09169535B2
In a process and apparatus for the reduction of metal oxides to form metalized material by contact with hot reducing gas, which is produced at least partially by catalytic reformation of a mixture of—a gas containing carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or steam (H2O) with—gaseous hydrocarbons, the fuel gas for burners which provide the heat for the endothermal reformation processes which take place during the reformation is obtained at least partially from a partial quantity of the top gas produced during the reduction of metal oxides to form metalized material, wherein this partial quantity of the top gas, before it is used as a component of the fuel gas, is firstly subjected to dedusting and then to a CO conversion reaction, and the conversion gas obtained during the CO conversion reaction is subjected to CO2 removal after cooling.
US09169522B2
This application provides materials and methods for the detection of aad-12 gene events in biological samples derived from recombinant plants and a materials and methods for the detection of contaminating events in samples derived from recombinant plants.
US09169518B2
The invention provides a primer set for detecting a polymorphism in EGFR exon 21 L858R. The primer set has a P1 oligonucleotide and a P2 oligonucleotide and can performing amplification by using a region including the 172792nd base of SEQ ID NO: 1 as a template. As a base that is complementary to the 172792nd base of SEQ ID NO: 1, the P1 oligonucleotide has cytosine and the P2 oligonucleotide has adenine. The melting temperature of the P1 oligonucleotide is higher than the melting temperature of the P2 oligonucleotide, and/or the P1 oligonucleotide is one or more bases longer than the P2 oligonucleotide. The invention further provides a polymorphism detection primer, a polymorphism detection method using the primer set, a method of evaluating a EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor using the primer set, a primer used in the polymorphism detection method, and a kit including the primer set.
US09169509B2
Biomarkers of anthracycline cardiotoxicity are provided. In certain aspects, methods are provided for determining whether a subject will develop cardiotoxicity upon treatment with an anthracycline, such as doxorubicin, by measuring the level of Top2b expression in the subject. In further aspects, methods of a treating a subjects with anthracycline therapeutics and cardioprotective agents are provided.
US09169508B2
The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) bringing into contact, in a container: said sample, a medium that enables the growth of the target microorganism(s), and a cell population capable of being lysed by the target microorganism(s); b) subjecting the whole to a temperature that promotes the growth of the target microorganism(s); and c) observing, in real time, lysis of the cell population indicating the presence of the target microorganism(s). The present invention also relates to a method for detecting and identifying at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample.
US09169506B2
A process for producing poly alpha-1,3-glucan with reduced molecular weight is disclosed. The process comprises contacting water, sucrose, a polar organic solvent, and a glucosyltransferase enzyme in a solution to produce poly alpha-1,3-glucan. This contacting step results in the production of poly alpha-1,3-glucan having a reduced molecular weight compared to the molecular weight of a poly alpha-1,3-glucan made in the absence of the polar organic solvent.
US09169498B2
Processes and methods of recovering desired products from fermentation stillage are presented, including processes and methods of recovering lipids and aqueous materials.
US09169496B2
Described is a method for the enzymatic production of butadiene which allows to produce butadiene from crotyl alcohol. Also described are enzyme combinations and compositions containing such enzyme combinations which allow the enzymatic conversion of crotyl alcohol into butadiene. Furthermore, the invention relates to microorganisms which have been genetically modified so as to be able to produce butadiene from crotyl alcohol.Moreover, the invention relates to a method for the enzymatic production of crotyl alcohol from crotonyl-Coenzyme A. The obtained crotyl alcohol can be further converted into butadiene as described herein. Also described are enzyme combinations which allow to convert crotonyl-Coenzyme A into crotyl alcohol as well as (micro)organisms which express such enzyme combinations.
US09169495B2
A method of targeting bacterially-derived, intact minicells to specific, non-phagocytic mammalian cells employs bispecific ligands to deliver nucleic acids efficiently to the mammalian cells. Bispecific ligands, comprising (i) a first arm that carries specificity for a bacterially-derived minicell surface structure and (ii) a second arm that carries specificity for a non-phagocytic mammalian cell surface receptor are useful for targeting minicells to specific, non-phagocytic mammalian cells and causing endocytosis of minicells by non-phagocytic cells.
US09169493B2
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the construction of fully-deleted Adenovirus-based gene delivery vectors packaged without helper Adenovirus, and more particularly to their use in gene therapy for gene and protein expression, vaccine development, and immunosuppressive therapy for allogeneic transplantation. In an embodiment, a method for propagating an adenoviral vector includes (a) providing an Adenovirus packaging cell line; (b) transfecting a fully-deleted Adenoviral vector construct into the cell line; and optionally (c) transfecting a packaging construct into the cell line, wherein the fully-deleted Adenoviral vector construct and optionally the packaging construct can transfect the Adenovirus packaging cell line resulting in the encapsidation of a fully-deleted Adenoviral vector independent of helper Adenovirus. In an embodiment, a target cell is transduced with the encapsidated fully-deleted Adenoviral vector for treating a condition, disease or a disorder.
US09169461B2
Many cell types in the body can remove apoptotic and cellular debris from tissues; however, the professional phagocyte, or antigen presenting cell (“APC”), has a high capacity to do so. The recognition of apoptotic cells (“ACs”) occurs via a series of evolutionarily-conserved, AC associated molecular-pattern receptors (“ACAMPRs”) on APCs that recognize and bind corresponding apoptotic-cell-associated molecular patterns (“ACAMPs”). These receptors recognize ligands such as phosphotidyl serine and oxidized lipids found on apoptotic cells. Savill et al. (2002); and Gregory et al. (2004).
US09169454B2
A lubricating oil formulation particularly useful in an internal combustion engine, comprising hydrofine paraffinic distillate from 10-30% v/v, castor/linseed oil from 5 to 40% v/v, aliphatic alcohol from 10-20% v/v and chlorinated paraffin from 10-30% v/v.
US09169438B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I to the use thereof for high-frequency components, to liquid-crystalline media comprising the compounds, and to high-frequency components, in particular antennae, especially for the gigahertz range, comprising these media. The liquid-crystalline media serve, for example, for the phase shifting of microwaves for tuneable “phased-array” antennae.
US09169436B2
An LED light emitting device is provided that has high color rendering properties and is excellent color uniformity and, at the same time, can realize even luminescence unattainable by conventional techniques. A phosphor having a composition represented by formula: (Sr2-X-Y-Z-ωBaXMgYMnZEuω)SiO4 wherein x, y, z, and ω are respectively coefficients satisfying 0.1
US09169432B2
A crosslinker composition including a spread crosslinker for treating a subterranean formation is provided along with methods of sealing a subterranean formation including introducing a crosslinkable fluid, the crosslinkable fluid containing a spread crosslinker and a crosslinkable component, into a subterranean formation.
US09169431B2
Aqueous treating fluids may include a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) and an aqueous base fluid, e.g. a drilling fluid, whereby the VES may increase and/or maintain the viscosity of the aqueous treating fluid. Metal ions may be present within the aqueous treating fluid that break, reduce, and/or digest the VES within the aqueous treating fluid. An effective amount of complexation particles may be added to the aqueous treating fluid for complexing at least a portion of these metal ions and thereby disallowing the metal ions from breaking, reducing, and/or altering the VES within the aqueous treating fluid.
US09169423B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film of the invention comprises an optical film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on the optical film, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a thickness (μm) standard deviation of 0.12 μm or less. The pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film makes it possible to reduce the problem of visible unevenness caused by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.
US09169421B2
A method of producing a structure containing a phase-separated structure, including forming, on a substrate, a layer containing a block copolymer having a block of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane structure-containing structural unit; forming a top coat film by applying, to the layer containing the block copolymer, a top coat material which undergoes a change in polarity upon heating, and controls a surface energy of the layer containing the block copolymer; and subjecting the layer containing the block copolymer on which the top coat film is formed to phase separation by thermal annealing.
US09169411B2
A recording material includes an ultraviolet-curable composition for inkjet that includes a polymerized compound and a glittering powder to produce the recording material, a recording medium, and a print layer formed on the recording medium. The content rate of the glittering powder in the print layer is more than 0.1 percent by volume and less than 5.0 percent by volume.
US09169410B2
The present invention is directed to an ultraviolet curing ink jet ink composition which contains at least a polymerizable compound and a photopolymerization initiator, and is free from an aqueous solvent. The polymerizable compound comprises at least a urethane oligomer, and the photopolymerization initiator comprises an acylphosphineoxide and α-hydroxyketone.
US09169404B2
The present invention relates to a specific aqueous separation liquid and to a process for removing paint overspray from a paint spray booth comprising: i) directing a gas stream through a paint spray booth; ii) contacting paint overspray with the gas stream flowing through the paint booth thereby forming a paint loaded gas stream containing paint particles or droplets dispersed therein, iii) forming a flowing substantially continuous liquid film of the aqueous separation liquid on a surface positioned within the flow path of the gas stream; iv) directing the paint loaded gas stream to said surface, in order to bring the gas stream in contact with the flowing substantially continuous film of the aqueous separation liquid, thereby transferring paint particles or droplets from the gas stream into the separation liquid to form a first paint loaded separation liquid; and v) removing the first paint loaded separation liquid and the gas stream having a reduced paint load.
US09169398B2
The present invention relates generally to novel rhodamine dyes which upon conjugation with another molecule form single isomeric conjugation products. These novel rhodamine dyes contain only one single functional group on the rhodomine molecule for conjugation so that their conjugation products are single isomeric conjugation products.
US09169397B2
A resin composition containing fine paper powder used in molding is obtained by using a fully-intermeshing type co-rotating twin-screw kneading extruder (10) having two material feeding ports (15 and 16) to knead a raw material containing a fine paper powder having an average particle diameter of 10 to 100 μm from 20 to 70 parts by weight and a thermoplastic resin from 30 to 80 parts by weight, a sum of the fine paper powder and the thermoplastic resin being 100 parts by weight, by feeding the thermoplastic resin through a main material feeding port (15) and the fine paper powder through a sub material feeding port (16).
US09169390B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions polycarbonate blend compositions with improved appearance characteristics and impact characteristics. The resulting compositions, comprising a polycarbonate polymer, a first polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer, a second polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer, and optionally a color composition, can be used in the manufacture of articles while still retaining advantageous mechanical properties, melt flow properties, and appearance characteristics such as the ability to achieve deep black and bright white colors. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.
US09169386B2
Disclosed are organic, UV resistant epoxy resins derived largely from vegetable oil. More specifically, the present invention provides a virtually non-toxic, hypoallergenic UV resistant resin that gives off substantially no VOCs or disagreeable odors. The composition comprises a vegetable oil-based polyfunctional carboxylic acid, a cycloaliphatic anhydride, and an epoxy compound either of bicyclic difunctional epoxy resin, epoxidized vegetable oil or epoxidized polymer chains. The composition further comprises a catalyst and a wetting agent. In its cured state the material is leather like and exhibits high tensile strength as well as unusually high, totally reversible elongation. In an alternative embodiment, the resin comprises a cyclic anhydride. With increased amounts of cyclic anhydride, increased heat distortion temperature is exhibited while maintaining a high reversible elongation and high tensile strength In an additional alternative, an increased amount of Chromium III Octoate is used and in another alternative Phosphoric Acid.
US09169385B2
Particulate binder compositions and methods for making and using same are provided. The binder composition for producing composite lignocellulose products can include an aldehyde based resin and a filler, an extender, or a combination thereof. The binder composition can be in the form of particulates. The particulates can each comprises the filler, the extender, or the combination thereof and the aldehyde based resin.
US09169384B2
Absorbent articles in which the outer cover has an extrusion bonded laminate.
US09169380B2
Coating compositions containing an aqueous polymer dispersion having improved resistance toward chemicals. The aqueous polymer dispersion is prepared by polymerizing a first composition containing at least one ethylenically unsaturated group (monomers) by radical aqueous emulsion polymerization and then, in the presence of a product mixture from the previous polymerization, polymerizing a second composition containing at least one ethylenically unsaturated group (monomers) by radical aqueous emulsion polymerization. The coating compositions are such that the difference between a glass transition temperature of a polymer prepared from the first polymerization and a glass transition temperature of a polymer prepared from the second polymerization is at least 50° C.
US09169373B2
Method for converting a composition into thermoplastic polyurethane, said composition comprising polyurethane resin, said method comprising the steps of combining the composition with a chemical compound, and converting said mixture into thermoplastic polyurethane, characterized in that said chemical compound is 1,4-Di(2,6-dibromo-4-methylphenylamino)anthracene-9,10-dione. Article obtained according to this method.
US09169362B2
A method and system for treating rubber-containing elastomers to produce materials suitable for blending with thermoplastic or thermoset polymers are disclosed. The elastomers may comprise virgin or recycled particulate rubber such as from used tires. The blended rubber and polymer materials possess thermoplastic properties and can be reused many times.
US09169361B1
Disclosed are self-assembling block copolymers including diblock copolymers of the formula (I): wherein R1 is —(CHR—CH2—O)p—R′, p=2-6, R is H or methyl, and R′ is H, C1-C6 alkyl, or C3-C11 cycloalkyl, R2 is C1-C22 alkyl or C3-C11 cycloalkyl, one of R3 and R4 is C6-C14 aryl and the other is C1-C22 alkoxy, n and m are independently 2 to about 2000, and 0
US09169358B2
A polyetherimide manufactured by reaction of an alkali metal salt of a dihydroxy aromatic compound of the formula MO—Z—OM wherein M is an alkali metal salt and Z is an aromatic C6-24 monocyclic or polycyclic moiety optionally substituted with 1 to 6 C1-8 alkyl groups, 1 to 8 halogen atoms, or a combination thereof, with a bis(halophthalimide) composition comprising, based on the weight of the bis(halophthalimide) composition, from more than 45 to less than 75 weight percent of a 3,3′-bis(halophthalimide) of the formula less than 10 weight percent of a 3,4′-bis(halophthalimide) of the formula and from more than 45 to less than 75 weight percent of a (4,4′-bis(halophthalimide) of the formula
US09169355B2
Provided are a mussel adhesive protein-mimetic dispersion stabilizing agent to disperse nanoparticles in an aqueous medium, a colloidal solution including nanoparticles dispersed and stabilized by the dispersion stabilizing agent, and a contrast agent including the colloidal solution. More particularly, the mussel adhesive protein-mimetic dispersion stabilizer is a polyethyleneimine-graft-(poly-ethyleneglycol;polyDOPA) PEI-graft-(PEG;PDOPA). The graft polymer is formed of two parts. One is polyethyleneglycol grafted with a polyethyleneime which has an affinity to an aqueous medium, and the other is polyDOPA which has an affinity to the surface of nanoparticles. Because of those characteristics, the stabilizer shows a stable dispersion of nano particles in the aqueous medium.
US09169350B2
The invention is directed to multi-functional N-maleimidyl polymer derivatives comprising a water soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having a terminal carbon, such as a poly(alkylene glycol), the terminal carbon of the polymer backbone being directly bonded to the nitrogen atom of a N-maleimidyl moiety without a linking group therebetween. The invention also provides two methods of preparing such linkerless N-maleimidyl polymer derivatives.
US09169348B2
This invention relates to a baby bottle made from a polyester composition comprising a polyester further comprising 80 to 100 mole % terephthalic acid residues, 0 to 20 other diacid residues, 30 to 40 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues and 60 to 70 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total diol residues equal 100 mole % and the total diacid residues equal 100 mole %. These baby bottles are unique in that they provide an alternative to baby bottles made from polycarbonate and they provide good heat resistance, good toughness, and good chemical resistance.
US09169342B2
There is provided an imprint material forming a film having high abrasion resistance even after a pattern has been transferred thereto, specifically an imprint material forming a film having a small number of pieces of scratch when the film after a pattern has been transferred thereto is subjected to a steel wool abrasion test. An imprint material comprising: a component (A): a compound having at least one ethylene oxide unit and having at least one polymerizable group; a component (B): a polycaprolactone-modified urethane compound having a C13-25 long chain alkyl group and at least one polymerizable group; and a component (C): a photopolymerization initiator.
US09169336B2
The invention relates to a process for increasing the melt flow index of a propylene polymer, the process comprising melt mixing the propylene polymer in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide.
US09169327B2
Lectin compositions and methods for reducing tumor cell growth and preventing or treating cancer are provided.
US09169326B2
The present invention provides for purified or highly pure recombinant monoclonal antibodies that bind to human colorectal and pancreatic carcinoma-associated antigens (CPAA), along with nucleic acid sequences encoding the antibody chains, and the amino acid sequences corresponding to said nucleic acids and uses for said sequences.
US09169325B2
Isolated monoclonal antibodies which bind to human CD27 and related antibody-based compositions and molecules are disclosed. Also disclosed are therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the antibodies.
US09169321B2
Activatable binding polypeptides (ABPs), which contain a target binding moiety (TBM), a masking moiety (MM), and a cleavable moiety (CM) are provided. Activatable antibody compositions, which contain a TBM containing an antigen binding domain (ABD), a MM and a CM are provided. Furthermore, ABPs which contain a first TBM, a second TBM and a CM are provided. The ABPs exhibit an “activatable” conformation such that at least one of the TBMs is less accessible to target when uncleaved than after cleavage of the CM in the presence of a cleaving agent capable of cleaving the CM. Further provided are libraries of candidate ABPs, methods of screening to identify such ABPs, and methods of use. Further provided are ABPs having TBMs that bind VEGF, CTLA-4, or VCAM, ABPs having a first TBM that binds VEGF and a second TBM that binds FGF, as well as compositions and methods of use.
US09169316B2
The invention concerns an in-vitro method for introducing a targeted genome modification into an oocyte or an egg and a method for performing a random insertion in the genome of a host cell.
US09169313B2
The present invention relates to the use of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor I (FGFR1) extracellular domain (ECD) polypeptides for treatment of cancers characterized by ligand dependent activating mutations in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2). For example, the present invention relates to the treatment of endometrial cancers and other cancers wherein tumor cells express FGFR2 mutants in the IgII-IgIII hinge region or IgIII domain of the protein, such as at amino acid positions 252 and/or 253.
US09169306B2
The invention relates to cellular localization signals. In particular, the invention relates to endoplasmic reticulum localization signals in monomeric or multimeric form. The localization signals are utilized as research tools or are linked to therapeutics. Disclosed are methods of making and using polypeptides and modified polypeptides as signals to localize therapeutics, experimental compounds, peptides, proteins and/or other macromolecules to the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotic cells. The polypeptides of the invention optionally include linkage to reporters, epitopes and/or other experimental or therapeutic molecules. The invention also encompasses polynucleotides encoding the localization signals and vectors comprising these polynucleotides.
US09169304B2
The present invention relates to processes for purifying high-quality recombinant Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein at high yields.
US09169303B2
Methods and compositions are provided herein for immunizing a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of an immunogenic peptide or an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof incorporated within a vault-like particle carrier. The methods and compositions advantageously exhibit enhanced ability to induce cell-mediated immunity and/or antibody-based immunity.
US09169302B2
The invention relates to hyperbaric devices for inactivating microorganisms and viruses while retaining their immunogenicity and for making and producing the soluble, disaggregated, refolded or active immunogenic or therapeutic proteins from inclusion bodies produced from prokaryotes or eukaryotes. The invention encompasses hyperbaric methods for inactivating pathogenic organisms, and methods for producing vaccine compositions using the inactivated pathogens. The hyperbarically inactivated microorganisms are safer and more immunogenic than chemically inactivated microorganisms. Similarly, the solubilized proteins have superior properties compared to more heavily aggregated proteins, including reduced non-specific immune reactions.
US09169299B2
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsid proteins are provided. Methods for generating the recombinant adeno-associated viral capsid proteins and a library from which the capsids are selected are also provided.
US09169297B2
The present invention discloses the construction of dengue virus subgenomic replicons containing large deletions in the structural region (C-preM-E) of the genome, which replicons are useful as vaccines to protect against dengue virus infection.
US09169290B2
The present invention relates to peptides for use as antifungal agents. The peptides comprise a sequence of 5 to 15 basic amino acids wherein substantially all of the amino acids in said sequence are the same.
US09169285B2
Methods for purifying steviol glycosides, including Rebaudioside X, are provided herein. Sweetener and sweetened containing Rebaudioside X are also provided herein. Methods of improving the flavor and/or temporal profile of sweetenable compositions, such as beverages, are also provided.
US09169282B2
The present invention relates to metal complexes and to electronic devices, in particular organic electroluminescent devices, comprising these metal complexes.
US09169281B2
The present invention provides: a mononuclear metal complex that has high catalytic activity and can be used as a hydrogenation reduction catalyst that allows efficient hydrogenation reduction of a substance to be reduced; a tautomer or stereoisomer thereof; or a salt thereof. Provided is the mononuclear metal complex represented by the following formula (1), a tautomer or stereoisomer thereof; or a salt thereof. In the formula (1), Ar1 is an aromatic anionic ligand or an aromatic ligand, or is not present, Ar2 is a ligand having aromaticity and may or may not be substituted, and when Ar2 is substituted, the number of substituents may be one or more, M is an atom or ion of a transition metal, A1 and A2 are both carbon atoms, or one of A1 and A2 is a carbon atom and the other is a nitrogen atom, Y is an anionic group or a cationic group, or is not present, L is any ligand or is not present, and m is a positive integer, 0, or a negative integer.
US09169280B2
A method for preparing plasmalogens and derivatives thereof represented by Formula B, wherein R1 and R2 are similar or different, derived from fatty acids; R3 is selected from hydrogen and small alkyl groups. The synthetic route involves production of novel cyclic plasmalogen precursors of Formula A and their conversion to plasmalogens and plasmalogen derivatives of Formula B. Also disclosed is the therapeutic use of plasmalogens and derivatives thereof as produced by the synthetic route of the present invention.
US09169273B2
This invention relates to an absorbent and a passivaton layer for an optical element including the same, which may suppress infiltration of moisture without blocking light, may be applied to flexible substrates and may prevent deterioration of optical elements thus maintaining emission properties during extended use.
US09169272B2
The invention relates to novel benzodiazepine derivatives with antiproliferative activity and more specifically to novel benzodiazepine compounds of formula (I)-(VII). The invention also provides conjugates of the benzodiazepine compounds linked to a cell-binding agent. The invention further provides compositions and methods useful for inhibiting abnormal cell growth or treating a proliferative disorder in a mammal using the compounds or conjugates of the invention.
US09169270B2
The present invention relates to 1-phenyl-substituted heterocyclyl derivatives of the formula (I), wherein Y, Z, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as described in the description and their use as prostaglandin receptor modulators, most particularly as prostaglandin D2 receptor modulators, in the treatment of various prostaglandin-mediated diseases and disorders, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and to processes for their preparation.
US09169265B2
The object of the present invention is a process for preparing the 2-acetoxi-5-(2-fluor-α-cyclopropyl-carbonyl-benzyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine (prasugrel) of the formula (I). The process starts from crystalline 5-trityl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine of the formula (VI).Further objects of the present invention are two novel crystalline forms of 5-trityl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine of the formula (VI) and the use thereof for preparing the compound of the formula (V) and process preparing thereof.
US09169262B2
Novel crystalline salts of Asenapine (I) with organic di-acids and tri-acids and to methods of their preparation are disclosed along with related pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating psychotic diseases or disorders.
US09169255B2
Compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts for treatment of β-amyloid diseases, such as observed in Alzheimer's disease and synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease.
US09169254B2
The present invention relates to a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein W, X, Y, R1, R2, R33, R34, m and n are as defined in the claims, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof.
US09169250B2
Compounds active on the receptor protein tyrosine kinases c-kit and/or c-fms are provided herewith. Also provided herewith are compositions useful for treatment of c-kit mediated diseases or conditions and/or c-fms-mediated diseases or conditions, and methods for the use thereof.
US09169245B2
Compounds of formula (I) described herein are both inhibitors of the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme and muscarinic M3 receptor antagonists, and are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract characterized by airway obstruction.
US09169244B2
The present invention relates to tyrosine kinase inhibitors that contain a zinc-binding moiety and their use in the treatment of tyrosine related diseases and disorders such as cancer. The said derivatives may further act as HDAC inhibitors.
US09169236B2
The present invention refers to a new efficient process for the synthesis of the active pharmaceutical ingredient Lapatinib and salts thereof. In particular, the present synthesis is carried out employing new intermediates in which the amine function is protected by a group cleavable in basic milieu that provides a higher overall yield of the synthesis process.
US09169235B2
Compounds of the formula (I): wherein A and B together represent an optionally substituted, fused aromatic ring; X can be NRX or CRXRY; if X═NRX then n is 1 or 2 and if X═CRXRY then n is 1; RX is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted C1-20 alkyl, C5-20 aryl, C3-20 heterocyclyl, amido, thioamido, ester, acyl, and sulfonyl groups; RY is selected from H, hydroxy, amino; or RX and RY may together form a spiro-C3-7 cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group; RC1 and RC2 are both hydrogen, or when X is CRXRY, RC1, RC2, RX and RY, together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached, may form an optionally substituted fused aromatic ring; and R1 is selected from H and halo.
US09169231B2
The object of the present invention is to provide an anti-obesity agent which contains a tea-derived component and which is safe and does not compromise the flavor of foods and beverages.According to the present invention, a safe and palatable anti-obesity agent can be provided by incorporating a benzotropolone ring-containing compound which has tea-derived, high inhibitory activities against lipase and alfa-glucosidase. The anti-obesity agent of the present invention does not compromise the flavor of foods and beverage, has palatability, and can be used in various use applications including foods and beverages intended for health enhancement such as reduction in triglycerides.
US09169230B2
A method of reducing tumor cell growth, the method including administering an effective amount of a compound having the formula:
US09169224B2
Certain piperazinyl and piperidinyl urea compounds are useful as FAAH inhibitors. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity. Thus, the compounds may be administered to treat, e.g., anxiety, pain, inflammation, sleep disorders, eating disorders, or movement disorders (such as multiple sclerosis).
US09169218B2
This invention is related to the alkyl-piperazine-phenyl 4 (3H)-quinazolinones general formula (I) compounds, pharmacologicaly active and able to act on the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A serotonin receptors in a manner that promotes the control, relief or cure of disorders associated with these receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds for the treatment of disorders associated with these receptors. These compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions are useful in the treatment of conditions such as depression, anxiety, phobias, addictions, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, panic, psychotic, eating and sleep disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and female sexual dysfunctions, among other disorders associated with these receptors.
US09169215B2
Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I), as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and disorders such pulmonary fibrosis.
US09169213B2
Provided are methods of determining if an individual is a responder to treatment with (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof. Also provided are methods for selecting an individual for treatment with (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof from a plurality of individuals in need of weight management. Also provided are methods for weight management in an individual in need thereof. Also provided are compounds, compositions, and kits for use in a method of weight management in an individual.
US09169209B2
The present invention relates to compounds and composition for inhibition of NAMPT, their synthesis, applications and antidotes. An illustrative compound of the invention is shown below.
US09169207B2
The present invention relates to the treatment of breast cancer which is estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and/or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2) and/or progesterone receptor positive (PR) and/or facilitates chromatin transcription positive (FACT+) with a curaxin, including curaxin 137. The present invention also pertains to a method of identifying a subject who has a breast cancer tumor and is likely to respond to treatment with a curaxin.
US09169206B2
The present invention relates to a novel polycyclic aromatic organic semiconductor compound having a polycyclic aromatic core, a method for preparing the same, and electronic, optical or electro-optical devices such as an organic semiconductor composition, organic semiconductor thin film, organic field effect transistor and solar cell containing the compound. The novel organic semiconductor compound according to the present invention has high crystallinity and control capability, and facilitates control of doping conditions in the manufacture of organic semiconductor element so that it can be used for diverse applications. The compound can be mass-produced at low cost and has high solubility in organic solvents so that a liquid phase process can be applied to the manufacture of semiconductor elements and the like, thus enabling the mass-production of semiconductor elements and solar cells at low cost.
US09169195B2
The present invention relates in general to the use of amides of the following general formula (I) wherein R1 is a linear or branched hydrocarbyl group containing 9 to 14 carbon atoms; R2 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl and benzyl; and R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl and ethyl, as solvents for organic agriculturally active ingredients, compositions comprising organic agriculturally active ingredients and such amides, methods for treating a plant utilizing such compositions, as well as some of the amides as such and methods for their production.
US09169193B2
A process for preparing O-alkylated amino alcohols by reacting N-unsubstituted or N-monosubstituted amino alkoxide salts with alkyl halides, the amino alkoxide salts being formed by means of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides.
US09169185B2
The invention relates to methods for the preparation of polyether polyols by DMC-catalysed alkylene oxide addition to starter compounds comprising acidic sulfuric acid salts, to the use thereof for the preparation of polyurethanes, and to polyurethanes comprising the polyether polyols according to the invention.
US09169174B2
A method for suppressing isomerization of an olefin metathesis product produced in a metathesis reaction includes adding an isomerization suppression agent that includes nitric acid to a mixture that includes the olefin metathesis product and residual metathesis catalyst from the metathesis reaction under conditions that are sufficient to passivate at least a portion of the residual metathesis catalyst. Methods of refining a natural oil are described.
US09169164B2
Methods of coating seeds with polymers and seeds coated with such polymers are disclosed herein. The polymers can be phosphonates, sulfonates, polymers of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polysuccinic oligomers, acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, blends of acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide, blends of sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polymaleic acid, acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymers, polyacrylic acid, trimethylglycine hydrochloride, blends of polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate with trimethylglycine hydrochloride, and any combination or salt of such polymers. Methods of monitoring, determining, and controlling the concentration of scale inhibitors in an agricultural irrigation system are also disclosed herein.
US09169163B2
A method of treating a preceramic material includes providing a preceramic polycarbosilane or polycarbosiloxane material that includes a moiety Si—O-M, where Si is silicon, O is oxygen and M is at least one metal, and thermally converting the preceramic polycarbosilane or polycarbosiloxane that includes the moiety Si—O-M material into a ceramic material.
US09169157B2
An aqueous binder composition, useful for making fiber products, especially fiberglass insulation, comprising an aqueous substantially alkaline (pH of at least 5.0) solution of a polyol and a hydrolyzed (solubilized) copolymer of maleic anhydride and a vinyl aromatic compound, preferably styrene (i.e., a SMA copolymer); the copolymer is solubilized using ammonia, an ammine, a primary alkanolamines (preferably monoethanolamine), a secondary alkanolamine (preferably diethanolamine (DEA)), a tertiary alkanolamine (preferably triethanolamine (TEA)), or a mixture thereof and the binder composition is cured as a consequence of cross-linking, esterification reactions between pendant carboxyls on the solubilized (hydrolyzed) copolymer (SMA) chains and hydroxyl groups of the polyol, including the diethanolamine and/or triethanolamine preferably used in the solubilization of the SMA.
US09169154B2
A method of cutting chemically toughened glass which is chemically toughened in a chemical toughening process of creating compressive stress in the surface of glass by exchanging first alkali ions in the glass with second alkali ions. The method includes the steps of applying a paste on a portion of the chemically toughened glass that is to be cut, heating the paste, and cutting the chemically toughened glass along the portion on which the paste is applied. The paste contains alkali ions. The ion radius of the alkali ions in the paste is smaller than an ion radius of the second alkali ions which substitute the first ions in the chemical toughening process.
US09169151B2
A manufacturing method that enables stably making a high-quality optical fiber is provided. The manufacturing method of the present invention comprises: a softened portion falling step in which an optical fiber preform is heated in a heating furnace and a dropping part of softened portion of the preform thus heat-softened is allowed to drop; and a drawing step for drawing the preform such that the softened glass is drawn into a fiber by applying a tension with a take-up means after the softened portion falling step, whereas the preform is rotated about its axis at the softened portion falling step.
US09169149B2
The present invention discloses a vacuum glass sealing device. The device comprises an air extraction table, an upper pressing plate and a heating device, wherein the air extraction table is provided with an accommodating groove for placing glass plates to be sealed, the upper pressing plate is pressed on the glass plates to be sealed in the accommodating groove and air-tightly connected with the air extraction table around the periphery of the accommodating groove; and the air extraction table and/or the upper pressing plate are provided with air extraction ports, and the heating device heats the glass plates to be sealed from the exterior. The air extraction table and the upper pressing plate form a closed space in the sealing device, and the upper pressing plate is directly pressed on the glass plates to be sealed, so the volume of the closed space is greatly reduced, and conditions are created for quick vacuumizing of the closed space and quick sealing of the vacuum glass. The closed space in the sealing device is only used for providing a vacuum environment, and the heating device for welding is separately arranged at the exterior, so equipment operation is convenient, equipment construction is simplified, and a condition is created for large-scale processing of the vacuum glass.
US09169147B2
A lime stabilization system for treatment of sewage sludge, and method is provided in which dewatered sludge and lime are provided to a mixer. Lime and sludge are mixed to raise the pH during which volatiles are driven off with or without supplemental heat. A forced air draft prevents steam from backing up into the lime supply. The sludge goes to a discharge station via a transfer apparatus, and air containing any dust, odors, steam or ammonia is cleaned via a scrubber. The system is computer-controlled via gravimetric load cells and/or volumetric means. The system includes computer controlled means for dissolving scale resulting from exposure of surfaces to lime, using acid, water or combinations thereof.
US09169143B2
A pretreatment method is provided, which comprises the following steps: (1) wastewater feed is introduced into a first end of a first aeration basin, and is mixed with a first concentrated mixed liquor to obtain a first mixed liquor; (2) the first mixed liquor is aerated in the aeration stage of the first aeration basin to obtain a second mixed liquor at a second end of the first aeration basin; (3) the second mixed liquor is introduced into a first sedimentation basin to obtain a supernatant and the first concentrated mixed liquor; (4) the supernatant is discharged and at least a part of the first concentrated mixed liquor is returned to the first end of the first aeration basin. At the same time, a sewage treatment method using the wastewater pretreatment method is provided. The pretreatment method can be used steadily for a long time without discharging sludge.
US09169135B2
A method and an apparatus for hydrolyzing an organic solid are described. The method includes mixing an organic solid and a nanobubble water having a plurality of nanobubbles, to form an organic liquid, in which the nanobubbles contain a combustible gas; and applying an ultrasonic wave on the organic liquid, such that the nanobubbles generate an additional cavitation effect. A preprocessor is applicable to an organic solid processing system having an anaerobic digestion tank, in which the anaerobic digestion tank has anaerobic microbes for generating a combustible gas. The preprocessor includes a nanobubble water generator, a digestion tank, and an ultrasonic wave generator. With the method and the structure, the nanobubbles are used to increase the probability of generation of the additional cavitation effect, and the combustible gas is used to improve an impact force of bursts produced by the cavitation effect.
US09169130B1
A component filter device which is added to a new or existing multi-chamber septic tank to filter the effluent of the septic tank to improve the quality of the water entering a method of dispersal. The device uses a spiral wound membrane filter to filter the effluent. The membrane filter contains open channel spacers to channel the bubbles which scour the membrane leaves. An air lift pump is used to pump permeate. A three-way actuator valve directs the airflow to either the pump or to a bubble diffuser. A two-way actuator valve directs the flow of permeate. A low water indicator directs the operation of the device. The device uses bubble scouring and back washing to clean the membrane leaves. A blower, two actuator valves and a low water indicator are the only moving parts of the device.
US09169129B2
A composition based on cerium, zirconium and tungsten is described. The composition has a content expressed as an oxide, of which cerium is from 5% to 30% of the composition, tungsten is from 2% to 17% of the composition, and the remainder of the composition is zirconium. After aging at 750° C. under an air atmosphere including 10% water, it has a two-phase crystallographic structure having a tetragonal zirconia phase and a monoclinic zirconia phase, with no presence of a crystalline phase including tungsten. The composition can be used as a catalyst, especially in an SCR process.
US09169123B2
According to this production method, the water content of a mixture of a chromium oxide (Cr2O3) powder and a sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) powder is brought to 1000 ppm or less, and the mixture is heated in an inert gas atmosphere at a calcination temperature (850 DEG C.) where the sodium carbonate and the chromium oxide undergo a calcination reaction. Sodium chromite is thereby obtained.
US09169110B2
A method for determining the probability a handling truck tipping over includes determining a respective normal force acting in the z direction for at least two of at least three wheels of the handling truck. At least two normal forces are compared and the probability of the tipping of the handling truck is determined on the basis of the comparison.
US09169108B2
A performance line display unit includes an imaging device which is attached near a leading end of an extensible boom provided on a rotation platform rotatably placed on a vehicle of a crane, a display configured to display an image imaged by the imaging device, and a performance line arithmetic part configured to obtain a performance line regarding a suspended load maximum performance of a crane, wherein the performance line arithmetic part is configured to overlap the performance line with a position of the image corresponding to the obtained performance line to be displayed on the display.
US09169092B2
A sheet feeding device includes a housing, a conveyor roller, a first shaft, a second shaft, and drive units. The conveyor roller includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first shaft has a first engaging portion. The second shaft has a second engaging portion. The drive units drive and rotate the first and second shafts. The first side portion has an engaged portion to be engaged with the first or second engaging portion. The second side portion is formed with a bearing portion configured to be supported by the first or second engaging portion in relatively rotatable manner. The conveyor roller is mountable in the housing in a first mounted state, in which the conveyor roller is integrally rotated with the first shaft, and in a second mounted state, in which the conveyor roller is integrally rotated with the second shaft.
US09169091B2
A sheet feeder includes a casing, a sheet stacking portion, a sheet conveyance path, a feed roller, a separation pad, a holder, a mounting portion and a guiding member. The sheets are placed on the sheet stacking portion and fed in a predetermined direction in the sheet conveyance path. A nip portion, through which the sheet passes, is formed between the feed roller and the separation pad. The holder fixedly supports the separation pad and is mountable into and removable from the mounting portion of the casing. The guiding member guides the holder. The posture of the holder is changeable between a first posture in which a predetermined clearance is formable between the guiding member and the holder when the holder is mounted into the mounting portion and a second posture in which the holder is pressed against the guiding member when the sheet passes through the nip portion.
US09169088B2
An adhesive dispensing device includes a heater unit for melting adhesive material, a receiving space for feeding the heater unit, and a cyclonic separator unit for delivering adhesive pellets to the receiving space. The cyclonic separator unit includes a tangential inlet pipe proximate to a top end of a generally cylindrical pipe, which is connected to the receiving space at an open bottom end. The tangential or spiral flow of air and adhesive pellets generated through the cyclonic separator unit reduces the speed of the air and adhesive pellets to avoid splashing of molten adhesive material while maintaining enough speed to avoid adhesive build up on the generally cylindrical pipe.
US09169082B2
A variable metering system for heterogeneous, sensitive and non-pumpable foodstuffs having a low liquid portion, in which a carrier plate system is set into a stroke motion by a drive cylinder which is in horizontal alignment. The foodstuff, which is brought into the metering chambers on the carrier plates using vacuum, is conveyed by said stroke motion to a discharge position where it is ejected under the effect of compressed air. By the type of connection of the two carrier plates, it is possible to change the distance of the carrier plates from each other by means of a rod system and an associated servomotor or by a hand wheel. This distance variation leads to a change in volume in the metering chambers, can be controlled by an external scale and can be readjusted by an automatic control of the rod system. The design of the metering system ensures that it can be easily dismantled and cleaned for cleaning or maintenance purposes.
US09169081B1
A bulk material conveyor belt scraper comprises a base portion having a C-channel. The belt scraper also comprises a polymeric portion that protrudes outwardly from a corner of the C-channel. The C-channel of the belt scraper is adapted to engage with and partially encircle a support member having a square portion in a manner such that the support member is able to bias the belt scraper against a conveyor belt.
US09169075B2
A conveyor includes a frame having first and second spaced frame elements having outer sides and facing inner sides, first and second drive rollers between the first and second frame elements, a flexible belt mounted on the first and second drive rollers, first and second drive wheels connected to the first and second drive rollers, and a drive operably connected to the first and second drive wheels and configured to drive the belt in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.
US09169061B2
Containment bag for an industrial container embraces a non-self-supporting container having a top, sides, and a bottom, which define an interior space; in at least one of the top and sides, at least one opening for introduction of material into the interior space; and for the at least one opening a flap that can be sealed at or beyond the at least one opening. Sealing is provided through at least one of a hook and loop closure system and an adhesive system. The bag can be employed with the industrial container.
US09169056B2
A thermally insulating member includes a plane sheet having two ends spaced in a length direction and two sides spaced in a thickness direction perpendicular to the length direction. The plane sheet includes a plurality of rows of slits between the ends of the plane sheet. Each row of slits extends from one of the sides through the other side of the plane sheet. A first spacing between two adjacent rows of slits in the length direction is larger than a spacing between two adjacent slits in the same row of slits in a width direction perpendicular to the length and width directions by a second spacing. A thermally insulating strip is defined between two adjacent rows of slits. A stretchable rib is formed between two adjacent slits in the same row of slits. Each end of the plane sheet is a coupling portion free of the slits.
US09169048B2
A hinged closure for a container, particularly a drinking bottle, includes a lower part and an upper part, a hinge section, with which the upper part can be pivoted from a first position to a second position, in which the upper part is pivoted away from the lower part by an opening angle, and a retaining device, having a first retaining section and a second retaining section, both being detachably connected when the upper part is moved into the second position.
US09169031B2
The present invention regards an aerial vehicle harpoon device for securing an aerial vehicle (31, 55) to a grid (9) of a landing site, the aerial vehicle (31, 55) comprises an undercarriage (11) having a supporting surface (13) for supporting the aerial vehicle (31, 55) when being in contact with the ground (15), the harpoon device (1) further comprises a securing element (4) arranged adjacent the supporting surface (13). The harpoon device (1) further comprises a resilient actuating device (23) which is adapted to extend the securing element (4) beyond the supporting surface (13) in an unloaded state, and which in a loaded state is compressed by the weight of the aerial vehicle (31, 55) when contacting the ground (15) so that the securing element (4) retracts and the supporting surface (13) contacts the ground (15).
US09169026B2
The invention relates to a nacelle (1) for a turbojet engine (8) comprising: an air intake structure (4) able to channel a flow of air towards a fan (7) of the turbojet engine (8), comprising an air intake lip (21) upstream of the nacelle (1) and attached at its ends to an outer panel (25) and an inner panel (23); a central structure (5) intended to surround said fan (7) and to which the air intake structure (4) is attached in such a way as to ensure aerodynamic continuity, said central structure (5) comprising a secondary, or bypass, flow path outer ring section (11) intended to surround the engine and a central outer cowl (13), and a downstream section (6), the outer panel (25) comprising a moving part (25a) attached to the air intake lip (21) and extending downstream of the inner panel (23) and at least one fixed part (25b) fixed to the central structure (5) or to the downstream section (6) and intended to nest together with the moving part (25a) through their having complementary shapes.
US09169016B2
Disclosed is a method for the installation of systems in an aeroplane fuselage, a device with a rails system for the execution of the method, and a freight loading system, which uses the rails system as a guidance system for cargo.
US09169015B2
In order to allow decoy projectiles (6) to be launched with optimal quality of flight, the projectiles respectively include external cylindrical bodies (80) which are dimensionally identical, housed in the tube and each having a deployable-fins (9) aerodynamic stabilization device, that adopt a folded position inside the body when the projectile is in the tube, and a deployed position outside of the tube. To achieve that, the system includes a projectile ejection system (8), with an axial passage (12), arranged fixedly as a continuation of the tube, at the opposite end to the advance mechanism, and containing, in succession, after the control mechanism, the projectile (6) that is to be ejected by a controllable ejection device (25) connected to the module.
US09169010B2
A tiltrotor rotor hub comprises first and second configurations of yokes arranged in two parallel and axially offset planes, each having an equal number of two or more yokes substantially equally spaced about a mast, wherein a portion of each yoke overlaps with a portion of each azimuthally adjacent yoke. Another tiltrotor rotor hub is selectively positionable for operation in helicopter/airplane/transition modes and comprises substantially parallel and axially offset first and second planes, each containing a plurality of blade yokes arranged about a central axis and a portion of each yoke overlaps with a portion of each azimuthally adjacent yoke. Another tiltrotor rotor hub is coupled to a tiltrotor mast and comprises a stacked arrangement of blade yokes wherein a portion of each yoke overlaps with a portion of each azimuthally adjacent yoke, and a plurality of mounting components coupling each yoke to the overlapping azimuthally adjacent yoke.
US09169006B2
The invention relates to a method of managing parking braking in a braking system for a vehicle fitted with at least one electric brake including at least one electric actuator having a pusher actuated by an electric motor for selectively applying a force against friction elements of the brake, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a series of direct adjustment tables for parking braking, corresponding to braking situations at different energy levels; when applying parking braking, selecting a direct adjustment table corresponding to a braking situation preceding the application of parking braking; and directly adjusting a parking braking force in application with the selected direct adjustment table.
US09169005B2
A drive unit (16) for an aircraft running gear (2) having at least a first wheel (4) and a second wheel (6) on a common wheel axis (A) is characterized in that the drive unit (16) is drivingly coupleable to the first and second wheels (4, 6) such that a direction of longitudinal extension (C) of the drive unit (16) is in a plane orthogonal to the common wheel axis (A).
US09168999B2
A propeller blade includes a foam core having a slot formed through it from a camber side to a face side, an internal stiffener disposed through the slot and including flanges in contact with both the camber and face sides and a structural layer that surrounds at least a portion of the foam core and in contact with the flanges on both the camber and face sides.
US09168992B2
A fuel supply system of an outboard motor for supplying a fuel stored in a fuel tank to an intake port of an engine includes: a vapor separator which is disposed on one of left and right sides of the engine in terms of a traveling direction of a hull and to whose upper portion a vapor vent pipe having a tip open to an atmosphere is connected; and an in-line high-pressure fuel pump which is connected to the vapor separator via a fuel pipe and to whose upper portion an air vent pipe passing a position higher than the fuel pipe is connected, wherein the vapor vent pipe includes a folded portion formed so as to extend toward the other side out of the left and right sides of the engine and thereafter return to the one side.
US09168990B2
In various embodiments a variable buoyancy profiling float is disclosed. The variable buoyancy profiling float may comprise a spherical glass housing comprising a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere. The first and second hemispheres may be coupled by a partial vacuum within the spherical glass housing. A buoyancy system may be located at least partially within the spherical glass housing. The buoyancy system may be configured to provide variable buoyancy control to the variable buoyancy profiling float. A sensor bundle may be mounted to the spherical glass housing and may be configured to measure at least one environmental parameter.
US09168988B2
A method of cleaning a rotatable object including obtaining a flexible line having a plurality of cleaning elements disposed along the central portion and further including engaging the cleaning elements disposed along the central portion with a rotatable object and affixing a first line end to a first support having a fixed location proximate a first end of the rotatable object and affixing a second line end to a second support having a fixed location proximate a second end of said rotatable object; and rotating the rotatable object to clean the rotatable object with the plurality of cleaning elements.
US09168986B1
A flotation device includes an elongated and flexible member with a channel extending between longitudinal ends of the flexible member. The flexible member is configured to support an individual within water during a recreational activity. A cap is secured to the flexible member having a shaft suitably dimensioned to fit within the channel of the flexible member to secure the cap to the flexible member. A sleeve having a body member is dimensioned to fit over the flexible member and act as the flexible member's skin. The sleeve can also be dimensioned to fit over the flexible member and the cap for acting as the flexible member's and the cap's skin. The flexible member has at least one cut-out which corresponds to or is aligned with at least one cut-out of the sleeve.
US09168977B2
A driven wheel suspension system for a vehicle (100) having a chassis (12) suspended from a driven wheel (10) is disclosed. The suspension system includes a suspension mechanism including a driven wheel carrier member (11) rotatably connected to the driven wheel (10). The suspension mechanism is configured to isolate the movement of the driven wheel 10 from the movement of the chassis (12). The driven wheel (10) is movable a distance relative to the chassis (12) which defines a suspension travel. The driven wheel suspension system further includes a drive train including a looped power transmission element configured to transmit power between the driven wheel (10) and a power source mounted on the chassis (12). An idler member (31) is rotatably mounted on an idler carrier member (20) that is movable relative to both the chassis (12) and driven wheel earner member (11). The idler member (31) is configured to engage with a power transmitting segment (33) of the looped power transmission element and move to follow a predetermined path as a function of suspension travel, to thereby alter a path of said power transmitting segment (33) of the looped power transmission element. Altering the path of the power transmitting segment (33) of the looped power transmission element results in a lengthening or shortening of the power transmitting segment (33) of the looped power transmission element. The driven wheel suspension system of the present invention has many applications, including but not limited to a rear wheel suspension system for a bicycle.
US09168974B2
The invention relates to a cable-actuated disc brake for a bicycle. The cable-actuated disc brake has a lever with dual, opposing piston assemblies that limit the movement of brake pads in relation to a brake disc of the bicycle. The lever includes symmetrical lever arms respectively engaged with symmetrical piston assemblies that are axially spaced, coaxially aligned and rotate about a pivot axis to selectively engage brake pads with a brake disc of the bicycle.
US09168967B2
A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of an adjusting portion, a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed; and a right frame body in which a part of the adjusting portion, a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, in which the seat tube and the frame are integrally formed by adjusting a length of the adjusting portion, and the left frame body and the right frame body are coupled integrally.
US09168964B1
A bicycle includes a bicycle body, an electric generator disposed in a saddle area of the bicycle body and an electronic device connected to the electric generator to be powered by the latter. The electric generator includes a piezoelectric transducer, a storage battery and an electric power output port connected to the piezoelectric transducer and the storage battery. The piezoelectric transducer is configured to transform mechanical vibration energy available on the saddle area into electricity during cycling. The storage battery is coupled to the piezoelectric transducer for storing the electricity generated by the piezoelectric transducer. The electronic device is connected to the electric power output port to be powered by either the piezoelectric transducer or the storage battery.
US09168963B2
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems including a limbed vehicle having a plurality of controllably movable limbs (e.g., a limbed machine, limbed robot, etc.) and a plurality of spaced posts that the limbed vehicle may travel on using the limbs. As non-limiting examples, such disclosed embodiments of systems may be used to service an agriculture field, to enable travel over an environmentally-sensitive area or an area impassable by a conventional wheeled or tracked vehicle, and may be used in many other different applications. Embodiments disclosed herein also relate to methods of operating a limbed vehicle to travel on a plurality of spaced posts.
US09168961B2
In a tracklaying gear of a road finishing machine or a feeder with a drive chain wheel comprising circumferential teeth and being rotatably driven about an axis, and at least one idler wheel freely rotating about an axis inside a caterpillar track damping layers having damping material and exclusively radial sliding guides are integrated in the drive chain wheel and/or the idler wheel between the axis and the caterpillar track.
US09168956B2
A vehicle body includes: rear side members disposed at both sides of the vehicle body; a rear cross member rear having both end portions fixed to the rear side members; a rear cross member front having both end portions fixed to the rear side members, and disposed in front of the rear cross member rear; and a rear cross panel having a lower surface that is supported on and joined to the rear side members, the rear cross member rear, and the rear cross member front.
US09168944B2
The invention relates to an electric locking system (1) for locking the position of a steering column of a vehicle relative to the dashboard of said vehicle, the steering column including a tube-body movably mounted in a supporting assembly for enabling the manual adjustment of said steering column. The locking system includes means (2) for locking the tube-body on the supporting assembly, an electric motor (4) coupled to the locking means (2) for driving the latter and placing the steering column in an unlocked state or a locked state, motor control means providing motor actuation instructions for placing the steering column in the locked state and/or in the unlocked state, and means for detecting the state of the steering column and for generating an electric signal representative of the state of the column.
US09168942B2
The vehicle a pair of left and right wheels includes a seating section configured such that a driver is able to take a seat by straddling the same, foot placement sections located beneath the seating section to be respectively provided at left and right positions with the seating section interposed therebetween, the foot placement sections being respectively supported by lower arms connected to the wheels, feet of the driver being placed on the foot placement sections, and a grip section gripped with a hand of the driver. Left and right steering may be performed by twisting the feet placed on the foot placement sections by the driver.
US09168928B2
An operating system for a motor vehicle, having a first operating unit for detecting user gestures, at least one second operating unit for detecting user inputs, and an evaluation unit which assigns the user gestures and user inputs detected by the operating units to operating functions. The evaluation unit checks whether a user gesture and a user input have been detected at the same time within the same time window and within the same spatial area. The evaluation unit modifies or suppresses the operating function assigned to the user gesture in the event of a positive result of the check.
US09168927B2
A vehicle accessory can transmit a first signal to a mobile device, the first signal including a location of a vehicle. The mobile device can monitor its own location. The mobile device can assess whether one or more location-based criteria have been satisfied based on the location of the mobile device and the location of the vehicle. Upon determining that a location-based criterion has been satisfied, the mobile device can transmit a second signal to the vehicle accessory indicating that a function of the vehicle is to be controlled. Thus, for example, the mobile device can activate or de-activate vehicle features (e.g., door locking, vehicle defrosting, etc.) in a manner that capitalizes on efficient signal transmission.
US09168925B2
Systems and methods for determining vehicle rolling direction and road grade are disclosed. In one example, a vehicle rolling direction is determined from a correlation coefficient. The vehicle rolling direction is applied to a kinematic equation to determine road grade.
US09168921B2
The present invention relates to a method for warning a driver of a motor vehicle (2) of an obstacle (1) present in a side area (19) next to a side flank (13) of the vehicle (2) with the help of a driver assistance system (3), wherein during a motion of the vehicle (2) the obstacle (1) is detected by an ultrasonic sensor (5, 7) stationarily arranged on a vehicle bumper (6, 8), before the obstacle (1) leaves a detection area (10) of the ultrasonic sensor (5, 7) and enters the side area (19) next to the side flank (13). After the obstacle (1) leaves the detection area (10) a current position of the obstacle (1) in the side area (19) relative to the vehicle (2) is estimated by the driver assistance system (3), wherein the driver is warned by the driver assistance system (3) in dependency on a result of the estimation.
US09168918B2
A power transmitting apparatus may include: an electric supplementary drive unit; a torque converting device having first, second, and third rotation elements, wherein the first rotation element is connected to the electric supplementary drive unit, the second rotation element is connected to an engine, and the third rotation element is operated as an output element; a first input shaft directly connected to the second rotation element, and a second input shaft directly connected to the third rotation element; a direct coupling device selectively connecting two rotation elements among the first, second, and third rotation elements, a first speed output unit having first and second synchronizer modules, and a second speed output unit having third and fourth synchronizer modules; and a reverse speed device having an idle gear and engaging to any one input gear on the first and second input shafts.
US09168911B2
A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle which is provided with: a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism which have a total of five rotary elements; and an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to four rotary elements of said five rotary elements, and which has at least a first drive mode and a second drive mode in which the engine is operated and which are established by selectively connecting a rotary element of said five rotary elements which is connected to said engine, and a rotary element of said five rotary elements which is not connected to any of said engine, said first electric motor, said second electric motor and said output rotary member, to each other through a clutch, or selectively fixing the rotary element connected to said engine and the rotary element not connected to any of said engine, said first electric motor, said second electric motor and said output rotary member, to a stationary member through a brake, the drive control device comprising: a drive mode control portion configured to place the hybrid vehicle selectively in the first drive mode in which said engine is operated, in an engaged state of said brake and in a released state of said clutch, and the second drive mode in which said engine is operated, in a released state of said brake and in an engaged state of said clutch, said drive control portion inhibiting the hybrid vehicle from being placed in said second drive mode when an operating point of said engine lies in a predetermined region, and permitting the hybrid vehicle to be placed in said first drive mode when the operating point of the engine lies in said predetermined region.
US09168904B2
An input rod for connecting a vacuum brake booster to a pedal linkage member, wherein the input rod includes a connecting portion adapted to be connected to the pedal linkage member. The input rod further including a hollow body portion formed from a stamped flat blank.
US09168903B2
One embodiment provides a vehicle brake hydraulic controller including a wheel speed acquiring section; a wheel deceleration calculator; a vehicle velocity calculator; and a locking tendency determination section. The vehicle velocity calculator calculates a vehicle deceleration based on a temporary vehicle deceleration corresponding to an acceleration sensor value and calculates a vehicle velocity based on the calculated vehicle deceleration. The vehicle velocity calculator calculates the temporary vehicle deceleration by offsetting a first correction amount to a deceleration side in relation to the acceleration sensor value. When a brake pedal operation amount by a driver is equal to or smaller than a first threshold and that an absolute value of the wheel deceleration is equal to or larger than an absolute value of a second threshold are met, the first correction amount is set to be smaller than when the conditions are not met.
US09168897B2
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for a oscillating arm comprising two longitudinal arm sections connected to each other by means of a curved intermediate section, wherein said oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis, with the special feature that the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about the pivot axis, with the interposition of a joint part, wherein the joint part comprises a resilient tongue engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in the oscillating arm, and wherein the joint part and the connecting device are pivotally connected to each other by mutually cooperating protrusion/hole means, the protrusion/hole means, the protrusion/hole means being located below the longitudinal center plane between the two longitudinal arm sections.
US09168894B2
Apparatus are provided for notifying a driver of an open vehicle access. The apparatus includes an electronic control module for informing a vehicle driver that a vehicle access is not secured, the electronic control module configured to determine if a transmission of the vehicle is in either a park status or a neutral status, determine if all keys for the vehicle are located outside a predetermined distance from the vehicle and determine if a displacement sensor indicates that a vehicle access is not closed. When the vehicle is in the park or neutral status, the key is located at a distance greater than the predetermined distance from the vehicle, and at least one vehicle access is indicated as being not closed, then an access open message is generated and sent to the driver.
US09168892B2
A detector device for detecting the locking state of a seat belt lock, such as for an automobile restraint system, is disclosed, which has a swivel lever that is designed like a strap and that is hinged to a switch housing via a swivel axis (A) that is arranged eccentrically and that has at least one operating arm projecting from the swivel axis (A), which arm extends above the switch housing and can move into a second end position by interaction with a component of a locking mechanism of the seat belt lock that can move in translation against a return force from a first end position, in which its at least one operating arm extends above the switch housing. The detector device has a sensor device for detecting the change in position of a section of the swivel lever that can swivel from the starting position into its laterally and vertically changed end position.
US09168886B2
A motor vehicle with a rollover protection system has at least one rollover support body. For the connection of the rollover support body to the body structure of the motor vehicle, a wide-based receiving device is provided in the area of a rear wheel house and/or of a side panel area. The fastening takes place by screws which are oriented in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle.
US09168884B2
A vehicle includes a body, a door, an actuator, and a controller. The body includes an upper portion, a lower portion and a pillar member. The actuator is coupled with the pillar member and includes a movable member that is movable between deployed and retracted positions. The controller is electrically coupled with the actuator and is configured to facilitate movement of the actuator from the retracted position to the deployed position in response to detection of a collision. When the movable member is in the deployed position with the door closed, the movable member is in an abutting relationship with the door. When the movable member is in the retracted position, the movable member is spaced from the door.
US09168879B2
A sealing arrangement for vehicle windows is described. The sealing arrangement has at least a holding rail that has a locking channel, which is formed by a guide rail and a resilient leg, and is fastened to a window and a cover that has a guide channel, which is formed by a locking rail and a positioning stop. The guide rail is arranged in the guide channel and the locking rail is latched in the locking channel. A locking hook is latched onto the resilient leg in a projecting region of the locking rail and a resilient element is clamped in the guide channel between a stop face on the underside of the cover and the guide rail.
US09168876B2
A support for portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort. The support may comprise an elongated cavity or slot configured to accept one or more portable electronic devices. The portable electronic devices may be held at various viewing angles relative to the passenger. In some embodiments, the support may be rotatable. In this manner, a passenger may be permitted to adjust the angle at which his or her portable electronic device is positioned. Likewise, an operator or the like may rotate the support for cleaning or other maintenance.
US09168875B2
A quick release ATV rack system for allowing a user to selectively increase the amount of cargo storage space on an ATV without removal of passenger seating with a removable rack. The quick release ATV rack system comprises a base frame and a two pairs of fastener assemblies. The base frame is defined by a top tier and a bottom tier and additionally includes a proximal end configured to attach to a factory ATV rack and a distal end having an elevated backstop. The top tier provides the primary support structure and an attaching structure embodied as a pair of top fastener assemblies. The bottom tier provides an additional stabilizing aspect in the form of a pair of bottom fastener assemblies which assists the quick release ATV rack system in fastening to the factory rack on an ATV.
US09168864B2
A lighting assembly for a vehicle, and in particular, an interior lighting assembly having a reduced profile using solid state illuminators is provided along with a method of construction thereof. The assembly includes a housing; a lens attached to the housing; a printed circuit board disposed between the housing and the lens; at least one light source attached in operable electrical communication to the printed circuit board; and a light blade. The light blade has opposite sides disposed between the printed circuit board and the lens. One of the sides has a first configuration of optics and the other of the sides has a second configuration of optics, wherein the first and second configurations of optics are different from one another.
US09168862B2
A helmet apparatus for automated vehicle heading alert includes a carrier detachable from headwear of a driver, a plurality of light emitting elements, a gyroscopic device, a signal processing and decision-making (SPDM) processor, and a power device. The light emitting elements are installed on the carrier and include left and right light emitting elements. The gyroscopic device is installed on the carrier and includes a gyroscope for detecting an operation of a vehicle and outputting gyroscope signals corresponding to the operation. The SPDM processor receives the gyroscope signals to form operation signals, processes the operation signals, performs a discriminant decision-making procedure, generates consecutively discriminant signals corresponding to the operation signals, and drives accordingly at least one of the light emitting elements to turn on, turn off, or flashing. The power supply device is used for supplying power required by the light emitting elements, the gyroscopic device, and the SPDM processor.
US09168857B2
A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.
US09168848B2
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback having a panel movable to a reclined position and a cushion slidably coupled with the panel to slide down in the reclined position. A base is pivotally supporting the panel and has a concave portion. A seat has a bottom portion slidably coupled with the concave portion for sliding the seat to an upward angle when the panel moves to the reclined position.
US09168844B2
Methods and electric vehicle diagnostic systems are provided for diagnosing performance of an active cooling system for cooling a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) with a coolant. In one embodiment, a method includes determining, via a controller, whether the coolant temperature (TC) is less than the ambient temperature plus a first calibrated value (TA+V1). The method also includes determining, via a controller, whether the coolant temperature (TC) is less than the RESS temperature plus a second calibrated value (TR+V2). When the coolant temperature is less than the ambient temperature plus the first calibrated value and less than the RESS temperature plus the second calibrated value, the method provides for recording a diagnostic pass.
US09168842B2
A method and a control unit for controlling the authorization of charging operations of electrically operated vehicles. A control unit is provided between a main terminal and a plurality of electric coupler sockets, which are connected to the control unit via a power line. A vehicle to be charged is connected to one of the electric coupler sockets, and the total charging current, which is conducted from the main terminal to the electric coupler sockets via the control unit, is measured. Charging-current requests are transmitted to the control unit by each of the vehicles connected to the electric coupler sockets, and the total charging current is compared to the sum of the charging currents reported by the vehicles connected to the charging outlets. The charging outlets are switched off if the total charging current exceeds the sum. The connecting of a vehicle to be charged includes transmitting authorization information from the vehicle to the control unit. The authorization information is compared to a list of authorized vehicles by the control unit, in order to check the authorization of the vehicle. The transmitting of charging-current requests and authorization information is provided by modulating an alternating current signal upon the power line, the alternating current signal representing the authorization request or the charging-current request.
US09168840B2
A charging port device for an electric vehicle has an electrical driving mechanism for electrically applying a torque using a motor to move a restricting member to an inner-side position short of a predetermined position corresponding to a locked state or an unlocked state, and a mechanical driving mechanism for mechanically applying a torque to move the restricting member from the inner-side position to the predetermined position, when the restricting member is to be moved to the predetermined position, and a part of the restricting member overlaps the engaging member, when viewed from the direction of separation, at the inner-side position that corresponds to a movement to the locked state.
US09168838B2
Charging control section 17 controls charging such that when the charging of an EV satisfies a predetermined condition, the EV is charged with electricity from a stationary energy storage and when the charging of the EV does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the EV is charged with electricity from an electric power grid and information communication grid 1 and the stationary energy storage is charged from electric power grid and information communication grid 1 based on the state of stored electricity of the stationary energy storage. Charging scheduling section 15 performs scheduling for the EV based on an electric power demand that cause electric power grid and information communication grid 1 to charge the EV with electricity, the electric power demand including electric power demand created by charging performed under the control of charging control section 17.
US09168830B2
Plastic fuel tank comprising a noise reduction baffle and interference sections for suppressing tank deformation in the case of application of negative pressure to said tank, the interference sections projecting inward in the tank from an upper surface and a lower surface thereof respectively, and being disposed so as to be substantially opposed with a specified interval between them, one of these sections being part of a fixation device which secures the baffle to the tank wall.
US09168817B2
A folding type sunroof deflector structure may include a deflector gate formed penetrating the front frame in the widthwise direction of the vehicle a first deflector which is stored inside the front frame to be moved up and down through the deflector gate and projectable outside of the opening section; a second deflector, an upper part of which is rotatably connected to a hinge joint located at a bottom of the first deflector and which is projectable outside of the opening section according to a movement of the first deflector; and a pair of deflector arms having a rear end portion of which is rotatably coupled to a pair of side frames to be connected to sides of the opening section; and a front end portion of which is coupled to both sides of the first deflector to move the first deflector up and down.
US09168815B2
A support component for a motor vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle door is provided. The support component defines a support plane and defines two opposed side faces for the arrangement of functional components of a motor vehicle window lifter, wherein the support component includes at least one reinforcing structure for reinforcing the support component, wherein the support component forms at least two surface segments which on both side faces are arranged in the direction of extension along the support plane. The reinforcing structure is formed such that on the one side face it extends in a manner protruding with respect to both surface segments transversely to the support plane and on the other side face extends in a manner set back with respect to a surface segment of the two surface segments and protruding with respect to the other surface segment of the two surface segments.
US09168809B2
An air conditioning system is provided, particularly for a vehicle having a main air conditioning unit, an auxiliary air conditioning unit, wherein both the main air conditioning unit and the auxiliary air conditioning unit contain a blower, an evaporator and a heater core, a cold pass is attached to the evaporator, a hot pass is affiliated to the heater core and the cold pass is separated from the hot pass by at least one temperature door. By an air conditioning system, especially for a vehicle, which uses the conditioned air in the vehicle cabin for engine cooling, an additional pass is arranged before the heater core in the auxiliary air conditioning unit wherein said hot pass ends in a body exhauster during the cooling mode of said auxiliary air conditioning unit.
US09168786B2
A mobile robot configured to be widely versatile in its use. For example, the mobile robot can be configured for being used on a wide assortment of surfaces, regardless of the orientation and/or shape of the surfaces. Alternatively or in combination, the mobile robot can be configured for effective and efficient movement on the surfaces it traverses. In some cases, the mobile robot is configured with two or more component units. In some cases, the component units are configured with magnets and a control system for orientating the magnets. In some cases, one or more component couplings join the component units. In some cases, the mobile unit is configured with Mecanum wheels.
US09168780B1
A divider for a file folder includes a primary sheet made of transparent plastic and having an integrally formed tab that protrudes from a top of the primary sheet. The divider further includes a secondary sheet made of transparent plastic and welded to a surface of the primary sheet to define at least one accessory compartment and a tertiary sheet made of transparent plastic and welded to the surface of the primary sheet to define a business card compartment. A portion of the business card compartment is located adjacent to the tab of the primary sheet and is sized to accommodate a business card.
US09168775B2
A stamp includes a printing unit and an actuator unit. The printing unit is connected to the actuator unit by a connecting element. The printing unit includes a support element and a printing plate the cross section of which is round. The printing plate is stabilized by the support element. The printing unit is moveable from a neutral setting into a print setting through axial displacement by the actuator unit. The printing plate can be moved further by axial displacement into a positioning setting wherein the printing plate can be rotated in its angular position relative to the actuator unit.
US09168770B2
A roll paper supplying device and a recording apparatus include an unwinding shaft and a bearing that support a roll having a roll paper wound around a core in a manner that the roll paper can be fed out from the roll, a fixed braking section and a movable braking section that is configured to come into contact with an outer peripheral end face of the roll and brake a rotation of the roll in feeding out of the roll paper, and a radial direction movement section that is configured to move the fixed braking section and the movable braking section in a radial direction of the roll according to a diameter of the roll which decreases as the roll paper is fed out.
US09168762B2
An image forming system of one aspect of the present invention includes a first image forming apparatus arranged on the upstream side in a sheet conveyance direction, a second image forming apparatus arranged on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and an intermediate apparatus arranged between the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus. The image forming system includes a sheet conveyance path through which a sheet is conveyed from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus through the intermediate apparatus. The sheet conveyance path is formed so that the rear end of a sheet having stopped on the sheet conveyance path is located on the sheet conveyance path within the intermediate apparatus.
US09168761B2
A digital camera includes an image capture assembly; a print media transport assembly; a pagewidth ink jet printhead; a roll of print media; an internal chassis serving as a frame on which the image capture assembly, the print media transport assembly, and the printhead are directly supported; and an external casing completely encasing therewithin the internal chassis. The external casing is openable, and the internal chassis together with the assemblies and printhead supported thereon are removable from the external casing. The internal chassis is provided as an integral frame configured with pre-molded fittings adapted to receive and support the assemblies and printhead.
US09168755B2
An inkjet printhead assembly includes: an elongate ink supply structure having a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply channels corresponding to a plurality of different colored inks and a plurality of outlet openings; and a plurality of individual printhead modules arranged along a length of the ink supply structure. Each printhead module includes: a carrier having a plurality of inlets for receiving ink from a respective set of the outlet openings, a mounting surface having a plurality of ink supply slots defined therein and a plurality of converging walls extending from the inlets towards the ink supply slots, the converging walls defining a plurality of converging ink galleries for supplying the plurality of different colored inks. A printhead segment is bonded to each mounting surface, the printhead segment receiving the different colored inks from the plurality of ink supply slots.
US09168746B2
A printing apparatus includes a carriage having a recording head movable in a first direction relative to a medium, a color ink nozzle row and a clear ink nozzle row that are provided in the recording head and that respectively eject photo-curable color ink and photo-curable clear ink, and a light irradiation section. A first period of time from when the color ink is deposited on the medium to when light is emitted by the light irradiation section is equal to or longer than a second period of time from when the clear ink is deposited on the medium to when the light is emitted by the light irradiation section.
US09168745B2
An ink jet print head assembly includes a carrier body, plural pistons, and a printing plate. The pistons are configured to actuate in ejection directions in order to engage a diaphragm plate of the printing plate and cause fluid to be ejected from orifices of the printing plate along printing directions. The ejection directions in which the pistons are actuated are transversely oriented with respect to printing directions in which the fluid is ejected from the printing plate.
US09168743B1
A nozzle device includes an upper cover module having a cavity, a plurality of stacked piezoelectric plate modules, a plug module, and a lower cover module. Each piezoelectric plate module includes a substrate, a piezoelectric material, an electrical connection, an upper electrode, and a lower electrode. The substrate includes multiple first through holes disposed correspondingly to the cavity. The piezoelectric material is located on the upper surface of the substrate. The electrical connection extends from the lower surface of the substrate, through the substrate, and to the bottom of the piezoelectric material. The lower electrode is located below the lower surface of the substrate and electrically connects to the electrical connection. The plug module includes plugs and second through holes corresponding to the first through holes. The lower cover module includes openings disposed according to the plugs of the plug module.
US09168741B2
A substrate for a liquid ejecting head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first area having a plurality of ejection heaters and a driving circuit that is configured to supply electric energy to the plurality of ejection heaters disposed thereon, a second area having a signal supplying circuit that is configured to supply an electric signal to the driving circuit disposed thereon, and a heater that is configured to heat the substrate and that includes a first portion disposed in the first area and a second portion disposed in the second area. The magnitude of a current supplied to the first portion differs from the magnitude of a current supplied to the second portion.
US09168739B2
Various configurations of print head die are described. In an example, a first print head die has first print structures disposed along a major dimension thereof perpendicular to the media path, the first print structures including a leading print structure with respect to the media path. A second print head die independent of the first print head die has second print structures disposed along a major dimension thereof perpendicular to the media path, the second print head die being staggered with respect to the first print head die along the media path, the second print structures including a leading print structure with respect to the media path. An extent between respective leading print structures of the first and second print head dies is between a minimum value and a maximum value computed from a function of expected variation in position of the media and maximum allowable dot placement error for the first and second print structures.
US09168733B2
In a printing machine that carries out printing while circulating a printing solution, the device inhibits foaming of the ink so that the viscosity of the ink is efficiently controlled.In a printing machine that carries out printing while circulating the printing solution containing a resin component to be transferred to the surface to be printed and a surfactant through a circulation route (10), the device supplies a viscosity adjusting solution that controls the viscosity of the printing solution to the printing solution containing foam generated on the circulation route (10) to break the foam.
US09168732B2
A method of continuously imparting different visually detectable features to a plurality of items using a printing and/or embossing roll is provided. The circumference of the roll differs from the whole number of the item lengths. In a production series, the number of items each having a different visually detectable feature provided before said visually detectable features repeat themselves is greater than the number of items imparted after one full turn of the roll. Also disclosed is a package including a plurality of items each having a visually detectable feature that is different from the visually detectable features of all other items within the package, such that a first item includes a first visually detectable feature, and a second item includes a second visually detectable feature including at least a portion of the first visually detectable pattern element, wherein the first and second visually detectable features are different.
US09168730B2
A method of partially imaging a substrate, for example glass, with a print pattern comprising layers of ceramic ink in substantially exact registration. The method relies on a mask ink layer defining the print pattern and differential thermal expulsion of ceramic ink medium during a heat fusing process between the areas outside the print pattern and within the print pattern. This results in pigment and glass frit forming a durable image material adhered to the substrate within the print pattern and non-durable material outside the print pattern, enabling its removal outside the print pattern to leave the desired layers of ceramic ink within the print pattern in substantially exact registration.
US09168722B2
A low glossiness-metallic luster decorative sheet with a low glossiness feeling added to a metallic luster feeling, and a laminated body thereof. Glossiness change at the time of molding is reduced. In a configuration with a metallic luster layer, and a low glossiness-resin layer containing a delustering agent provided to a substrate sheet in the order of the low glossiness-resin layer and the metallic luster layer from the closer side when viewed from one side, the low glossiness-resin layer has a large number of minute opening parts such that the metallic luster layer can be observed in the minute opening parts without the low glossiness-resin layer. By laminating the same onto the substrate by such as a molding method, a laminated body can be provided. The metallic luster layer viewed in the minute opening parts realizes a high brilliance metallic luster feeling while providing low glossiness.
US09168715B2
The disclosure describes a device for inflating and cutting a material web. The device can include a web advancement mechanism to advance a material web in a longitudinal path, an inflation mechanism for inserting a fluid into the material web to create one or more inflated pillows, a fluid inlet for providing the fluid to the inflation mechanism, and a cutting mechanism configured to cut the material web in the longitudinal path.
US09168713B2
The hydraulic drive system of a machine press comprises at least two independent hydraulic drive units. In each of said hydraulic drive units at least one hydraulic cylinder, which is connected via valves and a main pressure line under supply pressure to a pump driven by a motor, raises and lowers the upper tool carrier. The rotational speed of the motor is adjustable via the numeric machine control, in which a rotational speed profile defined across the work cycle is stored. Furthermore, a pressure-limiting unit limiting the level of the supply pressure is provided, which at least during a part of the work cycle limits the supply pressure to the lower pressure of a pressure profile defined across the work cycle and stored in the numeric machine control and the actual load pressure increased by an extra amount at the at least one hydraulic cylinder.
US09168707B2
Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master, bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein, creating a replica of the bonded replica structure and electroforming a metallic layer onto the bonded replica structure replica to create a single, one piece, metallic shim which can be used to create a weld-less embosser drum.
US09168706B2
A joint element made of fiber-reinforced plastic having at least three tubular and/or profile-shaped connection regions. The joint element has at least one V-shaped or U-shaped rigid wall element, which is arranged between two connection regions and is connected to the fiber-reinforced plastic.
US09168704B2
A manufacturing method of an activated-carbon filter element has the steps of preparing a non-woven cloth, spreading activated-carbon powders, combining the activated-carbon powders with the non-woven cloth, and winding. In the step of spreading the activated-carbon powders, the activated-carbon powders are scattered onto the non-woven cloth by a scattering device. In the step of combining the activated-carbon powders with the non-woven cloth, the non-woven cloth is hot pressed by a hot pressing cylinder, and is melted. The activated-carbon powders are securely combined with the non-woven cloth.
US09168703B2
Curable compositions, such as oxazine-based ones, are useful in applications within the aerospace industry, such as for example as a thermosetting resin composition for use as a matrix resin in processes, such as resin transfer molding, vacuum assisted transfer molding, resin film infusion, prepregging and towpregging, where the composites or laminates so prepared have superior surface finish and high fiber consolidation.
US09168696B2
In an embodiment, a method of inscribing a substrate comprises contacting the substrate with a laser beam to generate a mark, wherein the mark results from increasing the reflectivity of the thermoplastic material, wherein the substrate comprises a composition comprising a non-reflective thermoplastic material. In an embodiment, a method for generating a mark on an article comprises bonding a first component to a second component with a laser beam having a wavelength of greater than or equal to 800 nanometers, wherein the first component composition comprises a thermoplastic composition absorbing light having a wavelength of less than or equal to 500 nanometers and wherein the second component comprises a thermoplastic composition absorbing light having a wavelength of greater than or equal to 800 nanometers.
US09168694B2
The present invention relates to a transparent resin composition which comprises (a) a (meth)acrylate based resin comprising one or more (meth)acrylate based derivatives; and (b) an aromatic based resin having a chain having the hydroxy group containing portion and an aromatic moiety.
US09168681B2
A method for making hollow stiffening elements with co-curing technique on a structure made of composite material 1 includes the use of at least a lamination and polymerization spindle 2 upon which is positioned at least a rolled section 3. The rolled section 3 forms at least a hollow structure 11 where there is the spindle 2, including the following operational phases: coating the spindle 2 with at least a first anti-adherent layer 41; coating the spindle 2 with at least a second heat-shrinking layer 42; heating the coated spindle 2; positioning the spindle 2 on the surface of the structure 1; laminating the surface 1 through at least a rolled section 3; heating the structure 1 with at least a positioned rolled section 3; extracting the spindle 2 from the hollow structure 11.
US09168675B2
A method for producing a resin composition using an extruder, the extruder having a cylinder and a screw disposed inside the cylinder, the cylinder being provided with a main feed port and further optionally provided with a side feed port disposed downstream in an extrusion direction from the main feed port, and the method comprising: supplying a resin (A) in the total amount to the extruder from the main feed port; supplying a fibrous filler (B), whose a weight average fiber length is 1 mm or more, in the total amount to the extruder from the main feed port, or, with the extruder being provided with the side feed port, supplying the fibrous filler (B) partly to the extruder from the main feed port and the remainder to the extruder from the side feed port; melt-kneading the supplied resin (A) and the fibrous filler (B); and extruding the melt-kneaded material.
US09168666B2
Provided are a device and a method for ripping gum of a conveyor belt in which the burden and danger to workers can be reduced, and gum around each of the steel cords can be cut off nearly completely and sufficiently uniformly, regardless of worker skill, and with higher work efficiency. The device is for ripping gum of a conveyor belt in which individual steel cords embedded in gum of a conveyor belt are separated between each other, and gum is stripped off around each of the steel cords after the separation. The device includes a V-shaped cutting blade having a shape such that the upper end and the lower end of the cutting blade are protruded with respect to the traveling direction of the conveyor belt for separating between the individual steel cords, and a cylindrical cutting blade for stripping gum off around each of the steel cords.
US09168662B1
A lighted razor that directs light in one or more different directions. The directed light enables a user to shave when in dark environments, and to adjust the amount of light that emanates from the razor. The lighted razor generally includes a body with a blade for shaving. A light is attached to the body, and may be powered and controlled by mechanisms in the body. A sleeve is adjustably positioned over the light to adjust an amount of light emanating from the razor.
US09168659B2
A tension stiffened and tendon actuated manipulator is provided performing robotic-like movements when acquiring a payload. The manipulator design can be adapted for use in-space, lunar or other planetary installations as it is readily configurable for acquiring and precisely manipulating a payload in both a zero-g environment and in an environment with a gravity field. The manipulator includes a plurality of link arms, a hinge connecting adjacent link arms together to allow the adjacent link arms to rotate relative to each other and a cable actuation and tensioning system provided between adjacent link arms. The cable actuation and tensioning system includes a spreader arm and a plurality of driven and non-driven elements attached to the link arms and the spreader arm. At least one cable is routed around the driven and non-driven elements for actuating the hinge.
US09168653B2
The invention relates to a microrobot that is microfabricated using microelectromechanical system technology, including i pairs of drive modules wherein i ranges from 1 to n, where n is no less than 1, the microrobot comprising: a mounting arranged so as to support at least two drive modules aligned in a first direction, said drive modules forming a pair of drive modules; i pairs of primary connecting-rod assemblies, each primary connecting-rod assembly being pivotably connected to the drive pin of a drive module of the ith pair of drive modules; a pair of secondary connecting-rod assemblies, each secondary connecting-rod assembly being pivotably connected to the primary connecting-rod assembly of the nth pair of drive modules and to the mounting; and an actuating member pivotably connected to each secondary connecting-rod assembly.
US09168650B2
An oscillating rotary electric power tool, in which a spindle with a distal end tool attached thereto is projected downward from a front end portion of a housing accommodating a motor, and the housing also accommodates a coupling member rotatable integrally with an output shaft of the motor, a crankshaft fitted with the coupling member in a depression and projection fitting structure, and a link member to which the spindle is fixed and power is transmitted from the crankshaft to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise in an oscillating manner so that the link member will be driven by the motor to rotate the spindle clockwise and counterclockwise in the oscillating manner, wherein an elastic body is interposed between the coupling member and the crankshaft in the same axial direction as the output shaft.
US09168649B2
A hammer-drill including a body in which is mounted a motor and a hammer mechanism which is driven by the motor; a tool holder mounted on the front of the body and which is capable of holding a cutting tool, the hammer mechanism being capable of imparting impacts to the cutting tool, when held by the tool holder; a rear handle, moveably mounted onto the rear of the body via at least one movement control mechanism and which is capable of moving towards or away from the body; a biasing mechanism which biases the rear handle away from the body.
US09168646B2
A straight threaded rod has three reference elements spaced apart from each other. A shoulder and a knob having a fourth reference element are screwed onto the rod. A spring is mounted on the rod between the knob and the shoulder. The rod is inserted through two axially aligned holes in two abutting pieces, with the shoulder bearing on a first surface of one of the two pieces. By adjusting the position of the shoulder and the knob along the rod it is possible to apply a calibrated clamping force to a pair of abutting pieces, regardless of the thickness of the pieces.
US09168641B2
A clamp with a fixed jaw; a groove with the fixed jaw mounted thereon; a moveable jaw slidably mounted on the groove; a connecting member having one end secured to the moveable jaw and including a hollow cylinder at an other end disposed in the fixed jaw, and a strap interconnecting the cylindrical element and the hollow cylinder; a gear including a plurality of teeth disposed on the fixed jaw; a biasing member disposed on the fixed jaw opposite to the gear; a bifurcated handle put on the fixed jaw to cover both the gear and the biasing member; a first pawl in the handle; a lever secured to the first pawl; a rotatable pin with the hollow cylinder fastened thereon, the pin being for fastening the handle, the biasing member, the fixed jaw, the hollow cylinder, and the gear together; and the second pawl in the fixed jaw.
US09168631B2
A retaining ring includes an annular lower portion and an annular upper portion. The annular lower portion has a main body with a bottom surface for contacting a polishing pad during polishing, an inner rim projecting upward from the main body, an outer rim projecting upward from the main body and separated from the inner rim by a gap, and a plurality of azimuthally separated interlock features positioned between the inner rim and the outer rim, each interlock feature projecting upwardly from the main body. The annular upper portion has a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of azimuthally separated recesses in the bottom surface, the recesses defining thin portions of the upper portion, the plurality of interlock features fitting into the plurality of recesses. The lower portion is a plastic and the upper portion is a material that is more rigid than the plastic.
US09168627B2
A knife sharpener sharpens a wide range of knives and blades. The knife sharpener includes an angle guide associated with a first stage abrasive surface at an angle in the range of 12-18 degrees. A second stage is provided at an angle in the range of 17-23 degrees. A third stage is provided at an angle in the range of 19-25 degrees. The abrasive surface in the first and second stages is in the range of 240 to 400 grit while the abrasives in the third stage is in the range of 600 to 2000 grit.
US09168615B2
This repair device includes a casing, a slide shaft slidably arranged with respect to the casing, a turn table rotatably arranged with respect to the slide shaft, and a cutting mechanism installed on the turn table and including cutting tools. The turn table is rotationally displaced while the slide shaft slides in an axial direction, so that the cutting tools helically turn to cut an inner periphery of a nozzle. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting-tool switching unit that switches the cutting tools.
US09168612B2
An apparatus for laser drilling including a laser beam emitter disposed within a housing having at least one laser beam outlet and at least one purge fluid outlet. At least one actuated nozzle is disposed within the housing for providing a purge fluid through the purge fluid outlet and having functional control for synchronized programmable activation patterns. Laser beam control is provided for directing a laser beam over a target surface.
US09168609B2
The invention relates to a spot welding cap changer (1) with a cap puller (2) and two cap magazines (3, 3A), the cap puller (2) having a gripper (20) with spring-loaded, pivotable jaws (21, 22), which in response to a turning and axial pulling-off movement detaches a spot welding cap (K) of a pincer spot welding head introduced into it from a shaft of the pincer welding head in such a way that it is clamped to prevent it twisting, and the cap magazines (3, 3A) holding spot welding caps respectively in a round cap carrier (31) such that they are circularly arranged in a directed and oriented manner and are respectively transported individually one after the other into an access position against a stop (32) by an advancing force (P).
US09168608B2
This invention concerns a welding head for welding the extremities of two sections of rail and comprises two half-heads (10) aligned and sliding with regard to one another in a longitudinal direction. Each half-head comprises grip means (12, 13) to grasp a respective section of rail and two electrodes (16) suitable for contact with respective sections of rail in order to carry out a flash butt weld. The head also comprises traction actuator means (20) which extend in a longitudinal direction and are connected to the two half-heads (10) to shift the two half-headsin a longitudinal direction one towards the other, said traction actuator means (20) having a stroke suitable for allowing, during a cycle of welding two sections of rail, simultaneous regulation of rail tensions.
US09168599B2
A cutting disk for a rotary cutting machine includes a disk body having a central axis of rotation and a circumferentially extending outer periphery. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cutting teeth is mounted to the outer periphery of the disk body. A chip pocket is defined in the circumferential outer periphery of the disk body between each of the circumferentially spaced apart cutting teeth. Each chip pocket is formed by a chip clearance surface extending radially inwardly into the disk body to form the chip pocket between circumferentially adjacent cutting teeth. The chip pocket is adapted to receive a tooth-produced chip therein, thereby providing more room for chip discharge and thus reducing disk wear.
US09168583B2
The invention comprises a non-rotating shaft for supporting a mechanical element of a roll segment in a continuous casting machine, having an essentially circular cross-section. The circular cross-section presents a portion having a smooth peripheral, wherein the distance between any point of the portion and a center of the circular cross-section is shorter than a radius of the circular cross-section. Furthermore, the circular cross-section presenting the portion extends axially, which defines a section of the shaft meant to a least partly receive the mechanical element, and the section of the shaft is meant to receive a load at least partly at the portion. In addition, according to a second aspect, the invention comprises a segment roll for a continuous casting machine, which comprises the non-rotating shaft according to the first aspect.
US09168571B2
A method and apparatus for controlled access to pressurized fluid lines and to exhausted lines. The apparatus includes a rod body having a bore; a packing fitting attached to a first end of the rod body and a ball valve attached to a second end of the rod body; a transverse arm between the first and second ends of the rod body, the transverse arm having a bore communicating the rod body bore; and a slideable rod in the bore of the rod body, in a first position of the rod a first end extends through the packing fitting to outside of the rod body and a second end is completely within the rod body, in a second position of the rod the first end extends through the packing fitting to outside of the rod body and the second end of the rod extends through and past the ball valve.
US09168570B2
Provided is a cleaning processing device that is for a biological implant and that is capable of quickly eliminating ozone generated by ultraviolet-ray radiation after completion of ultraviolet-ray radiation towards the biological implant. The cleaning processing device for a biological implant performs cleaning processing of the biological implant by means of radiating ultraviolet rays at the surface of the biological implant and by causing ozone to contact the surface of the biological implant, and the cleaning processing device is characterized by being provided with a housing, an ultraviolet-ray radiating lamp that is disposed within the housing and that radiates ultraviolet rays at the biological implant, an ozone-removing filter disposed within the housing, and a fan that introduces the ambient gas within the housing to the ozone-removing filter, and is further characterized by the fan being driven in response to the end of cleaning processing of the biological implant.
US09168567B2
The invention relates to improved polymer membranes, to processes for production thereof and to the use thereof.
US09168558B2
A glue dispensing apparatus includes a container, a glue dispensing head and a heating unit. The container receives glue, and the glue dispensing head is connected to the container. The heating unit is mounted on the container. The heating unit includes a temperature sensor, a heating component, and a controller electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the heating component. The controller compares the temperature of the glue with a predetermined temperature range, controls the heating component to heat the glue when the temperature of the glue is equal to or less than a lower limit of the predetermined temperature range, and controls the heating component to stop heating when the temperature of the glue is equal to or greater than an upper limit of the predetermined temperature range.
US09168550B1
A reusable valve assembly includes a cap that may be removably coupled to the aerosol can. A conduit is coupled to the cap so the conduit is selectively operationally coupled to the aerosol can. A wheel is movably coupled to the cap so the wheel may adjust a rate of delivery of a fluid from the conduit. A tip is operationally coupled to the cap so the tip may selectively direct the delivery of the fluid from the aerosol can.
US09168547B2
A thermal metal spraying apparatus for use with a thermal metal spraying torch for applying a metal coating to a workpiece through a torch spraying nozzle having a spraying orifice. The thermal metal spraying apparatus provides a substantially tubular shroud having a first end and a second end adaptable to concentrically receive the torch spraying nozzle. The shroud has an opening at the second end, wherein the opening is selectably alignable with the spraying orifice. A drive mechanism is connected to the shroud and is operable to translate the shroud between a first position, wherein the opening at the second end is not aligned with the spraying orifice, thereby preventing the spraying of the metal coating on the workpiece, and a second position, wherein the opening at the second end is aligned with the spraying orifice permitting the spraying of the metal coating toward the workpiece.
US09168532B2
A microwell plate comprises a skirt and frame portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having a plurality of holes; and a well and deck portion comprising a plurality of wells integrated with a planar deck; wherein the well and deck portion is overmolded or adhered onto the skirt and frame portion such that the plurality of wells extends through the plurality of holes in the top surface of the skirt and frame portion; and wherein the well and deck portion is formed from a thermoplastic composition including a poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate comprising soft block ester units, derived from monomers comprising an alpha, omega C6-20 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof, a dihydroxyaromatic compound, and a carbonate source.
US09168525B2
A method for producing a microfluidic device includes: a) forming a carrier plate in an injection compression molding tool; b) arranging at least one functional element on one side of the carrier plate; c) forming a cover plate in an injection compression molding tool, wherein the injection compression molding tool is the same or different than that used to form the carrier plate; and d) arranging the cover plate on the carrier plate to cover the at least one functional element and to seal the fluidic device in an airtight manner.
US09168512B1
A process has been developed for preparing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst precursor and a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst made from the precursor. The process includes contacting a gamma alumina catalyst support material with a first solution containing a vanadium compound and a phosphorus compound, to obtain a modified catalyst support material. The modified catalyst support material is calcined at a temperature of at least 500° C. The calcined modified catalyst support has a pore volume of at least 0.4 cc/g. The modified catalyst support is less soluble in acid solutions than an equivalent unmodified catalyst support. The modified catalyst support loses no more than 6% of its pore volume when exposed to water vapor. The modified catalyst support is contacted with a second solution which includes a precursor compound of an active cobalt catalyst component to obtain a catalyst precursor. The catalyst precursor is reduced to activate the catalyst precursor to obtain the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. The catalyst has enhanced hydrothermal stability as measured by losing no more than 10% of its pore volume when exposed to water vapor.
US09168508B2
Provided is a method for producing biodiesel fuel having an excellent oxidative stability and fluidity at low temperature, wherein the method provides selective hydrogenation of a poly-unsaturated fatty acid alkyl ester to the mono-unsaturated fatty acid alkyl ester while inhibiting the formation of the trans-isomer, and a biodiesel fuel composition. In the method for producing biodiesel fuel, a fatty acid alkyl ester prepared from fat and/or waste edible oil by transesterification reaction, and/or (2) a fatty acid alkyl ester treated by esterification reaction of a fatty acid is hydrogenated in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst containing at least one of noble metals selected from those of Groups 8-10 in the periodic table under low hydrogen pressure.
US09168507B2
This disclosure provides methods and devices for quantitating, separating and/or detecting water in a liquid, gas or solid sample comprising one or more chemicals, the method comprising: providing the liquid, gas or solid sample comprising water and the one or more chemicals; and exposing said liquid, gas or solid sample to at least one solid support including at least one dicationic and/or tricationic species of Formula I or II adsorbed, absorbed or immobilized on the solid support.
US09168505B2
A carbon dioxide adsorbent may include an amorphous mixed metal oxide including a divalent first metal (M1), a trivalent second metal (M2) different from the divalent first metal (M1), an alkali metal (M3), and an element (A) with an electronegativity of about 2.0 to about 4.0. The alkali metal (M3) may be present in the form of a crystalline halide, an oxide, or a combination thereof. The carbon dioxide adsorbent may also be used in a method of separating carbon dioxide.
US09168500B2
A method of producing synthesis gas by introducing a feed material to be gasified into a gasification apparatus comprising at least one fluidized component operable as a fluidized bed, wherein the gasification apparatus is configured to convert at least a portion of the feed material into a gasifier product gas comprising synthesis gas; and maintaining fluidization of the at least one fluidized component by introducing a fluidization gas thereto, wherein the fluidization gas comprises at least one component other than steam. A system for producing synthesis gas is also provided.
US09168495B2
A liquid aerator includes (i) a porous diffuser; (ii) a stem connected to the porous diffuser; (iii) an insert connected to the stem; and (iv) a manual air pump connected sealingly to the insert, the manual air pump configured such that the aerator can be set onto a supporting structure with the stem and the porous diffuser extending upwardly from the manual air pump.
US09168494B2
A unit for establishing contact between a liquid and a gas includes: a chamber having a vertical axis; a first series of contact sections disposed along the length of the vertical axis of the chamber; a second series of contact sections disposed along the length of the vertical axis of the chamber, alternated with the contact sections of the first series; and a liquid circulation system designed to circulate a liquid in the contact sections of the first series and in the contact sections of the second series in a separate manner.
US09168493B1
Methods and systems for treating waste water in residential, industrial and agricultural environments are disclosed. The methods and systems for treating waste water can be localized and self-contained with no need to channel sewage to a remote location. The waste water treatment methods and systems result in recycled clean water, concentrated effluent, and disposable solids. The recycled water can be used for landscaping and domestic use. The concentrated effluent can be channeled to an anaerobic digester to generate biogas, such as hydrogen, methane, and/or carbon dioxide, which can be used to generate power or as fuel for heating and/or cooking. The disposable solids may be used as fertilizer for farming or gardening.
US09168492B2
The invention relates to elements for separating substances by distributing between a stationary and a mobile phase. Said separating elements comprise any stationary phase and a support element. The separating elements are part of a set that is provided with at least two separating elements Ti (i=2) encompassing different stationary phases Si (i=2). The set comprises at least three pieces of each type of separating element Ti with a specific stationary phase Si. The separating elements can be coupled to each other or interconnected in another manner so as to form a separating device. The invention further relates to a method for producing an optimized device for separating substance mixtures.
US09168487B2
An aqueous carbon dioxide-absorbent solution comprising at least one alkanolamine and at least one quaternary ammonium salt is disclosed. A method of recovering carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide-containing gaseous mixture and a method of reducing metal corrosion in an alkanolamine-based exhaust gas treating process are also disclosed.
US09168486B2
A household appliance having a drying apparatus, such as a dishwasher, a washer-drier, a washing machine or the like, is shown according to the invention, wherein a contact zone is provided in a contact chamber for extracting moisture out of the air, which originates from a working chamber of the household appliance, by means of contact between the air and a hygroscopic liquid and wherein a separating element is present for separating hygroscopic liquid out of the air, characterized in that a separating surface is formed downstream of the contact chamber in the direction of flow by the surface of the wall of an air duct.
US09168478B2
A fine particle collecting filter includes a honeycomb structure in which a plurality of honeycomb segments are integrally joined by a joining material, and has a constitution where an exhaust gas allowed to flow from an inlet end surface into cells passes partition walls, and then flows out from an outlet end surface to the outsides of the cells. In the partition walls, SiC which is an aggregate is bound by Si which is a binding agent, at least one of an average open diameter of the pores of an inlet side of the exhaust gas passing the partition wall and an average open diameter of the pores of an outlet side is from 0.1 to 5 μm, an average pore diameter of the whole partition wall is from 10 to 30 μm, and a thermal conductivity of the partition walls at room temperature is from 50 to 80 W/mK.
US09168477B2
A filter element has a support grid structure with a first axial end and a second axial end. A filter medium surrounds annularly the support grid. The support grid has structural web members that are connected and form a hollow-cylindrical grid structure that surrounds a cylindrical interior. At least three of the structural web members or structural web sections connect to each other to define a through opening. A fluid flow is enabled in radial direction relative to a center axis of the hollow-cylindrical grid structure through the through openings. A first average opening cross-section of the through openings in a first region adjacent to a first axial end is greater than a second average opening cross-section of the through openings in a second region adjacent to the second axial end.
US09168473B2
Plastic powder/dust is cyclonically pulled into the loading chamber by vacuum. The finer dust rises due to the flow of air upwardly through a separation chamber, and a coaxially arranged intensifying chamber communicates with the lower portion of the loading chamber by a tube that recovers the finer dust. At least two filters between the vacuum unit and the separator, are sequentially activated during phases of successive cycles, so the inactive filter can be cleared of dust by admitting ambient air so the cleared dust is delivered to the loading chamber. Multiple miniature cyclonic separators are provided atop the primary loader in a version without filters.
US09168464B2
A baseplate assembly, used with releasably coupleable playing pieces, includes a baseplate operably coupled to an image generating device. The baseplate includes a display region, having playing pieces coupling elements, and means for transmitting images generated by the image generating device to the display region. An image generating and playing-piece-interacting assembly includes a receptor operably coupled to an image generating device, having a display screen for generated images, including integrated visual and optically encoded message images, a playing piece at a location relative to the display screen having an optical display message sensor, and a messaging transponder. The optical display message sensor receives the generated images and generates a first signal at least partially based upon the optically encoded message image. The messaging transponder receives the first signal and generates and sends the receptor a second signal at least partially based thereon.
US09168462B2
Interactive and reconfigurable toy dolls are disclosed. The toy dolls have one or more associated movable components that may be actuated through user manipulation so as to transform a doll's dress into wings.
US09168460B2
Systems and methods are provided for at least partially automating content generation of blog entries chronicling an entity's interaction with a multiuser environment. The same may combine automatic data generation with user-generated and/or user-edited or created narrative. The systems and methods may be employed for automatically generating and publishing descriptions, such as posting blog articles. In one implementation, a system automatically posts blog articles with automatic screenshots and automatically-generated descriptive copy of events that occur within a video game, such as in a massive multiplayer online role-playing game.
US09168458B2
Software at an online game website assigns to a player of an MMO game a first game task in a conditional series of game tasks. Each game task includes a specified duration. At least one of the game tasks in the conditional series of game tasks is a social game task. The software determines whether the player completed the first game task within the specified duration. If the player did not complete the first game task within the specified duration, the software assigns the player a second game task in the conditional series of game tasks that is less difficult to complete than the first game task. Then the software provides a reward to the player upon termination of the conditional series of game tasks. The reward depends on the game tasks in the conditional series of game tasks that are completed by the player.
US09168456B2
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a casual wagering game including a matrix having a plurality of positions. A plurality of path endpoints are positioned along a perimeter of the matrix. Each path endpoint is associated with one of an award, a symbol indicating advancement to a subsequent level, and a terminator symbol. Each position, except a starting position, is configured to accommodate one of a plurality of tiles. Each tile includes one or more path segments. When the tiles are placed in certain configurations, path segments of bordering tiles form a complete path between the starting position and one or more of the path endpoints. The objective of the game is for a player to place tiles at positions in the matrix such that connecting path segments form a complete path between the start position and one or more path endpoints to win the path endpoint award(s).
US09168454B2
In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting a first indication to toggle a presentation of wagering game content from a two-dimensional mode to a three-dimensional mode and toggling the three-dimensional mode in response to detecting the first indication. In some embodiments, the operations can further include automatically toggling the presentation of the wagering game content back to the two-dimensional mode in response to detecting a second indication. In some embodiments, the operations can further include detecting a condition that specifies a degree of three-dimensional presentation to enable for the three-dimensional mode and presenting the wagering game content with the degree of three-dimensional presentation. In some embodiments, the operations can further include detecting a change to the condition and automatically adjusting the degree of the three-dimensional presentation based on the change to the condition.
US09168442B2
In one embodiment, the present invention is a surface for playing a game based on the rules of American football using a golf putter and golf ball. The playing surface comprises two end zones and a grid representing the yard lines of a football field. A first down putting target is positioned adjacent to each yard line that is a multiple of ten, and a scoring putting target is positioned in each end zone. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for playing the game. Two teams compete against one another and are given alternating offensive possessions. In each offensive possession, the offensive team has four downs to either putt the ball in a first down target, thereby obtaining a new set of four downs, or putt the ball in the scoring target. With each first down achieved, the ball advances closer to the scoring target.
US09168440B1
An apparatus is provided which is capable of repairing a golf green as well as concealing a detachable electronic component, providing digital audio and LCD display screen components, and having a GPS chip and RFID device, in multiple embodiments of the present invention. The electronic component comprises a port which is a USB-compatible device, and may also be connected to a flash memory device to allow a user to save data files captured by the memory device and upload to any device with a USB port.
US09168439B2
A recess 14 is formed in a sole 9 of a head 4. The recess 14 is an example of an opening part. A socket 10 is mounted to the recess 14. A weight body 12 capable of being attached/detached is attached to the socket 10. The weight body 12 has an engaging part 32 and an exposed part E1. The socket 10 has an interposition part 11. The interposition part 11 is interposed in at least a part between the exposed part E1 and a head body h1 in an attached state where the engaging part 32 is placed at an engaging position EP. The exposed part E1 is exposed to the outside in the attached state. The interposition part 11 does not fix the weight body 12.
US09168429B2
Embodiments of golf club heads with optimized characteristics presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US09168424B2
In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, the core is formed primarily of a thermoplastic elastomer, the envelope layer is formed of a rubber composition containing primarily a rubber material, the intermediate layer is formed of a resin composition containing primarily an ionomer, and the cover is formed of a resin composition containing primarily a urethane. The relationships among the specific gravities and the surface hardnesses of the respective layers are optimized. This golf ball enables an increased distance on full shots with a driver and improved controllability in the short game to be achieved, and also makes it possible to obtain a further reduction in the spin rate on full shots.
US09168418B2
A portable physical therapy/rehabilitation/exercise device is provided for evaluating the condition of a patient and for evaluating and tracking the progress made by a patient over time. The device is hand held and has an evaluation mode to determine the current condition of the patient. The device also has a manual exercise mode and a preset exercise mode. During exercises in each mode all of the data pertaining to the forces (compression, tension, torque, and the like) are all stored in the device along with other kinds of quantitative and qualitative data. The stored data may be uploaded to the internet or external computer system in order to be further analyzed. The device is suitable for use by doctors, health care providers, insurance companies and other entities having an interest in the medical condition of the user.
US09168410B2
An apparatus and method for agitating and rearranging a grouping of individual cushioning articles in an enclosed container are disclosed. The method and device may protect and individual from an injury resulting from landing in the enclosed container when the individual cushioning articles are overly compressed and lack appropriate spacing in order to absorb the kinetic energy of an individual landing in the enclosed container. The apparatus may include an air actuated inflatable bladder with inflatable extensions that may be utilized to lift and/or separate the cushioning articles, thus allowing the cushioning articles to be repositioned in a random, non-uniform, fashion. Additionally, the repositioned cushioning articles may have additional air space introduced between the individual cushioning devices, thereby allowing the cushioning device to absorb the kinetic energy and an individual without inducing as large an impact force, and providing a more compressive landing zone free of compacted and lodged pieces.
US09168409B2
A method for treating a volume of porous contaminated material is described. A combustible mixture (24) comprising a porous matrix and a distributed combustible contaminant is conveyed to a reaction vessel (12) having an ignition system (16). The ignition system is activated to initiate a smoldering combustion process in the reaction vessel and an oxidizer is distributed into the reaction vessel to sustain the smoldering combustion process. The porous matrix may comprise drill cuttings (324) with residual drilling fluid.
US09168402B2
A rope grab for a vertical fall protection system is provided. The rope grab includes a housing with an elongated member passage. The elongated member passage is configured to receive an elongated member. A locking cam is pivotally coupled to the housing and selectively engages an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A cam biasing member positioned to provide a relatively slight biasing force on the locking cam in a direction towards an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A locking arm, pivotally coupled to the housing, has a first end that is configured to be coupled to a safety harness of a user and a second end that selectively engages the locking cam to lock the locking cam on an elongated member in the elongated member passage during a fall event.
US09168396B2
A depilatory composition comprising a source of cyanate ion, an organic acid or a salt thereof and a peroxide compound; and methods of removing hair from the skin using such compositions.
US09168388B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for non-invasively modifying, maintaining, or controlling local tissue optical properties. Methods and devices of the disclosure may be used for optically clearing tissue, for example, for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. A method of optically clearing a tissue may comprise contacting the tissue with an optical clearing device having a base, an array of pins fixed to one side of the base, a brim fixed to the base, an inlet port in the base, an exit port in the base, and a handpiece interface tab fixed to the side of the base opposite the array of pins, applying a mechanical force to the tissue, and illuminating said tissue with at least one wavelength of light through the optical clearing device. A method may further comprise controlling the temperature of the tissue illuminated.
US09168387B2
A power supply including: a reserve power source for providing power, the reserve power source including: a liquid reserve battery which requires activation to produce power; an activator having a liquid electrolyte for activating the liquid reserve battery upon a mechanical activation such that the liquid electrolyte is forced from the activator into the liquid reserve battery through a communication between the activator and the liquid reserve battery; a pair of terminals operatively connected to the liquid reserve battery for outputting the produced power; and a mechanical stop for preventing the activator from activating the liquid reserve battery, the stop being selectively removable when activation is desired. Where the activator includes a container having the liquid electrolyte contained therein and the activator further includes: a top and a bellow attached on one end to the top and to a portion of the liquid reserve battery at an other end.
US09168380B1
A medical device system including an intracardiac pacemaker is configured to receive by an implantable medical device sensing module a first cardiac signal using a first pair of electrodes implanted outside the cardiovascular system and identify a P-wave from the first cardiac signal. The system transmits a wireless trigger signal to the intracardiac pacemaker in response to identifying the P-wave. The intracardiac pacemaker delivers a pacing therapy in response to the trigger signal.
US09168379B2
Recent advancements in power electronics technology have provided opportunities for enhancements to implantable medical device circuits. The enhancements have contributed to increasing circuit miniaturization and increased efficiency in the operation of the implantable medical devices. Stimulation therapy waveforms generated by the circuits include a stepped leading-edge that may be shaped having a varying slope and varying amplitudes associated with each of the segments of the slope. A charging circuit having a single primary transformer winding and a single secondary transformer winding that is coupled to a plurality of capacitors is utilized to generate the therapy stimulation waveforms. The stimulation waveform of the present disclosure may be dynamically shaped as a function of an individual patient's response. Such stimulation waveforms facilitate achieving lower capture thresholds which reduces the device's supply consumption thereby increasing longevity of the device and facilitate a reduction of tissue damage.
US09168378B2
A method of treating a non-neuropathic condition includes implanting an electrical stimulation lead near a dorsolateral funiculus of a patient, the electrical stimulation lead including a plurality of stimulation electrodes; and applying electrical stimulation energy through one or more of the electrodes of the electrical stimulation lead to the dorsolateral funiculus to treat the non-neuropathic condition.
US09168376B2
An implantable active medical device includes a chassis plate and a first and second elongate lead connector fixed to and extending orthogonally away from the chassis plate in opposing directions. The first and second elongate lead connectors are disposed within hermetic housings.
US09168371B2
An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
US09168368B2
A flexible catheter includes two electrical contacts in a distal region of the catheter and a distal aperture of a hose line. The electrical contacts are connected to a high frequency pulse generator for applying pulsed radio frequency energy for nerve stimulation. A temperature sensor is located in the distal region of the catheter. The flexible catheter is inserted into a region in the spinal canal and the pulsed radio frequency generator is operated, thereby applying pulsed radio frequency energy to a localized region to be treated. The temperature at the distal region of the catheter can also be monitored, and the pulsed radio frequency energy is applied in dependence on the monitored temperature. With the catheter, pain and other medical conditions being related to and influenced by a nervous system are treated.
US09168365B2
An implantable port includes a bottom portion having a needle-penetrable region running continuously along a majority of a perimeter of the implantable port. A method for customized suturing of an implantable port also includes creating a port pocket, and advancing a suture needle through the needle-penetrable region. The needle-penetrable region could be a self-sealing elastomer, such as silicone. The method could include the step of determining suture locations after the port pocket is created.
US09168361B2
A catheter capable of rapid inflation and deflation and operation by one individual.
US09168356B2
A catheter system including a housing and a drive mechanism supported by the housing is provided. The drive mechanism includes an engagement structure configured to engage and to impart movement to a catheter device. The engagement structure defines a path for the catheter device, and the engagement structure is moveable between an engaged position in which the engagement structure engages the catheter device and a disengaged position in which the engagement structure does not engage the catheter device. The catheter system includes a biasing element configured to bias the engagement structure toward the engaged position, and the biasing element is aligned generally parallel to the path defined by the engagement structure.
US09168355B2
A medical catheter includes an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, and having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate catheter member includes an outer member and at least one longitudinal lumen within the outer member for passage of fluids. The outer member has an elongate opening therethrough in communication with the at least one longitudinal lumen and being spaced from the distal end and bound by wall portions of the outer member. The elongate opening permits fluids to pass between the at least one longitudinal lumen and locations external to the elongate catheter member, and defines a transverse dimension increasing from proximal to distal.
US09168351B2
The present invention is directed towards instruments and methods for discharging an anesthetic drug on a continuous basis for use as a nerve block. In accordance with the present invention, a catheter assembly is provided that comprises an electrically conductive wire, a protective sheath and an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon is at the distal end of the catheter capable of being inflated and deflated. A balloon channel terminates within the inflatable balloon at the distal end of the catheter and extends proximally along the length of the catheter to the proximal end of the catheter. The balloon channel has a balloon channel opening at a distal end of the balloon channel within the inflatable balloon, capable of releasing an injected substance into the inflatable balloon. The balloon channel further has a balloon channel injection opening at a proximal end of the balloon channel, capable of receiving an injected substance.
US09168350B2
A breathing assistance apparatus and method of controlling a breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, the breathing assistance apparatus is controlled such that it has a drying cycle to enable drying of the tubing that supplies gases to a user and prevent the harboring of pathogens within the tube. The drying cycle is preferably operated automatically by internal controllers in the apparatus. However, it may be manually activated by pressing a button on the apparatus. The drying cycle is preferably activated at the end of a user's treatment session.
US09168343B2
A medicament dispensing device for dispensing metered dosages of a medicament includes an actuator housing having a longitudinally extending cavity and a container disposed in the cavity and having a cylinder with a first outer diameter. The cylinder is adapted to hold the medicament. The container is reciprocally moveable relative to the actuator housing along a longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes an indicator housing having a tubular portion connected to said container, with the indicating device being reciprocally moveable with the container relative to the actuator housing. The tubular portion has a second outer diameter that is of substantially the same diameter as the first outer diameter. A longitudinally extending side wall has a viewing window formed therein. An indicator is rotatably mounted in the indicator housing, with a surface thereof having indicia visible through the viewing window.
US09168341B2
A delivery device for and method of delivering substance, the delivery device having an outlet member through which substance is in use delivered in an entraining gas flow, and a substance supply unit for supplying substance to be entrained by an entraining gas flow as one or both of a vapor or a fine aerosol mist, wherein the substance supply unit has a flow channel which is fluidly connected to the outlet member, and a substance supporting element for supporting substance, at least a surface of which is in use disposed in the flow channel.
US09168338B2
A syringe with a blocking structure, and the structure includes a one-way engagement unit having a propping portion, a flange extended outwardly from a rod and abutted with a cylindrical body, and a flexible bracket extended outwardly from the rod and isolated from the propping portion, and the flexible bracket has an external diameter greater than the propping portion. When the rod is moved forward with respect to the cylindrical body to pass through the flange, the flange abuts the flexible bracket to tilt backward. When the rod is moved backward with respect to the cylindrical body, the flange abuts the flexible bracket to tilt the flexible bracket forward, and the propping portion blocks the flexible bracket.
US09168337B2
A fluid injecting apparatus includes: a cartridge portion which has a tube that transports a fluid, a plurality of fingers that press the tube, and a blocking member that blocks the tube; and a main body portion which has a cam that presses the plurality of fingers. When the cartridge portion is detached from the main body portion, the blocking member blocks the tube. When the cartridge portion is mounted to the main body portion, the cam presses at least one of the fingers such that the tube is blocked at the position of the pressed finger and the blocking of the tube by the blocking member is released.
US09168333B2
A dialysis system includes a dialysis machine having a pump actuator, a valve actuator and a sorbent device, and a disposable cassette including (i) a housing having a dialyzer inlet port, a dialyzer outlet port, a pump portion configured to operate with the pump actuator, a valve portion configured to operate with the valve actuator, a venous port, and an arterial port, (ii) at least one dialyzer in fluid communication with the housing, the at least one dialyzer including a dialysate inlet, and a dialysate outlet; (iii) an arterial line for connecting to a patient, the arterial line connected to and extending externally from the arterial port of the housing; (iv) a venous line for connecting to a patient, the venous line connected to and extending externally from the venous port of the housing; and (v) first and second dialysate fluid connections in fluid communication with the sorbent device.
US09168326B2
The invention relates to novel collagen materials and, specifically, collagen membranes, tubes and threads. Said materials combine enhanced properties of resilience and strength. The invention also relates to a method for preparing collagen materials using acid fibrous collagen comprising coagulation and, optionally, cross-linking of the collagen in the presence of ammonia gas.
US09168325B2
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical hemostatic liquid foam base preparation comprising albumin as foaming agent and a fibrinogen precipitating substance and optionally a coagulation inducing agent, wherein albumin as foaming agent is present in native form; a method for the production of a transient hemostatic liquid foam; the transient hemostatic liquid foam; and a kit for making the foam.
US09168320B1
Method and apparatus for generating UV and for treating a material with UV utilizing gas filled plasma-shells that emit UV during gas discharge. The UV treatment may include sterilization, purifying, or curing of liquids, gases, or solids. Applications include water treatment, chemical reactions, cosmetic tanning, and medical uses.
US09168310B2
The invention described herein provides a preparation comprising a non-mammalian derived mixture of serine glycerophospholipid conjugates with a specific content and specific conjugation patterns of LA, linolenic acid (alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid) DHA and EPA which depend on utilizing different sources of lipids, and uses of such preparations.
US09168303B2
The present invention in general relates to an intravaginal delivery system as well as uses thereof and methods for manufacturing and use of the same. In particular the present invention relates to an intravaginal delivery system for the controlled release of one or more organic acids, such as lactic acid; said intravaginal delivery system being characterized in that it comprises a combination of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers and carboxylic polymers, such as for example methacrylic acid-methacrylic ester copolymers.
US09168296B2
Disclosed herein are methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as well as clinical assays for detection of autoimmune disease activity in patients utilizing a PD1 ligand.
US09168295B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising peptides for preventing or treating allergy to cats, and in particular to optimal combinations of peptides.
US09168291B2
β-mannosylceramides or salts or solvates thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, for use as a Type I NKT cell agonist in conjunction with a therapeutically effective amount of α-galactosylceramide or a salt or a solvate thereof, and/or at least one or more T-cell co-stimulatory molecules, disclosed. Compositions comprising β-mannosylceramide, as well as methods of treatment of tumors are also provided.
US09168288B2
The invention provides a method of treating a subject having, or at risk of developing, a condition in which functioning of the small or large intestine is impaired, enhancing functioning or preventing damage to the small or large intestine in a subject, or ameliorating inflammation of the small or large intestine in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a GLP-1 receptor agonist. A GLP-1 receptor agonist may also be provided in a pharmaceutically acceptable form in an amount effective to treat or prevent conditions of the small or large intestine. Further, pharmaceutical compositions are provided for the treatment or prevention of conditions of the small or large intestine comprising a GLP-1 receptor agonist, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or vehicle.
US09168286B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for use in treatment of patients with autoantibody positive disease. In a specific embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of treating a patient that has an ANA titer of 1:80 or greater and/or greater than or equal to 30 IU/ml of anti-dsDNA antibodies in his/her blood plasma or serum comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an immunomodulatory agent, such as an antagonist of Neutrokine-alpha. Additionally provided is a method of reducing the frequency and/or quantity of corticosteroid administration to patients. In preferred embodiments, the patient has systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods for determining if a lupus patient is responding to medical treatment are also provided.
US09168265B2
The present disclosure is directed to compositions and methods which utilize the tetracycline scaffold, preferably the scaffold of tetracycline or minocycline, and which significantly lack antibiotic activity. The compounds have neuroprotective attributes without interfering with the drugs capacity to pass through the blood brain barrier. These compounds have neuroprotective activity because of their inhibition of neuronal cell cycle progression. The compounds are characterized in part by a fifth ring joining positions 9 and 10.
US09168254B2
Polymorphs of N4-(4-([1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-7-yloxy)-3-methylphenyl)-N6-(4,4-dimethyl-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)quinazoline-4,6-diamine are provided herein. Processes for preparing the polymorphs and pharmaceutical composition comprising the polymorphs are also disclosed.
US09168252B2
Abuse-resistant, controlled release opioid tablets are a combination containing an opioid antagonist such as naloxone at a level above that needed to suppress the euphoric effect of the opioid, if the combination were crushed to break the controlled release properties causing the opioid and opioid antagonist to be released as a immediate release product as a single dose. The controlled release nature of the table prevents the accumulation of orally effective amounts of opioid antagonist when taken normally. The opioid antagonist is contained in a controlled-release matrix and released, over time, with the opioid.
US09168248B2
Heteroaromatic compounds of structural formula (I) are selective inhibitors of stearoyl-coenzyme A delta-9 desaturase (SCD1) relative to other known stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturases. The compounds of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of conditions related to abnormal lipid synthesis and metabolism, including cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis; obesity; diabetes; neurological disease; metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance; and liver steatosis.
US09168247B2
The invention provides novel beta-carboline derivatives of formulae (Ia) and (Ib) useful in the treatment of proliferative disorders including cancer, intermediates used in their preparation, processes for preparing the same and uses thereof.
US09168243B2
Therapeutic compositions comprising at least one 8-substituted-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan, preferably a lignan is selected from the group of nortrachelogenin, diasteromeric forms of nortrachelogenin, isomeric forms of nortrachelogenin and combinations thereof as well as 8-methylmatairesinol and 8-methyldimethylmatairesinol, for use in a method of treating cancer or a similar condition wherein the growth factor signaling pathway of a mammal is deregulated. The invention also provides therapeutic pharmaceutical combinations comprising a hydroxy-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan and at least one TRAIL receptor agonist. The hydroxy-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans and a TRAIL receptor agonist can be used as a combined preparation for administration to a patient simultaneously, separately or spaced out over a period of time in treating cancer.
US09168238B2
A levothyroxine composition includes levothyroxine sodium and mannitol. The composition is a lyophilized solid. The composition may include from 100 to 500 micrograms levothyroxine sodium and from 2 to 4 milligrams mannitol.
US09168232B2
Disclosed is a transdermally absorbable preparation, in which an adhesive agent produced by crosslinking at least one copolymer is contained in an adhesive layer and the aging period in the production of the adhesive layer can be shortened. The transdermally absorbable preparation comprises a support and an adhesive layer arranged on the support and containing an adhesive agent and a medicinal component. The transdermally absorbable preparation is characterized in that the adhesive agent comprises a resin mixture comprising 100 parts by mass of a specific acrylic copolymer (A) and 0.1 to 30 parts by mass of a specific acrylic copolymer (B) or 0.05 to 2 part(s) by mass of a polyamine compound, and the adhesive layer additionally contains an organic acid.
US09168231B2
Fibrous polymer scaffolds having at least one layer of diametrically patterned fibers, as well as methods of manufacture, are provided. The scaffolds can be formed of multiple layers and the extent and direction of alignment of each layer can be controlled. Fabrication systems and methods for producing such scaffolds including apparatuses and processes are also provided.
US09168230B2
Delivery systems and their methods of formation are generally provided. The delivery system can protect a delivery molecule (e.g., DNA/RNA) and deliver it into a cell via serum. In one embodiment, the method can include binding a delivery molecule with polyethylenimine such that an end of the delivery molecule is exposed; capping the end of the delivery molecule with a first biocompatible polymer to form a core; and encapsulating the core with a second biocompatible polymer. The resulting delivery system can include a delivery molecule bonded with polyethylenimine such that an end of the delivery molecule is exposed; a first biocompatible polymer electrostatically bonded to the end of the delivery molecule to form a core; and a second biocompatible polymer encapsulating the core.
US09168229B2
The present invention relates to soft gelatin capsules characterized in that the shell includes a cyclodextrin and in that the filling material contains a liposoluble drug capable of forming a complex with said cyclodextrin for improving the solubility of the active ingredient upon disintegration of the soft gelatin capsule.
US09168227B2
A microsphere and methods for forming the same are disclosed. The microsphere includes modified cellulose and at least one first microsphere disposed within a multi-encapsulating microsphere, the at least one first microsphere comprising at least one first hydrogel precursor; and at least one second microsphere disposed within the multi-encapsulating microsphere, the at least one second microsphere comprising at least one second hydrogel precursor cross-linkable with the at least one first hydrogel precursor upon degradation of the at least one first microsphere and the at least one second microsphere.
US09168225B2
The present invention features nanohybrid drug delivery composition which combines both passive and active targeting for the prevention and treatment of disease. The composition is shell-encapsulated multivalent polymeric scaffold with a therapeutic agent and targeting agent attached thereto.
US09168223B2
A system and associated aspects thereof are disclosed regarding custom-compounding of drug products such as pills and polypills for particular patients, herein involving adaptations of “micro-dosing” technology to permit sufficiently small and precise amounts of drug substances or optionally formulations thereof to be controllably and automatably handled and dispensed so as to help create customized drug products that do not necessitate bulking or dilution of the drug substances.
US09168211B2
The invention relates to a method of making an anhydrous, pigmented sunscreen composition. The method comprises first adding a hydrophobic silica to a lipid phase comprising a dispersed color pigment and an organic UV-filter and homogenizing the mixture. Next, a hydrophilic silica is added and re-homogenization is performed.
US09168209B2
A pigmented skin care composition including a dermatologically acceptable carrier and at least a first and second interference pigment. The composition according to the invention is useful in improving the appearance of the skin and in particular in reducing the appearance of skin discontinuities.
US09168203B2
Connector for enabling fluid transfer between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, which connector comprises a first component that is arranged to be connected to a first fluid container and a second component that is arranged to be connected to a second fluid container. The first component is arranged to be non-rotatably connected to said second component before a second fluid container is connected to said second component and/or before a first fluid container is connected to the first component. The connector comprises a locking and rotation-enabling element that is arranged to be activated once a second fluid container has been connected to said second component, and/or once a first fluid container has been connected to the first component, which locking and rotation- enabling element enables the first component and the second component to rotate freely with respect to one another.
US09168201B2
An ampoule made of plastics material, for liquid or suspension pharmaceuticals, has a reservoir linked to a removable head by a channel in a neck portion. The channel has a trap, thus located between its reservoir and the head, in the form of an elongated restriction and/or a bend to trap liquid or suspension which may settle during storage, and prevent either reaching the head.
US09168200B2
The present invention provides a microneedle patch container for effectively and hygienically securing a microneedle patch from manufacture to use. The container has a bottom surface recessed from the peripheral portion towards the center, a side surface connected to the bottom surface and the peripheral portion, and a bottom-surface protruding portion protruding from the bottom surface. The flexible release-type sheet portion of the microneedle patch is secured to the protruding portion on the bottom surface. A lid can also be used which has a recessed portion pressing against the microneedle patch secured to the bottom-surface protruding portion of the container in the position corresponding to the bottom-surface protruding portion. This is preferably housed inside a pouch molded from sterilized paper or sterilized film in order to keep the microneedle patch in an aseptic state.
US09168190B2
The invention relates to a boarding aid (20) for a motor vehicle, in particular a sliding step of a door entry of a passenger transportation vehicle, said boarding aid being capable of being moved from an idle position into a usage position and back in a direction, which runs parallel to the side edges (28), and encompassing a planar element (22), a front side, two side edges (28), and a rear side. The planar element (22), on its side edges (28), encompasses barriers (30), which can be moved from a first upright position, in which they extend upwards in relation to a stepping surface of the planar element (22), into a second lowered position and vice versa, wherein the movement of the barriers (30 is effected by moving the planar element (22).
US09168189B2
The gas tank retaining device of the present invention is particularly usable for retaining oxygen cylinders with respect to emergency equipment such as mobile stretchers that need to be transported in vehicles. Security of heavy oxygen or gas tanks is achieved by providing a housing with an access opening and a uniquely configured locking mechanism for retaining a generally cylindrical tank preferably in a horizontal orientation. The locking mechanism is steady state biased in a closed or retaining position for holding the tank within the housing and can be moved to a releasing position responsive to manual manipulation thereof.
US09168184B2
The present invention relates to an intravaginal tampon for feminine hygiene. In particular, it relates to methods for producing such a tampon having relatively deep, penetrating grooves in which adjacent penetrating jaws pass through the same tampon press space during manufacture and to an apparatus useful in making such a tampon as well as the tampons made therewith.
US09168181B2
A method of forming a containment system for an absorbent article that includes a front end region, rear end region, a first elasticized leg cuff and a second elasticized leg cuff. The method includes providing a first containment flap and a second containment flap that can each include a stem, an inner flap projection, and an outer flap projection. The method can further include securing the outer flap projection of the first containment flap in at least a portion of at least one of the front end region and the rear end region and securing the outer flap projection of the second containment flap in at least a portion of at least one of the front end region and the rear end region.
US09168177B2
This invention describes a slip-over sleep mask, having a tubular-shaped body consisting of a soft cloth or fabric material, which is to be used to effectively block out any light from entering a person's eyes while sleeping. The sleep mask is to be slipped over and worn around a person's head, as one piece, covering the eyes and ears. Permanently attached to the inside lower frontal portion of said tubular-shaped body is a separate ruffled or pleated piece of soft cloth or fabric material. This attached material fills in any gaps of space that exist in the areas between the eyes and nose of a person's face which would otherwise allow for any unwanted light to enter inward. The one piece, slip-over design of the sleep mask stretches and clings naturally to a person's face, thus preventing any movement or shifting of itself during sleep.
US09168176B2
A combination headgear and eyewear system including eyewear that magnetically attaches to the headgear. A magnetic ball and disc joint allows the eyewear to pivot on the headgear and into a position wherein the eyewear rests upon a user's face. Adjustable temples allow the eyewear to be configured so to accommodate a large range of head sizes.
US09168161B2
The present invention relates to tissue-supporting medical devices and drug delivery systems, and more particularly to tubular flexible stents that are implanted within a body lumen of a living animal or human to support the organ, maintain patency and/or deliver drugs or agents. The tubular flexible stent has a cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal axis and includes a helical section having of a plurality of longitudinally oriented strut members and a plurality of circumferentially oriented hinge members connecting circumferentially adjacent strut members to form a band. The band is wrapped about the longitudinal axis in a substantially helical manner to form a plurality of helical windings. At least one connector member extends between longitudinally adjacent helical windings of the band.
US09168154B2
A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure.
US09168144B2
A cartilage replacement or repair prosthesis comprises a layer of streamlined elastomer elements, preferably in the form of spheres, supported in a matrix material so that the radially opposed surfaces of the spheres are positioned on opposite surfaces of the layer and make contact with the opposed surfaces of the femur and tibia and the forces exerted between these bones extend through the streamlined elements. The matrix material has a substantially lower resistance to deformation than the spheres to control the position of the spheres relative to one another without significantly restraining their load-responsive deformation under forces exerted between the femur and tibia. The layer, with its elastomeric inserts, is sufficiently thin and flexible to allow it to be rolled for arthroscopic insertion into a knee joint.
US09168142B2
Systems and methods for providing tissue-interfacing surface layers with increased roughness can be attained by providing a metallic powder to a machined or previously machined tissue-interfacing surface of a porous foam structure. The metallic powder can have sizes and characteristics such that the porous structure can have an increased roughness at the tissue-interfacing machined surface while inhibiting the occlusion of the open pores in the porous metallic foam structure.
US09168138B2
Devices and methods for in situ drawing, filtering and seeding cells from the marrow of surrounding bone into a fusion cage without any of the challenges mentioned above. Various implants and devices with aspiration ports that enable in-situ harvesting and mixing of stem cells. These devices may include spinal fusion cages, long bone spacers, lateral grafts and joint replacement devices. Each device utilizes at least one aspiration port for harvesting of stem cell-containing marrow via aspiration from adjacent bony elements.
US09168134B2
Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
US09168124B2
Surgical constructs and methods for tissue to bone repair employing a tissue construct reinforced with a reinforcement (reinforcing) material such as suture, tape, weave or mesh, among many others. The reinforced construct preferably includes a stitched reinforced region formed by employing a suture loop construct with a free floating needle that is attached to the suture loop, and also with a piece of material (a reinforcement or reinforcing material) attached to the suture loop. The reinforced construct may be attached to any fixation device and/or any bone tunnel.
US09168122B2
A vascular device having a plurality of struts having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion of the struts are retained in a converged position. The struts diverge radially outwardly. A plurality of vessel penetrating members extend from the proximal portion of the struts for engaging the internal wall of the vessel, wherein release of the retention of the distal portions of the struts causes the distal portions to move outwardly away from the longitudinal axis and the proximal portions of the struts to move inwardly toward the longitudinal axis such that the vessel engaging members pull the internal wall of the vessel radially inwardly.
US09168121B2
A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts with adjacent struts being joined.
US09168120B2
The present invention discloses a medical device and a method of placing the medical device within a patient's body. The medical device includes a support member, a first elongate member, a second elongate member and a coupling member. The first elongate member and the second elongate member extend from the support member. The coupling member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the coupling member is coupled to a distal end portion of the first elongate member and the second portion of the coupling member is coupled to a distal end portion of the second elongate member.
US09168115B2
A toothpick assembly including a toothpick and a case within which the toothpick is detachably engaged. The toothpick includes a tapered tip which is generally triangular in cross-section having opposed sides connected by a generally flat end and an apex. A bristle array is provided on each side and the end and apex are free of bristles. The bristle array is configured as a sinuous or serpentine wave. Bristles in each array are smallest closest to an end of the tip and progressively increase in size as you move away therefrom. The toothpick is movable within the case's bore between a fully retracted, a partially extended and a fully extended position. A locking mechanism selectively locks the toothpick in any of these positions. When the toothpick is to be changed, the locking mechanism is disengaged and the toothpick is slid out of the bore and is replaced with another toothpick.
US09168114B2
A method of making a dental crown or bridge restoration includes forming a precursor crown outside of a patient's mouth with a first restorative material, with a buccal contour on the buccal wall substantially the same as a buccal contour on a final crown restoration, and an open space on or around at least one of the mesial side wall or the distal side wall; and filling and securing a second material, different from the first restorative material, inside the open space or pocket of the precursor crown while outside the patient's mouth, and with the precursor crown having a strength substantially equivalent to the final crown restoration, and with the buccal contour being substantially the same as the buccal contour on the final crown, prior to filling and securing the second material.
US09168103B2
Systems, methods and a sensor alignment mechanism are disclosed for medical navigational guidance systems. In one example, a system to make sterile a non-sterile optical sensor for use in navigational guidance during surgery includes a sterile drape having an optically transparent window to drape the optical sensor in a sterile barrier and a sensor alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism secures the sensor through the drape in alignment with the window without breaching the sterile barrier and facilitates adjustment of the orientation of the optical sensor. The optical sensor may be aligned to view a surgical site when the alignment mechanism, assembled with the sterile drape and optical sensor, is attached to a bone. The alignment mechanism may be a lockable ball joint and facilitate orientation of the sensor in at least two degrees of freedom. A quick connect mechanism may couple the alignment mechanism to the bone.
US09168101B2
A multicompartment envelope or sterilization receptacle for receiving and storing medical instruments includes an adhesive flap for sealing multiple compartments within a single envelope. Individual compartments within the multicompartment enveloped can be opened while still keeping the seal of other compartments, thus keeping unused instruments sterilized. The multicompartment envelope or sterilization receptacle has an aperture for insertion of a heat-deforming color changing sterilization indicator device, where, after exposure to extreme heat, the sterilization indicator device deforms and cannot thereafter be inserted or removed from an aperture of a sterilization receptacle fitted for an unsterilized sterilization indicator device. Thus, the practitioner is assured of sterilized instruments in a sterilization receptacle, when an intact, color changed sterilization indicator device is within the aperture of the sterilization receptacle. Several multicompartment envelopes can further be organized within a binder by procedure or instrument type.
US09168092B2
An electrode tip for use in performing electrosurgical operative procedures is disclosed. The electrode tip includes a main body that can receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical generator. The main body includes a working surface that communicates the electrical energy to patient tissue during the operative procedure. An insulative sheath is disposed around a portion of the electrode tip to prevent electrical energy from being communicated from the covered portions of the electrode tip to patient tissue. The insulative sheath has a leading edge that is shaped to minimize resistance to the movement of the electrode tip through patient tissue. The leading edge can be arcuately shaped or angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the electrode tip to provide the resistance reducing characteristics.
US09168088B2
An end effector of a forceps includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue. Each jaw member includes a tissue sealing plate that is selectively energizable. The tissue sealing plates are configured to conduct energy therebetween and though tissue to seal tissue. A knife includes a distal surface and an upper surface. The knife is selectively translatable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the knife extends between the jaw members. The distal surface is configured for dynamic tissue cutting upon translation of the knife from the retracted to the extended position. The upper surface is configured for static tissue cutting with the knife in the extended position. The knife is selectively energizable and is configured to conduct energy between the knife and one or both of the tissue sealing plates and through tissue to electrically cut tissue.
US09168077B2
A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw includes a body having a head at one end and a cutting end at an opposite end, the cutting end having a generally flat cutting surface supporting two symmetrical cutting edges which extend from the longitudinal centerline to diametrically opposed thread start points. A recess is formed in the head for receiving an end of an insertion tool. A dual lead thread extends outwardly from the body in a spiral path from the cutting end towards the head. The dual lead thread pitch is tapered towards the cutting end, and transitions to a straight or slightly tapered thread towards the head.
US09168074B2
The invention relates to an intramedullary implant for use between two bones or two bone fragments. The implant includes a single-piece body having a generally elongate shape and having, at each end, areas for anchoring to the bone portions in question, characterized in that one of said areas has a generally cylindrical shape while the other area has a flat cross-section.
US09168073B2
The present invention is directed to an interspinous spacer assembly for implantation and/or affixation between spinous processes of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae and associated tools and methods for stabilizing the human spine. The interspinous spacer assembly includes a spacer body, a first lateral plate, a second lateral plate and a locking mechanism extending through a channel provided in the spacer body and coupling the first and second lateral plates to the spacer body.
US09168072B2
The present invention is directed to an inflated interspinous spacer. The interspinous spacer is inserted into the interspinous space between adjacent spinous process in a deflated or unexpanded state, and is inflated or expanded with an injectable filler material. Upon inflation, the spacer preferably distracts the spinous processes and assumes a shape that retains the spacer in position and preferably mechanically locks with the spinous processes. The spacer includes two separate balloons configured to have different compressive modulus so that one balloon is softer and more deformable than the other balloon.
US09168068B2
A spinal stabilization system includes an elongated loop member and a bone screw. The elongated loop member includes a pair of opposing elongate bodies defining a gap therebetween and a pair of connection members connecting the pair of opposing elongate bodies at opposite ends of the elongate bodies. The bone screw includes a head portion defining a slot, a shank extending longitudinally from the head portion and a set screw. The slot includes a leading end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the elongated loop member and a trailing end portion adapted to receive the set screw. The gap defined by the pair of opposing elongate bodies is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the bone screw securely connected to one of the pair of opposing elongate bodies. The gap is configured and dimensioned to facilitate unilateral adjustment of the elongated loop member relative to the bone screw.
US09168051B2
Methods and devices are provided utilizing an end effector having three jaws movably coupled thereto for grasping and/or dissecting tissue. In one embodiment, each of the three jaws are movable between an open position in which the distal ends of the three jaws are spaced apart from one another, and a closed position in which the distal ends directly contact one another. The jaws can define an opening therebetween when the jaws are in the closed position.
US09168049B2
Electro-impulse intracorporeal lithotripsy comprises bringing electrodes of a probe in immediate electrical contact with the calculus and supplying to the electrodes of very short high voltage impulses capable to ignite electrical spark discharge and establish a discharge channel within the bulk of the calculus. The channel goes through the calculus and creates tensile stresses, destroying the calculus.
US09168045B2
A first embodiment can be a device comprising a means to reduce SLOSH energy absorption in a fluid containing organism by reducing the flow of one or more outflow vessels of the cranium by compressing said vessels.
US09168033B2
A spinal implant for treating lumbar spinal stenosis or as an adjunct to spinal fusion. The implant includes a body portion having an interior cavity. A plurality of locking wings are adapted and configured to move between a stowed position retracted within the interior cavity of the body portion and a deployed position extended from the interior cavity of the body portion. In the deployed position, the wings fix the implant in a selected interspinous space. A cable and wheel arrangement moves the plurality of locking wings from the stowed position to the deployed position and a ratchet/pawl assembly prevents backward movement of the wings.
US09168030B2
A device for the transport of a placenta and a stand for the collection of stem cells from the placenta. The placental transport device comprising a cylindrical top portion and a cylindrical bottom portion together defining a placental storage region, with a hinge coupling the portions such that the placenta is enclosed inside the placental storage region when the cylindrical top and bottom portions are in a closed configuration. The stand comprising a base with a recess adapted to hold a placenta during stem cell collection solution loading, an upright back support, and an upper platform with a recess adapted to hold the placenta during collection of stem cells.
US09168026B2
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe has a laminated structure of an acoustic matching layer, transducer layer with arrayed transducers, and backing layer. A transmission/reception unit transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from an object via the transducers. A control unit controls the transmission/reception unit to synchronize ultrasonic-wave generation by a specific transducer of the transducers with ultrasonic-wave reception by a different transducer. A phase shift detection unit detects a phase shift between an output signal from the transmission/reception unit and a reference signal, the output signal corresponding to synchronization between the ultrasonic-wave generation and the ultrasonic-wave reception.
US09168017B2
The present invention is an ambient noise canceling physiological acoustic monitoring system and method. The system and method utilizes a plurality of microphones to collect input data including ambient noise signals, bed frame noise signals and patient respiratory and cardiac data signals. The system and method cancels the ambient noise and bed frame noise signals, and calculates a filtered audio output signal with an algorithm that utilizes ECG rhythm patterns and impedance pneumography. The set of input data and the filtered audio output signal are then displayed in real time.
US09168016B2
A radiographic image capturing apparatus has a radiation source device including a radiation source for outputting radiation, and a detector device including a radiation detector for detecting radiation that is transmitted through a subject when the subject is irradiated with radiation by the radiation source, and converting the detected radiation into a radiographic image. At least one of the radiation source device and the detector device has an electric power supply limiting unit for limiting supply of electric power, and the electric power supply limiting unit controls supply of electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device, depending on timing of an image capturing process.
US09168014B2
A gamma radiation breast imaging apparatus, comprising an object positioning device, defining an imaging space and having as an intended insertion direction of the breast to be imaged, and a gamma camera positioned to image a volume in said imaging space. The gamma camera comprises a collimator with a first plurality of focused pinholes, the individual fields of view of the first pinholes defining a common central field of view having a geometrical center. The apparatus also has a gamma sensitive detector to receive images from the collimator. The first pinholes are provided non-symmetrically with respect to a first plane through said geometrical center that is perpendicular to the collimator and parallel to said intended insertion direction. Hereby, more angular information about the scanned volume can be obtained for the same detector size, in particular when combined with a similar opposite camera.
US09168010B2
An X-ray imaging apparatus including: an imaging unit which includes an X-ray tube that emits an X-ray to a subject and an X-ray detector that is so disposed as to face the X-ray tube; an input unit which inputs a plurality of imaging conditions including a tube current and a tube voltage of the X-ray tube, and sets an imaging protocol of the imaging unit; and an image creation unit which calculates an exposed dose when at least the tube voltage or the tube current is varied, and creates an index image that is made by overlapping an image showing the exposed dose on a two-dimensional map that is represented by the tube voltage and the tube current.
US09168006B2
Systems and methods for wirelessly controlling medical devices are provided. One system includes a portable user interface having a housing and a communication module within the housing configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one medical device. The portable user interface also includes a display displaying a graphical user interface to control the at least one medical device remotely, wherein the displayed graphical user interface corresponds to a control interface of the at least one medical device.
US09168005B2
A minimally-invasive surgical procedure for monitoring a physiological parameter within an internal organ of a living body. The procedure entails making a first incision in the body to enable access to the organ. An endoscopic instrument is then inserted through the first incision and a second incision is made therewith through an external wall of the organ and into the internal cavity thereof. A sensing unit is placed in the second incision such that the second incision is occluded by the unit and a proximal end of the unit is outside the organ. The unit includes a sensing device having a sensing element adapted to sense the physiological parameter within the organ, and an anchor to which the sensing device is secured. The first incision is closed, after which a readout device outside the body telemetrically communicates with the sensing device to obtain a reading of the physiological parameter.
US09168004B2
Cardiac catheterization is carried out by memorizing a designation of a contact state between an electrode of the probe and the heart wall as one of an in-contact state and an out-of-contact state, and making a series of determinations of an impedance phase angle of an electrical current passing through the electrode and another electrode, identifying maximum and minimum phase angles in the series, and defining a binary classifier adaptively as midway between the extremes. A test value is compared to the classifier as adjusted by a hysteresis factor, and a change in the contact state is reported when the test value exceeds or falls below the adjusted classifier.
US09167994B2
A photoelectric conversion device including a substrate having opaque interconnection layers, an insulating film formed on the substrate, and having a plurality of openings, light-emitting elements formed of the openings, each light-emitting element having an upper electrode layer, and light-receiving elements formed of the openings, each light-receiving element having an upper electrode layer, wherein a semiconductor material is different in the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the upper electrode layer both of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are formed as common electrodes, and each interconnection layer is formed on a region outside a region specified by the opening.
US09167991B2
The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable monitoring device to calculate calorie burn of a user, comprising a motion sensor to detect motion of the user and, in response, to generate data which is representative of motion of the user, and an altitude sensor to detect a change in altitude of the user and, in response, to generate data which is representative of the change in altitude of the user. The portable monitoring device may include processing circuitry to: calculate data which is representative of a change in elevation of the user using (i) the data which is representative of motion of the user and (ii) the data which is representative of a change in altitude of the user, calculate first calorie burn using the data which is representative of motion of the user, and calculate second calorie burn by adjusting the first calorie burn based on data which is representative of a change in elevation of the user. The portable monitoring device may include a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the body of the user.
US09167989B2
A computer-implemented method for determining changes in parameters of a hip joint due to modification of the hip joint comprises establishing a first position of a pre-operative center of rotation of the joint in a first coordinate space. The method further comprises estimating a second position of the pre-operative center of rotation of the joint in the first coordinate space, when the estimated pre-operative center of rotation is maintained in a constant position in a second coordinate space. A change in a parameter associated with the joint is determined based on the first and second positions of the pre-operative center of rotation of the joint.
US09167984B2
The device for blood flow property measurement in the body and the method of its connection to the subject enables to measure electrical impedance in the main parts of body simultaneously. The impedance is spatially localized in the particular scanning channels (5) both by the placement of the current electrodes (9) of the alternating current source (2) and by setting their frequencies, and by proper spatial placement of the voltage electrodes (6). For the purpose of the whole body measurement at least three current generators (1) and twelve scanning channels (5) are used. The number of scanning channels (5) can be adjusted as necessary. By means of this device it is possible to monitor blood pulse waves or blood flow in the particular parts of human body.
US09167983B2
A well-posed magnetic imaging method is disclosed that exploits the non-linear behavior of the characteristic time scale of the Néel relaxation for obtaining accurate high-spatial resolution images of magnetic tracers. The method includes placing an object in a selection field (static field) generated by three pairs of orthogonally arranged coil (drive coils), supplying prudently choice currents to the drive coils, a zero field voxel (ZFV) is formed that can be positioned anywhere in the local region of interest (ROI), switching the magnetizing field off, and collecting an image.
US09167980B2
A method for analyzing a high frequency (HF) electrogram signal including (a) providing at least one electrogram signal from an electrode located within a subject's body, (b) measuring the electrogram signal at a high frequency during a specific segment of a cardiac cycle, generating a HF electrogram signal, and (c) having a computer measure at least one time-varying parameter of the HF electrogram signal. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US09167970B2
An optical imaging system and a method for generating a report regarding elasticity of arteries in the brain of a subject under test. Light output from the light source of the imaging system non-invasively illuminates at least one blood vessel or region of interest in the brain and, upon the interaction with the vessel, is registered with an optical detector to obtain a shape parameter of a hemodynamic pulse in the vessel. The shape parameter is further correlated to an elasticity parameter of the blood vessel(s) feeding the brain region of interest and presented in a form of report that may be a two- or a three-dimensional image of the parameter across the tested region of the brain.
US09167966B2
A dissipation device having a proximal end, which is located outside the body, and a distal end, which is suited in particular for elongate medical instruments, in particular electrophysiological catheters or temporary electrode leads, placed temporarily in the body. The dissipation device including a dissipation sleeve which extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the dissipation device, and a lumen which extends from the proximal end to the distal end, and in which the instrument can be displaceably guided, wherein the lumen is enclosed by the dissipation sleeve. The dissipation device is characterized in that the dissipation sleeve is composed, at least partially, of electrically conductive material, and/or the dissipation sleeve includes dissipation means composed of electrically conductive material and, therefore, the dissipation sleeve is designed to dissipate or divert electrical energy induced by electromagnetic radiation.
US09167961B2
Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.
US09167958B2
An endoscopic imaging system for examining a patient's body cavity includes an endoscope having a distal end, a proximal end and a number of lumens therein. One or more distal gas ports are disposed at or adjacent the distal end of the endoscope and one or more proximal gas ports are disposed proximal to the distal gas ports. Insufflation gas is delivered to the distal gas ports and withdrawn from the proximal gas ports or vice versa such that a gas bubble is formed in the body cavity and travels with the distal tip of the endoscope.
US09167951B2
Dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a tub defining a chamber for the receipt of articles for cleaning, a sump for collecting liquid from the chamber, a fluid circulation conduit for circulating liquid in the tub, and a first pump downstream of and in fluid communication with the sump. The dishwasher appliance further includes an adsorption assembly, the adsorption assembly including a desiccant module and an adsorption conduit extending through the desiccant module. The dishwasher appliance further includes a second pump downstream of and in fluid communication with the adsorption conduit, the second pump further upstream of the sump. The dishwasher appliance further includes a first heater spaced from the adsorption assembly, the first heater operable to heat liquid flowed therethrough from the first pump.
US09167950B2
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.
US09167946B2
An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush assembly to pivot the deck with respect to said chassis. The autonomous floor-cleaning robot also includes a side brush assembly mounted in combination with the chassis and powered by the motive subsystem to entrain particulates outside the periphery of the housing infrastructure and to direct such particulates towards the self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem.
US09167942B1
A new vacuum cleaner has a removable rack that combines both tool storage elements and hose fence elements in a compact arrangement. The rack is snapped in place. Laterally-spaced fence elements help hold the hose against the main body of the vacuum cleaner, and hooked upper ends help to retain the hose in place. The outer surfaces of the fence element have adjacent concave outer surfaces that form parts of two separate tool storage elements. One of the retainers has opposed ends that form a clip that can hold a vacuum hose accessory in place. The other retainer has a lower lateral end that extends radially outwardly to an upwardly projecting stem section. The stem section is sized to fit within an interior portion of a vacuum hose accessory.
US09167939B2
A shower door assembly is disclosed comprising a stationary frame, a movable frame having a window, an upper frame, and an adjusting assembly. The adjusting assembly further comprises an adjusting block and a fixing block. The adjusting block is disposed between the stationary frame and the movable frame and at least partially received in the stationary frame, and the adjusting block further includes an extension portion on a surface of which a first engaging element is disposed. The fixing block is received in the upper frame and includes an eccentric rotary block having a second engaging element and a base portion having a passage for receiving the extension portion. The eccentric rotary block is rotatable about the base portion.
US09167937B2
A tool and method allow cooking a tortilla in a generally flat state, in a shallow amount of oil. A central strip is held out of the oil and isn't fried. Side strips to the central strip are less fried. This produces a taco shell that is flexible at the bottom, allowing a living hinge, while crispy in its main portions. A raising bar and left and right hold-downs comprise described tools.
US09167933B2
A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packed cartridges of beverage ingredients. The cartridges may be designed so that air becomes entrained so as to produce a desired foam or crema. Air inlets are provided in an outlet nozzle to allow air to enter the beverage preparation machine and so be available for entrainment. Advantageously, the air inlets extend through the sides of the nozzle in an elevated position at a widened portion of the nozzle. This reduces the flow of beverage into and through the air inlets, aiding cleanliness.
US09167924B2
An ergonomical pillow for head rest, comprising: a pillow surface, a pillow, a shock absorbing and pressure relief cushion, the pillow surface and the pillow are made from soft buffer material, the pillow has at least one hollow pore, the shock absorbing and pressure relief cushion covers top of the hollow pore, the pillow surface covers top of the shock absorbing and pressure relief cushion. The pillow surface and shock absorbing and pressure relief cushion can settle into a groove, where the level of which is subject to user's weight, to provide appropriate support for a body type. The present invention provides excellent extent for coverage and user's head positioning such that the head and neck are settled in a proper position, and guides user to rest his/her shoulder near bottom edge of the pillow to avoid neck muscle spasm, and can offer equalized pressure relief.
US09167921B2
A headrest designed for an infant. The headrest has a sleeve with flat top and bottom surfaces. The inner cavity of the sleeve is filled with a dry, visco-elastic polymer cushioning material having a 50% compression force deflection in a range of 2.5 to 3.5 psi. The cushioning material also has a 25% compression force deflection in a range of 0.25 psi to 1 psi. The sleeve has a dimension of between 3 inches to 12 inches and is between ¼ inch and 2 inches thick. The sleeve has a specialized cover to protect it from dirt and damage. The cover contains an opening and closing mechanism to allow insertion and removal of the polymer filled sleeve.
US09167910B2
A chair component includes a first chair member adapted to support a seated user, a second chair member movable between a first position, wherein the second chair member is substantially coplanar with the first chair member, and a second position, wherein the second chair member is substantially parallel with the first chair member, a cover member wrapped about at least a portion of the first chair member and at least a portion of the second chair member, and a single-piece drawstring operably coupled with the cover member to draw the cover member about the at least a portion of the first chair member and the at least a portion of the second chair member when the second chair member is in the first position.
US09167906B2
A computer component mounting apparatus configured to be coupled to a chair and to support a computer component, such as a laptop, a computer monitor, or a keyboard. The computer component mounting apparatus includes a mounting post defining a swing axis, an elbow including a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, a swing arm assembly, and a deck tilt mount. The vertical leg of the elbow is rotatably coupled to the mounting post about the swing axis. The swing arm assembly is rotatably coupled to the horizontal leg of the elbow about a tilt axis. The deck tilt mount is rotatably coupled to the swing arm assembly about a pitch axis. A keyboard support, a computer monitor support assembly, or a laptop table may be coupled to the deck tilt mount.
US09167903B2
A therapeutic back support device including a back support portion that automatically and repeatedly moves forward to maintain engagement with a user's back as the user moves forward with respect to a chair seat. The back support portion substantially resists backward motion and provides substantially continuous therapeutic support to the user's spine pending a release signal.
US09167899B2
A sleigh-type rocking chair includes a pair of armrest/stile/riser assemblies joined to a pair of rocker/leg assemblies, a seat joined by mortise and tenon joints to the armrest/stile/riser assemblies, a front stretcher and a rear stretcher joined to each of the rocker/leg assemblies, a crest rail joined to an upper portion of the armrest/stile/riser assemblies, and a plurality of spindles joined to and extending upwardly from the seat and joined on the other end of the spindle to the crest rail. The assemblies, stretchers, seat, spindles and crest rail are preferably formed using a computer numerical control cutting device.
US09167889B1
A scraper comprising an elongated handle, a blade head at a first end of the elongated handle, and a set of brush bristles at a second end of the elongated handle is provided. The blade head includes first and second scraping edges spaced from each other and extending parallel to the brush bristles. The elongated handle may be held in a right handed orientation in which the first scraping edge may engage a surface to be scraped or a left handed orientation in which the second scraping edge may engage the surface to be scraped for comfortably removing ice, snow, or debris from the surface.
US09167875B2
A protecting case for protecting an electronic device from external impact includes a hollow main body filled with water and a number of buffering modules received in the main body. The electronic device is received in the main body. The buffering modules are deformed to release active metal powder into the water when the main body falls to the ground. The active metal powder is a chemical that reacts with water to generate hydrogen gas.
US09167871B2
A slide fastener slider has a body including an upper wing, a lower wing and a coupling pillar mutually coupling the respective upper and lower wings. The slide fastener slider has been cast molded to have a configuration where the post to which a pull is attached extends over the upper wing substantially in parallel with the upper wing, and then a logo or a pattern or the like has been engraved on the upper surface of the post.
US09167867B2
An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole beneath the upper, and an outsole beneath the midsole. The midsole includes a substantially U-shaped outer member defining a pair of forwardly extending arms spaced from one another and formed of a first material. An inner member is positioned between the arms of the outer member and is formed of a second material that is more resilient than the first material.
US09167843B2
A method for separating fat from beef pieces containing fat. The method includes, with an apparatus, reducing the size of beef pieces containing fat when the fat is in a brittle condition into a mixture of particles that comprise predominantly fat and particles that comprise predominantly lean; and, with an apparatus, separating the fat particles from the lean particles based on color differences or size differences.
US09167840B2
A method of preparing cocoa oligomeric procyanidins from cocoa cell cultures grown in the presence of monosaccharide can increase production of procyanidins as follows: culturing cells sufficient to result in production of cocoa oligomeric procyanidins at a first rate; and introducing a monosaccharide to the cells sufficient for inducing the cells to produce the cocoa oligomeric procyanidins at a second rate that his higher than the first rate. The method can further include extracting the cocoa oligomeric procyanidins from the cells, and such extracting can occur between 1 day to 21 days after introduction of the monosaccharide. Optionally, the monosaccharide can be introduced in an amount about 0.5% to about to about 20% by volume of the culture medium. The monosaccharide can be glucose, sucrose, fructose, or the like. The monosaccharide can be introduced during or after a last phase of an exponential growth state.
US09167839B1
Dietary vitamin-mineral supplements featuring various vitamins and minerals for benefiting individuals suffering from conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, aging, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, coronary artery disease, fatigue, and stroke. Vitamins and minerals may include Vitamin C, Vitamin A, pregnenolone, coenzyme Q10, Vitamin K2, acetyl L-carnitine arginate, L-glutathione, among others.
US09167838B2
The invention relates to a nutraceutical composition such as infant formula or infant food comprising a) a defined aroma composition; b) a methodology for developing, maintaining certain aroma constituents in the infant formula and an aroma or fragrance composition to be used to increase the acceptance of a person or an object by the baby or new born.
US09167832B2
Fluorine being present in the exoskeleton of crustaceans, and especially krill represents a problem for using krill as a source for food, feed, food additives and/or feed additives. There has been developed a process for removing such fluorine from krill material by subjecting the krill to disintegration and to an enzymatic hydrolysis process prior to or simultaneously with a removal of the exoskeleton particles producing a fluorine-reduced product. Inherent in the disclosed process is the ability to process krill material with a high polar lipid content for producing superior quality, low fluorine, products suitable for the food and feed as well as the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic industry.
US09167829B2
Provided is a fat or oil composition, comprising 50 mass % or more of diacylglycerols satisfying the following (1) to (3): (1) from 5 to 50 mass % of a disaturated diacylglycerol (SS) in the diacylglycerols; (2) 35 mass % or less of a monosaturated-monounsaturated diacylglycerol (SU) in the diacylglycerols; and (3) 1.5 or less as a ratio (mass ratio) [(SS)/(UU)] of a content of the disaturated diacylglycerol (SS) in the diacylglycerols relative to a content of a diunsaturated diacylglycerol (UU) in the diacylglycerols.
US09167822B2
The present invention relates to new antifungal compositions and their use in the treatment of agricultural products.
US09167816B2
The invention relates to a method of controlling or combating microbial organism by applying an antimicrobial peptide to the microbial organisms, wherein said antimicrobial peptide derived from Lilium ‘Stargazer’ glycine-rich protein 1. In addition, the present invention provides an antimicrobial composition comprising an antimicrobial peptide of the invention, an additional biocidal agent and pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles, excipients, diluents, and adjuvants.
US09167798B2
The invention provides an apparatus and method for maintaining pet waste in a fully-encapsulated environment whereby waste may be removed and litter may be added/replaced in a substantially sealed, dust-free, and clean manner. In one aspect, the pet waste management system comprises a sealed means by which litter may added and/or removed and/or exchange with fresh litter without the substantial release of contaminated dust and materials from the litter system. The invention also provides a vessel or container for receiving spent litter and/or for housing fresh litter where said vessel or container comprises a connection means for sealably connecting the vessel or container to an enclosed pet management system so that litter may be added and/or exchanged therewith. Further, the invention provides a continuous bagging dispenser fitted to a pet management system which allows for continuous removal of pet waste from the pet management system.
US09167794B1
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01045663. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01045663. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01045663 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01045663 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09167793B1
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH491297. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH491297, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH491297 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH491297.
US09167791B1
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH010506. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH010506, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH010506 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH010506.
US09167781B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV799972. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV799972, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV799972 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV799972 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV799972.
US09167768B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV808659. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV808659, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV808659 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV808659 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV808659.
US09167764B2
The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated WAXC6V1003. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line WAXC6V1003, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line WAXC6V1003 with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line WAXC6V1003, including the pods and gametes of such plants.
US09167759B2
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line PSQ 23-2278. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ 23-2278, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09167758B2
The present invention is directed to plants that display an improved oil quantity phenotype or an improved meal quality phenotype due to altered expression of an IMQ nucleic acid. The invention is further directed to methods of generating plants with an improved oil quantity phenotype or improved meal quality phenotype.
US09167757B2
An irrigation system is provided and includes a main irrigation line, one or more lateral driplines, each lateral dripline being divided into zones and including a plurality of emitters at each zone and a plurality of controllable valves disposed along each of the one or more lateral driplines at zone borders. Each one of the plurality of controllable valves is actuatable to activate corresponding emitters in the associated zone in a zone by zone cycle and each one of the plurality of emitters is replaceable to vary an amount of deliverable fluid by the zone by zone cycle.
US09167756B2
A method of managing timberland to optimize the plot growth rate for a plot including a softwood tree crop and an energy crop generally includes planting a softwood tree crop in adjacent first and second rows, wherein the softwood tree crop has a tree spacing between adjacent trees and a row spacing between the first and second rows, planting an energy crop in the row spacing, wherein the energy crop is a regenerating lignocellulosic energy crop, and periodically measuring the plot growth of the softwood tree crop and the energy crop. A method of managing timberland to optimize the total plot volume of a softwood tree crop and an energy crop generally includes periodically measuring the total plot volume of the softwood tree crop and the energy crop.
US09167755B1
A trellis support device includes first and second subassemblies, and each subassembly having one or more elongate support members joining together a plurality of ring portions. The ring portions are configured to align and connect together adjacent first and second subassemblies. The first and second subassemblies are configured to engage an underlying support material and to provide a structurally supported growth area for plants.
US09167750B2
A stuffer chute assembly including: a curvilinear duct defining a passageway, the duct having a lower inlet opening and an upper outlet opening, the duct including a lower surface with plural slots located proximal to the upper outlet; plural rotating devices arranged transversely across the duct, the plural rotating devices extending at least partially both through the plural slots and into the passageway, each of the plural rotating devices including plural fingers along the circumference of the rotating device to engage crop material in the duct; and a sensor coupled to at least one of the plural rotating devices, the sensor configured to sense a parameter corresponding to density of the crop material in the duct.
US09167744B2
A device for attaching to a shank of a planting unit. The device may include liquid delivery tubing for delivery fertilizer to a planting furrow and a forming bar configured for securing to the shank. The forming bar may include a passageway extending therethrough for receiving and passing through fertilizer or other liquid that is delivered to the liquid delivery tubing. The forming bar may include a shank connecting portion, a rib portion, and a foot portion. The rib and foot portions may define the passageway. Further, the foot portion may protect the tubing. A method for using the device to deliver fertilizer to a seed furrow is also described.
US09167742B2
A process and apparatus for controlling the moisture content of soil deposited in a furrow during seed planting comprises tilling the soil to an adjustable depth to expose soil corresponding to a reference soil moisture setting, selecting covering soil from the exposed soil having a moisture content that matches the moisture content of the reference soil moisture setting, and depositing the covering soil over the seed.
US09173331B2
An EMI shield for an electronic system enclosure is disclosed. The EMI shield may include an electrically conductive panel with a plurality of air ventilation channels, which has an upstream airflow side and a downstream airflow side. The EMI shield may also include a first air ventilation channel with a first cross-sectional shape having a first cross-sectional area and a first depth. The EMI shield may further include a second air ventilation channel with a second cross-sectional shape, having a cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area, and a second depth larger than the first depth.
US09173327B2
A data center includes a wind collecting structure that directs prevailing winds external to the data center into an interior of the wind collecting structure. The wind collecting structure includes vents around its perimeter configured to selectively open on a side of the wind collecting structure receiving prevailing wind, pressurizing the intake air. The pressurized air flows from the wind collecting structure through a compartment of the data center including computing assets. The air is directed across the computing assets to extract heat from the computing assets during operation.
US09173325B2
Exemplary embodiments include an electronic display assembly for back to back electronic image assemblies. A first closed gaseous loop may encircle the first electronic image assembly while a second closed gaseous loop may encircle the second electronic image assembly. A heat exchanger is preferably positioned within the path of the first and second closed gaseous loop along with an open loop of ambient air. A circulating fan(s) may be used to force circulating gas around the closed gaseous loops. An open loop fan may be used to force ambient air through the heat exchanger and through an optional channel behind each electronic image assembly.
US09173324B2
Dehumidifying cooling apparatus and method are provided for an electronics rack. The apparatus includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger disposed at an air inlet or outlet side of the rack, wherein air flows through the rack from the air inlet to the air outlet side. The heat exchanger is positioned for air passing through the electronics rack to pass across the heat exchanger, and is in fluid communication with a coolant loop for passing coolant therethrough at a temperature below a dew point temperature of the air passing across the heat exchanger so that air passing across the heat exchanger is dehumidified and cooled. A condensate collector, disposed below the heat exchanger, collects liquid condensate from the dehumidifying of air passing through the electronics rack, wherein the heat exchanger includes a plurality of sloped surfaces configured to facilitate drainage of liquid condensate from the heat exchanger to the condensate collector.
US09173323B2
A heat dissipation assembly is configured in an enclosure of a network device. The enclosure defines an air flue. The heat dissipating assembly includes a fan module received in the air flue, and a damper module secured in one end of the air flue adjacent to the inside of the enclosure. The fan module includes a first bracket and a plurality of fans fixed with the first bracket. The damper module includes a frame and a plurality of vanes located in the frame. When a direction of airflow of the plurality of fans changes, the plurality of fans in the air flue is reversed, and the first bracket supports the plurality of vanes of the damper module to keep the air flue open.
US09173322B2
Preferred embodiments provide a cooling system for an electronic display. A constricted convection plate is used to force cooling air against a posterior surface of the electronic display. Fans may be used to propel or pull air between the constricted convection plate and the rear surface of an electronic display. A refrigeration unit or thermoelectric module may be employed to cool or heat the air traveling through the constricted convection channel. Some embodiments include a closed loop which extracts heat (or adds heat) to the front display surface.
US09173321B2
An electronic device includes a chassis, an air-guiding housing mounted in the chassis, and an airflow control member. The chassis includes a base panel with a plurality of ventilation holes. The air-guiding housing comprises an airflow passage aligned with the plurality of ventilation holes. The airflow control member includes a shielding plate attached on the base panel. The airflow control member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the shielding plate is located beside the air-guiding housing, and the airflow passage is communicated with the plurality of ventilation holes for allowing air flowing to an outside of the chassis via the plurality of ventilation holes. In the second position, the shielding plate is located between the air-guiding housing and the base panel for closing the plurality of ventilation holes and preventing air flowing to the outside of the chassis.
US09173308B2
A mounting structure of a flexible printed circuit board and a sliding-type electronic device is provided by which a too large increase in thickness of devices can be avoided and a pair of housings can be slid relatively in a bending and slanting direction. In the mounting structure, an upper housing 12 and a lower housing 22 coupled in a freely slidable manner are electrically connected to each other by a flexible printed circuit board folded back to be routed between slide facing surfaces 12b and 22a of both the housings and the height of a side wall surface 12c and 22c of the upper housing and lower housing changes in a bending manner along the direction of freely sliding and, in the slide facing surfaces of the upper housing and lower housing, concave space portions 15 and 25 to accommodate the change in curvature and in position of a folding-back portion 31a caused by sliding motion between the upper housing and lower housing are disposed.
US09173306B2
A mobile terminal includes first and second bodies rotatably coupled to each other, first and second display units formed on the first and second bodies, respectively, and a moving unit configured to allow the first and second bodies to rotate relative to each other between a folded configuration that one surfaces of the first and second bodies are overlaid by each other and an unfolded configuration that the first and second bodies are unfolded from each other, wherein the first and second display units are disposed on the other surfaces of the first and second bodies, respectively, to be externally exposed in the folded configuration, and wherein at least one of the first and second bodies relatively rotates with a rotation center thereof being moved by the moving unit such that the first and second display units form an obtuse angle with each other in the unfolded configuration.
US09173299B2
There is provided a collective printed circuit board including a plurality of printed circuit boards each having a mounting unit on which a semiconductor element is mounted at an upper-surface central portion, and a frame having a plurality of through holes having sizes to surround the mounting portion. Upper-surface peripheral edge portions of the printed circuit boards and a through-hole peripheral portion of the frame are bonded to each other such that the mounting units are exposed from the through holes.
US09173295B2
A design support apparatus includes: an area identifying unit configured to identify a target area where a via is to be added in a printed circuit board; a determining unit configured to determine a starting point for starting a search for a location of the via in the target area; and a searching unit configured to move a search point along a path in an intersecting direction that intersects a radial direction around the starting point while moving the search point in the radial direction and to determine whether the via is to be added at a moved search point.
US09173292B1
An edge launch and fabrication method wherein spaced elongated slots are formed through a circuit board. The slots are plated at least along one side thereof connecting ground planes of the circuit board thus forming spaced edge plated regions. Circuit modules are produced by singulating the circuit board along a cut line offset outwardly from the plated slot sides to form an edge launch outwardly extending from and between the spaced edge plated regions.
US09173290B2
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a printed wiring board (PWB) of the type depicted in FIG. 1, and to the resulting PWB. Such a PWB comprises a first substrate and alternating layers of a second substrate and a metal layer. The layer 2 metallization of the PWB is a thick layer of a composite engineered metal material having a configurable coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to provide CTE matching with respect to radio frequency (RF) components mounted on the PWB, and having substantial heat dissipation properties to dissipate heat generated by the RF components. This composite metal layer also provides a ground plane for the RF components.
US09173289B2
A multilayer substrate that retains a curved state without causing fluctuations in electrical characteristics includes a main body including a plurality of insulating sheets to be stacked and made of a flexible material. A signal wire extends in the main body. A ground conductor is provided at a positive-direction side in a z-axis direction relative to the signal wire in the main body, and overlaps the signal line in a plan view seen from the z-axis direction. A ground conductor is provided on a negative-direction side in the z-axis direction relative to the signal wire in the main body, and overlaps the signal line in a plan view seen from the z-axis direction. The state in which the main body is curved so that the signal wire defines an arc is retained by plastic deformation of the ground conductors.
US09173288B1
Disclosed is a foldable display apparatus which can maintain a bending part of an unfolded flexible display in a plane state. The foldable display apparatus includes a display panel arranged in a folded or unfolded position with respect to a bending part which is defined in a display area displaying an image, a first panel supporting part configured to support a first side of the display panel, a second panel supporting part configured to support a second side of the display panel, and a connection housing configured to overlap the bending part, and movably support a second side of each of the first and second panel supporting parts.
US09173287B1
Disclosed is a foldable display apparatus which can stably maintain a bending curvature of a folded flexible display, and can maintain a bending area of an unfolded flexible display in a plane state. The foldable display apparatus includes a link assembly connected between first and second housings to support a bending area of a display panel, and configured to guide bending of the bending area. The link assembly includes a plurality of bending guide members configured to support the bending area, a plurality of link parts connected to both ends of each of the plurality of bending guide members, and a plurality of link connecting members respectively provided between the plurality of link parts, and configured to connect two adjacent link parts.
US09173281B2
Provide are an electrode sensor and a method of fabricating the same. the method may include providing a substrate with a first electrode, forming a resist layer on the substrate to cover the first electrode, patterning the resist layer to expose a portion of the first electrode, forming an insulating layer on the substrate, removing the insulating layer on the resist layer and the resist layer to form a well in the insulating layer, and forming a second electrode in the well to be electrically connected to the first electrode. According to the method, it is possible to prevent the first electrode from being damaged. In addition, the second electrode may be configured have an increased surface area, and thus, the electrode can have low impedance.
US09173276B2
Disclosed is a light source having a plurality of light elements and a control system for controlling the light elements. The control system includes a plurality of light element controllers, each connected to a respective light element, and arranged to obtain light element data; and a bus interface, which is connected to the light element controllers via a light source bus. The bus interface provides the light element controllers with a general command, and the light element controllers generate light element drive signals on basis of the general command and the light element data.
US09173267B2
A lighting control system for controlling lights of buildings includes a computer server communicating with programmable master interfaces through an Ethernet communication link. The server is programmed to establish control commands responsive to environment status information. The master interfaces communicate through a primary communication link with programmable input devices which include input interfaces and smart switches, and with programmable output devices. The output devices communicate with a master interface through its primary communication link and also communicate with programmable relay/dimmer devices through a secondary communication link. The relay/dimmer devices control building lights responsive to control commands. The input interfaces communicate with a master interface through its primary communication link and also communicate with ambient light/occupancy sensor devices through a secondary communication link. The ambient light/occupancy sensor devices monitor building zones and establish environment status information. The smart switches include a touch screen LCD used by building occupants for also establishing environment status information. The environment status information and control commands are communicated through the interfaces for thereby controlling the building lights. Each of the interfaces and devices are identified with a unique ID established and maintained by the server. Each unique ID is linked to a virtual graphical representation by the server and displayed on a monitor.
US09173264B2
An LED control device for configuring a phase-cut dimming system includes an LED and a switch. The LED control device configures the conduction status of the switch so as to supply power to the LED according to an input signal. The LED control device further detects whether the input signal is phase-cut. When the input signal is phase-cut, the LED control device stores the signal values of the internal circuits. Afterward, when the input signal is not phase-cut, the LED control device restores the stored signal values so that the internal circuits may resume to the previous operation status rapidly.
US09173263B2
A light module with linear LED serial group drive device comprises an AC input rectifier unit having an input end coupled to an AC Power to convert an AC half-wave voltage signal into a DC full-wave voltage signal for output, and an intelligent control having a protection unit. when the input voltage is higher than the set start voltage of the LED serial group, the corresponding constant current control drive circuit switch is turned on immediately by the intelligent control to control the power, luminous flux, and power factor of the LED serial light module for achieving stable power output of LED light source. Moreover, the present invention without transformers, inductors and other magnetic components has thin thickness and small volume to improve the conventional problems.
US09173260B2
A PWM signal generating circuit and method, and an LED driver circuit using same, is disclosed. The PWM signal generating circuit generates a PWM signal for a DC-DC converter using a dimming signal, and includes an oscillator which generates a first clock signal having a predetermined frequency, a synchronizing unit which synchronizes the dimming signal to the first clock signal, and a PWM signal generating unit which generates the PWM signal in response to the first clock signal having a falling edge while the synchronized dimming signal is on.
US09173257B2
A low voltage dimmer for LED lamps incorporates an AC-DC power supply along with a Pulse Width Modulator (PWM) to modify the power delivered to an LED load is configured to fit inside the form factor of a standard single gang electrical to control the intensity of the light emitted by the LED. The PWM portion of the dimmer circuit incorporates a microprocessor configured to produce a train of output pulses and controlled by a variable input voltage to modulate the output duty cycle of these pulses to drive one or more LED lamps to switch between “on” and “off” conditions. Variation of the duty cycle of the pulses regulates the total amount of time in each cycle that the lamp is illuminated, with the aggregate “on” time determining the apparent brightness of the lamp.
US09173251B2
A semiconductor substrate thermal treatment apparatus enables excellent heating control in suppressing influence of mutual induction between induction heating coils even when the induction heating coils are arranged in the vertical direction while providing horizontal magnetic flux to susceptors. The apparatus indirectly heats wafers mounted on horizontally-arranged susceptors including induction heating coils to form alternate-current magnetic flux in a direction parallel to a mount face of the susceptor. The wafer are arranged at an outer circumferential side of the susceptor. The induction heating coils are structured with at least one main heating coil and subordinate heating coils electromagnetically coupled with the main heating coil. Inverse coupling coils inversely-coupled to the subordinate heating coils are provided to the main heating coil, and zone control means separately controls a power ratio while synchronizing frequencies and current waveforms of current to the main heating coil and adjacent subordinate heating coils.
US09173233B2
There is provided a method, comprising: detecting, by a node of a first wireless network, that at least one overlapping second wireless network is configured to apply contention periods and contention-free periods for communicating with different subsets of devices; detecting that a contention period timing applied by the at least one overlapping second wireless network is not aligned with a contention period timing applied by the node of the first wireless network; and causing a modification of the contention period timing in at least one of the wireless networks in order to have the contention periods to take place at least partly at the same time in each overlapping wireless network.
US09173231B2
The present invention discloses a method for transmitting/receiving data in a wireless access system supporting carrier aggregation/multiple cells, and a base station and a user equipment for same. More particularly, the method comprises the following steps: transmitting downlink control information through a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for scheduling downlink data from a first subframe; and transmitting the downlink data, which is scheduled by the downlink control information from a second subframe, through a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), wherein the downlink control information includes a field indicating the second subframe from which the downlink data is transmitted.
US09173229B2
QoS based uplink data buffering while TTI bundling is enabled by a wireless user equipment (UE) device. The UE may establish a packet-switched connection with a network via a wireless link. The UE may receive, at a media access control (MAC) layer, an indication to enable TTI bundling. The UE may selectively buffer uplink data at an application layer based on the indication to enable TTI bundling. The uplink data may be buffered selectively based on Quality of Service (QoS) considerations. Uplink transmissions may subsequently be performed using TTI bundling.
US09173227B2
A system compatibility method and apparatus are disclosed. The system compatibility method includes sending, according to a downlink resource configured in a new frame structure of a first system, information of a downlink resource carrier. The information of the downlink resource carrier includes information of a downlink resource carrier compatible with a second system. Information of an uplink resource carrier is received according to an uplink resource configured in the new frame structure of the first system. The information of the uplink resource carrier includes information of an uplink resource carrier compatible with the second system.
US09173224B2
A system and methods are provided to enable differentiated association of stations (STAs) in a WiFi system and provide differentiated quality of service (QoS) based association. The embodiments include categorizing STAs that share a channel of the WiFi network into different association priority classes, wherein the STAs with higher association priority classes wait for shorter times before starting association with an access point (AP) over the shared channel. The association priority classes are assigned by the AP or the WiFi network and signaled to the STAs. Alternatively, the association priority classes are assigned by the STAs and indicated to the AP or the WiFi network. The association priority class is determined for a STA according to traffic type, device type, subscriber type, or a random number generator.
US09173219B2
A method, an apparatus and a system can be used for improving data transmission performance. Specific steps may include determining whether a transmission rate for transmitting data is lower than a reference transmission rate that the data is actually required. If it is lower than the reference transmission rate, a reference working frequency is obtained by querying part of or an entire working frequency band. The reference working frequency corresponds to a transmission rate that is higher than or equal to the reference transmission rate from the working frequency band. Frequency modification indication information is sent to a network access device and a working frequency for communication is modified to the reference working frequency.
US09173218B2
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and apparatus for operating in a television white space (TVWS) network. One example method generally includes receiving, at an apparatus, a message with a field indicating a current version of an unused frequency spectrum map (e.g., a white space map (WSM)), the unused frequency spectrum map indicating channels usable for wireless communications; determining whether the current version of the unused frequency spectrum map is different than a previous version of the unused frequency spectrum map; and using a channel for wireless communications based on the determination. Another example method generally includes accessing a database of available channels for a current location of an apparatus via a neighboring portable or fixed enabling apparatus and enabling one or more portable dependent apparatuses for the wireless communications via one or more of the available channels.
US09173210B2
A method for RLC layer uplink transmission and an ENB are provided. The method comprises: step A, after a terminal initiated RLC layer transmission of service or uplink signaling in uplink acknowledged mode, the ENB stores identifier of the terminal and information of RLC layer segment. The information of the RLC layer segment comprises size of the RLC layer segment. Step B, the ENB detects scheduling request message sent by terminal, and when the terminal determined that the ENB does not correctly receive the uplink signaling or the service initiated by terminal, the scheduling request message is configured to trigger an RLC layer retransmission of the uplink signaling or the service. Step C, according to size of the RLC layer segment stored, the ENB performs uplink authorization to the terminal, determines radio resource to be allocated for the terminal, and transmits information of the allocated radio resource to the terminal.
US09173205B2
A base station of the present invention configures resources in which a downlink signal is to be transmitted with zero power using resource sets defined for a specific number of antenna ports, regardless of the number of antenna ports actually configured in the base station, and transmits resource information indicating the configured resources to a user equipment. The user equipment of the present invention receives a downlink transmission from the base station, assuming that transmission power of resources corresponding to a resource set indicated by the resource information is zero.
US09173199B2
The present invention provides for network control of a radio module having a plurality of input/output (I/O) ports capable of communication with one or more sensing devices across a network, where the radio module may be controlled remotely to obtain information from one or more networked remote sensing devices.
US09173197B2
The present patent application improves DARP by allowing multiple users on one time slot (MUROS). It comprises means and instructions for signaling training sequence set information to a remote station, comprising receiving signaling from a remote station indicating if a new set of training sequences is supported, and using a channel description to signal the training sequence set to be used by the remote station for a communication channel being established.
US09173195B2
Methods and apparatuses for transmitting/receiving control information in a system in which multiple frequencies are used to carry multiple services by means of transmission frames, which are constituted of time resources and/or time-frequency resources. Control information regarding frame configuration information is not transmitted over a separate control channel but over a data channel. The service traffic for each non-primary service traffic may include control information for a primary service. Thus, even when a receiver changes the current service to a target service, control information necessary to detect the location of the target service in a frame and demodulate the target service can be acquired, and thus a service change can be made without reading a separate control channel.
US09173194B2
A method and system for transmitting Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) control information in a multicarrier aggregation system are disclosed in embodiments of the disclosure. The method includes that: when an MBMS needs to be sent, a network side determines an MBMS-including Component Carrier (CC) and a non-MBMS-including CC, and sends service control information and service data of the MBMS in the MBMS-including CC. The method further includes that: the network side sends, in the non-MBMS-including CC, related control information of the MBMS in the MBMS-including CC. With technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the disclosure, a UE operating or residing in a non-MBMS-including CC can find out timely and accurately the initiation of a session for a UE-interested MBMS in an MBMS-including CC, so as to avoid premature blind gathering of UEs in the MBMS-including CC, thus effectively decreasing duration of impact on uplink random access by the MBMS-including CC.
US09173187B2
Some embodiments use scanning devices to characterize radio signals received at a number of locations within a geographical area of interest. The signal characteristics along with the location information associated with the characteristics are stored in a centralized reference database. A mobile device characterizes signals it receives at a certain location and compares the characteristics with the signal characteristics stored in the reference database to obtain accurate location information of the certain location.
US09173182B2
The invention relates to a method for transmission in a wireless network comprising a plurality of base stations and at least one mobile terminal, a mobile terminal (MT) transmitting a same signal (704) intended for the plurality of base stations (BS1,BS2, BS3). In order to optimise the synchronisation of the mobile terminal with the plurality of base stations, the method comprises a step of transmission of an item of information representative of a first temporal offset intended for the mobile terminal, the first offset being according to at least one reception time (740, 750, 760) of the first signal by at least one base station (BS1,BS2,BS3).
US09173180B2
A method of synchronising the reference clock of a first wireless device with a master reference clock of a second wireless device via a wireless network. The method involves transmitting, from the second wireless device to the first wireless device, a dedicated synchronisation frame via a dedicated synchronisation channel; receiving the dedicated synchronisation frame at the first wireless device; and synchronising the reference clock of the first wireless device with the master reference clock of the second wireless device based on the received dedicated synchronisation frame.
US09173174B2
A method is provided for reducing radio frequency interference between a first device and a second device co-located on a UE. The method comprises transmitting, by the UE, to a network element, responsive to the UE detecting IDC interference between the first device and the second device, an output power level of the first device, an amount of de-sense experienced by the second device, and information regarding a plurality of RBs on which the UE requests to perform an uplink transmission.
US09173173B2
The disclosure provides a method and a device for controlling power of a cognitive radio system. The method comprises: measuring a system parameter of a cognitive radio system and a system parameter of a TV system located in an adjacent channel of the cognitive radio system; determining a maximum transmission power of the cognitive radio system according to the system parameter of the cognitive radio system and the system parameter of the TV system; controlling an actual transmission power of the cognitive radio system to be less than the maximum transmission power. In the disclosure, interference to the TV system can be reduced maximally, so that the sensitivity of a receiver inside the TV system is guaranteed.
US09173167B2
A wireless transmit/receive unit is configured to receive system level information, including discontinuous reception (DRX) information, cell selection information, and RACH information. The system level information is received as defined parameters assigned to system information blocks or signaled through dedicated RRC signaling.
US09173152B2
A method and a server are described for supporting handover by a network node in a mobile communication system. A message related to a handover, including a first parameter indicating a cause for the handover, is received. A handover command message is transmitted to a first base station for a terminal to perform a handover to a second base station, when the network node determines that handover is needed based on the cause. A status report message including a second parameter indicating whether or not the cause for handover is solved is received. A reverse handover request message is transmitted to the second base station for the terminal to perform reverse handover to a target base station, when the network node determines that a reverse handover is needed. The network node determines whether the handover or the reverse handover is needed.
US09173151B2
In a wireless network including a first cell and a second cell, it is determined whether a measure of mobility of a user device meets a mobility criterion, and it is determined whether a size of the second cell meets a cell size criterion. When it is determined that (i) the measure of mobility of the user device meets the mobility criterion and (ii) the size of the second cell meets the cell size criterion, the user device is prevented from being switched from the first cell to the second cell, or at least one of (i) a handover parameter or (ii) a cell reselection parameter is adjusted in order to change a probability that the user device will switch from the first cell to the second cell.
US09173147B2
A local wireless access network node receives a request to offload at least a portion of data traffic for a user equipment from a macro wireless access network node to the local wireless access network node, where the user equipment is to maintain a wireless connection to the macro wireless access network node after the offload. The local wireless access network node sends a response to indicate whether the local wireless access node has accepted or denied the request.
US09173130B2
Provided is a channel status information feedback method and apparatus of a terminal in a multi-node system, including a plurality of nodes and a base station which is connected to and can control each of the plurality of nodes. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining one precoding matrix index (PMI) for each cooperative node with respect to the entire target frequency band; obtaining a phase correction value to be applied to the PMI for said each cooperative node in each subband within the target frequency band; and feeding the calculated PMI and phase correction value back to the serving node.
US09173123B2
The present invention provides a base station apparatus, a mobile terminal apparatus and a communication control method which can improve the accuracy of channel quality estimation. A communication control method includes the steps of: arranging a CSI-RS, which is a reference signal for downlink channel estimation, in resources of subframes for CSI-RS transmission; setting, in the subframes for CSI-RS transmission, resources to which the CSI-RS is allocated in neighboring areas, to be muting resources; and reporting transmission interval information, which indicates a transmission interval of subframes that are set at the same timing in a transmission cycle of a subframe for CSI-RS transmission in a subject area and in a transmission cycle of a subframe for CSI-RS transmission in the neighboring areas, to a mobile terminal apparatus.
US09173116B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, an apparatus and a system for controlling access points. The method includes: receiving load information on working APs in a coverage area; judging a current overall capacity of the coverage area according to the load information; and controlling APs in the coverage area according to a judgment result. A network management server includes a first receiving module, a first judgment module, and a first control module. The system includes the network management server, working APs, and non-working APs. The embodiments of the present invention also provide another method for controlling APs, a primary working AP, and a system for controlling APs. In the embodiments of the present invention, APs in the same coverage area are automatically controlled to turn on or off according to the service traffic; resources are utilized rationally; labor costs are saved; and the work efficiency is improved.
US09173113B2
A mobile communication terminal includes an interference rejection combining processor for obtaining a received signal vector with regard to each of multiple resource elements and for calculating receiving weights so as to suppress influence to a desired beam of electric wave sent from the desired base station by other beams, on the basis of the received signal vectors; a non-interference-rejection receiving weight calculator for calculating receiving weights so as not to suppress influence to the desired beam by other beams; a signal separator for separating a signal destined for the mobile communication terminal from signals destined for other mobile communication terminals; and an interference rejection combining determiner for determining whether the receiving weights to suppress influence by other beams or the receiving weights calculated by the non-interference-rejection receiving weight calculator should be used for signal separation by the signal separator, on the basis of an index representing a relationship between reception quality of a desired downlink transmission signal and reception quality of an interfering signal.
US09173099B2
A method of subscription control for a first network control node in a mobile communication environment is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a trigger request message for triggering a mobile communication device from a machine-type communication (MTC) server, determining whether the trigger request message is valid according to whether one or more MTC features required by an application indicated in the trigger request message is subscribed or activated by the mobile communication device and is supported by a network control node of the mobile communication system, and accepting the trigger request message and forwarding the trigger request message to the network control node when the trigger request message is determined to be valid.
US09173097B2
Techniques to automatically authenticate may include determining that a mobile device is on a wireless local area network. An network access identification for the wireless local area network may be determined. The mobile device may be automatically authenticated on the wireless local area network based on information associated with the network access identification. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09173092B1
Systems and methods are described herein for collecting data from a base station. Data may be collected at a base station. The data may be embedding into a URL. The URL may then be wirelessly transferring to a mobile device. The mobile device may transmit the URL to a front-end sever. Upon receiving the URL at a front-end server from the mobile device, the URL may be stripped of the embedded data. The stripped URL can be passed from the front-end server to a web server for content delivery to the user device. The front-end server may decode the data stripped from the URL to be stored as collected base station data.
US09173091B2
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements in a telecommunication system to override current access rights. The telecommunication system comprises an Access Point IAP; MSC, SGSN associated with a Configuration Unit ICU. The method comprises receiving to the Access Point IAP; MSC, SGSN from the Configuration Unit ICU, a request to monitor a system member MS, SIM. The method further comprises receiving to the Access Point from the Configuration Unit, a request to override deprived access rights for the system member MS, SIM. The method further comprises overriding in the Access Point IAP; MSC, SGSN, the deprived access rights for the member.
US09173088B1
The presence of an RF signal in an expected location emanating from a mobile device within the expected location is detected by first antenna positioned in the expected location. False alarm discrimination is achieved by the square ratio of the operator's cellphone signal close to the antenna(s) versus the blocked external signals from much greater distance. A comparator compares the RF signal emanating from the mobile device in the expected location with a threshold signal and determines whether the mobile device is operating, and, if so, an alarm responsive to the comparator is triggered.
US09173086B2
A method of avoiding screen off during an Automatic Response System (ARS) service is provided. The method includes enabling a proximity sensor in a call connection, detecting one of a first gesture and a second gesture during a call, and upon detecting the first gesture, disabling the proximity sensor.
US09173076B2
A data server to authenticate a passenger anonymously and allow an outside service to provide a service on the basis of this authentication. A passenger in an automobile uses a portable terminal with an acceleration sensor to send the acceleration sensor log in the portable terminal to a data server. The data server calculates the degree of similarity between the acceleration sensor log and time-series data related to acceleration obtained from probe data acquired from the automobile, and verifies that the portable terminal is indeed inside the automobile by confirming that there is a sufficiently high correlation between the log and the time-series data. The data server provides an access permission code to the portable terminal in response to successful acceleration authentication. The portable terminal provides the access permission code to an outside service, and the outside service accesses probe data in the data server using the access permission code.
US09173072B2
Techniques to confirm account registration. In one embodiment, an MSISDN associated with a mobile device is received. It is determined whether to confirm registration of an account with a social networking system based at least in part on the MSISDN. Receipt of the MSISDN may include receipt of an HTTP request. The HTTP request may include an HTTP header with the MSISDN and a phone number associated with the mobile device. The MSISDN and the phone number may be compared. Registration may be confirmed based on a match between the MSISDN and the phone number.
US09173069B2
A method and system for providing an indoor map representation are provided herein. Aspects of this disclosure provide a representation of an indoor map environment whereby navigable areas are represented by a series of convex polygons in adjacency relationships with one another. Image analysis may be performed on a floor plan image to identify navigable areas and to determine the boundaries of the polygons, such as by assigning one or more colors to navigable space and one or more colors to non-navigable space. Route-finding operations may be performed using the adjacency relationships to find a path from a source area to a destination area.
US09173067B2
A method, computer readable storage device and an apparatus for locating a mobile endpoint device in an indoor environment are disclosed. For example, the method generates a location map having a predicted signal strength for each respective location on the location map, receives a signal strength associated with the mobile endpoint device within the indoor environment, compares the signal strength to the location map having the predicted signal strength for each respective location on the location map and locates the mobile endpoint device as being at a particular location within the indoor environment.
US09173064B1
A technique for providing a location estimate of a mobile station, with increased accuracy. An unenhanced estimate of the location of a target mobile station is first obtained. A portable transmitter is then situated in an initial geographic area of interest defined by the unenhanced estimate. The portable transmitter is then tuned to transmit on a particular neighbor base station frequency being reported by the mobile station. When the portable transmitter is moved close enough to the target mobile station, the mobile station stops reporting the neighbor to the mobile's wireless telecommunications network, on account of the interference introduced by the portable transmitter being on that frequency. The estimated distance from the portable transmitter to the target mobile station depends on the transmit signal strength used by the portable transmitter. By considering these details, an enhanced estimate of the location of the mobile station can then be deduced.
US09173060B2
A system and method for determining the location of a mobile device in a communications network. A set of network measurement reports (NMR) may be provided for a region in the network. NMRs in the first set may be clustered as a function of observed measurement information in the NMRs. A candidate NMR for a mobile device may be received, and the candidate NMR may then be associated with a selected cluster of NMRs. The candidate NMR and a second set of NMRs may then be clustered, and a location of the mobile device determined as a function of the clustered candidate NMR and second set of NMRs, where the NMRs in the second set are associated with the selected cluster.
US09173059B2
A mobile IP location server that retrieves the location of a mobile device based on the public IP address that a mobile device is using. A mobile IP location server comprises a mobile location protocol interface, an identifier resolver, and a location manager. The mobile location protocol interface interacts with location applications and receives and responds to location requests. The identifier resolver converts a device's public IP address to a real mobile identifier (e.g. MSISDN) and performs address conversion by either interacting with an HTTP proxy server or querying a network address translation (NAT) table. The location manager retrieves the location of a mobile device given the device's real mobile identifier (e.g. MSISDN). A web application requests mobile IP location services by transmitting an IP request to the mobile IP location server. An IP location request contains a mobile device's public IP address, port number, and any application specific information.
US09173051B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided for operating a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Subscriber Station (SS) for a time-controlled service in an M2M communication system. The M2M SS registers the time-controlled service. The M2M SS establishes a service flow with an M2M Base Station (BS), after registering the time-controlled service. Data is transferred, from the M2M SS, to the M2M BS, through the service flow during an access admission time period. Transmission of the data to the M2M BS is ceased during an access restriction time period.
US09173049B2
The present invention provides a method, an apparatus and a system for data transmission. The method includes: receiving processed first microwave data information that is received through a microwave antenna; performing multiplexing through a preset rule on the first microwave data information and processed first radio frequency data information that is received through a base station antenna, and sending multiplexed information to a baseband unit, so that the baseband unit sends the first microwave data information to a microwave indoor unit. In the method, the apparatus and the system for data transmission, microwave data information and radio frequency data information are multiplexed, and then multiplexed information is transmitted together. The microwave data information can be transmitted through a transmission medium between base station devices, such as a fiber, thereby saving connection cables between microwave transmission devices and reducing a device cost and an installation cost of the microwave transmission devices.
US09173046B2
A method of modelling microphone characteristics of a target microphone is provided. An impulse response of target microphones is measured over different angles. A signal conditioning on the measurement data is performed. The spatial response based on a spatial response matching algorithm is matched and filter parameters and/or model parameters are determined.
US09173044B2
A method for delivering announcements via a cabin communication facility comprising at least one cabin loudspeaker and via an on-board entertainment system comprising at least one headset output comprises the steps of delivering an announcement via the at least one cabin loudspeaker, beginning at a first instant, and delivering the announcement via the at least one headset output, beginning at a second instant, which differs from the first instant, the delivering of the announcement via the at least one cabin loudspeaker and the delivering of the announcement via the at least one headset output being initiated at differing instants.
US09173039B2
An optical microphone for detecting an acoustic wave propagating through an environmental fluid by using a light wave, includes: an acoustic wave receiving section having a propagation medium portion through which an acoustic wave propagate and a first support portion for supporting the propagation medium portion; a light source for outputting a light wave so that the light wave passes through the propagation medium portion across the acoustic wave propagating through the propagation medium portion; a light-blocking portion having an edge line for splitting the light wave having passed through the propagation medium portion into a blocked portion and a non-blocked portion; and a photoelectric conversion section for receiving a portion of the light wave having passed through the propagation medium portion which has not been blocked by the light-blocking portion to output an electric signal.
US09173033B1
A composite vibration diaphragm fabrication method includes the steps of: (a) mixing a reinforcing material with a hot melt adhesive to form a first mixture and to let the reinforcing material be wrapped in the hot melt adhesive uniformly, (b) mixing the first mixture with a thermosetting adhesive to form a second mixture, (c) coating the second mixture on a vibration diaphragm material and then heating the second mixture coated vibration diaphragm material, and (d) cooling down the coated vibration diaphragm material in which the second mixture is cured and bonded to the vibration diaphragm material. Thus, when baking the second mixture, the internal hot melt adhesive will be melted and integrated with the thermosetting adhesive, and the thermosetting adhesive will also be cured, enabling the reinforcing material to be uniformly bonded to the vibration diaphragm to reinforce the strength and rigidity of the composite vibration diaphragm.
US09173027B2
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods may include a controller configured to be coupled to an audio speaker, wherein the controller receives one or more signals indicative of one or more operating characteristics of the audio speaker and compares the one or more operating characteristics to one or more speaker protection thresholds, and based on the comparison, processes an audio input signal to generate an audio output signal communicated from the controller to the audio speaker, further wherein the one or more speaker protection thresholds are based on offline reliability testing of one or more audio speakers similar to the audio speaker and the controller generates one or more modeled parameters for the audio speaker and modifies the one or more speaker protection thresholds based on the one or more modeled parameters.
US09173021B2
A method is performed in an electronic device for orienting an audio beam generated by the device. The method includes: detecting that the device is coupled to a docking station; and determining a geographic location of the device. The method further includes determining, based on the geographic location of the device, an orientation for an audio beam relative from the docking station; and generating the audio beam by the device.
