US09181527B2

The invention is directed to modified T cells, methods of making and using isolated, modified T cells, and methods of using these isolated, modified T cells to address diseases and disorders. In one embodiment, this invention broadly relates to TCR-deficient T cells, isolated populations thereof, and compositions comprising the same. In another embodiment of the invention, these TCR-deficient T cells are designed to express a functional non-TCR receptor. The invention also pertains to methods of making said TCR-deficient T cells, and methods of reducing or ameliorating, or preventing or treating, diseases and disorders using said TCR-deficient T cells, populations thereof, or compositions comprising the same.
US09181526B2

Based upon a strong correlation between regulator T cells (Treg cells) and suppressing or preventing a cytotoxic T cell response, provided are methods for the production of ex vivo activated and culture-expanded isolated CD4+CD25+ suppressor Treg cells for the prevention or suppression of immune reactions in a host, particularly in a human host, and including autoimmune responses. The resulting ex vivo culture-expanded Treg cells provide a sufficient amount of otherwise low numbers of such cells, having long term suppressor capability to permit therapeutic uses, including the preventing, suppressing, blocking or inhibiting the rejection of transplanted tissue in a human or other animal host, or protecting against graft vs host disease. Also provided are therapeutic and immunosuppressive methods utilizing the ex vivo culture-expanded Treg cells for human treatment, and high efficiency methods for research use.
US09181524B2

This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells.
US09181518B2

An apparatus and method for modifying the organoleptic properties of a beverage, such as wine in a bottle, said apparatus having a least one light-source, said light-source applying peak wavelengths at intensities and time durations optimal for modifying said beverage's organoleptic properties with a highly reflective inner surface, a translucent air flow baffle, a translucent liquid barrier, and a controlled oxygen concentration in the bottle headspace.
US09181513B2

A method for producing a high viscosity, low volatiles blown stripped plant-based oil is provided. The method may include the steps of: (i) obtaining a plant-based oil; (ii) heating the oil to at least 90° C.; (iii) passing air through the heated oil to produce a blown oil having a viscosity of at least 50 cSt at 40° C.; (iv) stripping the blown oil from step (iii) to reduce an acid value of the blown oil to from 5 mg KOH/g to about 9 mg KOH/g; (v) adding a polyol to the stripped oil from (iv); and (vi) stripping the oil from step (v) to reduce the acid value of the oil to less than 5.0 mg KOH/g or less.
US09181484B2

There is provided a compound having a good miscibility with another liquid crystal compound and having a combination of a low viscosity (η), high storage stability, and high T−i even after being used to produce a liquid crystal composition. In particular, it is a compound having a 2-fluorophenyloxymethane structure is provided. Since the compound having a 2-fluorophenyloxymethane structure is highly miscible with another liquid crystal compound, using the compound having a 2-fluorophenyloxymethane structure as a component of a liquid crystal composition enables a production of a liquid crystal composition which exhibits a liquid crystal phase at low viscosity and in a wide temperature range and which has a high storage stability and enables production of a liquid crystal display device which responds fast and which has excellent display characteristics.
US09181477B2

Monodisperse particles having: a single pure crystalline phase of a rare earth-containing lattice, a uniform three-dimensional size, and a uniform polyhedral morphology are disclosed. Due to their uniform size and shape, the monodisperse particles self assemble into superlattices. The particles may be luminescent particles such as down-converting phosphor particles and up-converting phosphors. The monodisperse particles of the invention have a rare earth-containing lattice which in one embodiment may be an yttrium-containing lattice or in another may be a lanthanide-containing lattice. The monodisperse particles may have different optical properties based on their composition, their size, and/or their morphology (or shape). Also disclosed is a combination of at least two types of monodisperse particles, where each type is a plurality of monodisperse particles having a single pure crystalline phase of a rare earth-containing lattice, a uniform three-dimensional size, and a uniform polyhedral morphology; and where the types of monodisperse particles differ from one another by composition, by size, or by morphology. In a preferred embodiment, the types of monodisperse particles have the same composition but different morphologies. Methods of making and methods of using the monodisperse particles are disclosed.
US09181470B2

The present invention relates to compositions for the treatment of subterranean formations, and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a fluid for treatment of a subterranean formation, wherein the fluid is at least one of electrorheological and magnetorheological. Various embodiments also provide methods of using the electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid in a subterranean formation, including for fracturing, deposition of proppants, and combinations thereof.
US09181469B2

Treating fluid compositions for use in hydrocarbon recovery operations from subterranean formations are described, as well as methods for their preparation and use. In particular, treating fluid compositions are described which comprise a liquid, a crosslinkable organic polymer material that is at least partially soluble in the liquid, a crosslinking agent that is capable of increasing the viscosity of the treating fluid by crosslinking the organic polymer material in the liquid, and a crosslinking modifier additive which can delay or accelerate the crosslinking of the treating fluid composition. Such compositions may be used in a variety of hydrocarbon recovery operations including fracturing operations, drilling operations, gravel packing operations, water control operations, and the like.
US09181463B2

Structural adhesives are prepared from a chain extended elastomeric toughener that contains urethane and/or urea groups, and have terminal isocyanate groups that are capped with a phenol, a polyphenol or an aminophenol compound. The adhesives have very good storage stability and cure to form cured adhesives that have good lap shear and impact peel strengths.
US09181454B2

An intumescent composition which comprises a polymer selected from a silane-terminated polyurethane or a silane-terminated polyether, a plasticizer that is compatible with the polymer and an intumescent ingredient. Processes of forming a cured intumescent substance, and methods of fire protecting a building are also provided.
US09181451B2

Disclosed herein are aminoplast resin-based coating compositions that provide formable, abrasion-resistant, and weatherable coatings when cured on the substrate. The coating compositions comprise an aminoplast resin; a curing catalyst; a first polyol having an average molecular weight greater than 300; a second polyol having an average molecular weight less than or equal to 300; and at least 5% by weight solids of at least two 2-hydroxyphenol benzotriazole (HPBT)-containing compounds based on the total solids of the coating composition. Also disclosed herein are articles comprising coatings cured from such coating compositions.
US09181444B2

A light-curable ink composition for ink jet recording contains a coloring material, a polymerizable compound, and a photopolymerization initiator. The coloring material contains at least C.I. Pigment Yellow 155, and the polymerizable compound contains at least a vinyl-ether-containing (meth)acrylate represented by general formula (I) below: CH2═CR1—COOR2—O—CH═CH—R3  (I). The vinyl-ether-containing (meth)acrylate is present in an amount of 10 to 67% by mass relative to the total mass of the ink composition.
US09181438B2

This invention provides a masking material that can be used to protect an underling surface (e.g. an automobile surface) during an overcoating (e.g. painting) operation. The masking material in one embodiment includes a thickener and a pH control agent and water. The masking material can be applied to a surface that is to be protected from paint overspray or other coating processes, allowed to dry, and the surface then coated (e.g. with paint). After drying of the paint, or other coating, the masking material can removed by water washing.
US09181435B2

This invention relates to asphalt compositions. The invention provides a sulfur rubber asphalt binder composition that includes a base asphalt having a softening point, elemental sulfur, and a crumb rubber material. The crumb rubber material is combined with the base asphalt and the elemental sulfur to create the sulfur rubber asphalt binder composition. The crumb rubber material is present in the sulfur rubber asphalt binder in an amount effective to increase the softening point of the composition as compared to the softening point of the base asphalt.
US09181432B2

Toughened polymeric materials and methods of forming toughened polymeric materials are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of forming toughened polymeric materials may include preparing a branched polymeric additive; mixing the branched polymeric additive with a polymer to form a polymeric mixture, wherein the branched polymeric molecule either mixes and/or bonds with the polymer to reduce mobility in the polymer; and curing the polymeric mixture. In some embodiments, a toughened polymeric material comprises a polymer network; and a branched polymeric molecule bonded to the polymer network.
US09181423B2

Polypropylene composition comprising (a) a high melt strength polypropylene having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) of equal or below 15 g/10 min and a branching index g′ of below 1.0, (b) a first heterophasic propylene copolymer comprising a polypropylene having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) in the range of 50 to 500 g/10 min and an elastomeric propylene copolymer having a propylene content in the range of 50 to 80 wt.-% and an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of equal or more than 2.5 dl/g, (c) a second heterophasic propylene copolymer comprising a random propylene copolymer having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) in the range of 1 to 40 g/10 min, a branching index g′ of 1.0, and a comonomer content of more than 0.5 wt.-%, and an elastomeric propylene copolymer having a propylene content in the range of 50 to 80 wt.-%, and an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of equal or below 2.4 dl/g, (d) a polyethylene plastomer having an ethylene content of at least 50 wt.-%, and (e) a mineral filler (F).
US09181419B2

A toughened plastic and its preparation method, with the toughened plastic being obtained by rubber-plastic blending of brittle or less brittle plastics and a rubber mixture. The rubber mixture consists of powdery rubbers having a cross-linked structure and an average particle size of not more than 0.50 μm, and at least one selected from the group consisting of unvulcanized rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers. The morphology and the particle size distribution of the rubber phase contained in the toughened plastic can be controlled by changing the particle size of the powdery rubbers having a cross-linking structure and choosing proper unvulcanized rubbers or thermoplastic elastomers. The toughened plastic has good toughness and processability while keeping better strength and stiffness.
US09181417B2

Provided are a rubber composition suitable for cushion rubbers of retreaded tires in which tread rubbers of tires such as truck and bus tires (TBR) and aircraft tires are replaced for reuse, and a rubber composition which is suitable for adhesion carried out by interposing the rubber composition between vulcanized rubber members and covulcanizing them in a tire prepared by adhering separately vulcanized rubber members and which is excellent in a productivity. The rubber composition is characterized by comprising 0.3 to 2.5 parts by mass of aldehydeamines, 0.1 to 1.5 part by mass of at least one compound selected from a group consisting of tetra(2-ethylhexyl)thiuram disulfide, 1,6-bis(N,N′-dibenzylthiocarbamoyldithio)-hexane and 1,6-bis{N,N′-di(2-ethylhexyl)thiocarbamoyldithio}-hexane, and 0.1 to 2.5 parts by mass of a thiazole type vulcanization accelerator based on 100 parts by mass of a rubber component.
US09181411B2

The present invention provides rigid polyurethane foam comprising thermally expandable particles which are displaced to penetrate a strut of a structure of the polyurethane foam so that the particles are exposed into one or more cells of the polyurethane foam during foaming. Further, the rigid polyurethane foam can comprise hollow thermally expanded particles which are displaced to penetrate a surface of a cell in the polyurethane foam so that the particles are exposed into one or more cells of the polyurethane foam during foaming. The rigid polyurethane of the present invention can have excellent insulating properties.
US09181407B2

A process for the manufacture of a cured composite material, the process comprising the steps of blending together a liquid curable resin and a curing agent having a melting point greater than 100° C. to form a liquid blend of curable resin and curing agent, at least partially impregnating a structural fiber arrangement with the blended curable resin and curing agent to form a curable composite material, followed by curing the composite material by exposure to elevated temperature and at a pressure of no greater than 3 bar absolute to form a cured composite material.
US09181395B2

A process for making ultra-fine particles of a high performance polymer in a yield greater than 90%, which includes dissolving the high performance polymer in an organic solvent capable of dissolving the polymer to form a solution; emulsifying the solution by combining the solution with water and a surfactant to form an emulsion; transferring the emulsion into a receiving water containing a surfactant to remove the organic solvent and form a slurry; and recovering particles of less than 75 microns in diameter in a yield greater than 90%.
US09181388B2

Described are polyester compositions comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, wherein the inherent viscosity and the Tg of the polyester provides for certain polyester properties. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles or sheets.
US09181380B2

The present invention provides a cross-linkable functionalized isocyanate composition comprising (1) a functionalized isocyanate product being the reaction product of (i) an isocyanate component having at least two isocyanate groups and (ii) an ethylenically unsaturated component having at least one functional group that is reactive with an isocyanate group of the isocyanate component and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group, wherein the isocyanate component and the ethylenically unsaturated component are selected so that the functionalized isocyanate product has at least three ethylenically unsaturated groups, (2) a monomer component comprising a cross-linking monomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups, and (3) a reinforcing component. Embodiments of the invention being resins that have been cross-linked and cured demonstrate high heat deflection temperature and excellent tensile and flexural properties.
US09181369B2

A polymer composition comprising an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer, wherein the polymer composition is characterized as having (a) a density in the range of from greater than about 0.910 g/cc to about 0.930 g/cc, as determined according to ASTM D1505; (b) a melt index in the range of from greater than about 0.5 g/10 min to about 3 g/10 min, as determined by ASTM D1238, Condition 190° C./2.16 kg; (c) a molecular weight distribution of from about 3.4 to about 12, as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC); (d) a weight average molecular weight of from greater than about 85 kg/mol to about 160 kg/mol, as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC); and (e) a z-average molecular weight of from greater than about 210 kg/mol to about 500 kg/mol, as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
US09181360B2

This invention relates to a process for producing a polymer of a cyclic olefin and a linear mono-olefin, the process comprising contacting at least one C5 based cyclic olefin with at least one linear mono-olefin having from two to twenty carbon atoms in the presence of an alkene metathesis catalyst, and the polymer so produced.
US09181331B2

The present invention relates to compositions that comprise an anti-S1P monoclonal antibody, antibody fragment, or derivative in a carrier, particularly a buffered, hypertonic aqueous solution, as well as to kits containing such compositions, and methods for using such compositions for treatment of diseases and conditions associated with S1P.
US09181328B2

Materials and methods are provided for treating influenza B infections in humans. Anti-human influenza virus monoclonal antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof having a neutralization activity against a human influenza B virus are provided. Methods for producing anti-human influenza B virus monoclonal antibodies are also provided. The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof can be effective against a wide range of influenza B viral strains. Methods of inhibiting or treating a human influenza B infection are provided. The anti-influenza B therapeutics can also be used to manufacture medicaments effective against influenza B infections, to detect human influenza B in a human subject, for use in pharmaceutical compositions, and for use in kits for at least one of the prevention, the treatment, and the detection of human influenza B in a human subject.
US09181320B2

The invention relates to purinergic (P2X) receptors, more specifically to P2X7 receptors, the generation of antibodies and the use of antibodies and immunogens that are capable of selectively binding to a non ATP-binding P2X7 receptor but not to an ATP-binding P2X7 receptor, for the detection and treatment of disease conditions, especially cancer.
US09181319B2

Provided are compositions and methods for delivering biological moieties such as modified nucleic acids into cells to modulate protein expression. Such compositions and methods include the use of modified messenger RNAs, and are useful to treat or prevent diseases, disorders or conditions, or to improve a subject's heath or wellbeing.
US09181318B2

The screening method of the present invention is useful for screening drugs such as insulin secretagogues having an insulin secretagogue activity with minimized side effects (hypoglycemia induction, etc.). The transformant in which a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein used for the screening method is introduced, the screening kit comprising the transformant, etc. are also useful for screening excellent drugs.
US09181316B2

The present invention pertains to a method for isolating osteopontin from a milk-derived feed containing caseino macropeptide and/or free beta casein, such as e.g. a feed based on milk serum or sweet whey. Particularly, the present method involves the use of a narrow window of pH and specific conductance of the milk-derived feed, which surprisingly has proven to provide a very efficient isolation of osteopontin from chemically complex feeds.
US09181309B1

Herein is identified a novel gene, ZmproPEP3, encoding a bioactive peptide, ZmPEP3, from Zea mays, wherein the peptide finds utility in regulating expression of both herbivory-defense regulating signals, herbivore and pathogen defense genes, production of defense-related metabolites, inducing broad antimicrobial activity and increasing plant volatiles.
US09181308B2

Compositions and methods are provided for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections, including pneumococal infections. Compositions provided herein comprise a variety of immunogenic fusion proteins, wherein at least one polypeptide component of a given fusion protein comprises a CbpA polypeptide and/or a cytolysoid polypeptide, or an active variant or fragment thereof. Methods are provided for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections, including pneumococcal infections by employing the various immunogenic fusion proteins having at least one polypeptide component comprising a CbpA polypeptide and/or a cytolysoid polypeptide, or an active variant or fragment thereof.
US09181301B2

The present invention relates generally to tissue differentiation factor (TDF) analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to structure-based methods and compositions useful in designing, identifying, and producing molecules which act as functional modulators of TDF-like receptors. The invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing, and treating TDF-associated disorders.
US09181291B2

The invention provides a method to prevent or treat HIV-infection with synthetic tannins, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising synthetic tannins.
US09181288B2

Provided herein are compounds useful for the treatment of HBV infection in a subject in need thereof, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of inhibiting, suppressing, or preventing HBV infection in the subject. In an embodiment of the compounds provided herein, the compounds are of Formula Va:
US09181281B2

A new class of neuramidase inhibitor prodrugs is provided characterized by a prodrug moiety of a carboxyl group modified to form a carbonyl ethoxy amino acid, a carbonyl ethoxy dipeptide or a carbonyl ethoxy tripeptide, a guanidine group modified to form a carbonyl ethoxy amino acid, a carbonyl ethoxy dipeptide, a carbonyl ethoxy tripeptide; a primary alcohol modified to form an esterified single amino acid, dipeptide or tripeptide of zanavimir of the unaltered therapeutic agent. Exemplary therapeutic agents so modified to form prodrugs include zanavimir, oseltamivir and peramivir. The prodrug has increased oral bioavailability relative to the unaltered neuraminidase inhibitor and is effective in the inhibition of viral infections involving neuraminidase in the viral reproductive cycle.
US09181278B2

A method of preparing a carbon nanotube composite with metal particles on a surface thereof, including: introducing an acylhalide group to the surface, causing a reaction of the acylhalide group with an amine group of a polysiloxane to bond the polysiloxane to the surface by the amide groups, and introducing metal particles to other functional groups of the polysiloxane to bond the metal particles to the surface of the carbon nanotube composite.
US09181269B2

The present invention discloses novel enantiomeric antifungal compounds of Formula (1a) and Formula (1b) containing thieno-[2,3-d]Jpyrimidin-4(3H)-one moiety and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, method of preparing these compounds, the use of these compounds in prevention and treatment of fungal infections, and pharmaceutical preparations containing these compounds.
US09181266B2

The present invention provides for compounds of formula (I): wherein R1-R5 and L are defined herein. The present invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising a compound of formula (I) as well as for the use of such compounds as tankyrase inhibitors and in the treatment of Wnt signaling and tankyrase 1 and 2 signaling related disorders which include, but are not limited to, cancer.
US09181264B2

Provided are certain fused heteroaryls, compositions thereof and methods of use therefor.
US09181261B2

The present invention is directed to benzyl urea compounds, which are tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) family protein kinase inhibitors, and hence may be useful in the treatment of pain, inflammation, cancer, restenosis, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, thrombosis, a disease, disorder, injury, or malfunction relating to dysmyelination or demyelination or a disease or disorder associated with abnormal activities of nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor Trk-A, Trk-B and/or Trk-C.
US09181260B2

A novel crystalline form of sitagliptin sulfate is provided. In addition, a method for obtaining the crystalline form, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel crystalline form and the crystalline form for use as a medicament are provided.
US09181259B2

The present invention relates to a compound according to formula (A) wherein n is 1 or 2; R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, CD3 or halogen; R3 is hydrogen, C(═O)OR7 or C1-4 alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy or NR8R9; R4 is hydrogen or oxo; R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, NR8R9, C(═O)R7, C(═O)OR7, C(═O)NR8R9, C1-4 alkyl, wherein said C1-4 alkyl is optionally substituted with hydroxy, NR8R9 or a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, wherein said 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with C1-4 alkyl or C(═O)R7; or R5 and R6, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form ═CH2 or a 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl, wherein said heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with C1-4 alkyl; R7 is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl; R8 and R9 are independently hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl, or R8 and R9, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The invention relates further to intermediates for the preparation of said compounds, to said compounds for use in therapy, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, to methods of treating or ameliorating pruritic dermal diseases or conditions with said compounds, and to the use of said compounds in the manufacture of medicaments.
US09181255B2

Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein G, L1, L2, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are defined in the specification. This disclosure also relates to materials and methods for preparing compounds of Formula 1, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use for treating disorders, diseases, and conditions involving the immune system and inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis, hematological malignancies, epithelial cancers (i.e., carcinomas), and other disorders, diseases, and conditions for which inhibition of SYK is indicated.
US09181253B2

Disclosed are A3 adenosine receptor antagonists and/or partial agonists and A1 adenosine receptor agonists and/or partial agonists of formula (I): wherein R1 to R5 are as described herein, as well as pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of use thereof. The A3 AR antagonists or partial agonists find use in treating a number of diseases such as cancer, glaucoma, and inflammatory diseases, as well as in preventing cardiac ischemia. Also disclosed are radiolabeled compounds of formula (I) and the use thereof in diagnostic imaging of tissues and organs. The A1 AR agonists and partial agonists find use in treating diseases such as seizures, convulsion, stroke, diabetes, pain, arrhythmias, depression, and anxiety and in cardioprotection or neuroprotection.
US09181244B1

The present invention pertains to field of medical technology, specifically relates to a pyridino-oxopyridazine derivative of formula (I), its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, its stereoisomers or its solvates, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R7′, R8′, R9′, L and ring A are defined as the description; the present invention further relates to methods for preparing the compounds, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, and use of the compound and the pharmaceutical composition in manufacture of a medicament for treatment and/or prophylaxis of an inflammatory disease, symptom and condition characterized in undesired inflammatory immunoreaction or associated with undesired inflammatory immunoreaction, as well as all diseases induced by oversecretion of TNF-α and PDE-4 or associated with oversecretion of TNF-α and PDE-4.
US09181238B2

The invention provides a novel class of compounds of Formula (I) (wherein A, Y, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are defined in the summary of the invention), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with abnormal or deregulated kinase activity, particularly diseases or disorders that involve abnormal activation of B-Raf.
US09181235B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating the Wnt signaling pathway, using compounds having Formula (1) and (3): wherein A, B, Y and Z all represent rings, and R1, R2, R3 are as defined herein.
US09181234B2

The present invention provides a compound of the following formula and salts thereof: Also provided is the use of these compounds as antibacterials, compositions comprising them and processes for their manufacture.
US09181230B2

The present invention relates to compounds of formula wherein R1 and R2 are as described herein. Compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases associated with TAAR modulation.
US09181229B2

Provided are novel compounds that bind to FKBP12 or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as well as new therapeutics useful in the prevention or treatment of alopecia which comprise those compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Specifically, compounds represented by formula (1) [where R1 represents either the following formula (2) or (3)] or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are provided.
US09181227B2

The present invention is directed to compounds, compositions and methods for treating or preventing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human subjects or other animal hosts. The compounds are as also pharmaceutically acceptable, salts, prodrugs, and other derivatives thereof as pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment or prevention of HCV infection.
US09181219B2

The present application relates to compounds and methods for treating pain and other conditions related to TRPV3.
US09181218B2

The invention relates to the compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein R1-R11 are as defined in the description and claims. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds of formula I are useful in differentiating stem cells into more mature or adult-like hepatocytes for use as drug screening platforms and in disease modeling applications.
US09181216B2

Provided are 4′-O substituted isoindoline compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, clathrates, stereoisomers, and prodrugs thereof. Methods of use, and pharmaceutical compositions of these compounds are disclosed.
US09181211B2

Furfural is produced by mixing an aqueous feedstock solution containing C5 sugar and/or C6 sugar with a heated high boiling, water-miscible solvent, such as sulfolane, and a solid acid catalyst. Furfural product and water can be distilled off, leaving non-volatile solvent behind. Furfural yields of over 70% at as high as 99% conversion have been obtained with this process with sulfolane as the reaction solvent and zeolite beta as the solid acid catalyst. Also, certain by-products (e.g., humins) solubilized in the reaction solvent can be precipitated by addition of water or aqueous feedstock solution and then removed by filtration, thereby providing a convenient and effective way of removing these undesirable byproducts from the reaction mixture.
US09181210B2

Processes for making furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from sugars are provided. The processes can be carried out using a batch process or a continuous mode of operation. An aqueous sugar solution is pressurized with CO2, thereby producing carbonic acid in situ that catalyzes the dehydration reaction to produce furfural from C5 sugars and 5-methylhydroxyfurfural from C6 sugars.
US09181205B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for producing an oxazole compound. The invention relates to a method for producing a compound represented by formula (1): wherein R1 is lower alkyl group or halogen substituted lower alkyl group, R2 is lower alkyl group, R5 is lower alkyl group, R11 is lower alkyl group, halogen substituted lower alkyl group or a group represented by formula: —CY2COOR12, wherein Y is a halogen atom, R12 is an alkali metal atom or lower alkyl group, Ar1 is phenyl group substituted with lower alkyl group, etc., or pyridyl group substituted with lower alkyl group, etc., X2, X3 and X9 are the same or different and are halogen atoms, X4 is a leaving group, and M is an alkali metal atom.
US09181200B2

Provided are novel pyrimidine dione compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that are useful for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and conditions associated with left ventricular hypertrophy or diastolic dysfunction. The synthesis and characterization of the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are described, as well as methods for treating HCM and other forms of heart disease.
US09181198B2

The invention relates to (hetero)aryl cyclopropylamine compounds, including particularly the compounds of formula (I) as described and defined herein, and their use in therapy, including, e.g., in the treatment or prevention of cancer, a neurological disease or condition, or a viral infection. Thus, in one specific aspect the invention relates to formulas (II), (III), (IV), (V), (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX).
US09181197B2

The invention is directed to compounds according to formula (I): where R1 is L1C(O)OT or L1C(O)OL2C(O)OT; R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, or C2-C10 alkynyl, or R1; n is an integer from 0 to 5; each R3 is independently halogen or R2; L1 and L2 are each independently a bond, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkylene, C2-C10 alkenylene, or C2-C10 alkynylene; and T is H, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, or C2-C10 alkynyl, nitrophenol, or cyclopropyl. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and to methods for providing anesthesia in mammals by administering such a pharmaceutical composition.
US09181194B2

The present invention generally relates to processes for the conversion of glucose to caprolactam employing chemocatalytic oxidation and reduction reactions. The present invention also includes processes for the conversion of glucose to caprolactam via amido polyhydroxy acid products and amidocaproic acid or derivatives thereof. The present invention also includes processes that catalytically oxidize an amidopolyol to amidopolyhydroxy acid or derivatives thereof, and processes that catalytically hydrodeoxygenate amino or amido polyhydroxy acid or derivatives thereof to an amino or amidocaproic acid product. The amino or amidocaproic acid product may then be converted to caprolactam. The present invention also includes products produced by such processes and products producable from such products.
US09181192B2

This invention relates to compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering a CFTR potentiator.
US09181190B2

The present invention in one embodiment provides a compound of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables shown in Formula I are as defined in the specification. The compound of Formula I is useful for the treatment of a disease selected from the group consisting of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease.
US09181188B2

This invention relates to new aryl ureas and methods for their synthesis. The inventive compounds are useful in the treatment of (i) raf mediated diseases, for example, cancer, (ii) p38 mediated diseases such as inflammation and osteoporosis, and (iii) VEGF mediated diseases such as angiogenesis disorders.
US09181187B2

Disclosed is an EP1 antagonist, particularly a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein all symbols are as defined in the description, a salt thereof, a solvate thereof or a prodrug thereof. The compound, a salt thereof, a solvate thereof or a prodrug thereof is effective for prevention, treatment and/or symptom improvement of a dysuria (e.g., slow stream, splitting or spraying of the urine stream, intermittent stream, hesitancy, straining to void or terminal dribble).
US09181184B2

The present invention provides a method for increasing the activity of a mutant or wild-type α-glucosidase enzyme in vitro and in vivo by contacting the enzyme with a specific pharmacological chaperone which is a derivative of 1-deoxynojirimycin. The invention also provides a method for the treatment of Pompe disease by administration of chaperone small molecule compound which is a derivative of 1-deoxynojirimycin. The 1-deoxynojirimycin derivative is substituted at the N or C1 position. Combination therapy with replacement α-glucosidase gene or enzyme is also provided.
US09181173B2

The present invention is directed to methods comprising adding ammonia, either as an ammonium salt or as a gas at pressures below 0.01 MPa, to a sulfuryl fluoride solution to form the anion of bis(fluorosulfonyl)amine under conditions well suited for large-scale production. The bis(fluorosulfonyl)amine so produced can be isolated by methods described in the prior art, or isolated as an organic ion pair, such as an alkylammonium solid salt, or as an ionic liquid.
US09181168B2

Process for the production of methyl acetate and/or acetic acid by contacting a carbon monoxide-containing gas and methanol and/or reactive derivatives thereof with a mordenite loaded with copper and silver loaded by ion-exchange and subsequently regenerating the catalyst.
US09181165B2

In a process for separating a mixture comprising cyclohexanone and phenol, at least a portion of the mixture is distilled in the presence of a solvent including at least two alcoholic hydroxyl groups attached to non-adjacent saturated carbon atoms, water, and in the presence or absence of a hemiketal defined by the formula (I) or the formula (II): wherein R1, the same or different at each occurrence, is independently an alkylene group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkylene group having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms and/or R3 is hydrogen or the following group: and in the presence or absence of an enol-ether derived from the hemiketal defined by the formula (I) or the formula (II), wherein the total concentration of the hemiketal and enol-ether, expressed in term of weight percentage of the total weight of the feed to the distilling step, is at most 0.01%.
US09181163B2

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a process for hydrogenation of ketones having at least a carbon-carbon double bond in the y,8-position to the keto group by hydrogen in the presence of at least one chiral iridium complex of formula (I), where R1 represents a group of formula (II) or (III) or (IV). It has been shown that this process leads to a strong increase in preferential formation of a single isomer. The process is particularly suitable for the hydrogenation of y,8-unsaturated ketones which can be used as flavors and fragrances or for the preparation of vitamin E and its derivatives or of flavors and fragrances.
US09181157B2

Disclosed herein are processes for preparing an α,ω-Cn-diol, wherein n is 5 or greater, from a feedstock comprising a Cn oxygenate. In one embodiment, the process comprises contacting the feedstock with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising Pt, Cu, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, Ru, or Fe on a WO3 or WOx support. In one embodiment, the process comprises contacting the feedstock with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal M1 and a metal M2 or an oxide of M2, and optionally a support. In one embodiment, M1 is Pd, Pt, or Ir; and M2 is Mo, W, V, Mn, Re, Zr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ge, Sn, Ti, Au, or Co. The Cn oxygenate may be obtained from a biorenewable resource.
US09181156B2

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing alcohols from olefins, comprising: a hydroformylation reactor wherein aldehydes are produced from olefins; a catalyst/aldehydes separator; a hydrogenation reactor wherein the aldehydes are hydrogenated to produce alcohols; and a distillation column. The hydroformylation reactor is equipped with a distributor plate, which has a broad contact surface for providing sufficient reaction area for reactants such as olefins and synthesis gas, and allows the reaction mixture to circulate and mix sufficiently, which contribute to excellent efficiency in terms of production of aldehydes. In addition, the hydrogenation reactor suppresses sub-reactions to improve the production yield of alcohols.
US09181154B2

Disclosed are the combinations containing Z and E stereoisomers of hydrofluoroolefins where the more toxic isomer is less than about 30% weight of the combination (vs the sum of Z+E), to minimize the toxicity impact in the applications they will be used for such as cooling and heat fluids, foams blowing agents or solvents. Also disclosed are means to obtain combinations containing Z and E stereoisomers of hydrofluoroolefins.
US09181146B2

In a hydrocarbon upgrading process, a hydrocarbon feed is treated in at least one of a steam cracker, catalytic cracker, coker, hydrocracker, and reformer under suitable conditions to produce a first stream comprising olefinic and aromatic hydrocarbons. A second stream composed mainly of C4 to C12 olefinic and aromatic hydrocarbons is recovered from the first stream and at least part of the second stream is contacted with a catalyst in the absence of added hydrogen under reaction conditions including a temperature of about 450° C. to about 70° C. effective to dealkylate, transalkylate, crack and aromatize components of the second stream to produce a third stream having an increased benzene and/or toluene content compared with the second stream and a C3− olefin by-product. The C3− olefin by-product and a fourth stream comprising toluene are then recovered from the third stream.
US09181141B2

A propellant charge, a priming cap including the propellant charge and a weapons training system including the priming cap are characterized in that the propellant charge contains a soft friction agent. The propellant charge can contain at least one impact-sensitive explosive substance as a heavy-metal-free priming compound, and the soft friction agent can be marble, calcite, dolomite, soft carbonates and/or mixtures thereof.
US09181140B1

Bonding agents for use in formulating solid propellants are described. The bonding agents have a Schiff base, or Schiff base and hydroxyl or amine functionality. These materials are synthesized by reacting a primary amine with an aldehyde to form a Schiff base. By definition, a Schiff base comprises the reaction product of a primary amine and an aldehyde. In one embodiment of the invention, such a product is produced by the reaction of a polyoxyalkyleneamine (JEFFAMINE®) with p-nitrobenzaldehyde and glycidol. The result is a polyether having both hydroxyl and Schiff base functionality. The bonding agents provide superior performance, while avoiding problems, such as ammonia production during processing, encountered when using existing bonding agents. Propellants formulated using these bonding agents have mechanical properties within acceptable ranges.
US09181134B1

This description concerns a process of converting textile solid waste into a graphite manufacture and makes it possible both to reduce or totally eliminate the use of virgin textile materials for graphitization and to prepare graphite manufacture, such as simple articles (e.g., fibers, powder, foil, sheets, etc.) and complex shape articles (e.g., blocks, plates, rings, pipes, armors, etc.). Described is a sustainable textile solid waste material management process.
US09181129B2

The present invention relates to a thermosetting resin composition suitable for construction purposes comprising (i) a thiol, (ii) a resin containing at least one norbornene group and having a molecular weight Mn of at least 500 Dalton, and (iii) a methacrylate containing compound whereby the resin composition comprises methacrylate containing compound in an amount of at least 5 wt % and at most 75 wt %, whereby 100 wt. % is the sum of methacrylate containing compound and resin containing at least one norbornene group. The present invention further relates to a two-component resin system consisting of component A and component B, wherein one of the components (A) comprises a resin containing at least one norbornene group and a methacrylate containing compound, whereby component (A) contains methacrylate containing compound in an amount of at least 5 wt % and at most 75 wt %, whereby 100 wt. % is the sum of methacrylate containing compound and resin containing at least one norbornene group; and the other component (B) comprises a thiol and a peroxide.
US09181123B2

A process for optimizing flame polishing of a glass product includes subjecting a glass product to heating parameters related to the glass product, first sensing a first thermal image of the glass product, polishing the glass product with a flame, second sensing a second thermal image of the glass product after the polishing of the glass product, and adjusting parameters of the flame polishing as necessary based upon the second sensing of the second thermal image of the glass product.
US09181117B2

A system and method for treatment of ammonia-containing raw water from low-temperature sources is designed to provide optimum treatment conditions, particularly temperature of the raw water in the bioreactor(s) containing nitrifying bacteria. The raw water supply is split into two streams, of which one stream is heated before remixing with the other stream. The split-stream heating is optionally supported by the provision of a retention tank on the heated-water stream. A three-way valve is provided to control compressed air supply to be mixed with the raw water in dependence on water level in the bioreactor.
US09181107B2

Wastewater treatment tank for achieving hydraulic flow equalization and high efficiency soluble biological oxygen demand (BOD) removal. The wastewater treatment tank provides a compact arrangement of at least one dissolved air flotation (DAF) cell and an equalization reactor cell. The tank achieves regulatory wastewater pretreatment requirements for reducing total BOD concentrations below 250 to 300 mg/L.
US09181106B2

A system and method for control of a gas or chemical. In one embodiment, the system comprises an oxygenator for receipt of wastewater and oxygen for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the oxygen into the wastewater, and a recirculation mechanism configured to increase the flow rate in the oxygenator and/or level of oxygen dissolved in the wastewater.
US09181094B2

The invention provides a method for producing a peroxymonosulfuric acid solution with high stability, including the steps of mixing 35 mass % or more of hydrogen peroxide and 70 mass % or more of sulfuric acid to react them, cooling the reaction solution to 80° C. or lower within five minutes after initiation of the mixing step, and diluting the reaction solution with water four times or more as much as the reaction solution by mass.
US09181093B2

There is provided a two part spray for the liberation and delivery of oxygen through the use of a first part that is a peroxide-containing solution and a second part that is a nanoparticle manganese dioxide catalyst. When the two parts are mixed together, the ensuing reaction results in the liberation of oxygen.
US09181082B2

Microfluidic structures featuring substantially circular channels may be fabricated by embossing polymer sheets.
US09181080B2

A MEMS microphone includes a first diaphragm element, a counter electrode element, and a low pressure region between the first diaphragm element and the counter electrode element. The low pressure region has a pressure less than an ambient pressure.
US09181076B2

A novel system for safely transferring liquids from containers such as plastic jugs that are sealed by frangible seals, to conventional drums of the character having coupler-operated extractor valves. In one form of the invention, a standard coupler mechanism has been modified in a manner to provide means for rupturing the frangible seal of the sealed container without adversely affecting the manner in which the coupler is used to operate the extractor valve that is carried by the drum to which the liquid is to be transferred. Additionally, a novel adapter member has been provided for interconnecting the sealed container to the coupler mechanism.
US09181071B2

Disclosed is a hoist equipped with a power-off type electromagnetic brake, wherein, at positions corresponding to an upper portion and a lower portion of a brake disk of an electromagnetic brake cover surrounding the electromagnetic brake, there are respectively provided insertion openings for first and second operation levers to be vertically inserted between an armature and a pressure-receiving plate. The first operation lever has an insertion portion to be fitted from above into the insertion opening to be inserted between the armature and the pressure-receiving plate, a retaining portion horizontally bent from the insertion portion, and a connection portion downwardly bent from the retaining portion to be connected with the second operation lever, and the second operation lever has an insertion portion fitted from below into the lower insertion opening to be inserted between the armature and the pressure-receiving plate, and an operation portion horizontally bent from the insertion portion.
US09181069B2

A fairlead for a crane contains: a plurality of blocks connected together, a connecting unit for connecting the plurality of blocks, a pair of resilient elements fixed on a peripheral side of a slot of a rolling cylinder, such that a steel cable is rolled on the slot, wherein two first segments of the steel cable fall downwardly to connect with a hook so that the hook hooks an object. Each block includes a pressing body, a first bottom formed on the pressing body and having a plurality of arcuate recesses for corresponding to a circular diameter of the steel cable, and the first bottom also has plural guiding ribs for corresponding to the slot of the rolling cylinder.
US09181068B2

A system for determining a position of a vehicle and/or in a trailer. The at least one container is loaded and unloaded into the vehicle and/or trailer by a crane. The crane includes a container spreader for gripping the containers and a positioning system for the crane and container spreader. The vehicle and trailer have locking pins that lock into pin holes in the corners of the container. A laser scanner determines the position of the locking pins in the vehicle and/or the trailer and the position of the container depending on the position of the locking pins. The laser scanner is arranged to determine positions in relation to the ground of the locking pins. The position information is relayed to the crane. Based on the position information, the positioning system calculates the position of the locking pins in relation to the crane.
US09181061B2

A pusher assembly for a stacker includes first and second opposing moving sidewalls, each sidewall defining a lateral side of a chute region, the chute region defining a centerline therethrough. A first pusher is located on the first sidewall and is movable therewith and a second pusher is located on the second sidewall and is movable therewith. The first and second pushers, when in a home position, are staggered from one another relative to the centerline. The first pusher engages a leading edge of a stack of material in the stacker and the second pusher engages a trailing edge of the stack. In a conveying position, the first sidewall moves to engage the first pusher with the trailing edge of the stack of material, and the first and second sidewalls both move in a forward direction to discharge the stack of material.
US09181045B2

Novel systems and apparatuses for conveying particulate media are disclosed. One such system may include a conveying tank configured to receive media and push it out to a media distribution valve to be distributed to any desired destination. The media distribution valve is preferably a multi-port, pinch valve having a drain to dump any residual media not distributed through the distribution valve. One or more blast dispensers may be in communication with the media distribution valve. Each blast dispenser may be in communication with a blast chamber, which also may be in communication with the media distribution valve. A screen classifier may be in communication with the media distribution valve to receive and screen media from the blast chamber, for example, before being conveyed, if desired, through one or more conveying tanks through the media distribution valve.
US09181043B1

An elevation change mechanism is disclosed for adjusting the elevation of a rotatable element of a rotary device in a direction parallel to the axis about which the rotatable element rotates. The rotary device can be: a filler, capper, labeler, a star wheel conveyor, or other rotary device. In some cases, the same motor that rotates the rotary device about the axis is used to move the elevation change mechanism in a direction parallel to the axis.
US09181036B2

An automatic rotary transfer apparatus and method for conveying a plurality of lightweight articles, such as empty bottles, at a high speed and, optionally, providing at least one additional function, such as de-flashing, trimming, or inspecting, in a single rotation of the rotary transfer apparatus. The apparatus includes a carriage ring having an outer perimeter defining a plurality of cavities spaced along the outer perimeter. Each cavity is adapted to receive a single article. A drive assembly indexes and rotates the carriage ring about a central axis of rotation and is synchronized to a continuous stream of the plurality of articles from an upstream operation, such as blow molding. The apparatus may further include a modification device, such as a de-flasher or trimmer, and an inspection station with a sensor for discharging damaged or imperfect articles, which performs the functions in a single rotation of the carriage ring.
US09181034B2

A food processing system for processing food products includes a food processing device for processing food products, at least one filling station at which packaging trays are filled with those food products, and a conveyor system configured for conveying the packaging trays. The food processing system also includes a distribution control system configured for linking product information, in the form of one or more characteristics of the packaging trays and/or the food products in said trays, to the respective packaging tray, and for activating the conveyor system, the at least one filling station and the food processing device, and for activating two or more export stations.
US09181032B2

A conveyor-section bearing element (50) for fitting to a conveyor frame (10) of a roller conveyor (1), wherein the conveyor-section bearing element (50) has at least one bearing site (54) for bearing a conveyor roller (20) on the conveyor frame, wherein the conveyor-section bearing element (50) further has at least one roller axle for bearing a carrier or support roller (32; 33), as well as a retrofit kit and a roller conveyor (1) comprising such a conveyor-section bearing element (50).
US09181029B2

A buffer means and a method for buffering containers, in particular in a container handling apparatus, like for example bottles in a bottle filling apparatus, is described. The buffer means comprises at least a first conveyor track. Furthermore at least a second conveyor track is provided, which is drivable along a second transport direction. The first conveyor track and the second conveyor track are parallel to each other and form a buffer module. A transfer device transfers the containers from an infeed conveyor track onto an outlet conveyor track of the buffer module. By means of a sliding device the required buffer capacity of the buffer means can be set. Between the infeed conveyor track and the outlet conveyor track of a buffer module at least two further drivable transfer conveyors are provided. Thus a closed surface of the buffer module is created.
US09181027B2

A trash receptacle securing system is provided and comprises a trash receptacle having an open top and a closed bottom. At least one aperture is formed in the closed bottom of the trash receptacle. A weighted mounting base is provided having a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one nub is formed on the top surface of the weighted mounting base with the nub receivable within the at least one aperture and releasably contactable with the closed bottom of the trash receptacle. A foot release pedal moves the at least one nub in a generally outward direction within the at least one aperture and out of contact with the closed bottom of the trash receptacle. Upon activation of the foot release pedal, the trash receptacle is separable from the weighted mounting base.
US09181024B2

The present disclosure provides a reversibly foldable freight container having a roof structure, a floor structure and sidewall structures. The reversibly foldable freight container further includes a front wall and a rear wall, where the front wall includes front wall corner posts, a front door hinge on at least one of the front wall corner posts and a front door joined to the front door hinge. The rear wall includes rear wall corner posts, a hinge on the rear wall corner posts and a rear wall door joined to the hinge, where the rear wall door can pivot on the hinge to extend adjacent an exterior surface of the sidewall structure or can pivot into the volume of the reversibly foldable freight container. In an unfolded state the reversibly foldable freight container has a predefined width measured at a predetermined point on each of two of the rear wall corner posts. A plurality of jointed members in the floor structure allows the reversibly foldable freight container in an unfolded state to move toward a folded state so that the predetermined points on the rear wall corner posts do not extend beyond the predefined width of the reversibly foldable freight container in the unfolded state.
US09181016B2

An injection apparatus includes an actuating cylinder, an accommodating chamber, and a volume changing part capable of changing the volume of the accommodating chamber. The actuating cylinder has an operation chamber and a piston accommodated in the operation chamber, and supplies an incompressible fluid to the injection cylinder by forcing out the incompressible fluid inside the operation chamber with the piston. The accommodating chamber is connected to the operation chamber, and holds at least some of the incompressible fluid that flows out from the operation chamber due to the piston being pushed out. The volume changing part expands the volume of the accommodating chamber, at the latest simultaneously with the start of acceleration of the actuating cylinder, and stops the expansion of the volume when the operating speed of the piston of the actuating cylinder has reached a desired speed.
US09181008B2

A device containing a temperature-sensitive material comprises a first part containing the material, a second part which engages the first part and allows, or can be disengaged or displaced to allow, the material to be dispensed or utilised, a locking means, and a temperature-sensitive activator for the locking means that is activated at a predetermined temperature, and thereby irreversibly prevents the material from being dispensed or utilised should it become frozen or exposed to temperatures below a predetermined limit.
US09181003B2

A dispenser (100) having a reservoir (210) containing a composition (211) comprising a first substance (220) and at least one bead (230) immersed in the first substance, the bead comprising a shell (231) containing a second substance (232); a dispensing conduit (320) for dispensing the composition from the reservoir; and a rupture member (330) disposed within the dispensing conduit, the rupture member comprising at least one aperture (331 A-C) and at least one barb (332) extending into the aperture, the at least one barb rupturing the shell of the at least one bead as the composition flows through the at least one aperture.
US09181002B2

A header intended to be installed in a horizontal platform in the form of a working table of a recoating machine to repair lids, lids, comprises a copying device (1) sustained by a cam support (5), joined in turn to an upper support (4), the copying device having a copying cam body (3) solidary to the cam support (5), the static solidary set of these three elements (3-4-5) being coupled around the main rotary shaft (10), to which lower extremity a drum (18) is affixed dragging the copying device with its rotary movement. The copying device has, among its elements, roller followers (25) driven in grooves (3′) located in the copying cam body 3, the copying device (1) also having coating guns (17).
US09180994B2

A method of conforming upper and lower detached edge portions of a label to upper and lower contoured sections of a container, includes moving the container along a travel path, and heating at least the upper and lower detached edge portions of the label to a sufficient temperature to achieve a sufficient degree of plasticity as the container moves along the travel path. The method also includes moving the container between a compression plate and a vertically oriented belt disposed about at least two rotatable drums, thereby applying pressure to at least a portion of the label. The method further includes applying pressure to the upper detached edge portion of the label with a first linear brush held in a rigid supporting structure, and applying pressure to the lower detached edge portion of the label with a second linear brush held in a rigid supporting structure.
US09180992B2

An automatic free-form tablet dispenser in a medicine packing machine and a method for supplying a tablet are provided. The automatic free-form tablet dispenser in a medicine packing machine, which provides tablets input from the outside to a hopper of the medicine packing machine by a predetermined quantity, includes a main body having a guide track through which the tablet received inside the main body transfers, a driving unit making the tablet transfer along the guide track, an entrance detection sensor detecting whether the tablet is proceeding to the entrance of the guide track or not, an arrival detection sensor detecting whether the tablet reaches to the exit of the guide track or not, and a control unit determining whether the arrival detection sensor detects the tablet within a predetermined time after the entrance detection sensor has detected the tablet.
US09180989B2

Disclosed herein is a food isolator packaging material. The food isolator packaging includes a first section and a second section, the first section including a plurality of deposit areas each having a perforation. A first food layer is deposited on a first deposit area of the plurality of deposit areas and a second food layer is deposited on a second deposit area of the plurality of deposit areas. The food isolator packaging is folded such that the second section covers the first food layer in the first deposit area and the second food layer in the second deposit area. The food isolator packaging is folded along an axis situated between the first deposit area and the second deposit area such that a perforation of the first deposit area and a perforation of the second deposit area are in alignment.
US09180971B2

The ventilation device according to the invention includes a fan and an inverter. The fan comprises a rotary electrical machine and a wheel for setting an air flow into motion, integral with the rotary machine to set it in rotation. The inverter is connected to the rotary machine and, in one motor power mode of the ventilation device, is suitable for forming the supply current of the rotary machine. The inverter is suitable for being connected to a power supply network. The inverter is reversible and is, in a generating mode of the ventilation device, suitable for converting the electrical energy supplied by the rotary machine when it is driven mechanically by the wheel and injecting said converted electrical energy into the power supply network.
US09180970B2

A cabin attendant seat for an aircraft, an aircraft monument comprising such a cabin attendant seat and an aircraft comprising such an aircraft monument. The cabin attendant seat is movable from a starting position into at least one end position. The cabin attendant seat includes at least one backrest element and two seat elements. Each of the two seat elements is movable relative to the at least one backrest element between a folded position and an unfolded position.
US09180965B2

In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, an actuation system is configured for actuation of an airfoil member with a flap mechanism. The actuation system can include an upper drive tape and a lower drive tape, each partially wrapped around a first bearing and second bearing. An inboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. Similarly, an outboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. The inboard frame is coupled to the upper drive tape, while the outboard frame is coupled to the lower drive tape. An actuation of the inboard frame and outboard frame in a reciprocal manner acts move a flap input lever reciprocally upward and downward. A flap mechanism is configured to convert the movement of the flap input lever into rotational movements of the airfoil member.
US09180964B2

An autorotative enhancement system comprises a transmission having a driveshaft configured to couple to an engine. A mast is configured to couple to multiple rotor blades. An autorotative assist unit is configured to the transmission and is configured to store energy during normal operation and drive the rotor blades through the transmission to provide supplemental autorotative assistance upon loss of engine power.
US09180948B2

The invention relates to a paddle device (10) for water vehicles, wherein a double or single paddle (2) is attached to a height-adjustable spar (1) so as to be movable in all directions, and the spar can be movably and detachably connected to the floating body (6) of a water vehicle, wherein the paddle device has a device (14, 16) for fixing the spar (1) in the direction of the bow and/or stern of the water vehicle; the paddle device (10) is used for force-saving paddling together with improved propulsion.
US09180946B2

The invention relates to a deep-sea device for recovering at least one deep-sea object, in particular at least one organism and/or cell material. The deep-sea device comprises a capturing system (14) for accommodating at least one deep-sea object, and a drive unit (16) for driving the deep-sea device. The deep-sea device is designed and equipped in particular to be advanced at least in sections substantially in the buoyancy direction (Ar) toward the water surface. The deep-sea device is designed in particular like a torpedo.
US09180934B2

A hull cleaning robot, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, includes a robot body and a drive module within the robot body for maneuvering the robot about a hull. The drive module includes a drive element for holding the robot on the hull as the robot maneuvers about the hull. The drive element includes a cleaning function for cleaning the hull of a vessel.
US09180930B2

A transmission unit includes a planetary gearing system including a ring gear connected to a bicycle frame, a planet carrier with planet gears, and at least one sun gear that is engaged with the planet gears. A rear wheel shaft is coaxial with respect to the sun gear. A driving mechanism is operatively rotationally engaged with the planet carrier. At least one bearing is configured to bear the rear wheel shaft with respect to the bicycle frame and is arranged between the planetary gearing system and a seat of the rear wheel from an axial perspective. The bearing bears the rear wheel shaft inside from a radial perspective and is connected, either directly or indirectly, to the bicycle frame, externally from a radial perspective. The transmission unit provides at least one transmission ratio between a driving mechanism and the rear wheel shaft.
US09180929B2

The invention relates to a sprocket assembly for mounting on a driver of a rear wheel hub of a bicycle. By means of a threaded element, a sprocket cluster and a separately embodied ring element are axially clamped together, and a rotation-coupling device is provided between the sprocket cluster and the ring element. Knurled teeth features on the threaded element and ring element prevent the loosening of the threaded element. Through the separate embodiment of the ring element and sprocket cluster, the respective most suitable manufacturing methods can be used for the two parts and, in the event that the sprocket cluster is manufactured by means of machining methods, the knurled features on the ring element can also be produced in a cost-effective and precise manner through shaping methods.
US09180926B2

The present invention provides an inverted pendulum-type moving body having a pair of wheels suspended from the moving body, using a floor as a traveling plane, and is provided on the same plane vertical to its travelling direction, a driving mechanism for rotating these wheels, posture measurement means for measuring an inclination angular velocity of its upper body that a straight line connecting a center-of-gravity position of a body of the moving body and an axle of the one pair of wheels makes with a vertical direction, and a mechanism control part for maintaining an inverted state of the moving body by controlling the driving mechanism, by having a velocity planning device for performing a movement plan so that the upper body angular velocity and the upper body angle may be in a relationship of quadratic function when a velocity change is needed.
US09180913B2

A vehicle front end structure includes an engine cradle including an engine mounting structure and a force receiving member. The force receiving member is fixedly attached to the engine cradle. The force receiving member includes a force receiving surface extending rearward from a front corner of the engine cradle in a laterally outbound direction at an inclined angle with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction. The force receiving member is arranged with respect to the engine cradle to receive a longitudinally directed rearward force on the force receiving surface. The force receiving member is configured with respect to the engine cradle to redirect at least a portion of the longitudinally directed rearward force laterally to the engine cradle at the engine mounting structure which is located rearward of the front corner.
US09180911B2

A vehicle operating condition determining system determines, when a turning angle of wheels or a steering angle of a steering wheel changes, that the turning angle of the wheels or the steering angle of the steering wheel changes due to a driver's intention, under a condition that the magnitude of steering torque applied to a steering device is kept equal to or larger than a threshold value after the torque reaches a peak, for a period of time equal to or longer than a reference time.
US09180909B1

A smart steering assembly for a modularly configurable paving operations system includes an end structure at either end of a modular framework. Each end structure has a front and rear adjustable leg with a steerable crawler connected to each leg. A control system can rotate one or more steerable crawlers via the smart steering assembly to drive, steer, or reconfigure the system in response to user input or data received from one or more sensors. Steerable crawlers may be articulated independently or in unison via smart steering cylinders or actuators incorporating onboard sensors connected to the control system. Adjustable legs may alternatively be mounted to the end structure via leg pivots.
US09180898B2

A cart is provided for mounting a portable ultrasonic diagnostic device, the cart being small in size and having high operability, and the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is opened and used in the state of being kept mounted on the cart. The cart has a top board 1 for placing the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device thereon, a support column 2 for supporting the top board in such a manner as movable up and down, multiple legs 3 for supporting the support column, wheels 4 respectively attached to the legs, and a unit 5 having a predetermined function. The unit 5 is placed below the top board 1 in the rear of the support column 2, and the center of gravity of the cart is positioned in the rear of the center of the support column 2. This cart has a simple configuration enabling downsizing, and it is high in operability. It is possible to open and use the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device in the state that the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is kept mounted on the cart.
US09180893B2

A railway tank car including a protective structure for the top of its cargo tank and surrounding both a valve group mounting nozzle and a pressure relief safety valve nozzle, to protect the associated valves against damage resulting from the car being overturned, particularly while the railcar is moving along a railway. The protective structure includes protective housings including upstanding walls of metal plate construction surrounding the nozzles yet not attached directly to the nozzles, so that the protective housings afford convenient access to the valves associated with the nozzles.
US09180888B1

Tagged driving events may be generated during a driving session from sensor data collected via one or more sensors and/or entered by an instructor. The tagged driving events may include a description of each driving event and its associated severity or weight as it relates to a scoring process as well as a time and/or a location of the driving event. A driving session report may be generated using the tagged driving events and may include a driver feedback score that is weighted based on the severity associated with each of the tagged driving events and/or the collected data, a map of the driving session route that indicates a map location of each tagged driving event, and/or a listing of each tagged driving event. The driving session report may be displayed such that a user may select a tagged driving event to view information associated with the tagged driving event.
US09180881B2

A braking control system and a method for a vehicle are provided. The braking control method includes sensing, by a controller, a rear-side collision risk and a lane change and determining a lane change intention based on a steering change of a vehicle. In addition, the controller is configured to determine a braking control for the vehicle and a magnitude of the braking control for the vehicle based on the rear-side collision risk and the lane change, and the lane change intention.
US09180880B2

A driving force control system for a vehicle, which is configured to control a driving force of a vehicle by calculating an actual value of a stability factor of a running vehicle based on a detection value of a predetermined sensor, and adjusting the calculated actual value of the stability factor toward a target value of the stability factor determined depending on a travelling condition of the vehicle. The driving force control system is comprised of: a steering judging unit that judges a fact that a change rate of a steering angle of the vehicle is smaller than a predetermined reference value; a correction value calculating unit that corrects the actual value of the stability factor based on a comparison between an actual value and a target value of a physical amount with respect to a turning motion of the vehicle, in case the steering judging unit judges that the change rate of the steering angle is smaller than a reference value; and a driving force correcting unit that corrects the driving force based on the correction value.
US09180874B2

A system and method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine, a generator, and a motor connected via a planetary gear set to detect lockup in the planetary gear set and control the powertrain in response. When torque is distributed in an electric mode of operation with the engine disabled, the generator is disabled based at least upon a difference between actual generator speed and an expected generator speed exceeding a threshold, indicating a lockup in the planetary gear set. When the engine is activated and distributes torque through the powertrain, the engine and the generator are disabled based at least upon a difference between engine acceleration and an expected engine acceleration exceeding a first threshold, and a difference between engine speed and ring gear speed being less than a second threshold.
US09180869B2

In order to provide a hybrid drive system that suppresses a useless change of a pump driving path and that has a high durability, a plurality of drive sources, an output mechanism that outputs rotational power to an outside on the basis of those operation states, a control device that controls the operation states of the drive sources, an oil pump, and a pump input selecting mechanism that causes the oil pump to be driven with one of a plurality of rotary shafts to which power from the corresponding drive sources is inputable, are included, and the control device controls the rotation speeds (V1, V2) of the plurality of rotary shafts to unequal speeds by controlling the operation state of one of the plurality of drive sources.
US09180865B2

A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential mechanism having a first rotary element, a second rotary element serving as an input rotary member and connected to an engine, and a third rotary element serving as an output rotary member, an electric motor connected to said first rotary element, and a locking mechanism configured to fix an output shaft of said engine to a stationary member, the control apparatus comprising: an electric motor drive control portion configured to reduce an absolute value of a torque of said electric motor before said locking mechanism is changed from a locking state in which said output shaft is fixed to the stationary member while a drive force of said electric motor is transmitted to said third rotary element, to an unlocking state in which said output shaft is released from the stationary member.
US09180858B2

A hybrid drive device in which an input shaft is connected to an engine, an output shaft is connected to wheels, and a wheel drive motor is connected between the input shaft and the output shaft. In the hybrid device, a friction engagement element that is provided between the input shaft and the output shaft and of which transfer torque is controllable. A control device controls the friction engagement element. The control device reduces the transfer torque of the friction engagement element during engine starting in a predetermined low temperature environment or during travel on a bad road, compared to the transfer torque of the friction engagement element in an engaged state.
US09180837B2

A side airbag device for vehicle includes: a gas generator that is disposed in a seat cushion side part in a vehicular seat and generates a gas for inflation and deployment by actuation; and a side airbag in which the inside thereof is partitioned into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by a up-down dividing tether having a connecting hole and the gas from the gas generator is supplied to the lower chamber.
US09180836B2

An airbag of a side airbag apparatus includes an upstream inflation portion, which inflates by inflation gas, and deploys frontward at a side of a vehicle seat. An opening is provided at a wall portion of the upstream inflation portion. A pressure regulator valve closes before an occupant is restrained by the upstream inflation portion, thereby restricting the inflation gas in the upstream inflation portion from flowing through the opening. Upon the occupant restraint, the pressure regulator valve cancels the restriction in response to a change in a tensed state of the dividing portion by an external force applied due to the restraint. A tear seam that connects valve body portions of the pressure regulator valve delays the opening time of the pressure regulator valve upon the occupant restraint by the upstream inflation portion relative to the opening time set only by the pressure regulator valve.
US09180832B2

The invention relates to a gas bag (10) for vehicles, having in an inflated state a lower cushion portion (22) and an upper cushion portion (20) adapted for restraining a vehicle occupant (16), and a dividing portion (24) between the cushion portions (20, 22) which is formed by wall portions of the gas bag (10) extending into the interior of the gas bag (10) in a direction away from the cushion portions (20, 22).
US09180830B1

A door assembly for a vehicle includes a trim panel and an armrest core supported on the trim panel. An inflatable device is disposed on the armrest core for cushioning impact between an occupant of the vehicle and the armrest core during an impact of the vehicle. The inflatable device includes an inflation chamber defined by a backing, a cover, a pleated side extending from the backing to the cover, and a fabric side extending from the backing to the cover along the pleated side.
US09180824B1

A device and a system operative for protecting an automobile door from dent and damage to the finish. The device has a shield that stows in a chamber in an automobile frame below an automobile door, the shield deploying upwardly from the chamber to a position adjacent to the automobile door. The shield is deployed by a hydraulic system coupled to the shield through a plurality of linkages on a track that deploys the shield out the chamber opening and retracts the shield into the chamber. The system has an actuator for actuating the hydraulic system, the actuator selectively actuating the hydraulic system to deploy the shield when the door is locked and selectively actuating the hydraulic system to deploy the shield when is door is opening. A remote control device actuates the hydraulic system in one example embodiment. A sensor actuates the hydraulic system in another example embodiment.
US09180819B2

An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles relating to interior rearview mirror assemblies without a frame or bezel having inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.
US09180806B2

A motor vehicle is provided with a cup holder incorporated into a center console, the cup holder including, but not limited to a front wall, a back wall, two side walls and a base wall, which delimit a receiving space for at least one object, a dividing element, able to be fastened at the upper end region of the receiving space in a dividing position, for dividing the receiving space into a first receiving compartment for a first object and into a second receiving compartment for a second object. The dividing element is constructed from a first part dividing element and a second part dividing element and the first and second part dividing elements are connected pivotably with one another by at least one intermediate joint.
US09180799B2

A locking system for a vehicle seat, for locking to a vehicle structure of a vehicle, has a backrest able to be folded from a normal position into a folded position, a locking device located on the backrest, and a catch that can be pivoted between a locking position and an unlocking position and can be pivotally driven by both a manually-pivotable unlocking element and an actuation device arranged on the vehicle structure. When the backrest is in the normal position, a counter element is locked to the locking device by the catch. The actuation device has a control lever that can be moved between a locking position and an unlocking position.
US09180792B2

The invention relates to a commercial vehicle seat with a seat portion, with a backrest portion and with a seat substructure for mounting on a body portion of a commercial vehicle, wherein said seat substructure has locking means for securing against an unintended rotary movement of a rotary adjustment means for rotating at least the seat portion relative to the body portion, wherein the locking means comprises a locking member that is supported so as to be translationally displaceable along a displacement axis, for fixing the rotary adjustment means, and wherein said locking member comprises a base body member secured against rotation about the displacement axis, the base body height of which base body member is at least two to four times, preferably more than six times smaller than the base body width thereof.
US09180788B2

A fuel-saving driving diagnostic device stores an external power amount which indicates an amount of power charged by an external device and an internal power amount which indicates an amount of power charged by vehicle driving. The fuel-saving driving diagnostic device calculates a driving power amount which indicates an amount of power required for vehicle driving based on the stored external power amount, stored internal power amount, and an amount of power a vehicle currently has, and makes a diagnosis of fuel-saving driving based on the calculated driving power amount and the stored external power amount. As a result, sufficient information is calculated for prompting the driver of a plug-in hybrid car to do the fuel-saving driving.
US09180786B2

A vehicle controller of a vehicle may set a message acceptance type and a time window for response according to a type of association procedure message received from a requester, provide the association procedure message to electric vehicle supply equipment, and return a received response message to the requester when the response message is of the acceptance type and received within the time window, and otherwise reject the response message.
US09180784B2

Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for using and operating electric vehicle charging stations (“EVCSs”) or electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”) having a touch screen. The touch screen display device can be used, for example, to facilitate user interface with the EVCS/EVSE. The touch screen display apparatus can provide a quick and efficient means for a user to input a wide variety of information. Also disclosed herein are representative embodiments of a network communication system for EVCSs or EVSE.
US09180776B2

A fuel system for a work vehicle including a fuel tank comprising a main tank body and an auxiliary tank body, a canister, and a fuel-gas introducing passage for connecting a top portion of the auxiliary tank body to the canister. The top portion of the auxiliary tank body is located higher than the main tank body when the fuel tank is installed on the work vehicle. A fuel filling pipe extends through the top portion of the auxiliary tank body and has a first end arranged outside the auxiliary tank body and a second end arranged within the auxiliary tank body.
US09180772B2

A fan assembly comprising, a shroud having a through opening, around which the shroud defines an air conveying ring, a motor-fan assembly which includes an axial fan rotatable with respect to the support about an axis of rotation, and a noise-reducing annular structure, having a plurality of projections which are arranged in succession in a circumferential direction and extend radially towards the axis of rotation of the fan, each projection having a face which is directed towards the axis of rotation and is substantially parallel thereto, and a plurality of portions radially recessed towards the air conveying ring. Each of the recessed portions has a face which is directed towards the axis of rotation of the fan and the profile of which in the axial direction is generally curvilinear and not parallel to the axis of rotation.
US09180758B2

A film is provided for separating a wet area from a dry area of a door box of a vehicle door in a motor vehicle. The film for passing-through an actuator includes, but is not limited to an opening, which is formed in a pocket-like stamping.
US09180757B2

A modular upper-door assembly including a standard geometric corner component and a standard geometric B-pillar component for all vehicle model doors. Each header, belt and window-track has a different length and bend geometry for each vehicle model door while each respective component shares a standard geometric cross-section. All headers may connect to the corner component and B-pillar component in the same locations for each vehicle model door. All belts may connect to the corner component in the same location for each vehicle model door, but the attachment location on the B-pillar may vary from vehicle to vehicle. A stationary-glass or mirror-sail may also be overmolded into the assembly.
US09180756B2

A technique for detecting whether dazzling is affecting the drivers driving ability when the eye area is included in the area to which the direct sunlight is incident is provided. More particularly of the technique detects a facial area and an eye area of a driver's image, and an area to which direct sunlight is incident in the facial area, and then determines whether dazzling is effecting the drivers driving ability when the eye area is included in the area to which the direct sunlight is incident to detect a direction of incidence of the direct sunlight and then, automatically blocks the direct sunlight in the direction to which light is incident via a blocking apparatus.
US09180752B2

A vehicle heating, ventilation, and air cooling (HVAC) system that includes a casing, an evaporator, and a heater core. The casing defines a windshield outlet, a side window outlet, a front face outlet, and a front foot outlet. The evaporator and heater core are both housed within the casing. The side window outlet is between the evaporator and the windshield outlet.
US09180741B2

A pneumatic tire comprises a belt layer 7, a band layer 9, and a noise damper 10 made of a sponge material and attached to a radially inner surface TS of a tread 2. The width WA of the noise damper 10 is of from 40%-70% of a ground contacting width TW of the tread. The band layer 9 has an overlapping portion 12 in which two band plies 9A, 9B are radially overlapped; and the overlapping portion 12 covers an axially outer region of the belt layer 7 with a cover width WB of from 10%-25% the ground contacting width TW. An axially inner end 12i of the overlapping portion 12 is spaced a distance LC of from 5%-20% the ground contacting width TW from an axially outer end E of the noise damper 10.
US09180735B2

A V-rod assembly having a V-shaped member with a vertex for attachment to an axle and with first and second extending arms that attach to first and second arm brackets respectively, first and second gussets each with a first plurality of holes for attachment to the first and second arm brackets respectively, and corresponding to a first plurality of holes on a first plate and a second plate respectively, and each arm bracket with a plurality of holes for attachment to a cross member, the first and second plates having a second plurality of holes for attachment to the cross member, wherein the first plurality of holes on the first and second gussets comprise longitudinally extending slots that accommodate relative longitudinal movement of the first plurality of holes on the first and second plates with respect to the second plurality of holes on first and second plates respectively.
US09180731B2

A painting support system has a painting support board for holding smaller artist's panels or canvases that is colored so the area surrounding the panel or canvas mimics the frame for the finished painting. A reference line grid are scribed on the painting support board more accurately draw and observe straight lines. A continuous loop strip of a hook and loop system placed on all four sides of the support board. A mahl stick with a hook patch of the hook and loop system placed on a tip of the mahl stick allows the artist to attach the mahl stick anywhere on the support board to the loop strip to steady and support the hand while painting. Panel securing clips are placed in receiving fasteners inserted in fastener holes at fixed locations on the painting support board to allow attaching several different sizes of the paint canvases and panels.
US09180726B2

The invention relates to a sheet article (1) intended for the application of decorative layers to walls (50) to be decorated, characterised in that it comprises: a substrate (40) formed by an activatable adhesive film; and a layer (20) of material to be painted, disposed on a first face of the substrate (40), said adhesive being temporarily inactive and the second face of the substrate (40) being free.
US09180720B2

A method for operating a book forming and pressing machine that includes a pressing device and a re-forming device to form a front cut of a book block. Values relating to the book block are determined with a higher order control along a book production line upstream of the book forming and pressing machine. The determined values are transmitted to the pressing device, the re-forming device and/or pressing plates of the pressing device for finishing the book block. A forming tool of the re-forming device is selected based on values that meet operational requirements for the processing of the front cut. The selected forming tool is moved in a plane or space to an operating position for forming the front cut of the respective book block. Movement of the pressing plates is controlled based on the measured book thickness and thickness of the book cover for the book block.
US09180718B1

In one embodiment, a decoloring apparatus has a heating member for image decoloring, and a shutter to prevent heat transmission from the heating member. The decoloring apparatus further has a contact/separation mechanism for the heating member, a driving mechanism for the shutter, and a controller. The controller controls the contact/separation mechanism, to make the heating member to be moved to the non-decoloring position, and then controls the driving mechanism, to make the shutter to be moved to the shielding position.
US09180716B2

A printable recording material that contains an opaque supporting substrate; a resin-rich barrier layer; a coating composition with bimodal pore size distribution; and an ink colorant-receiving layer. Also disclosed herein are the method for making such material and the method for producing printed images using said printable recording material.
US09180714B2

Provided is a heat-sensitive transfer recording medium having a base material, and an undercoating layer and a dye layer sequentially laminated and formed on the base material. The undercoating layer is formed by applying and then drying an undercoating layer-forming application liquid containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol whose tensile strength measured based on JIS K 7113 is not lower than 8 kg/mm2. The dye layer is formed by applying and then drying a dye layer-forming application liquid containing an anthraquinone compound as a thermal migratory dye.
US09180702B2

A cylindrical shaft which is formed in a cylindrical shape by pressing process in a state in which a pair of ends are opposite to each other is disclosed. A joint is formed between the pair of ends, and includes a plurality of intersection portions extending in a direction intersecting with an axial direction of the cylindrical shaft, a first straight portion connecting the ends of one side each of the pair of adjacent intersection portions, and a second straight portion connecting the ends of the other sides of the pair of adjacent intersection portions and being shorter than the first straight portion. A distance between the pair of ends at the first straight portion is shorter than a distance between the pair of ends at the second straight portion.
US09180700B2

A print control apparatus to discharge sheets printed by a printing unit to discharging destinations. The print control apparatus includes a first determination unit, a second determination unit, and a selecting unit. When an input print job is to be executed by the printing unit, the first determination unit determines how many sheets are to be discharged, corresponding to a single copy based on the print job. The second determination unit determines how many discharging destinations are required for discharging the determined number of sheets. If the determined number of discharging destinations is a multiple value, the selecting unit selects multiple discharging destinations located closest to each other as discharging destinations for the sheets printed. The multiple discharging destinations are selected by the selecting unit before the printing unit begins printing operation based on the print job.
US09180686B1

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for an image translation device providing navigational data feedback to a communication device are described herein. The image translation device may operate in a navigational feedback mode to transmit navigational data to the communication device or an active image translation mode to generate position data to facilitate an image translation operation. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09180679B2

An inkjet printer includes a stationary inkjet printhead positioned relative to a media feed direction. The printhead includes a plurality of color planes for ejecting a plurality of different inks, each color plane having a row of nozzles and each nozzle in a respective color plane being supplied with a same ink. A first ink tank containing yellow ink is in fluid communication with a first color plane of the printhead and a second ink tank containing black ink is in fluid communication with a second color plane of the printhead. The first color plane is positioned furthest upstream in the printhead with respect to the media feed direction, and the second color plane neighbors the first color plane.
US09180677B2

Hard imaging devices and hard imaging device operational methods are described. According to one arrangement, a hard imaging device includes a pen adjacent to a first location of a media path and configured to eject a plurality of droplets of a liquid marking agent in a direction towards the media moving along the media path to form hard images using the media, the ejection of the droplets of the liquid marking agent from the pen creating aerosol droplets of the liquid marking agent, and a gas injection system adjacent to a second location of the media path which is downstream from the first location with respect to a direction of movement of the media along the media path, and wherein the gas injection system is configured to inject a gas towards the media.
US09180675B2

A printing material container detachably attachable to a printing apparatus having apparatus-side terminals. The container can comprise an electrical device, a memory device and a plurality of terminals. First and second terminals can be coupled to the electrical device and a plurality of memory terminals can be coupled to the memory device. Terminal contact portions are present where the terminals contact a respective apparatus side contact forming member. A short detection contact portion can be positioned to contact a contact forming member that itself is coupled to a short detection circuit of the printing apparatus. The terminals can be arranged with the memory terminal contact portions located to the left of the second terminal contact portion and to the right of the first terminal contact portion. The contact portion that is second farthest to the right can be the third contact portion.
US09180661B2

A semi-conductor chip for a print head, including: a plurality of LEDs; a drive circuit for supplying electrical power to the plurality of LEDs; and a control system calibrated to supply, using the drive circuit, the electrical power at a first magnitude to every LED in the plurality of LEDs and configured to: receive a first external clock pulse less than a second external clock pulse used to calibrate the plurality of LEDs; change the first magnitude to at least one second magnitude proportional to the first external clock pulse; receive a third external clock pulse different from the first and second external clock pulses; and energize, using the drive circuit and in response to the third external clock pulse, the plurality of LEDs for a first internal strobe time at the at least one second magnitude calculated by the control system.
US09180659B1

An aqueous transfix blanket and a printer including the aqueous transfix blanket. The aqueous transfix blanket includes a screen layer including a plurality of mesh wires that define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of mesh wires. The aqueous transfix blanket further includes a first layer that overlies the screen layer and a second layer that underlies the screen layer, wherein the plurality of spaces provide a plurality of air gaps between the first layer overlying the screen layer and the second layer underlying the screen layer.
US09180656B2

A gravure printing system is disclosed. A gravure cylinder having a first and a second plurality of discrete cells disposed upon an outer surface. A cell of the first plurality of discrete cells receives a first portion of a fluid from a first reservoir and a cell of the second plurality of discrete cells receives a second portion of the fluid from a second reservoir. The first and second portions of the fluid is fluidically displaceable into the respective first and second reservoirs through a discrete channel having a single entry point at a position external to the gravure cylinder, a first exit point into the first reservoir, and a second exit point into the second reservoir. The discrete channel provides fluid communication of the first and second portions of the fluid from the position external to the gravure cylinder to each of the respective first and second reservoirs.
US09180654B2

A composition comprises a fluoropolymer such as an elastomeric fluoropolymer and at least 1 weight % of a fluoro-functionalized near-infrared radiation absorber. This composition can be formed into laser-engraveable layers for various elements that can be laser-engraved to provide relief images. The resulting laser-engraved elements can take various forms including flexographic printing members, and can be used to apply various inks to receiver materials in an imagewise fashion.
US09180645B2

According to one embodiment, a self-adhesive insulation product is provided. The self-adhesive insulation product includes an elongated fibrous insulation blanket having a length, a width, a thickness, and a first major surface and a second major surface which each extend for the length and width of the fibrous insulation blanket. The self-adhesive insulation product also includes a coating of an adhesive applied to the first major surface of the fibrous insulation blanket. The adhesive includes an emulsion of a polymer material and water with the water evaporated so that the adhesive forms a dry layer atop the first major surface. The adhesive is nonbondable or nonadherable to other objects when in the dry state and is bondable or adherable to other objects upon the subsequent application of water.
US09180638B2

A large cylindrically tubular molded part is made by assembling a plurality of inner segments into a tubularly cylindrical mold inner part having an outer surface centered on an axis and then juxtaposing reinforcing fibers with the outer surface. Then a plurality of outer segments are assembled into a tubularly cylindrical mold outer part coaxial with the mold inner part and having an inner surface radially confronting the outer surface of the inner part and forming therewith a mold cavity containing the reinforcing fibers. Multiple turns of prestressing cables are then wound under tension around the outer mold part to press the outer segments angularly together and the cavity is with a hard-curing plastic that is cured in the cavity to form the molded part reinforced with the reinforcing fibers. The inner segments are radially inwardly and the outer segments radially outwardly retracted then to demold the molded part.
US09180637B2

A method for making helically corrugated rubber tubing with a helical reinforcing element embedded therein and with a relatively smooth interior surface. The tubing is formed with separate inner and outer tubular wall portions with fabric material in between. The inner and outer wall portions may be formed of different elastomeric compositions. Also the method provides for annular cuffs at the opposite ends of the tubing.
US09180625B2

A process for the production of an aircraft panel made of double-curved composite material, with the panel being obtained from a three-dimensional preform that includes fibers that are distributed in a defined arrangement, includes manufacturing a flat fiber preform (22), and deforming the flat preform (22) in such a way as to produce the three-dimensional preform, with the fibers following suitable trajectories at the flat preform in such a way as to obtain the defined arrangement of the fibers after deformation.
US09180623B1

A composite ballistic shielding material is formed utilizing ribbons of randomly-oriented film, laid up or woven in bias plies. The sheet plies are made narrow strips of PVC films are held side-by-side and rigidly framed as a square, into a thin layer, and then trimmed. The strips may be approximately 0.010″ wide. The formed up layer is then immersed in a low-hardness thermosetting liquid glue and laid down as a first ply. Subsequent plies are made by repeating the same process, and adding the step of rotating the frame to a pre-determined angle before laying down the ply onto the previous ply. When a pre-determined number of layers or a desired thickness is achieved, the lay-up is transferred to a press for curing into panels. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US09180619B2

A method for producing a duct-integrated floor-raising material includes the steps of: forming a first enclosed space, a second enclosed space, and a third enclosed space, having a molten tubular parison pressed flat and extruded from pinch-off portions by a pair of split molds, wherein portions of the parison corresponding to the pinch-off portions are welded to each other; molding the first hollow portion, the second hollow portion, the duct portion, and the waste bag in which a blow pin is pierced to outer surfaces of the tubular parison corresponding to the spaces, a pressurized fluid is blown to expand the parison, and the tubular parison is pressed against the surfaces of the split molds for shaping the parison; and cutting the waste bag to form an air intake port or an air outlet port on the duct portion.
US09180606B2

A pre-form and a method of preparing pre-forms are provided. The pre-forms comprise a resin and at least three layers of oriented fiber tows. The pre-forms comprise fiber tows instead of the traditional prepregs to enhance rearranging of resin and/or fibers during subsequent processing as well as provide greater freedom, a price reduction and/or a reduction of waste. The pre-forms may be formed three-dimensionally to enhance coupling to further pre-forms or other structures and/or to enhance shaping of the pre-form to a final three-dimensional shape. The method of preparation of pre-forms involves providing an adhesive between layers of fibers and providing a resin in contact with at least one of the layers of fibers. The resin is preferably provided in a non-continuous layer to allow for removal of gas at least partially in a direction orthogonal to the layers of resin. Advantageously, during manufacturing, the fibers are placed with an exact start and ending location, thereby avoiding waste. The pre-forms are suitable for preparation of composite structures like for example spars for wind turbine blades.
US09180602B2

The method serves for producing network-like metal mats from metallic strip material, for which purpose the strip material is first provided with notches (2), running parallel to one another, for the forming of metal wires (1), by means of notching rollers. The notches (2) are thereby formed to such depths, depending on the material, that as far as possible no sliding fractures are formed. The notches (2) are interrupted by unnotched regions—the mutual spacing of which in the respective notch (2) determines the later possible mesh width—at least in such a way that they later form network nodes (4). The network nodes (4) are offset by approximately half a network node spacing in the respectively adjacent notches (2). Then, the strip, formed in this manner, is subjected to a flexing process, in which the webs (3) adjoining the base of the notch and still connecting the metal wires (1) to one another undergo multiple bending deformation about the longitudinal axis thereof in such a way that incipient cracks occur as a result of fatigue fracture. This leads to the complete separation of the metal wires (1) in the region of the webs (3), while no incipient cracks form at the network nodes (4). Finally, the strip material is subjected to transverse tensile forces acting on both its peripheral metal wires (1), whereby a widening deformation of the wire strip (5) into a network-like structure takes place.
US09180597B1

This mobile sample isolation and containment system is designed to provide a chemical and biological screening and verification capability within an environmentally-controlled area while minimizing exposure of analytical instruments to contamination. Only those parts of the analytical instrument absolutely necessary for retrieving sample information are disposed within the potentially contaminated enclosure, while other electrical or optical components remain outside said enclosure. The system uses multiple technologies that target, interrogate, and describe the same sample. Therefore, an analyst will not need to remove a hazardous sample from containment before it is identified.
US09180592B2

A piston supply apparatus includes a piston gripping portion and a piston supply portion. The piston supply portion includes a connecting rod gripping unit gripping the connecting rod of the piston placed in a preparation area, a guide member abutting against a skirt portion of the piston to match an axial direction of the piston with a predetermined specified direction, a moving unit moving the gripping unit from the preparation area to a supply position in air, and a pivoting unit making the gripping unit pivot such that the piston top portion of the piston in a downward state is set in an upward state. The piston supply apparatus further includes a pressing unit pressing the piston top portion of the piston made to pivot to the upward state against the guide member.
US09180589B2

An ergonomic earth-working device includes a horizontal handle having a grip with an outer grip, an inner grip and an inner grip interface. The outer grip's ribbed and contoured surface provides easy grasping, while the inner grip interface connects the grip and handle. The handle connects at one end to a curved upper portion having an arc angle. The curved upper portion also connects to an angled portion vertical portion with an angle offset. The angled vertical portion also connects to a vertical shaft, which is perpendicular to a ground plane and removably attaches to a contoured tool member. The configuration of the horizontal handle, curved upper portion, angled portion and vertical shaft, as well as the location of the grip on the horizontal handle, provide an ergonomic advantage allowing users to direct an earth-working force and the contoured tool member straight down rather than at an angle.
US09180577B2

The spindle removal tool is a device for removing, supporting, and moving an entire spindle assembly from semi trucks. It is easier to perform maintenance on the spindle assembly after removing it from the truck. The apparatus is primarily a flat semicircular plate with openings that match the bolt pattern of a semi truck's hub. The plate is bolted to the rim and the entire spindle assembly is disconnected from the truck's axle. The semicircular plate is attached to a support bar that is raised or lowered with a floor jack. The mechanic can roll the entire spindle assembly from underneath the truck and perform maintenance on the shop floor.
US09180576B2

A pair of hose clamp pliers for clamping a hose is provided with two clamping plates. The pliers include two clamping ends capable of moving toward or away from each other. The two clamping plates are fixedly connected to the two clamping ends and provided with movement guide protrusions and movement stop protrusions. With the protrusions formed along the periphery of the two clamping plates and the gaps defined by the protrusions, the hose clamp pliers can clamp the hose clamp in different directions, so that it can be adapted to different work requirements or environments, for example, in a narrow space. Further, the movement guide protrusions and movement stop protrusions restrict the hose clamp in two different directions, so as to improve clamping stability.
US09180569B2

A platen for polishing a surface of a wafer has a reaction plate, a polishing plate, and a bladder. The reaction plate has a top and bottom surface, and defines a longitudinal axis. The polishing plate is positioned coaxially with the reaction plate. The polishing plate has a second top surface and a second bottom surface. The second top surface is adjacent to the bottom surface of the reaction plate. The bladder is coaxially located along a radially outer portion of either the top or bottom surface of the reaction plate. The bladder is connected with the polishing plate and able to expand to deform the polishing plate with respect to the bottom surface of the reaction plate.
US09180566B2

An assembly line system comprises a plurality of cassette-type tooling elements and a plurality of moveable base modules. The tooling elements and the base modules have complementary mounting structures for supporting detachable mounting of the tooling elements onto the base modules. A driving system drives each base module to a respective first position within a product assembly area for the assembling a first product, and drives each base module to a respective second position within the product assembly area for assembling a second product. When the first product is dimensionally different than the second product, the respective first position is different than the respective second position for at least one of the plurality of base modules.
US09180563B2

A de-swage machine for removal of a head of a head stack assembly including a tooling unit configured to receive a head stack assembly comprising a plurality of heads and an indicia, a blade module configured to remove a head from the head stack assembly, an indicia reader configured to read the indicia, and a controller. The controller is configured to select and remove a head from the head stack assembly by at least reading the indicia using the indicia reader, transmitting the indicia to a database, receiving head stack assembly information corresponding to the indicia from the database, selecting the head for removal based on the head stack assembly information, and removing the selected head using the blade module. The blade module can also include a force sensor, and the de-swage machine can also include an imaging unit.
US09180558B2

A dipper assembly for a mining shovel, includes a dipper having a dipper back and an open dipper bottom, and a dipper door pivotally mounted to the dipper, configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position with a swing speed, and to cover the open dipper bottom. The dipper assembly also includes one or more hydraulic door snubbers. The hydraulic door snubbers include a base having one or more connecting plates, one or more mounting plates coupled to the base and configured to receive a link extending from the dipper door, one or more friction plates, and a hydraulic cylinder configured to clamp the mounting plates, the connecting plates, the friction plates and the link together.
US09180554B2

An aluminum alloy member including a sheet-like aluminum alloy member having ends joined by friction stir welding, and forming an anodic oxidation coating on a weld front surface or a weld back surface, the aluminum alloy member including 0.3 to 1.5 mass % of Mg, 0.2 to 1.2 mass % of Si, 0.5 mass % or less of Cu, and 0.2 mass % or less of Fe, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities, Fe-containing second phase particles having a particle size (circle equivalent diameter) of more than 1 μm, among second phase particles dispersed in a matrix of the aluminum alloy member, having an average particle size of 5 μm or less.
US09180552B2

Disclosed is a system and method for identifying a defect in a weld joint through an X-Ray image. An image capturing module captures the X-Ray image of the weld joint. The X-Ray image comprises dark areas and bright areas. An image processing module executes a gamma correction algorithm on the X-Ray image by using a standard power law transform in order to enhance contrast of the dark areas and the bright areas. The image processing module further passes the X-Ray image through one or more de-noising filters in order to remove noise from the X-Ray image. An analysis module identifies a fragment of the X-Ray image that comprises one or more dark area with respect to neighboring areas adjacent to the one or more dark area. The analysis module further segments the X-Ray image into one or more segments in order to identify the defect in the weld joint.
US09180547B2

A method for extracting fumes from a robotic welder is disclosed. The method includes controlling a robotic welder to produce a weld and extracting fumes produced by the robotic welder via a vacuum source. The method also includes selectively varying the vacuum source as a function of the position of the robotic welder.
US09180543B2

Methods and systems for manufacturing and using the auxiliary power conversion unit, which is capable of being remotely located from a welding power supply unit during a welding operation, are provided. In some embodiments, the auxiliary power conversion is capable of outputting DC as well as AC power, capable of outputting multiple voltages consistent with the demands of typical auxiliary tools, such as a hand grinder or a light. In certain embodiments, the power conversion unit may be a stand-alone system or may be incorporated into a device, such as a wire feeder, which is configured to derive power from the arc potential. The power conversion unit may contain control and processing electronics that may include a controller, a processor, memory, and so forth.
US09180536B2

A device has a work piece spindle for accommodating a bevel gear work piece, a tool spindle for accommodating a grinding wheel having an abrasive surface, and a plurality of drives for machining the bevel gear work piece. During machining of the bevel gear work piece, the grinding wheel rotates about the rotational axis of the tool spindle and engages the bevel gear work piece to remove material. The rotation is superimposed with an eccentric movement such that the grinding wheel only engages the bevel gear work piece at n contact regions of the abrasive surface. The device is configured to allow adjustment of the eccentric movement after a first machining phase and to specify m contact regions of the abrasive surface in a further machining pase, wherein the m contact regions do not overlap with the n contact regions.
US09180535B2

A multi-tool saw assembly includes a saw assembly and a utility tool. The saw assembly includes a frame having a first end and a second end. The saw assembly also includes a first handle fixed relative to the frame. The saw assembly further includes a saw blade, selectively coupled to the frame and extending between the first end and the second end. The saw blade includes a first connection portion connected to the first end and a second connection portion connected to the second end. The utility tool includes a second handle and a work portion. The second handle forms a portion of the frame and/or the first handle. The utility tool is separable from the saw assembly. The saw blade remains connected to the first end and the second end, and the first handle remains connected to the frame, when the utility tool is separated from the saw assembly.
US09180532B2

One non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a multi-piece twist drill head. The multi-piece twist drill head includes a core piece formed from a first hard material, and a peripheral piece formed from a second hard material. The core piece and peripheral piece each comprise a cutting edge and are adapted to mate to provide a central region and a peripheral region, respectively, of the multi-piece twist drill head. A twist drill including the multi-piece twist drill head is also disclosed.
US09180527B2

A clamping device (1a) for clamping a work piece of a rotating spindle of a machine tool, in particular a balancer, wherein the clamping device comprises a base body (2), which is configured to be fixated at the spindle and which comprises at least one change body (1) which can be coupled to and decoupled from the base body (2), wherein the change body (1) and the base body (2) are supported coaxial to one another and clamped relative to one another in radial direction by roller elements (11), wherein each of the roller elements (11) is disposed in a gap between the base body (2) and the change body (1), which is configured as a wedge shaped gap and adapted to the respective roller element (11), so that the respective roller element can be moved along the wedge shaped gap, deeper into the wedge shaped gap, when the base body (2) and the change body (1) are connected to one another, so that the desired radial clamping is provided.
US09180525B2

A tool holder holding a tool according to the present invention includes: a tool mounting unit forming and penetrating a tool fixing hole having an interior diameter that is relatively smaller than an exterior diameter of a shank unit of the tool; and at least one shape memory alloy ring inserted and arranged to a ring fixing hole formed at the tool mounting unit to have an interior diameter that is relatively larger than the tool fixing hole, wherein an interior diameter size of the tool fixing hole is forcibly changed by deformation of a shape memory alloy ring by a heating source and a cooling source provided to the shape memory alloy ring for clamping or unclamping the tool.
US09180520B2

A method of processing a composite body comprising a super-hard structure and refractory metal material exposed proximate a boundary of the composite body, the refractory metal material comprising refractory metal. The method includes providing a basic corrosive agent, heating the corrosive agent to at least its melting point, contacting the composite body with the corrosive agent in the molten state and treating the composite body with the corrosive agent for a period of time to remove refractory metal material from the composite body.
US09180512B2

An aluminum alloy billet obtained by continuously casting molten aluminum alloy in the shape of rod is cut into a predetermined length by means of a cutting device. The aluminum alloy billet thus cut is loaded into a product carrier container with an identification mark that has been made. The casting condition and inspection results of the aluminum alloy billet are stored in the storage unit of a production control device in association with the identification mark so as to stabilize the quality and production of the aluminum alloy billet used for machining materials.
US09180510B2

Provided is an electric riveter including a housing internally provided with a drive unit configured to drive an actuator that withdraws a mandrel from a rivet, and a mandrel collector that collects mandrels. The actuator includes a cover having a proximal end coupled to the housing, a nozzle provided at a distal end of the cover, and a jaw provided in the cover. The drive unit includes an electric motor that drives the actuator. The housing includes a drive housing unit connected to a handle having a rod shape. The electric motor is arranged at a position deviated from the center of grip of the handle in a direction about an axis line extending along the center line of the cover.
US09180508B2

A press brake tool assembly mounting device (42) having a body (66) which mounts a lower press brake tool (46), with a recess in the body (66) receiving in a moving fit a location member (52) mounted to a lower beam (44). A locking arrangement (80) is provided for locking the body (66) relative to the location member (52) in a friction fit, to retain the lower press brake tool (46) in a required position.
US09180503B2

The invention relates to a roll stand for rolling a product, in particular made of metal, comprising a pair of first rollers contacted by a pair of second rollers supporting the first rollers, wherein the first roller and the second rollers have an asymmetrical radius curve (CVC grind) relative to a center plane, wherein the radius curve of the first rollers is represented by a polynomial of the third or fifth order. In order to design the wedging of a second roller supporting a first roller such that optimal operating conditions are set, the invention proposes that the radius curve of the second roller is given by a polynomial of the third or fifth order, wherein special relationships are prescribed for the ratios between the coefficients.
US09180494B2

A sorting machine (1) for sorting flat articles (2) on edge, which machine includes an upstream conveyor (10), and a downstream conveyor (30) that conveys the flat articles (2) by nipping them, the upstream conveyor (10) and the downstream conveyor (30) being separated by detector means (100) including an intermediate conveyor (20) provided with intermediate belts (22) that convey said flat articles (2) by nipping them, and that are associated individually with suction means (24, 25) pressing any flat article (2) against one or the other of said intermediate belts (22), image capture means (26) for capturing images of the bottoms of said flat articles (2) passing between the intermediate belts (22), and analysis and processing means (4) for analyzing and processing said images to detect any bunching of said flat articles (2).
US09180484B2

Magnetically responsive photonic nanochains that have been produced by inducing chaining of uniform magnetic particles during their silica coating process and then allowing additional deposited silica to wrap entire structures. The optical diffraction of these nanochains can be switched on and off by applying magnetic fields.
US09180482B1

A fluid dispense tip includes a bevel at an opening to reduce the amount of surface tension, or “land”, at the opening. The bevel is formed by grinding in a longitudinal direction such that any tooling scars resulting from the grinding operation are likewise longitudinally oriented, further reducing the amount of surface tension in the tip, thereby leading to heightened dispensing accuracy. The tip may be machined from stock as a unitary piece, to increase its lifetime, and may be formed with a bore of a relatively large diameter that is tapered down to a smaller diameter near the tip opening, to allow for delivery of fluid through the tip body at a decreased pressure. A cleaning tool may be provided for removing residual material from the inner surfaces of the tip. A removable liner sleeve may be provided within the bore to reduce the effective inner diameter of the dispense tip.
US09180479B1

A painting apparatus for applying paint to a painting surface within a narrow space. The painting apparatus includes a handle portion, an applicator portion and an applicator material. The handle portion is configured to prevent a user's hand from moving with respect to the handle portion while grasping the handle portion. The applicator portion is attached to the handle portion. The applicator material is arranged relative to an external surface of the applicator portion for applying paint to the painting surface.
US09180476B2

A device for dispensing a mixture of at least two fluids is disclosed. The device has a plurality of cartridges that each contain a fluid. A flow channel communicates with each cartridge. A valve adjusts a mass flow rate of the fluid drawn from the corresponding cartridge. A manifold has a mixing chamber and a plurality of inlets that each communicate with one of the flow channels. The manifold has a spring and a seal that covers the inlets. A piston is between the seal and the spring. The spring is moveable between an extended position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously close the inlets from the flow channels and a compressed position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously open the inlets to the flow channels. A dispensing pump communicates with the manifold and draws fluid from each of the cartridges. A nozzle dispenses the mixture.
US09180475B2

The present invention relates to a liquid-container equipped with a rotary discharger for discharging liquid whilst rotating. To this end, the present invention comprises: a main housing; a rotating shoulder section which is rotatably connected to the main housing; a moving cam section which is provided on the rotating shoulder section and which moves up/down in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shoulder section; a moving container section which is provided in the main housing, is connected to and moves with the moving cam section, and is provided with liquid therein; a pumping device section which is provided inside the moving cam section, and which both rotates the rotating shoulder section and moves the moving cam section up/down and thus causes the liquid to flow in or be discharged according to the pressure; a discharge cover section, which is connected to the pumping device section and has a discharge opening/closing section that opens and closes according to the pressure from the pumping device section; and an elastic member which is provided between the moving cam section and the discharge cover section, and which has an elasticity that allows the up/down movement of the moving cam.
US09180455B2

A blood sampler device includes a blood collector and a sampler body. The blood collector is designed to collect a sample of a fluid, such as blood, from a user and to be inserted into the sampler body, such that the collected blood can be discharged into a liquid chamber in the sampler body to mix with a liquid stored in the liquid chamber for testing. The blood collector includes vents that are designed to facilitate the flow of air out of the liquid chamber during this insertion, such that a lower and more consistent pressurization can be achieved within the liquid chamber. This design may also increase user comfort and enhance the accuracy of testing performed on the collected fluid.
US09180451B2

A fluidic cartridge for detecting chemicals, formed by a casing, hermetically housing an integrated device having a plurality of detecting regions to bind with target chemicals; part of a supporting element, bearing the integrated device; a reaction chamber, facing the detecting regions; a sample feeding hole and a washing feeding hole, self-sealingly closed; fluidic paths, which connect the sample feeding and washing feeding holes to the reaction chamber; and a waste reservoir, which may be fluidically connected to the reaction chamber by valve elements that may be controlled from outside. The integrated device is moreover connected to an interface unit carried by the supporting element, electrically connected to the integrated device and including at least one signal processing stage and external contact regions.
US09180450B2

Methods are provided for manipulating droplets. The methods include providing the droplet on a surface comprising an array of electrodes and a substantially co-planer array of reference elements, wherein the droplet is disposed on a first one of the electrodes, and the droplet at least partially overlaps a second one of the electrodes and an intervening one of the reference elements disposed between the first and second electrodes. The methods further include activating the first and second electrodes to spread at least a portion of the droplet across the second electrode and deactivating the first electrode to move the droplet from the first electrode to the second electrode.
US09180443B1

In the present disclosure, imidazole-derived materials including M-N-C catalysts, imidazole-derived MOFs and MOF-based M-N-C catalysts as well as methods for preparing the same utilizing mechanosynthesis and/or a sacrificial support-based methods are described.
US09180440B2

A catalyst for exhaust gas purification having superior exhaust gas purification performance is provided. Disclosed is a catalyst containing, as a catalyst support, a composite phosphate containing yttrium and phosphorus and having a composition ratio of yttrium to phosphorus (Y/P) of greater than 1 as a molar ratio.
US09180438B2

A wire catalyst for hydrogenation reaction and/or dehydrogenation reaction comprises a metallic core and an oxide surface layer covering at least part of the surface thereof. The metallic core is electrically conductive so that the metallic core itself can generate heat by directly passing an electric current therethrough or electromagnetic induction. The oxide surface layer is made of an oxide of a metallic element constituting the metallic core. The oxide surface layer is provided with a porous structure having pores opening at the surface of the oxide surface layer. The catalytic material is supported in the pores of the oxide surface layer. When a shaped wire catalyst is manufactured, the shaping into a specific shape is made before the oxide surface layer having the porous structure is formed and the catalytic material is supported thereon.
US09180427B2

Disclosed is a calcination apparatus, including: a calcination tube having open ends at both terminals; a pair of hoods, each hood covering each open end of the calcination tube; and a pair of rings, each ring sealing a gap between the calcination tube and the hood, wherein the rings are directly or indirectly fixed on an outer surface of the calcination tube; a groove is provided along a circumferential direction of the ring at a contact surface side between the ring and the hood; a sealed chamber surrounded by the hood and the groove is formed; and both the calcination tube and the rings rotate in a circumferential direction of the calcination tube while keeping the hood in contact with both sides of the groove.
US09180415B2

A mixer nozzle assembly for mixing fluid introduced into a tank having a tank volume therein. The mixer nozzle assembly includes a stationary body and a rotatable body mounted on the stationary body for rotation about an axis in a predetermined direction. The fluid flows through the stationary body to the rotatable body and exits into the tank volume via one or more outlet apertures, thereby causing the rotatable body to rotate in the predetermined direction about the axis. The mixer nozzle assembly also includes a governor subassembly for controlling a speed of rotation of the rotatable body in the predetermined direction about the axis and a hydraulic circuit for governing a flow rate of hydraulic fluid directed to the governor subassembly, to adjust the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid for adjusting the speed of rotation of the rotatable body to the preselected speed.
US09180412B2

An ultrafine fiber-based composite separator comprising a fibrous porous body which comprises ultrafine metal oxide/polymer composite fibers, or ultrafine metal oxide fibers and a polymer resin coating layer formed on the surface thereof, the ultrafine fibers being continuously randomly arranged and layered, and obtained by electrospinning a metal oxide precursor sol-gel solution or a mixture of a metal oxide precursor sol-gel solution and a polymer resin solution, wherein the surface of the metal oxide/polymer composite fibers has a uniform mixing composition of the metal oxide and the polymer resin, in which the separator has a heat shrinkage rate at 150˜250° C. of 10% or less and does not break down due to melting at a temperature of 200° C. or lower, has low heat shrinkage rate, and superior heat resistance and ionic conductivity, being capable of providing improved cycle and power properties when used in manufacturing a battery.
US09180407B2

A flow device for an exhaust system includes a body that defines an interior cavity. An exhaust inlet passage is disposed in the interior cavity. An exhaust outlet passage is disposed in the interior cavity so that at least a portion of the exhaust inlet passage circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the exhaust outlet passage. A doser is adapted to inject reductants into the interior cavity of the body such that the reductants are injected in the same general direction as the direction of flow of the exhaust gases.
US09180402B2

The invention relates to a system for treating natural gas that contains methane, comprising: a) at least one degassing module (1) and/or at least one percolator, and b) at least one gas exchanging module (2). The invention is characterized in that the degassing module (1) and/or the percolator and the gas exchanging module (2) are connected in a water circuit and arranged successively in the flow direction of the water. The water is degassed in the degassing module (1) and/or percolator, and the degassed water absorbs undesired gases from fed natural gas in the gas exchanging module (2). The fed natural gas is fed to the at least one gas exchanging module (2) in countercurrent to the degassed water. The invention further relates to a method for treating natural gas that contains methane, said method being carried out in the system according to the invention.
US09180397B2

A filter well suited for paint arrestor usage having a monolithic high loft manmade fiber body with a convoluted flow contact surface. The filter is preferably formed by a convoluter as in one with a roller set and blade cutter to form mirror image fiber filter sheets from a received fiber batt. Provided is a well mixed proper fiber blend, such as one having a set of fibers made of a majority of course fibers joined by way of thermal bonding fibers which facilitate, during convoluting, formation of a crisp cut and high integrity three dimensional surface, as in one of rows of peaks separated by valleys. The projection/recess arrangement over the flow contact surface as well as the thickness and relative projection-to-base dimensions are arranged to provide a high paint holding capacity without too fast a load up of, for example, paint particles and while avoiding too great of a pressure drop within that load up time.
US09180382B2

One embodiment of a toy (22) having a plurality of balls (12) inside a container (26). Demonstrating ball interactions without the balls (12) making physical contact with one another can be accomplished with a flat, surface (20). To operate the toy (22) the user moves it and therefore its operation does not require the use of an auxiliary object with specific properties. Electrical charge migration in the toy (22) can cause the balls (12) to form patterns that can be used to play games. When the toy (22) is flipped upside down, the balls (12) can roll on the flat surface (18) located above them, which appear to the user as if the balls (22) are defying gravity. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US09180379B2

A top which can facilitate the coupling of a winder is provided. The toy top comprises: a blade; a shaft of which one end is fixed to a lower portion of the blade; a pinion to be inserted and coupled to the middle of the shaft; and a shaft holder capable of accommodating the pinion-coupled shaft in a rotating manner, wherein the shaft holder comprises winder connectors (for rotating the pinion. Particularly, the winder connectors comprise: a cut portion for contacting a part of a first portion of a winder on a lateral side; and a guide groove for allowing a second portion extended from the first portion of the winder to be stopped at stepped protrusions inside the cut portion so as to prevent the second portion from being separated from the lateral side when a part of the first portion of the winder is contacted to a lateral side and then the winder is moved to the lateral side.
US09180373B2

At the beginning of a game, the re-sortie gauge 100 is displayed in the cost gauge 90 displayed on the display unit 8. This re-sortie gauge 100 is displayed in, for example, a horizontal blue bar, and indicates the reserve cost given to the player at the time with its overall length. This reserve cost is a predetermined numerical value, and is given equally to each player. Accordingly, the same reserve cost is automatically given irrespective of whether the player is experienced or a beginner. For example, if a versus game starts and the player's own unit is attacked by an opponent unit and destroyed, the display length is reduced by subtracting the cost value of the destroyed unit from the re-sortie gauge 100. While the remaining level of the re-sortie gauge 100 is being displayed, control is performed so as to cause the destroyed unit to sortie again.
US09180368B2

An example game system includes a game apparatus and an operating device. The game apparatus acquires operation data from the operating device. Moreover, the game apparatus executes an application and outputs an image generated by the execution of the application to either the operating device or a predetermined display device different from the operating device, or both. When a predetermined operation is performed on the operating device during the execution of the application, a predetermined operation image is displayed on a display unit of the operating device. In a state where the operation image is displayed on the display unit, the game apparatus determines whether or not a control instruction has been provided to control the predetermined display device, on the basis of the operation data. When the control instruction is determined to have been provided, the predetermined display device is controlled in accordance with the control instruction.
US09180363B2

A game operable to transform an area from a first state to a second state wherein the players interact with artificial intelligence. The game includes a method of play utilizing a game box wherein the game box is configured to store and receive a plurality of game components. An artificial intelligence module is disposed within the game box and is configured with software to recognize human speech and provide reactions thereto. The game includes at least two collection wands that are operable to assist a user in collecting objects from the defined game area. A plurality of bags are provided with at least a portion of the bags being transparent.
US09180361B2

A game device has a ball-activating chamber attached to a central, ball-receiving chamber. Participants compress a pressure mechanism that causes the release of a ball in the ball-activating chamber into the central, ball-receiving chamber. The ball may be acted upon when in the central chamber to add an element of randomness to the game. The central chamber may be at least partially or fully transparent or translucent to allow the participants and/or spectators to view the ball as it travels through the central chamber, ultimately ending at a holding bin. Having more than one ball-activating chamber, the game device may be configured to resemble an octopus.
US09180354B2

The invention relates to a device and to a corresponding method for practicing the golf swing with a guide (10) along which a golf club can be guided on a specified path. In order to allow the specification of a golf club path without unnecessarily limiting the freedom of movement of the golf player, the guide (10) has at least one subsection (15) which lies in the specified path in a first position and deviates from the specified path in a second position. Furthermore, a device (16, 17) is provided which can bring the subsection (15) from the first position into the second position.
US09180353B2

A collapsible sports goal that can be selectively configured between an erect configuration and a folded configuration. The sports goal has six frame elements. Each of the frame elements has two opposite ends. Each end of the frame elements connects to the end of another frame element using six connector joint assemblies. Each of the joint assemblies receives and interconnects a different two of the six frame elements. Each of the connector joint assemblies contains a hinge joint that enables the frame elements connected to each of the six joint assemblies to rotate about said hinge joint between a parallel configuration to a perpendicular configuration. When all of the connector joint assemblies are in their perpendicular configuration, the sports goal is in its fully erect configuration. Conversely, when all of the connector joint assemblies are in their parallel configuration, the sports goal is in its fully folded configuration.
US09180348B2

A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, the connection assembly includes a removable hosel sleeve that allows a shaft to be supported a desired predetermined orientation relative to the club head. In this manner, the shaft loft and/or lie angle of the club can be adjusted without resorting to traditional bending of the shaft. In another embodiment, the club head has an adjustable sole that can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly relative to the strike face of the club head, which is effective to adjust the face angle of the club head.
US09180341B2

In one embodiment, a conditioning apparatus for conditioning a user includes a target, and an illumination source spaced apart from the target. The illumination source is configured to project a light upon the target for use in response to movement of the user.
US09180336B2

The invention described herein relates to a mouth exerciser for providing a variable resistive force against which a user may exercise their mouth and jaw muscles. The apparatus may be selectively configured between a plurality of resistive force settings, thereby enabling a user to adjust their exercise routine as desired. The mouth exerciser may be particularly adapted to fit the topography of a particular user's oral cavity and may be easily disassembled for storage and transport.
US09180323B2

An anchor point and method for creating an anchor point in a metal composite deck. The anchor point is made by inserting a connector plate into a slot opening formed in the metal corrugated panel used to make a metal composite deck. The connector plate is a flat, elongated bar with two opposite ends. Formed on the upper end is a first opening designed to receive a structural rebar or an ancillary rebar member attached to the-structural rebar that becomes imbedded into the composite deck. Formed on the lower end of the connector plate is a second opening designed to connect to a suitable D-ring connector plate or clip used by a construction worker when working under the deck and installing fixtures to the bottom surface of the metal composite deck.
US09180317B2

A cosmetic composition for nails containing a plasticizer of natural origin, a derivative of sorbitol, and the use of isosorbide diester as a plasticizer in cosmetic compositions for nails.
US09180316B2

Butyric acid esters of resveratrol and topical compositions containing the esters.
US09180313B2

There is provided a range shifter which includes a transmissive plate whose thickness has been adjusted depending on a setup value of an amount of energy to be attenuated, and a holder portion that holds the transmissive plate, wherein the thickness of the transmissive plate is adjusted to be a thickness equivalent to an attenuation amount lower than the setup value by a predetermined rate thereof; and wherein, a superimposing mechanism capable of releasably superimposing an adjustment sheet over the transmissive plate, is provided to at least one of the transmissive plate and the holder portion, the adjustment sheet being adjusted to have a thickness equal to or less than a thickness equivalent to a two-fold attenuation amount of the predetermined rate.
US09180305B2

A system and methods for controlling pulse parameters during transcranial magnetic stimulation are provided. Multiple coils are placed on external body parts, and are controlled using an external control unit coupled to a stimulator having fast switches. The timing of the switches, as well as other parameters within the stimulator, determine the pulse parameters, such as pulse shape. The variety of pulse shapes obtainable using such a system and methods provides controlled physiologic effects within an internal body organ.
US09180303B2

The disclosure is directed to transmitting power source usage information regarding a power source of an implantable medical device (IMD) to a remote networking device via a network. The IMD operates on power supplied by a power source, such as a battery, within the housing of the IMD. The use of the power source may be monitored remotely in order to maintain therapy. Power source usage information may include power source recharge patterns such as frequency of recharging events, length of recharging events, period between recharging events, discharge state of the power source, and degree of coupling between primary and secondary coils during recharging. The IMD, or an external device used with the IMD, may generate, store, and transmit the power source usage information to the remote networking device. Action requests may be transmitted from the remote networking device via the network based upon the power source usage information.
US09180295B2

Electrode stimulation signals are generated for an implanted electrode array. An acoustic audio signal is processed with a bank of filters that are each associated with a band of audio frequencies, and a set of band pass signals is generated with each band pass signal corresponding to the band of frequencies associated with one of the filters. Stimulation information is extracted from the band pass signals to generate a set of stimulation event signals defining electrode stimulation signals. Then the stimulation event signals are weighted with a weighted matrix of stimulation amplitudes reflecting patient-specific perceptual characteristics to produce a set of electrode stimulation signals for electrodes in the implanted electrode array.
US09180279B2

The present invention provides a stretchable material suitable for use in an inflatable medical device. The stretchable material has at least one reinforcing polymer layer with a top and bottom side forming a porous matrix which is imbibed with a sealing material to infiltrate and substantially seal spaces of the porous matrix and extend beyond the reinforcing polymer layer to form a surface coating.
US09180277B2

A needle-based medical device and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A needle device includes a hub having a longitudinal axis; a needle having a sharp distal tip; and a needle shield assembly associated with the needle and moveable from a non-shielding position to a shielding position. In the shielding position, the sharp distal tip is covered by at least part of the needle shield assembly. A latch is further provided for engaging with the hub when the needle shield assembly is in the non-shielding position; as well as a locking member operably connected to the needle shield assembly, and located at least partially within the hub when the needle shield assembly is in the non-shielding position. The latch and locking member lock the latch to the hub, such that when the needle shield assembly moves into the shielding position, the locking member moves generally proximally, unlocking the latch.
US09180275B2

Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve a sterile catheter-dressing system that allows for integrated injection of fluids, e.g., a saline flush, during the process of catheter insertion and sterile dressing placement. Such methods and devices can be used as a fully integrated catheter insertion system, or to convert existing catheter insertion devices and methods into integrated flush and sterile sealing catheter-dressing systems. Such methods and devices can greatly simplify the catheter insertion process, and can allow the reproducible placement of a fully sterile and flushed vascular catheter, as well as the placement of a durably sterile circumferentially sealing and securing dressing.
US09180274B2

The invention comprises an indwelling medical device which is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent evenly along the length of the indwelling portion, including the outer wall, of the device.
US09180269B2

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a breathing mask for alleviating conditions causing sleep apnea and avoiding onset claustrophobia in a patient often caused by a breathing mask. In one embodiment of the present invention, a breathing mask comprises an overhead gear assembly comprising an overhead receptor and a hose attachment connected to the overhead receptor, and a patient interface coupled to a connector tubing and/or valve of the overhead gear assembly, wherein the hose attachment is positioned outside of a line of sight of a user, when the breathing mask is utilized by the user.
US09180265B2

A device for controlling the pressure of a gas in a circuit via the generation of bubbles through a liquid, which is used to produce a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), is provided. The device includes a container containing a liquid and a bubble tube with one end located outside the liquid connected to a device connected to a patient's respiratory tract and the other end located within the liquid. The device also includes at least one hose for adjusting the level of liquid in the container.
US09180263B2

A laboratory animal pharmaceutical testing device comprising a substantially closed animal holding cell, having a dry powder generator communicating through a wall of the cell, and one or more filtered inlets for permitting exchange of fresh air into the cell.
US09180260B2

An indicator dilution system includes a catheter configured to deliver an indicator to a patient, an injection device configured to deliver the indicator to the catheter, and a connector coupling the injection device to the catheter. The system also includes one or more sensors configured to acquire measurements from components of the system, which may be used to determine the start and end time of the injection of the indicator to the patient. For example, the one or more sensors may be configured to acquire signals relating to a state of the connector, which may be used to determine whether the connector is in an open state to enable flow of the indicator or in a closed state to reduce flow of the indicator.
US09180259B2

A jet injector that includes a prefilled syringe. The syringe includes a fluid chamber that contains a medicament. The syringe also has an injection-assisting needle, and a plunger is movable within the fluid chamber. A housing is configured for allowing insertion of the needle to a penetration depth. An energy source is configured for biasing the plunger to produce an injecting pressure in the medicament in the fluid chamber of between about 80 and 1000 p.s.i. to jet inject the medicament from the fluid chamber through the needle to an injection site.
US09180257B2

Adapters for utilizing a syringe or pen injector with a subcutaneous injection port to deliver a therapeutic substance through the injection port and methods of using the adapters are provided. A syringe adapter has a body having a first end and a second end. The first end of the body is configured to receive and engage the end of a syringe so that the cannula of the syringe is held at a fixed position with the respect to the adapter. The second end of the adapter configured to mate with a mating portion of the injection port. When the second end of the adapter engages the mating portion of the injection port, the adapter assures that the cannula of the syringe is properly aligned with the subcutaneous injection port and assures that the cannula penetrates the injection port to the proper depth. Adapters for use with pen style delivery systems are also disclosed. Additionally, an adapter to facilitate loading a syringe with a therapeutic substance from a vial is disclosed.
US09180255B2

A resettable drive assembly for a drug delivery device (1) is provided. The drive assembly comprises a drive unit (3) for driving a piston rod (5) in a dispense operation of the device (1). The drive unit (3) comprises a first drive member (35), a second drive member (37) and locking means preventing a relative rotational movement of the first (35) and the second drive member (37) during a dispense operation and allowing a relative rotational movement for enabling a resetting of the device (1). Moreover, a drug delivery device (1) comprising a resettable drive assembly is provided.
US09180253B2

A medicated module attachable to a drug delivery device. The medicated module comprises a housing configured for attachment to a drug delivery device. The drug delivery device comprises a first medicament. A collapsible reservoir is contained within the housing. A pre-determined volume of a second medicament is contained within the reservoir. A needle arrangement is configured within the housing and the needle arrangement is arranged in fluid communication with the collapsible reservoir. A needle shroud may be configured, such that, during an injection step, the shroud acts on the reservoir to inject the second medicament.
US09180252B2

A bellows assembly for a fluid delivery system is a multi-component device that includes a cylindrical pressure jacket and a bellows syringe that is received within the pressure jacket. The bellows syringe includes a cap member and a bellows member. The bellows syringe in one embodiment is adapted to be secured to the pressure jacket by the cap member. The cap member is formed with a discharge port, which may be formed as conventional luer fitting. The discharge port is disposed coaxially within an annular wall on the outward facing side of the cap member and may be recessed within the annular wall. The bellows member is a hollow body that includes a series of bellows sections or rings. A distal end of the bellow member is formed with a discharge neck terminating in a discharge port, and the proximal end is formed with a closed end wall.
US09180251B2

Disclosed herein are cartridge assemblies that include coding features that help dedicate a medicament reservoir to specific injection devices. An exemplary cartridge assembly comprises a cylindrical inner surface for holding medicament and a cylindrical outer surface comprising at its proximal end one or more stops configured as coding elements protruding from the cylindrical outer surface. Each coding element is configured only to engage a corresponding coding feature on a dose setting and delivery mechanism, thereby allowing only the correct cartridge assembly to connect to the dose setting and delivery mechanism.
US09180239B2

A device and method for oxygenating blood is disclosed herein. The device includes a plurality of passive mixing elements that causes a fluid to mix as it flows through the device. The passive mixing elements continually expose new red blood cells to the portion of the flow channel where oxygenation can occur. Accordingly, in some implementations, the device and method uses less blood to prime the device and allows for the oxygenation of blood with a substantial shorter flow channel when compared to conventional oxygenation methods and devices.
US09180237B2

A portable hemodialysis system is provided suitable for in home use. The hemodialysis system includes a disposable cartridge and a reused dialysis machine. The disposable cartridge includes a dialyzer, and a dialysate flow path and a blood flow path which flow in opposing directions through the dialyzer. In addition, the disposable cartridge possesses pump actuators (but not pump motors) for pumping dialysate and blood through their respective flow paths. The pump actuators having non-deformable components including a housing having a central cavity forming an internal sidewall, a rotor eccentrically positioned within the cavity having radially aligned slots at the rotor's periphery, and vanes slideably positioned in the slots to slide in and out of the slots so as to seal with the cavity's internal sidewall creating vane chambers that pump blood or dialysate.
US09180231B2

A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing negative pressure at a wound site. The apparatus includes a negative pressure reservoir and a reservoir valve for selectively connecting the reservoir to a wound chamber at a wound site.
US09180223B2

An osteochondral scaffold has a chondrogenic spiral scaffold in one end of an outer shell made of sintered microspheres, and an osteogenic spiral scaffold in the other end of the outer shell. Each spiral scaffold has nanofibers of a composition selected to promote attachment and proliferation of the desired types of cells. The nanofibers for the chondrogenic spiral scaffold have a different composition than the nanofibers for the osteogenic spiral scaffold. The nanofibers of each spiral scaffold are aligned to orient the attached cells so as to recreate the structure of the native tissue.
US09180216B2

An electron beam irradiation device which can irradiate an electron beam uniformly to an entire outer surface of an object of irradiation by using a small-sized low-energy electron accelerator with a narrow irradiation window is provided. The device has electron beam irradiation means forming an electron beam irradiation zone and gripping/moving means gripping a part of an object of irradiation and causing the object of irradiation to pass through the electron beam irradiation zone, and the whole surface of the object of irradiation can uniformly pass through the electron beam irradiation zone by combining re-gripping of the object of irradiation by two gripping mechanisms provided on the gripping/moving means, rotation of the object of irradiation by two rotation mechanisms, and movement of the object of irradiation by two moving mechanisms.
US09180214B1

The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds to image and treat cancers, especially cancers which overexpress GnRH such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma, among others, including metastatic breast cancer, prostate cancer and/or melanoma among numerous others in vivo. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for breast and/or prostate cancer, among other cancers, as well as monitor patients' response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of cancer, including metastatic cancer as otherwise described herein. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for diagnosing cancer as well as therapeutic agents for treating cancer and related secondary disease states and conditions.
US09180213B2

The present invention relates to improved radiotracer imaging agent compositions, which comprises 18F-labelled biological targeting moieties, wherein impurities which affect imaging in vivo are identified and suppressed. Also provided are radiopharmaceuticals comprising said improved compositions, together with radiofluorinated aldehyde compositions useful in preparing said radiotracer compositions. The invention also includes methods of imaging and/or diagnosis using the radiopharmaceutical compositions described.
US09180207B2

The present invention relates to a model animal spontaneously developing anemia. More specifically, the invention relates to a transgenic non-human mammal spontaneously developing anemia associated with a postnatal decrease in production of erythropoietin (Epo), Epo-producing cells prepared from the transgenic non-human mammal, and a screening method using the Epo-producing cells.
US09180204B2

Conjugated capsular saccharides from meningococcal serogroups C, W135 and Y are safe and immunogenic in humans when combined in a single dose. This effect is retained when a conjugated capsular saccharide from serogroup A is added. These conjugated antigens can be stably combined in a single aqueous dose without the need for lyophilization. Broad protection against serogroup B infection can be achieved by using a small number of defined polypeptide antigens. These polypeptide antigens can be combined with the saccharide antigens without loss of protective efficacy for any of the five serogroups. Efficacy if retained even if a Hib conjugate is added. The efficacy of a serogroup W135 conjugate is enhanced by addition of protein antigens derived from a serogroup B strain. Addition of a Hib conjugate to meningococcal conjugates enhances the overall activity against meningococcus serogroup W135.
US09180201B2

There is provided a practical method for preparing lipopeptide compounds, which method is capable of inexpensive mass production without requiring complicated operations. The lipopeptide compound of formula (3): is produced by reacting an ester compound of formula (1): with an α-amino acid compound of formula (2): in the presence of a base and within a solvent containing a nonpolar organic solvent.
US09180199B2

A polypeptide based block copolymer having biodegradability due to peptidase, a process for the preparation thereof, and polymer micelles using the same are provided. The block copolymer is a block copolymer of a polyethylene glycol-based compound having properties such that the solubility for water is different depending on the pH, but cannot form micelles due to a self-assembly phenomenon; and a polyglutamic acid-based compound formed using an aminolysis reaction of glutamic acid and tertiary amine in which the end of one alkyl group is substituted with NH2, or using an aminolysis reaction of glutamic acid and triamine.
US09180194B2

The invention is directed to a transdermal drug delivery composition which includes at least one physiologically active agent; and at least one volatile solvent; and at least one viscosity modulating agent. The invention extends to methods of administering such a composition to a subject and treatment of subjects using the composition.
US09180188B2

It is intended to identify a cancer antigenic protein specifically expressed on the surface of cancer cells and to provide an antibody targeting the antigenic protein and use of the antibody as a therapeutic and/or preventive agent for cancer. The present invention provides an antibody or a fragment thereof which has immunological reactivity with a CAPRIN-1 protein, the antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 5, 6, and 7 and a light chain variable region comprising amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, and 11, and a pharmaceutical composition for treatment and/or prevention of cancer, comprising this antibody or fragment as an active ingredient.
US09180185B2

The present invention relates to the combination therapy of anti-HER3 antibodies with certain anti-HER antibodies.
US09180182B2

The invention is in the field of molecular immunology, more in particular in the field of medical treatment of animals such as humans suffering from unwanted immune reactions. The invention relates to methods for the treatment of unwanted immune reactions and provides means and methods for suppressing an immune response. The present invention relates in particular to regulatory T cells and methods of long-term, culture-expanding, activating and using same in immunotherapy and for the suppression of autoimmune responses, allergies and inflammatory diseases. The invention provides a sia alpha 2,3-conjugated antigen for use in the suppression of an immune response in a patient in need of such a treatment.
US09180180B2

The present invention discloses and claims virus like particles (VLPs) that express and/or contains seasonal influenza virus proteins, avian influenza virus proteins and/or influenza virus proteins from viruses with pandemic potential. The invention includes vector constructs comprising said proteins, cells comprising said constructs, formulations and vaccines comprising VLPs of the inventions. The invention also includes methods of making and administrating VLPs to vertebrates, including methods of inducing substantial immunity to either seasonal and avian influenza, or at least one symptom thereof.
US09180175B2

A Thomsen-Friedenreich disaccharide-containing glycopeptide purified from cod fish of approximately 100 kDa (designated TFD100) and methods of using the same in the suppression of cancer metastasis is disclosed.
US09180173B2

A method for using a candida antigen in the treatment of psoriasis. In an embodiment, the method comprises periodically administering, to a patient having psoriasis, a candida antigen until clearance of the psoriasis is achieved.
US09180169B2

The invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of obesity and excess weight, diabetes, and other associated metabolic disorders. In particular, the invention provides novel glucagon analog peptides effective in such methods. The peptides may mediate their effect by having increased selectivity for the GLP-1 receptor as compared to human glucagon.
US09180164B2

A pharmaceutical composition includes a synthetic peptide consisting of about 10 to about 50 amino acids and having an amino acid sequence substantially homologous to consecutive amino acids of a portion of the cytoplasmic domain of at least one of αvβ3 integrin or VEGFR2 that includes a tyrosine residue, the amino acid sequence of the peptide including a phosphorylated tyrosine residue or a γ-carboxyglutamic acid residue that is substituted for a corresponding tyrosine residue of the portion of the cytoplasmic domain of αvβ3 integrin or VEGFR2.
US09180157B2

Beneficial topical compositions for treating scar or aging skin are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions include Bulbine frutescens, Centella asiatica and a phenol derived from olives, such as oleuropein. The composition may be used in the treatment of scars formed during surgery. The composition may also be used cosmeceutically in the treatment of aged skin, and may include phosphatidylserine, vitamins, and other beneficial anti-aging ingredients.
US09180155B2

Described are four, novel supercritical fluid extracts of Nigella sativa seeds containing about 0.01 to about 40% (w/w) thymoquinone that can be produced using commercial-scale quantities of N. sativa seeds. These formulations provide antioxidant, thermogenic, anti-inflammatory and other biological activities qualitatively and quantitatively distinct from thymoquinone alone and are useful as dietary supplements or therapeutics for inflammation-related disorders.
US09180154B2

Magnoliidae compounds are made by obtaining parts of Magnoliidae plants. The parts of the Magnoliidae plants are mixed with alcohol and water. The mixture of the parts of the Magnoliidae plants, alcohol and water is heated and the parts of the Magnoliidae plants are removed so that a liquid mixture remains. The liquid mixture is drying to form a solid composition. Alcohol and water are added to the solid composition to reconstitute the solid composition into a liquid composition. The liquid composition is heated to form solid matter. The solid matter is dried to obtain a purified composition of the Magnoliidae compounds. A dose of Magnoliidae compounds promotes weight loss and can be administered in liquid form, sublingually, intravenously, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, in combination with a metabolite detoxification agent, in combination with a nutritional or dietary supplement, or in chewing gum.
US09180150B2

A poxvirus comprising a defective F2L gene and compositions comprising such poxvirus are useful for therapeutic purposes, and more particularly for the treatment of cancer.
US09180145B2

Described herein are compositions and methods of using modified placental tissue to achieve endogenous and exogenous therapeutic effects. When applied to an injured or diseased organ or body part, the modified placental tissue elicit stem cell recruitment and/or localization directly to or proximate to the site of application. Also described is a novel vacuum drying device and the use thereof.
US09180141B1

The present invention is directed to methods and compositions that are useful in producing, feeding and growing animals. Compositions of the present invention comprise an extracted mineral element composition as disclosed herein. Animal lifespan and production is improved when provided with compositions comprising an extracted mineral element composition.
US09180139B2

The present disclosure is directed to a regulator, a pharmaceutical composition encompassing the regulator and the application thereof. The regulator modulates the expression integrins and/or EMP2, and is employed for treating integrins-associated and/or EMP2-associated diseases.
US09180136B2

The present invention relates to methods of selectively treating a patient with skin squamous cell carcinoma are disclosed. Specifically, the methods comprise assessing whether or not the tumor will be responsive to IP6 treatment by using reduced INPP5A expression level as an indicator. The present invention further provides methods of assessing the progression of the disease, and kits that facilitate these methods as disclosed.
US09180135B2

The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic or dietary composition for combating human or animal hair loss and/or promoting hair growth and/or regrowth and/or enhancing the beauty thereof (shine, softness, strength) and/or enhancing scalp comfort, comprising at least miliacin in a proportion greater than 0.1% by mass with respect to the total mass of the composition and polar lipids in a proportion greater than 0.1% by mass with respect to the total mass of the composition, including sphingolipids, particularly ceramides and/or glycosylceramides, and/or phospholipids in a proportion greater than 0.1% by mass with respect to the total mass of the composition. The present disclosure further relates to the use of such a composition, and the method for preparing such a composition.
US09180132B2

The invention relates generally to antimicrobial cationic steroid pharmaceutical compositions, methods of making antimicrobial cationic steroid pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using antimicrobial cationic steroid pharmaceutical compositions.
US09180129B2

The present invention relates to a method of treating cancer in a human and to pharmaceutical combinations useful in such treatment. In particular, the method relates to a cancer treatment method that includes administering N-{3-Chloro-4-[(3-fluorobenzyl)oxy]phenyl}-6-[5-({[2-(methanesulphonyl)ethyl]amino}methyl)-2-furyl]-4-quinazolinamine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrate and/or salt thereof, and N-{3-[3-cyclopropyl-5-(2-fluoro-4-iodo-phenylamino)6,8-dimethy;-2,4,7-trioxo-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, to a human in need thereof.
US09180116B2

Disclosed herein are compounds of formula (I) and therapeutic methods of treatment with compounds of formula (I), wherein L1, L2, L4, R1, R4, R5, R6, and s are as defined in the specification. Compounds of formula (I) are EP4 agonists useful in the treatment of glaucoma, neuropathic pain, and related disorders.
US09180114B2

This invention relates to methods for neuroprotection, promoting survival of motor neurons and the treatment of motor neuron diseases by preventing cell signaling through the classic prostaglandin D2 receptor DP1.
US09180111B2

Administering water-soluble or dispersible synthetic analogs or derivatives of astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, or lycophyll and/or other carotenoids to a subject may reduce some of the adverse effects of inflammation in a body organ or tissue. The analogs or derivatives may be incorporated into pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, or nutraceutical preparations. Administration of the analogs or derivatives described herein may reduce deposition of inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein, complement system proteins or the membrane attack complex (MAC) in tissues. Reduced deposition of these molecules in tissues may reduce cell damage and/or lysis in the tissues.
US09180109B2

Use of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) for treating traumatic edemas.
US09180107B2

Provided herein are compositions and methods for treating cancer by increasing the inhibitory effect of cetuximab on HIF1α expression by administering cetuximab in combination with anti-angiogenic thyroid hormone analogs such as tetrac or triac.
US09180104B2

A 12-hour anti-tussive modified release solid tablet or capsule is described which comprises a benzonatate in a matrix with a sufficient amount of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable modified release pH-independent, substances to provide a 12-hour modified release profile to the benzonatate, wherein there is substantially no benzonatate release from the tablet or capsule in the buccal cavity and no more than about 25% release of the benzonatate within 1 hour as determined in an in vitro dissolution assay. The modified release may be provided by (a) a high melt temperature, water-insoluble wax or waxy substance, (b) a low viscosity hydrophilic polymer such a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, (c) a reverse enteric coating, or combinations thereof. The benzonatate may be in an adsorbate with a silico or silicate or in a complex with a weak acidic ion exchange resin complex.
US09180103B2

Transdermal or topical plasters containing active ingredient are provided that include a non-occlusive back layer, a matrix formed from of one or more polymer layers having at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient in one or more of the layers, in which the structure-forming base polymers of the layer(s) are non-occlusive or only slightly occlusive and a second polymer that has a low water-vapor permeability and that is immiscible or only very slightly miscible with the base polymer is dispersed in at least one of the polymer layers.
US09180091B2

According to various embodiments of this disclosure, pharmaceutical formulations comprising solubilized estradiol are provided. In various embodiments, such formulations are encapsulated in soft capsules which may be vaginally inserted for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy.
US09180089B2

A composition capable of attenuating platelet hyperactivation and associated methods for administering the same to a subject, the composition comprising an aqueous solution containing from about 0.1% to about 7.0% by weight of a glycosaminoglycan and from about 1.0% to about 32% by weight of a neutral polysaccharide.
US09180088B2

Fulvestrant formulations suitable for intramuscular injection at concentration in excess of 40 mg/ml in the absence of castor oil and castor oil derivatives are disclosed.
US09180086B2

The present invention relates to a process for treating straightened keratin fibers, in which a composition comprising at least one carboxylic acid in its acid or salified form, at a concentration of greater than or equal to 2%, and at least one non-cellulosic polymer and/or at least one fatty substance, the pH ranging from 3 to 8, is applied to the straightened keratin fibers.
US09180078B2

The invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing lingonberry extract and its use on skin cosmetology thereof. The present invention has provided a lingonberry extract wherein containing polyphenols components including anthocyanidin, procyanidin, resveratrol, catechin and so on. The present invention also relates to the application of lingonberry extract on skin cosmetology, including without limitation whitening, diminishing visible pigmentation, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, smoothing and improving skin sensitivity. The invention also has revealed drugs, cosmetic compositions and food prepared by using lingonberry extract. Comparing with the prior art cosmetic compositions, the said lingonberry extract of the present invention has higher effects and safe.
US09180075B2

Described are compositions, containing a. compounds selected from (i.) hydrogenated and/or non-hydrogenated, ethoxylated and/or propoxylated triglycerides of ricinoleic acid having degree of ethoxylation and/or propoxylation of ≧20, (ii.) addition products of 2-50 mol ethylene oxide on sorbitan monoesters and/or diesters of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having 6-22 carbon atoms, and (iii.) addition products of 2-50 mol ethylene oxide and 1-20 mol propylene oxide on alpha olefin epoxides having 8-22 carbon atoms and ring-opened with polyols, b. ethoxylated and/or propoxylated glycerol fatty acid monoester and/or diester having degree of ethoxylation of <20, c. polyol selected from glycerol, diglycerol, trigylcerol, tetraglycerol, alkylene glycols and polyalkylene glycols, d. glycerol fatty acid monoester of general formula (I), where R1 is saturated or unsaturated, branched or linear group having 9-19 carbon atoms, and e. ≦20 wt % water. Further described is use of said compositions, and substrates treated with the composition.
US09180069B2

The invention provides container systems, kits and methods for peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. Such a system, for example, includes a first compartment that contains a PD osmotic agent and a second compartment that contains a PD buffer agent. The compartments maintain their respective contents separately from one another for purposes of transport, storage and/or sterilization. However, the compartments are fluidly couplable, so that their respective contents can be combined with one another, e.g., following sterilization of the agents and prior to their introduction into the patient's abdomen. The invention provides, in other aspects, such systems, kits and methods that provide protective structure which inhibits breaking of a seal prior between the second compartment and an outlet of the system, prior to breaking of a seal between the first and second compartments.
US09180068B2

A container includes a base portion and a shell attached to the base portion to form a sheath for receiving one or more articles. The shell includes a primary shell panel and a shell side panel. The shell side panel is connected to the primary shell panel by a first fold line. The shell primary panel has a cutout area adapted to allow a finger to be inserted therethrough to slidably move the one or more articles. The shell includes an indexing tab for yieldably restricting movement of the one or more articles in the sheath. The indexing tab is hingedly connected to the primary shell panel along a perimeter of the cutout area and is folded inwardly of the sheath.
US09180067B2

A user interface system for a vibroacoustic bath includes a resistive touchscreen device configured to display images and to receive touch input via a panel of the resistive touchscreen device. The resistive touchscreen device is configured to display at least one image for use in controlling the vibroacoustic bath. The resistive touchscreen is further configured to receive a user selection relating to the image. The user interface system also includes a control circuit configured to use the received user selection to determine output signals for driving a plurality of transducers of the vibroacoustic bath.
US09180063B2

Cognitive orthotics. More specifically, assistive ambulation systems and methods, including systems that can detect a person who uses an assistive ambulation device (such as a walker) and produce a signal in response to the detection, which signal is designed to encourage or motivate the person to use the device. They system may also stop the signal when the person engages the device and/or produce an additional signal or a different signal when the person engages the device.
US09180049B2

Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.
US09180047B2

An apparatus includes a housing coupled to a medicament container, which is coupled to a needle. An injection assembly is disposed within the housing and includes an energy storage member and an actuation rod. A distal end portion of the actuation rod is disposed within the medicament container. The energy storage member can produce a force on a proximal end portion of the actuation rod sufficient to move the distal end portion of the actuation rod within the medicament container. This can convey at least a portion of a substance from the medicament container via the needle when a distal tip of the needle is disposed within a first region of a target location. The force is insufficient to move the distal end portion of the actuation rod within the medicament container when the distal tip of the needle is disposed within a second region of the target location.
US09180032B2

A system and method for processing a tubular member comprises a hollow tubular member, a laser and a media flow. The laser is constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the tubular member. The laser energy is transmitted to the tubular member through a fluid column according to a predetermined pattern. The media flow is injected into the lumen of the hollow tubular member.
US09180027B2

The invention relates to an orthopedic interface (1) comprising a planar 3D textile (2) having a top (22) and a bottom (21), which are held at a distance from each other by supporting threads (24) and are connected to each other, wherein the bottom (21) of the spaced knitted fabric (2) is configured for resting on the skin of an interface user. The side of the bottom (21) facing the skin is provided with an adhesive coating (23) at least in some regions.
US09180014B2

A medical device for treating hip joint osteoarthritis in a human patient by providing at least one artificial hip joint surface is provided. The hip joint having a ball shaped caput femur as the proximal part of the femoral bone with a convex hip joint surface towards the center of the hip joint and a bowl shaped etabulum as part of the pelvic bone with a concave hip joint surface towards the center of the hip joint. The medical device comprises the artificial hip joint surface comprising at least one of; an artificial caput femur or an artificial caput femur surface comprising, a convex form towards the center of the hip joint, and an artificial acetabulum or an artificial acetabulum surface comprising, a concave form towards the center of the hip joint. The artificial convex caput femur or the artificial convex caput femur surface is adapted to be fixated to the pelvic bone of the human patient and the artificial concave acetabulum or artificial concave acetabulum surface is adapted to be fixated to the femoral bone of the human patient.
US09180002B2

A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.
US09179998B2

An implantable medical device (30) for treating aortic dissections includes a stent graft part (34) having a bulbous section (48) of greater radial diameter than the radial diameter of first and second sections (60,62) of the stent graft part (34). The bulbous section (48) is able to close off the false lumen (10) of an aortic dissection, thereby to prevent any fluid backflow into the false lumen (10). Radiopaque markers (70) may be provided for orientation and deployment purposes. The device (30) is able to treat chronic dissections and reduce false lumen backflow, which remains otherwise an unresolved issue in the endovascular treatment of false lumen aneurysms.
US09179996B2

Method and apparatus for mapping the shape and dimensions of a 3-dimensional body, by applying to the 3-dimensional body a stretchable covering configured and dimensioned such that in its stretched condition it tightly engages and conforms to the shape and dimensions of the 3-dimensional body to be mapped. The stretchable covering carries a plurality of reference devices, such as bands and/or markers which are at known or determinable reference locations in an initial condition of the covering, and which change their locations in the stretched condition of the stretchable covering according to the shape and dimensions of the 3-dimensional body covered thereby. The locations of the markers on the stretchable covering are determined after the stretchable covering has been applied to the 3-dimensional body, and are utilized to produce a map of the shape and dimensions of the 3-dimensional body.
US09179992B2

Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.
US09179988B2

Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for dental prosthesis connector design. Embodiments include providing a computer-based interface for manipulating a connector that connects a first dental restoration component and a second dental restoration component in a dental prosthesis; providing, via a cross-sectional representation of the connector, an acceptability design constraint for the connector, such as whether the connector meets production constraints and/or encompasses the intersection between neighboring teeth; modifying the connector based on operator input; determining whether the modified connector is acceptable with respect to the acceptability design constraint; and providing an acceptability indication for the modified connector, wherein said the acceptability indication is determined based at least in part on whether the modified connector is acceptable with respect to the acceptability design constraint.
US09179981B2

The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular medical devices, including various devices with detachable modular components and various devices with pivotally attached modular components. Additional embodiments relate to procedures in which various of the devices are used cooperatively. Certain embodiments of the medical devices are robotic in vivo devices.
US09179980B2

There is provided a surgical robot system comprising a robot, a control system and a user control device, wherein the robot comprises an endoscope and at least one surgical instrument; the user control device comprises a display means by which a user may make an indication on an internal body part; and the control system comprises a displacement information processing unit and a surgical instrument control unit.
US09179977B2

Various systems and methods are provided for tagging and tracking surgical devices using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. In general, the systems and methods allow for tracking surgical devices throughout distribution and sterilization thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a tray configured to seat a plurality of surgical devices and having a parent RFID tag attached thereto that contains information and/or facilitates access to information about the tray and each of the surgical devices seated therein. Each of the surgical devices seated in the instrument tray can have attached thereto a child RFID tag containing information and/or facilitating access to information about the surgical device.
US09179967B2

A device is described for treating a nasal airway by modifying a property of a nasal tissue of or near a nasal valve of the airway, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in the nasal airway. Various embodiments include an elongate shaft, a bipolar radiofrequency delivery member extending from one end of the shaft, and a handle attached to the elongate shaft at an opposite end from the radiofrequency delivery member. The radiofrequency delivery member is sized to be inserted into a nose and configured to at least temporarily deform the nasal tissue and deliver radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency delivery member includes two rows of protruding electrodes disposed on a tissue contact surface, and the device is configured to deliver radiofrequency energy from one row of electrodes to the other row of electrodes.
US09179964B2

A method is described for modifying at least one property of a tissue of or near a nasal valve of a nose, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in a nasal airway. The method may involve contacting a treatment element of a treatment device with the at least one tissue inside the nasal airway, with sufficient force to at least temporarily deform the at least one tissue, applying energy to, or removing energy from, the at least one tissue, using the treatment element, and removing the treatment element from the nostril.
US09179963B2

Regions of tissue having reduced electrical propagation are created in a bladder to affect its electrical or mechanical properties. To create these tissue regions, a tubular device is advanced through the urethra leading to the interior of the bladder, a distal expandable structure of the device is expanded to contact the inner wall of the bladder, and electrodes or other active energy delivery elements of the device are activated to deliver ablation energy. The electrodes or other active energy delivery elements are disposed over the expandable structure which is shaped to conform to the interior of the bladder. The inner wall of the organ is ablated in a predetermined pattern. The same or other electrodes disposed over the expandable structure can used to electrically map the bladder. This map of electrical activity can be used to create the predetermined pattern.
US09179943B2

In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible fastening band into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion. The portion of the flexible fastening band having a substantially uniform shape configured to substantially compliment a shape of the first bone portion and a shape of the second bone portion. The method further includes inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener and advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener until the first bone portion and the and the second bone portion are stabilized.
US09179935B2

Provided are methods for the determination of the viability of a mammalian embryo or a potential embryo generated from a mammalian oocyte, comprising applying a mechanical stimulus to the embryo or oocyte, detecting a temporal response of the embryo or oocyte to the mechanical stimulus, and deriving measurements for one or more parameters from the temporal response, the measurements being indicative of viability. Also provided are methods for selecting an embryo for transfer and methods for enhancing the viability of an embryo or oocyte.
US09179930B2

An endoscopic surgical device comprising a slotted clear cannula, a blade and a housing, wherein the cannula is attached to the housing, and wherein the blade is enclosed in the housing and is slidable into the cannula is disclosed. The blade is enclosed within the housing and cannula, and has a horizontally-oriented pushing component and a vertically-oriented cutting component that protrudes through the slot of the cannula. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using the endoscopic surgical device is also described.
US09179927B2

Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.
US09179920B2

An occlusion device for occluding a cavity defined by a body is provided, and includes first and second laterally-expandable portions each formed of a woven tubular fabric and having opposed proximal and distal ends. The first portion is insertable into the cavity so as to be substantially disposed therein upon lateral expansion thereof. A connective element tethers the distal end of the first portion and the second portion, and is cooperable therewith to form a collapsible assembly extending along an insertion axis. Retention members, operably engaged with each of the first and second portions and spaced apart about a laterally outward surface thereof, are adapted to engage the body, after insertion of the collapsed assembly, second portion-first, into the cavity, and subsequent lateral expansion of the first and second portions, so as to retain the assembly substantially within the cavity. An associated deployment method is also provided.
US09179916B2

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include a device for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula that includes an integral fistula creation assembly near its distal end that passes through the skin of the patient, through a first vessel such as an artery, and into a second vessel such as a vein. The fistula creation assembly preferably includes an anastomotic implant that is placed within the fistula to maintain long-term blood flow therethrough. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
US09179905B2

Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, comprising an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section being disposed distal to the second section, and with the first section having a wider diameter than the second section; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen, the elongated element comprising a proximal end and a distal end and having an enlargement at its distal end, the enlargement having a diameter greater than the second section.
US09179902B2

A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes an apparatus that can be threaded over a guidewire into place at or adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a chamber that encloses a hemostatic material therein. When the apparatus is positioned adjacent the wound as desired, the hemostatic material is deployed from the chamber. A blocking member distal of the hemostatic material functions as a barrier to prevent the hemostatic material from entering the wound. Blood contacts the hemostatic material, and blood clotting preferably is facilitated by a hemostatic agent within the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by blood clot formation.
US09179895B2

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an oral fluid collection device. The oral fluid collection device comprises a handle, a swab holder, and a swab. The swab is in the form of a hollow tube of absorbent material coaxially located about the swab holder, such that the swab is supported by the swab holder along the entire length of the swab.
US09179890B2

Different intracardiac echocardiography volumes are stitched together. Different volumes of a patient are scanned with ICE. To stitch the volumes together, creating a larger volume, the volumes are spatially aligned. The alignment is based on feature, surface, or both feature and surface matching of the ICE volumes with a preoperative model of the same patient. The matching with the model indicates a relative position of the ICE volumes with each other. Using machine-trained classifiers may speed performance, allowing for real-time assembling of a volume from ICE data as the catheter is moved within the patient.
US09179889B2

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes: an ultrasonic signal processing section, which performs transmission processing for transmitting an ultrasonic wave toward a subject's blood vessel by driving a probe and reception processing for generating a received signal based on the ultrasonic wave reflected from the subject's blood vessel and received at the probe; a tomographic image processing section, which generates a tomographic image based on the received signal; a boundary detecting section, which detects the lumen-intima and media-adventitia boundaries of the blood vessel based on the received signal or the tomographic image; a vascular wall thickness calculating section, which calculates, as a vascular wall thickness value, the interval between the lumen-intima and media-adventitia boundaries detected by the boundary detecting section; a reliability determining section, which determines the reliability of the vascular wall thickness value by a signal feature of the received signal or an image information feature of the tomographic image at a location on the lumen-intima and/or media-adventitia boundaries detected; and a control section, which decides, in accordance with the decision made by the reliability determining section, that the vascular wall thickness value be defined as an intima-media thickness.
US09179886B2

A method for aligning a radiation source with a portable image receiver in a radiographic imaging system generates a magnetic field with a predetermined field pattern and with a time-varying vector direction at a predetermined frequency from an emitter apparatus that is coupled to the radiation source, wherein the generated magnetic field further comprises a synchronization signal. Sensed signals from the magnetic field are obtained from a sensing apparatus that is coupled to the image receiver, wherein the sensing apparatus comprises three or more sensor elements, wherein at least two of the sensor elements are arranged at different angles relative to each other and are disposed outside the imaging area of the image receiver. An output signal is indicative of an alignment adjustment according to the amplitude and phase of the obtained sensed signals relative to the synchronization signal.
US09179880B2

A radiation therapy patient couch top which provides optimal fields of treatment in a high-energy radiation therapy environment. In addition, the patient couch top provides superior imaging qualities when used in a diagnostic imaging x-ray environment. All metal is eliminated from the treatment/imaging area. This ensures that no metal will be in the way of the radiation treatment beam and that no artifacting will occur when used with diagnostic imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography. By employing moveable fiber reinforced support beams, the main patient support structure can be positioned so that a minimum of electron generation will occur through Compton scattering. By allowing for a removable insert, the top patient surface can be optimized for treatment, diagnostic imaging or the addition of other useful features. The novel design of these inserts allows the tip end of the beams to be free from any cross members, further improving the imaging and treatment qualities of the resulting patient couch top. Further, a CT simulator insert is provided which provides the same dosimetric properties for the patient couchtop and devices during patient treatment planning.
US09179867B2

Lancet device includes a housing, a removable front cap mounted to the housing, a lancet holding member, and a trigger. A system is utilized for placing the lancet device in a trigger-set or armed position. A depth adjustment system includes a member that is at least partially rotatably mounted and that has an axis of rotation arranged substantially perpendicular to a center axis of the lancet holding member. An ejection system is utilized for at least one of preventing axial movement of the lancet holding member and removing or ejecting a lancet from the lancet holding member.
US09179864B2

A wearable health monitoring device includes at least one sensor for obtaining a signal indicative of movement of a user in at least one axis and logic configured to determine, based upon the signal, whether the user has fallen.
US09179857B2

A coaxial cable may include an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxially disposed about the inner conductor, and a proximal end sized and shaped for insertion into a connector. The proximal end may have an outer conductor contact coupled electrically to the outer conductor, and an extended section of the inner conductor that extends axially beyond the outer conductor contact. The extended section may include an inner conductor contact having an electrically conductive material disposed at least partially around the inner conductor, and an insulated area positioned to isolate electrically the outer conductive contact from the inner conductive contact, and having an electrically insulating material disposed at least partially around the inner conductor.
US09179853B2

Devices and methods for analyzing cardiac signal data. An illustrative method includes identifying a plurality of detected events and measuring intervals between the detected events for use in rate estimation. In the illustrative embodiment, a set of intervals is used to make the rate estimation by first discarding selected intervals from the set. The remaining intervals are then used to calculate an estimated interval, for example by averaging the remaining intervals.
US09179849B1

A mobile plethysmographic device for detecting a premature ventricular contraction event is disclosed herein. The mobile plethysmographic device generates a pleth waveform, which is automatically screened by algorithms that measure the waveform to correlate, detect and store aberrations related to heart anomalies. A premature ventricular contraction event for a patient is determined based on an identification of a time interval of the pleth waveform that is below the threshold minimum time interval followed immediately by a time interval that is above the threshold maximum tine interval.
US09179847B2

An apparatus and method for measuring a person's biometric data as well as associated data and for using that data to determine the person's talents and well-being state, as well as predicting an optimal career path for the person. Biometric data is measured using a sensor, a memory configured to store the biometric signals, a database configured to store and retrieve profiles, and a processor configured to compare biometric data as well as associated data with anonymous profiles stored in the database and create a profile for the person.
US09179840B2

The optical design for a contact type portable eye imaging apparatus, including the imaging optics and illumination optics are proposed, which utilizes miniature image sensor and solid state light emitting technology, as the next generation of medical imaging devices, in particular in ophthalmic imaging applications.
US09179834B2

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data of a subject is acquired over a region of interest which can include an optic disc or a macula of a retina. Layer boundaries of retinal layers are identified in the OCT scan data to facilitate measurements. In one aspect, a measurement related to ratio value between a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more target layers of the retina and a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more reference layers is computed on a location-by-location basis within a region of interest of the OCT scan data. Measurements can be collected, aggregated, analyzed, and displayed in connection with other information taken or derived from the OCT scan data.
US09179827B2

A medical device system includes an elongated body with a distal end that is configured and arranged for insertion into a patient. A housing is disposed in the distal end of the body. A rotatable magnet is disposed in the housing. At least one magnetic field winding is configured and arranged to generate a magnetic field at the location of the magnet. The magnetic field causes rotation of the magnet at a target frequency. An array of magnetic field sensors is disposed external to the patient. The magnetic field sensors are configured and arranged to sense the location and orientation of the magnet in relation to the array of magnetic field sensors.
US09179803B1

A system and method pre-roasting preparation of a fowl to enhance desirability of breast portions while reducing risks of undercooking leg thigh portions. A flexible, contouring, temperature control pad is sized and shaped to selectively cover portions of a fowl that are to cook at a different rate than other non-covered portions. For example, the temperature control pad includes a cooling pad shaped to cover the breast portion while avoiding contact with the leg thigh portions.
US09179802B2

Disclosed is a machine for stirring, cutting, cooking or processing food under modified atmosphere. A drive shaft is provided in the mixing machine, for putting the product into rotary motion in the processing bowl, said drive shaft having a lower power take-off and being vertically supported by a liner which is integral with the base of the bowl, whereas the opposite end of said shaft is integral with a hub having at least one radial arm, with a liner fitted thereto for supporting and guiding a secondary vertical arm, which may be used for cutting or emulsifying food product, which shaft is integral with a pinion meshing with a crown wheel, said crown wheel being fitted to a sleeve which is coaxial and integral with supporting and guiding liner for the shaft, whereas each secondary shaft may be equipped with at least one epicyclically driven, high-speed mixing or processing tool.
US09179793B2

A rotation-locking lighted artificial tree that includes a first and second portion. The first portion includes a trunk, first electrical connector, and first wiring harness. The first electrical connector includes a first body portion and a first electrical contact set. The first body portion includes multiple projections electrically isolated from the first electrical contact set. The second tree portion includes a second electrical connector and a second wiring harness. The second electrical connector includes a second body portion and a second electrical contact set, the second body portion including multiple recesses. When the first tree portion couples to the second, the first and second electrical contact sets form an electrical connection and the recesses of the second body portion receive the projections of the first body portion, thereby electrically connecting and mechanically coupling the first tree portion to the second tree portion.
US09179761B2

A device for the shoulder support of skis and poles has a box shaped body. A spool is rotatably mounted inside the box shaped body. A tape is at least partially wrapped around the spool. A preloaded spring acts on the spool and against the action of which the tape can be extracted and by the action of which the tape is recalled to be wound onto the spool. A first strap is externally connected to the box shaped body and is adapted to define a first ring to be tightened around at least one ski pole and to be fixed by way of a fixing system in a predefined position. A second strap is connected to the first strap and is adapted to define a ring of variable size to be tightened around at least one ski pole.
US09179760B2

An articulated support for a mobile phone, tablet, or other mobile electronic device provides an articulated arm. The articulated arm may be mounted on a floor stand or desktop stand. The device may be positioned at a point convenient to a reclining user. In alternate embodiments, the articulated arm may be supported by a wall mount, or by a headband worn by the user. The articulated arm may be modified by the user by adding or removing sections to change its length, or by changing its attachments for electronic devices.
US09179755B2

An assembly for dispensing a cosmetic stick includes a housing base and an extracting tube for extracting the remaining portion of a cosmetic stick from another dispenser. The assembly also includes a plunger with a plunger cap that moves within the extracting tube when the housing base is rotated with respect to the extracting tube to push the cosmetic stick through the extracting tube until a portion of the cosmetic stick is exposed at a top end of the top section of the extracting tube.
US09179752B2

We disclose a cosmetic box inspired by the traditional Asian design. The box comes equipped with electrical apparatus for drying and sterilizing make-up. A fan is mounted within the box. When the drawers are ajar, the fan blows air toward the user's face and hair. When the drawers are removed, the user may insert her hands into the drawer cavity to dry her nail polish. Ultra-violet light bulbs are also mounted within the box. The bulbs assist in the sterilization of nail polish as well as the contents of the box.
US09179751B2

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an adjustable keeper device for securing strands, such as strands of hair, for example. The keeper device includes one or more flexible guides for conducting a cord in a desired path. The flexible guides act as a conduit to route the cord and prevent strands from snagging with cord movement. The flexible guides and the cord are operable to secure the strands in a desired position. In some implementations, the keeper device includes an interchangeable vanity cover, removeably attached to the keeper device.
US09179748B2

An apparatus for holding items, and more specifically an elastic band and clip apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus for holding items includes a band and a clip. The clip includes: a recessed portion provided in a facing surface of the clip which is structured to accommodate a medallion; fixing structures to fix the band to the clip; and a locking mechanism which is structured to lock portions of the clip together.
US09179741B2

Method for obtaining a plantar image using means for securing and tightening an elastic membrane, as well as to the double-sided machining of the obtained insole, said means taking the form of two adjustable horizontal bars positioned on a scanner or a plurality of cameras and an anti-reflective lens, wherein a membrane is positioned between said horizontal bars and secured using T-flat bars; the stress of the membrane being adjusted using a handle; the foot is positioned on the membrane; an image is taken; and the insole is subjected to double-sided machining on the basis of the image of the surface provided in STL format, with the aid of a securing device that enables the pieces to be rotated up to 180°.The device used includes a plurality of supporting bars with two adjustable horizontal bars, wherein the elastic membrane is adjusted and tightened using T-flat bars and a handle.
US09179737B2

A method of forming a sole assembly of an article of footwear that includes an interior space that receives a foot of a wearer is disclosed. The article of footwear also includes an exterior surface. The method includes providing a first portion of the sole assembly. The first portion includes a first surface that at least partially defines the interior space. The first portion also includes a first chamber surface that opposes the first surface. Moreover, the method includes providing a second portion of the sole assembly. The second portion includes a second surface that at least partially defines the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The second portion also includes a second chamber surface that opposes the second surface. The method further includes operably securing the first portion to the second portion such that the first chamber surface and the second chamber surface cooperate to at least partially define a substantially sealed chamber within the sole assembly.
US09179735B2

Disclosed are a climbing shoes outsole with good adhesive and non-slip properties and a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, the climbing shoes outsole comprises a butyl rubber layer formed at a side of the outsole in contact with the ground, and a general-purpose rubber layer laminated on the butyl rubber layer.
US09179728B2

A protective helmet has a helmet shell and with an interior fitting subassembly having at least one supporting cage, a head band and a neck band. Three supporting arms can serve to fasten the subassembly to the helmet shell with a spacing. A clearance can thus be provided between the interior fitting subassembly and the helmet shell for receiving ear protection capsules and supporting brackets of an ear protection and of other helmet accessories. When not in use, the ear protection can be pivoted under the helmet shell. The protective helmet therefore does not provide any engagement possibilities for obstacles such as branches and the like. The supporting arms can partially transmit a force acting on the helmet from above back into the helmet shell in order to elastically deform the latter. The helmet therefore has an improved shock absorption capability.
US09179722B2

A method of extending eyelashes is described herein. Specifically, an adhesive-based method of extending eyelashes is disclosed. The method can comprise wearing a ring on a first hand and manipulating forceps with a second hand. The ring can comprise a bowl, while the bowl comprises eyelash adhesive. In addition, the method can comprise attaching tape, which can comprise adhesive, to a surface. Adhesive can attach a plurality of extension lashes to tape. Extension lashes from tape can be removed with forceps. Ring can be used to dip lashes into a portion of extension lash and attach eyelash extension to natural lash on user.
US09179716B2

A front-opening hospital gown includes first and second front panels. The first front panel overlaps the second front panel when the gown is worn by a patient. The second front panel has fasteners in multiple columns and rows. The first front panel has mating fasteners, for instance a single column of multiple rows. The number of rows on the front panels may be equal. An additional rear panel(s) defines an elongated slot on the back of the gown for access to the patient's back. The gown may include an anti-microbial coating, colored fabric that indicates the size of the gown, an RFID tag, color-coded intravenous access flaps, and a telemetry pocket. The intravenous access flaps may have color-coded fasteners or backing twill material. The gown may include a collar indicating the front of the gown. The collar may have a contrasting color relative to a color of the panels.
US09179714B2

A supporting wire (10) for a breast covering garment (20), comprising: a first section (8); and a second section (9) pivotally connected to the first section (8) at a distal end (11) of the first and second sections (8, 9) such that the wire (10) is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position by pivoting the first section (8) relative to the second section (9); wherein the first and second sections (8, 9) each have a cut-out portion (14) located at the distal end (11); a first tab (16) projecting in a perpendicular direction from the first section (8) to be received in the cut-out portion (14) of the second section (9); and a second tab (16) projecting in a perpendicular direction from the second section (9) to be received in the cut-out portion (14) of the first section (8).
US09179708B2

A system for producing porous masses may include a mold cavity disposed along the material path, at least one hopper before at least a portion of the mold cavity for feeding a matrix material to the material path, a heat source in thermal communication with at least a first portion of the material path, and a cutter disposed along the material path after the first portion of the material path.
US09179704B2

The disclosure relates to a process for roasting and surface pasteurization of particulate food products. The roasting and surface pasteurization can be combined and united to form one process wherein a treatment is carried out in a moist atmosphere at temperatures <100° C., that the pasteurization treatment is carried out in a roasting system during the roasting operation, that during the pasteurization phase the temperature of the product surface is held a few degrees below the dew point temperature of the atmosphere which is established, that the pasteurization is performed for 1-30 min, and that with advancing or continued roasting the water of condensation on the surface of the food products is removed and the water uptake of the same is minimized.
US09179702B2

Disclosed are liquid nutritional compositions comprising: carbohydrate; lipid having from about 0.1% to about 20% of an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, or combinations thereof by weight of the composition; a protein matrix having from about 15% to about 50% of a whey protein fraction by weight of the total protein in the composition; and a limonene-containing material, cranberry oil, or combinations thereof. The compositions are preferably aseptically packaged, and provide enhanced oxidative stability, flavor, and aroma, especially when formulated with relative high polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations.
US09179693B2

A method for improving the performance of a subject or for improving digestibility of a raw material in a feed (e.g. nutrient digestibility, such as amino acid digestibility), or for improving nitrogen retention, or for improving dietary phosphorus absorption and retention, or for improving the efficacy of the phytase, or for improving the subject's resistance to necrotic enteritis or for improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) or for improving weight gain in a subject or for improving feed efficiency in a subject or for modulating (e.g. improving) the immune response of the subject or for reducing populations of pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, or for reducing nutrient excretion in manure, which method comprising administering to a subject at least one direct fed microbial in combination with a phytase, wherein the phytase is administered to the subject at a dosage of more than about 1500 FTU/kg feed.
US09179691B2

Aerosolized food products can be of sufficient size to deposit in the mouth without easily entering into the respiratory tract and of small enough size so as to allow for suspension in air. An apparatus incorporating an aerosol generating device and food products can allow for the aerosolization of the food products and the delivery thereof in a matter suitable for inhalation or deposition and subsequent ingestion. The food delivery apparatus represents a novel manner of delivering food to the mouths of humans and animals. Indeed, the apparatus of the invention is designed to produce, transport, and direct aerosolized food particles of sufficient size to deposit in the mouth without substantial exposure or entry into the respiratory tract and of small enough size so as to allow for suspension in air.
US09179685B2

A deboning machine according to some embodiments of the disclosure includes a housing, a separation chamber and auger. The housing has a passageway and ports for expelling meat and bone. The separation chamber is mounted in the passageway, and the auger extends through said separation chamber and the housing. An engagement structure provided on the housing and separation chamber engage with a camming action to provide a space between the separation chamber and the auger. During engagement, the auger is held stationary and the separation chamber is rotated relative to the auger.
US09179683B2

Method and device for providing dough products with a topping material, comprising a dough product conveyor, for transporting the dough products, a topping dispenser for dispensing topping material onto the dough product conveyor, comprising a topping conveyor, for conveying the topping towards a dispensing location above the dough product conveyor, a collector for superfluous topping material from the dough product conveyor, a supply system, for supplying the topping conveyor with topping material from the collector or from a reservoir with fresh topping material, characterized by a topping material sensor for measuring the amount of topping material on the topping conveyor, a controller, for controlling the amount of topping material to be dispensed by adjusting the speed of the topping conveyor; and the ratio of topping material from the reservoir and the collected superfluous topping material.
US09179682B2

A method for controlling microbial or biofilm growth in a medium includes mixing ammonium carbamate or ammonium sulfamate with an aqueous solution of a hypochlorite oxidant to form a biocide having a pH between 9.0 and 11.5, the molar ratio of the ammonium carbamate or ammonium sulfamate to the hypochlorite being at least 1:1; and then applying the biocide to the medium.
US09179680B2

Substituted imine compounds of formula (I), wherein D is C(R2)═N˜Z—R1 or C(═Y1)NRAY2RB and the other symbols have the meanings given in the description, their N-oxides and salts are useful for combating animal pests.
US09179671B2

The present invention provides a composition having an excellent controlling activity on a pest. The composition comprising a compound represented by Formula (1) and the cyanamide compound represented by Formula (2) shows an excellent controlling activity on a pest.
US09179669B2

Compositions comprising a polyvinyl alcohol in combination with a biocide which is a plasticizer, such as a quaternary ammonium compound, or in combination with a biocide and a compatible plasticizer, and wherein the biocide forms a complex with the polyvinyl alcohol, said combination having been heated to above its melting point, said composition having a surface which remains biostatic or biocidal for at least 7 days. A hot melt of the composition may be cast or applied as a film or coating or may be extruded molded or otherwise into articles. Volatiles formed during heating may be removed from the combination e.g. by low pressure.
US09179666B1

A treestand blind for use with a treestand adjacent a tree. The treestand includes a frame and a platform at a lower portion thereof. The blind includes first and second telescoping poles, each having lower and upper ends, each pole having an upper and lower portion, each of the poles having a tether attached proximate the upper end. The tether is attached around the tree with the poles being bowed both forwardly and laterally under tension. The blind also includes a pole mount attached to a front edge of the platform and has left and right receptacles respectively receiving the lower ends of the poles, with the poles each being forwardly angled at a first obtuse angle and laterally outwardly splayed at a second obtuse angle. A cover is wrapped about the poles and the frame, providing a covered space thereinside. The cover has zippered flaps that open.
US09179659B1

A fish bite indicator that provides an indication of the fishing line being pulled from the reel during night-time or low light conditions is described. The fish bite indicator has a light source attachment feature that is configured on the spinning portion of the reel, such as the reel top. When a fish bites the lines and pulls the fishing line from the reel, the reel spins and the spinning light is clearly visible to a nearby angler. The fish bite indicator is detachably attachable to a reel in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the fish bite indicator has a body forming an enclosure around the light source with one or more openings in the body. The light projected from the openings creates a repetitive flash when the reel spins. A glow-stick type or LED light may be used with the fish bite indicator described.
US09179657B1

A motorized jigging device that can be used with conventional fishing rods and reels. It has a drive wheel attached to a spool-shaped eccentric unit by a pivotal attachment. The eccentric unit supports the handle of a fishing rod. The eccentric unit can be pivotally offset from the drive wheel to travel in a circular path producing a jigging movement as the rod pivots vertically on a fulcrum support. Speed is adjustable by the variable speed motor, and the amplitude of the jigging movement can be easily adjusted by simply pivoting the eccentric unit attached to the drive wheel. It is very simple and can be easily used by fishermen of all ages and abilities. It can have a remote controller to operate the device, including switching the device on and off, adjusting the speed, and setting the duration of the on and off periods of the repeating jigging cycles.
US09179655B1

A fishing lure includes a blade having first and second opposing ends each having a generally circular periphery and connected by a central bridge portion having first and second parallel sides. The first and second sides extend substantially tangent to the peripheries of the first and second ends, respectively. A longitudinal axis of the blade passes through geometric centers of the first and second ends; a lateral axis extends perpendicular thereto. A spin hole is provided midway along the longitudinal axis for encircling the line, and a fold line is formed at a 15-degree offset from the lateral axis, passing through the spin hole, extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides of the bridge portion. The blade is folded about the fold line through an angle of 30 to 90 degrees, causing the blade to spin even when the lure is pulled through water at slow speeds.
US09179651B2

In one embodiment, a process and method of screening an avian embryo feather color (pre-hatching) and determining the sex of the avian embryo, based at least in part, on the feather color or the color of feather precursors is provided. In an alternate embodiment, a process and method of screening chick embryo sex is provided, comprising the steps of: (i) obtaining a chicken egg; (ii) exposing the chicken egg to, or contacting the chicken egg with, electromagnetic radiation emitted from an electromagnetic radiation source; (iii) determining the amount of absorption, diffusion, refraction, reflection or a combination of any of the forgoing, of the electromagnetic radiation by the chicken egg by using an imaging system; (iv) comparing the absorption, diffusion, refraction, reflection or a combination of any of the forgoing, of the electromagnetic radiation by the chicken egg to a database; and (v) determining the sex of the chick embryo in the chicken egg, at least in part, as a result of the comparing step.
US09179646B2

A walking aid for a four-legged animal having disabled hind legs comprises an engagement member for engaging a body portion between fore legs and hind legs of the animal; a collapsible resting mechanism connected to the engagement member and to at least one wheel assembly in contact with an underlying surface; and a locking mechanism operatively connectable to the at least one wheel assembly in such a way that the at least one wheel assembly is freely rotatable during forward motion of said walking aid but is rotationally immobilizable following rearward motion of the walking aid. The resting mechanism is operational to facilitate movement from a walking state to a resting state or from a resting state to a walking state only when the at least one wheel assembly is rotationally immobilized.
US09179644B2

A combined dish rack for feeding pets includes a main body and legs. The main body has two dish setting openings for positioning dishes. The main body and legs are detachably attached to each other. The main body on a bottom thereof has a plurality of protruding members. The legs have slots configured to receive the protruding members if the legs are attached to the main body. The legs are configured to be placed in a housing defined by a top wall and a side wall of the main body.
US09179636B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV099177. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV099177, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV099177 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 CV099177 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 CV099177.
US09179626B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1036419. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1036419. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1036419 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1036419 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09179623B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01045719. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01045719. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01045719 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01045719 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09179620B2

The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 10R040B2R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 10R040B2R2. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 10R040B2R2 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 10R040B2R2 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.
US09179610B2

A controllable emitter of an irrigation apparatus including a drip line and a control station configured to control a pressure of pressurized fluid in the drip line is provided. The controllable emitter is disposable along the drip line and includes a container coupled to the drip line, the container being formed to define an interior and including an inlet through which the pressurized fluid is receivable in the interior from the drip line and an outlet through which the pressurized fluid is exhaustible from the interior, a piston, including a magnetic element, disposed at least partially in the container to occupy a position in accordance with the pressure of the pressurized fluid and a sensor configured to sense a position of the magnetic element and to communicate a sensed position to the control station.
US09179609B2

Guide and fastening device for plant support wires, in particular for rows of grapevines, the device having at least one pair of vertical upright elements, fastened to a head pole and provided with longitudinal guides within which are made to slide fastening elements for the lateral containment wires for the growing vegetation. To each pair of upright elements for the lateral containment wires is associated a further vertical upright provided with a guide within which is made to slide a fastening element for at least one carrying wire.
US09179608B2

A bounding system for a transplantable plant including a bounding apparatus and a support tray. The bounding apparatus includes a sheet-like sidewall framework defining a plurality of elongated, spaced sidewall apertures, and a bottom support having a support surface area. The bottom support is includes a sheet-like bottom framework defining a plurality of spaced bottom wall apertures. The bounding system includes a support tray comprised of a relatively solid sheet material, and having a tray top portion and a surrounding sidewall. The tray top portion defines an opening therethrough that is formed and dimensioned for supportive receipt of the bounding apparatus therein such that the bottom support thereof is vertically oriented at least at a sufficient distance above the ground to promote and encourage air root pruning of the transplantable plant proximate the bottom support. The surrounding sidewall and the sidewall framework defines a humidifying airspace therebetween in a manner reducing rapid dry-down.
US09179601B2

A corn head assembly for a combine harvester capable of preventing or inhibiting grain from sliding off a row unit without inhibiting crop flow is disclosed. The corn head assembly is attached to a combine harvester for harvesting crop material. The corn head assembly includes a frame, a conveyor and a plurality of row units. Each row unit includes a catch plate for facingly engaging a flow of crop material and includes a facing surface having a nonplanar geometry. The nonplanar geometry is at least one of corrugations, scales, waves, chevron-shaped corrugations, weld beads, rods, and terraces.
US09179597B1

A lawnmower with a plurality of motorized cutting blades may be configured to include a constant velocity joint to connect the telescoping handle of the lawnmower to the lawnmower body. The constant velocity joint may allow the lawnmower body to move in vertical or horizontal directions while the handle remains upright.
US09179596B2

An end of cut speed control system includes a vehicle controller that commands a traction drive system to a reduced ground speed based on the setting of a control to a preset end of cut mode ground speed as a percentage of the mow mode ground speed. The vehicle controller changes the speed from the mow mode to the end of cut mode when a proximity sensor indicates the cutting units are raised to a cross cut position.
US09179587B2

A tillage apparatus includes a wheeled frame configured with a plurality of concave blades arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending columns and transversely extending rows. The rows are longitudinally spaced apart by a progressively increasing distance. The blades of each column are transversely tilted alternately to the left and right. The blades of each column are transversely offset from one another to create a swath of tilled ground along the width of the column. In operation, soil is thrown left and right between successive blades of a column to till the soil across the width of the column and leave a substantially level soil surface.
US09185836B2

A first rear member is arranged on a rear surface of a display member. A second rear member has a shape surrounding a side surface of the first rear member. The second rear member is attached from a rear surface side of the first rear member to house the first rear member. An interconnect member connected to the display member extends between the side surface of the first rear member and the second rear member. An end portion of the interconnect member is inserted in an insertion part having an opening formed in the side surface of the first rear member. A condition where the interconnect member is inserted in the first rear member is maintained before and after attachment of the second rear member.
US09185831B2

Disclosed are an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle and provides an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle using a radiation board in which a radiation plate having a slide fixing structure (for example, “U” shaped) is attached onto a portion opposite to a portion which requires the radiation in a printed circuit board (PCB) and if additional radiation performance is required, a slidable radiation board which is detachable is attached/detached to directly emit heat to the atmosphere through the radiation plate and the radiation board to the atmosphere, thereby improving a radiation effect and to implement a standard platform of the radiation structure and implement an optimal radiation structure through a slidable radiation board and a manufacturing method thereof.
US09185823B2

The present invention is directed to server systems and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provides a memory controller within a server system, where the memory controller is disengageably connected to one or more processors, a plurality of volatile memory modules, and plurality of solid-state memory modules. This memory controller may be connected to other similarly configured memory controllers. The volatile and solid-state memory modules can be removed and/or replaced. There are other embodiments as well.
US09185818B2

A display apparatus including a support configured to support a display unit, and a cover formed of a flexible sheet and configured to cover the support, thereby improving the external appearance of the rear side of the display apparatus through the cover.
US09185815B2

A transmission stabilization device applied to dual-shaft system for stabilizing and smoothening the transmission and reducing wear of the components. The transmission stabilization device includes a first rotary shaft, a second rotary shaft and a transmission unit, which are assembled with each other. Each of the first and second rotary shafts has a fixed section mounted on an electronic apparatus, a pivoted section assembled with a torque module and a connection section. The transmission unit is drivingly engaged with the connection sections. The transmission unit is mounted on a fixing shaft. When the first or second rotary shaft rotates, the transmission unit is moved along the fixing shaft with the rotation of the first or second rotary shaft. The transmission stabilization device can prevent the transmission unit from swinging so as to overcome the problem of retardation of transmission of the conventional device.
US09185814B2

An electronic device uses a rotation mechanism to permit a first body casing to rotate on a second body casing. The rotation mechanism has an elastic member and a sliding block. The first body casing includes a spindle and defines a first sliding hole and the second body casing defines a spindle hole and a second sliding hole. The second sliding hole includes a first distal end and a second distal end both aligning with a center of the spindle hole. The sliding block is movably received in the first and second sliding holes, and is located either at the first distal end or at the second distal end as the rotation mechanism is rotated through ninety degrees from one position to another.
US09185813B2

A case for an electronic device protects the electronic device. The case has a lower case portion and an upper case portion, which assemble together to protect the electronic device. A back of the case can include a back opening to expose a camera lens and flash of the electronic device or first and second back openings. The first back opening exposes the camera lens. The second back opening exposes the flash.
US09185809B2

A method for producing an electrical multi-layer component is described, wherein a first ceramic layer (2) comprising a first and a second ceramic material (3, 4) is applied to a ceramic substrate (1). The first ceramic material (3) is applied to a first surface partition (5) of the substrate (1) by a first inkjet printing step and the second ceramic material (4) is applied to a second surface partition (6) of the substrate (1) by a second inkjet printing step, the second surface partition (6) surrounding and enclosing the first surface partition (5). The second ceramic material (4) is different from the first ceramic material (3).Furthermore, an electrical multi-layer component is described.
US09185804B2

A printed circuit board includes a first semiconductor package on a first surface layer of a printed wiring board and a second semiconductor package on a second surface layer where a bus signal is transmitted from the first to the second semiconductor package. A first bus wiring path from a signal terminal on an inner circumference side of the first semiconductor package via a via hole and the second surface layer to a signal terminal on an outer circumference side of the second semiconductor package and a second bus wiring path from a signal terminal on an outer circumference side of the first semiconductor package via the second surface layer and a via hole to a signal terminal on an inner circumference side of the second semiconductor package are provided, thus securing a return current path for a signal current and realizing a high density wiring while suppressing radiation noise.
US09185803B2

A circuit board for electric components has at least one current conductor, which is configured as a molded part, and at least one unhoused electric component affixed to the current conductor. The circuit board exhibits improved operating reliability.
US09185796B2

An OLED display including a substrate having a pixel area where an organic light emitting diode is formed, and a peripheral area surrounding the pixel area. Monitoring patterns are disposed in the peripheral area and are separated from each other.
US09185793B2

A multilayer electronic structure comprising a plurality of dielectric layers extending in an X-Y plane and comprising at least one coaxial pair of stacked posts extending through at least one dielectric layer in a Z direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-Y plane, wherein the coaxial pair of stacked via posts comprises a central post surrounded by a torroidal via post separated from the central post by a separating tube of dielectric material.
US09185792B2

A package substrate including a circuit board and a heat-dissipating element is provided. The circuit board has a through opening adapted for accommodating an electronic element. The heat-dissipating element is disposed at the circuit board and covers one side of the through opening. The heat-dissipating element includes a heat-dissipating plate, an adhesive layer and an antioxidation layer. The heat-dissipating plate has a first surface facing the through opening and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The adhesive layer is disposed on the first surface and the heat-dissipating plate adheres to the circuit board through the adhesive layer. The antioxidation layer is disposed on the second surface. An electronic assembly including the package substrate is also provided.
US09185790B2

A particle accelerator including an electrical field system and a magnetic field system that are configured to direct a particle beam of charged particles along a designated path within an acceleration chamber. The particle accelerator also includes a foil holder having a beam window and a positioning slot that at least partially surrounds the beam window. The positioning slot is dimensioned to hold an extraction foil such that the extraction foil extends across the beam window and into the path of the charged particles. The positioning slot is defined by interior reference surfaces that face the extraction foil and retain the extraction foil within the positioning slot. The reference surfaces permit the extraction foil to move relative to the reference surfaces when the particle beam is incident on the extraction foil.
US09185780B2

In a lighting system, sound levels are detected in the vicinity of at least one lighting unit to determine when there is a sound level above a threshold. The illumination provided by the lighting unit is adapted in such a way as to encourage a reduction of noise generation.
US09185775B2

The lighting device of the present invention includes: a power source configured to supply power to a plurality of light sources; and a cooling control circuit configured to control a plurality of cooling devices for respectively cooling the plurality of light sources. The cooling control circuit includes a power supply circuit, a plurality of output circuits, a plurality of temperature measurement circuits, and an output control circuit. The power supply circuit outputs a constant voltage by use of power from the power source. The output circuits receive the constant voltage from the power supply circuit and supply drive voltages to the plurality of cooling devices respectively. The temperature measurement circuits measure temperatures of the plurality of light sources respectively. The output control circuit regulates the drive voltages respectively supplied from the plurality of output circuits based on the temperatures respectively measured by the plurality of temperature measurement circuits.
US09185770B2

A fuse and resistor device for a solid state lighting device, wherein at least a part of the fuse and resistor device embodies a connection pin arranged to be received at a power supply socket. The connection pin comprises an elongated conducting structure, which is partly enclosed by an insulating support structure. The conducting structure comprises a dampening resistor, and the fuse and resistor device further comprises a fuse connected with the dampening resistor either a separate part or as an integral part of the conducting structure.
US09185763B2

A light emitting diode (LED) string driving method applicable to drive a driving circuit is provided. The driving circuit comprises a plurality of LED strings, a power supply unit electrically coupled to the LED strings, a comparison unit configured to receive an input voltage, a control unit electrically coupled to the comparison unit, and a switch unit electrically coupled to the control unit, the power supply unit and the LED strings. The driving method comprises configuring the comparison unit to output a first control signal to the control unit through comparing the input voltage to the predetermined voltage, configuring the control unit to output a second control signal to the switch unit according to the first control signal, and configuring the switch unit to form various electrical loops and configuring the LED strings to corporately form either a parallel loop or a series loop via respective electrical loops.
US09185759B2

An LED lighting device for AC voltage supply is provided. The device has LEDs that form a whole chain. The LEDs are divided into LED part groups. The device also has multiple serial switching means, multiple shorting links and a control means. The control means is configured to control the shorting links and the serial switching means, to place the whole chain in at least two switch states. The switch states differ in the through voltage of the whole chain.
US09185752B2

A circuit arrangement for selective powering of distributed loads (D1-D7, 220-226, 213a-213e) is provided, comprising a plurality of load segments (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70), each being electrically connected to at least one supply terminal al for receiving a variable voltage, wherein each load segment (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) comprises at least a load unit (D1-D7, 220-226, 213a-213e) and a proximity sensor unit (11), coupled with said load unit and comprising at least a reactive device (L1-L7, L1a-L7a, C1-C7, C1a-C7a, 214a-214e, 215d) having a reactance, said reactance depending on the proximity of a detection object (100, 102). In order to provide a simple and accurate way for user interactive powering of loads (D1-D7, 220-226, 213a-213e), during operation an operating voltage is provided to at least one load unit (D1-D7, 220-226, 213a-213e), depending on the reactance of at least one reactive device (L1-L7, L1a-L7a, C1-C7, C1a-C7a, 214a-214e, 215d) of said load segments (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70), so that said operating voltage depends on the proximity of said detection object (100, 102).
US09185743B2

In a communication system in which a base station performing precoding processing and a mobile terminal communicate with each other, communication is efficiently performed. The terminal device reports to the base station device, information indicating a codebook that the terminal device supports, among a plurality of codebooks. The base station device determines a transmission mode, based on the information indicating the codebook that the terminal device supports.
US09185727B2

In a medium access control method of an access point for a wireless LAN, the access point is capable of full-duplex communication, and the medium access control method includes receiving a frame header of a first data frame from a first terminal, and transmitting a second data frame to a second terminal while the first data frame is received from the first terminal.
US09185724B2

The present invention is designed such that, when a user terminal performs radio communication using a plurality of serving cells of different component carriers, it is possible to flexibly report aperiodic channel state information of a serving cell required on the network side among the plurality of serving cells. A radio base station apparatus transmits an uplink scheduling grant, which includes an identification field that identifies an uplink serving cell where an uplink shared channel is allocated among a plurality of uplink serving cells and a request field that requests reporting of aperiodic channel state information from a user terminal, to the user terminal, via a downlink control channel, and the user terminal reports aperiodic channel state information of a downlink serving cell that is designated by a combination of the identification field and the request field, to the radio base station apparatus, via the uplink shared channel.
US09185720B2

A method of wireless communication includes determining a frame offset between communications of a first communication resource (e.g., an LTE radio) and communications of a second communication resource (e.g., a Bluetooth or WLAN radio). The method also includes determining potential time slot configurations for the communications of the second communication resource. A time slot configuration is selected from the determined potential time slot configurations, to reduce degradation of the first communication resource due to conflicting time slots between the first communication resource and the second communication resource, based on the determined frame offset. The selection may be based on the determined frame offset.
US09185719B2

Techniques for mapping applications to radios in a wireless communication device are described. In one design, a controller residing below an operating system may receive inputs from applications residing above the operating system. The controller may determine radios selected based on the application inputs and further to mitigate interference between these radios. The controller may determine mapping of the applications to the radios based on the application inputs and may provide, to the applications, information indicative of the radios to which the applications are mapped. The applications may obtain connectivity via their selected radios. The controller may interface with entities in both upper layers and lower layers to facilitate radio selection and application-to-radio mapping. The controller may control the operation of a connection manager and/or a coexistence manager, manage databases for these managers, provide CPU and memory resources for these managers, manage a data bus used for communication, etc.
US09185716B2

Methods and apparatus of a NodeB or a user equipment (UE) in communication with each other are provided. The NodeB transmits and the UE receives via a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). Control Channel Elements (CCEs) corresponding to a PDCCH candidate are obtained based on nCI, where nCI is a carrier index.
US09185705B2

An apparatus includes a baseband signal processing block, processing circuitry, and at least one radio frequency (RF) communication module communicably coupled to the baseband signal processing block and configured to communicate using a selected mode of communication in a channel. The processing circuitry is configured to detect a sub-channel band of unavailable spectrum within the channel, the band of unavailable spectrum being less than a whole of the channel. The channel includes one contiguous band of frequencies divisible into at least two non-overlapping non-adjacent sub-channels. The processing circuitry is configured to select one mode of communication selected from a plurality of modes including: a carrier aggregation (CA) only mode, a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) only mode, and a carrier aggregation multiple input multiple output (CA-MIMO) hybrid mode.
US09185697B2

A first user equipment (UE) and a second UE communicate with a network element (e.g., an eNB) over a carrier (e.g., an uplink or downlink cellular carrier). The first and second UEs also engage in D2D communication using resources of the carrier that have been allocated to them by the network entity. Using the allocated resources, the first and second UEs communicate using a subframe that has a first set of symbols in during which the first UE transmits, a second set of symbols during which the second UE transmits, and a guard interval between the first and second UEs.
US09185690B2

An evolved Node B (eNB) for allocating resources for a device-to-device (D2D) link between User Equipments (UEs) is described. The eNB includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The eNB allocates resources for a D2D signal. The D2D signal is transmitted or received by the UE in uplink spectrum in a case of Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) or in uplink subframes in a case of Time Division Duplexing (TDD).
US09185686B2

A base station judges whether backup channel of the base station has therein a channel which is not an operating channel of another base station configuring an adjacent cell by the channel management unit, and, if there is at least one channel which is not an operating channel of the another base station, performs fairness processing according to a prescribed etiquette to have one of the channels as an operating channel of the base station, and, if not, determines a base station which requests a release of an operating channel from the another based on the basis of a degree of satisfaction defined as a function of an offered communication traffic within a cell, a transmission rate depending on a propagation environment between the base station and a wireless communication terminal and an actually allocated operating channel number, and performs negotiation processing to cause a release of an operating channel.
US09185680B2

A contextual push notification service is provided, including: receiving, by a mobile device, a notification message. The notification message comprises at least one context rule and a notification message. The at least one context rule is compared, on the mobile device, with at least one user context preference. Based on the results of the comparison, a notification action is taken.
US09185679B2

A method of setting a cycle of a low-duty mode in a femto base station is provided. The cycle of the low-duty mode has a pattern in which an available interval and an unavailable interval repeatedly appear, and the available interval is set to include a paging listening interval of a paging cycle. A method of setting a cycle of a low-duty mode in a femto base station having a service area overlapping with that of a macrocell is provided. An unavailable interval is set by taking the overlapping degree of the service area of the femto base station with the macrocell into consideration. A method of setting a cycle of a low-duty mode in a plurality of femto base stations operated in the low-duty mode is provided. The same cycle can be set for a plurality of base stations.
US09185677B2

The present disclosure provides a system, device and method for estimating an AP location using log data. Information, which is not pre-stored in a database when the information is updated, is classified and then location information of an AP is estimated by using log data of a user in such a manner of estimating a location of the AP by using log data of a user in wireless LAN based positioning and thus updating the database for the wireless LAN based positioning, thereby improving positioning accuracy.
US09185676B2

There is provided a method in a cellular telecommunications network, the cellular telecommunications network comprising at least a first cell and a second cell. The method comprises the steps of transmitting first periodic physical signals, usable by a device to determine its location, to the first cell; and transmitting second periodic physical signals, usable by a device to determine its location, to the second cell. The second periodic physical signals are synchronized with the first periodic physical signals and have a timing offset, such that the first periodic physical signals and the second periodic physical signals are not transmitted simultaneously. The method is characterized in that transmission of data or control signals to the first cell is inhibited when the second periodic physical signals are transmitted to the second cell.
US09185675B2

Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for classifying a mobile device location are described. An example of a method for classifying the mobile device location includes mapping the mobile device location to a pixel address in a dilated test texture, wherein the dilated test texture corresponds to an uncertainty estimation associated with the mobile device location and determining an in-out classification of the mobile device location based on a query of a pixel value associated with the pixel address in the dilated test texture.
US09185669B2

A method for uplink synchronization in a distributed antenna system is provided. A user equipment determines a transmission offset based on a transmission point for uplink synchronization, allocates uplink synchronization signal to a second communication channel based on the transmission offset, and transmits the uplink transmission signal to the transmission point for uplink synchronization through the second communication channel.
US09185667B2

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus (e.g., first transmitter) determines a transmission power of each of a plurality of neighboring transmitters respectively transmitting on a plurality of subchannels in a bandwidth, detects a pathloss to each of the plurality of neighboring transmitters respectively transmitting on the plurality of subchannels, and selects one of the plurality of subchannels for transmitting a signal based on the determined transmission power on each of the plurality of subchannels and the detected pathloss to each of the plurality of neighboring transmitters respectively transmitting on the plurality of subchannels.
US09185665B2

A Power Headroom Report (PHR) method and apparatus for a mobile communication system supporting carrier aggregation are provided. The method for transmitting PHR of a terminal in a mobile communication system includes configuring, when a PHR is triggered for at least one activated serving cell, an extended PHR for the at least one activated serving cell, the PHR being triggered when a change of a downlink path loss in the at least one activated serving cell is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and transmitting the extended PHR.
US09185656B2

An integrated circuit chip includes an output node, receiver front ends, and control logic. The receiver front ends are configured to receive an input signal. Each of the receiver front ends is configured to receive the input signal and provide an output signal at the output node. At least one of the receiver front ends is configured to selectively consume less power. The control logic is configured to select the number of receiver front ends providing an output signal to the output node based on a received signal strength indication.
US09185654B2

A network server, such as, for example, a mobile positioning center, having an information or schedule controller or having access to an information or schedule controller is provided. The information or schedule controller is provided with a schedule for a low duty cycle wireless device to provide the network server with the ability to store messages for transmission to the low duty cycle wireless device when the low duty cycle wireless device is in a low power mode of operation and transmit the messages during scheduled awake times.
US09185650B2

Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling by the User Equipment (UE) downlink power in early decode termination mode. In one aspect, the UE may be configured to perform early decoding of a downlink (DL) transmission from a base station. The UE further configured to estimate a signal-to-interference ratio (SIRE) of the DL transmission. Based on the SIRE, the UE is configured to select a Transmission Power Control (TPC) command sequence for a low power mode of operation of the UE in which a receiver is powered down. The UE is further configured to activate the low power mode and transmit the selected TPC command sequence to the base station to adjust a DL transmission power during the low power mode.
US09185644B2

A terminal device includes a communication unit, and a first identifying unit. The communication unit is configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of access points, receive an output signal from each of the plurality of access points, and send an instruction to an image processing device through one of the plurality of access points. The first identifying unit is configured to identify, from among the plurality of access points, at least one accessible access point from which the communication unit is currently capable of receiving the outputted signal, and identify a target access point through which the communication unit most recently has sent the instruction to the image processing device from among the at least one accessible access point. The communication unit connects to the target access point.
US09185642B2

A portable telephone equipped with a communication section used for communication inside and outside a country that includes an acquisition section configured to acquire information on a communications company that can be connected at the time of connection to a base station, a judgment section judges whether or not the acquired information on the communications company indicates a communications company for which flat-rate data communication is accessible, and a connection control section performs connection by the communication section to the communications company indicated by the acquired information on the communications company and sets that flat-rate data communication is accessible when judged YES by the judgment section, and conversely performs connection by the communication section to the communications company indicated by the acquired communications company information and sets that flat-rate data communication is not accessible when judged NO by judgment section.
US09185639B1

A system and method of assisting a radio in finding a network is presented. A method first detects existing nodes. A message is received on a slow communication link in a slow network from a new node. One or more existing nodes are found that may connect to new node with a fast communication link in a fast network. The fast network has a data rate that is faster than the slow network. A message is transmitted over the slow network to the new node to provide the new node possible existing nodes that are near it that it may connect to. Based on that message the new node establishes a fast communications link on the fast network between the new node and an existing node. The fast communications link can be a directional link.
US09185636B2

An apparatus and method for automatically searching for a low-power Base Station (BS) supporting access of a registered user in a mobile communication system includes a method of performing automatic search on a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) cell by a User Equipment (UE). The method includes determining by the UE whether automatic search needs to be performed on the CSG cell. The method also includes, if it is determined that automatic search does not need to be performed on the CSG cell, turning off by the UE a CSG cell automatic search function of the UE by emptying a first white list including CSG Identifiers of accessible CSG cells.
US09185632B2

An information storage apparatus includes a transmission unit that transmits configuration information to an operation terminal connected to the information storage apparatus, the configuration information indicating whether the information storage apparatus is configured to store location information of the operation terminal; a control unit that performs a process requested by a request sent from the operation terminal; and a storage control unit that stores, in a storage unit of the information storage apparatus, the location information of the operation terminal in association with information related to the process requested by the request. When the configuration information indicates that the information storage apparatus is configured to store the location information, the control unit performs the process requested by the request only when the location information is received from the operation terminal together with the request.
US09185629B2

The present disclosure is directed to networks having reduced power consumption characteristics and associated methods. In one aspect, a method for reducing power consumption in a multi-hop network can include receiving data at a plurality of primary nodes in a multi-hop network and transmitting the data from the plurality of primary nodes to a plurality of secondary nodes. Individual primary nodes have nearest neighbors at a defined distance and the secondary nodes are spaced at a distance that is greater than the defined distance away from individual primary nodes. Data is transmitted from a given primary node to a secondary node by skipping at least one intervening node and reducing power consumption of the wireless network.
US09185626B1

A method of extending a peer-to-peer platform to a mobile communication device comprises assigning an identifier to a Voice over Internet Protocol identity and sending a license key to a trusted register in the mobile communication device. The method further comprises cross listing the identifier with the Voice over Internet Protocol identity, wherein a call placed to the Voice over Internet Protocol identity is routed to both an electronic device and the mobile communication device and routing a Voice Over Internet Protocol call addressed to the Voice over Internet Protocol identity to both the electronic device and the mobile communication device, wherein the call routing to the mobile communication device is based on the identifier and the cross listing.
US09185624B2

The present solution relates to a method in a user equipment (310) for setting up an activation time of a cell change of the user equipment (310) from a serving cell (305) to a target cell (308) in a wireless communications network (300). The user equipment (310) receives (501) a timing offset from a network controller (315), calculates (502) a cell change activation time based on the timing offset and transmits (503) the calculated activation time to the network controller (315). Then, the user equipment (310) receives (504) an approval of the cell change from the network controller (315) and moves (505) from the serving cell (306) to the target cell (308) at the activation time if the approval has been received.
US09185622B2

An approach is provided for cell re-selection. A notification message is generated to indicate initiation of a coverage area re-selection procedure to operate in a new coverage area from a current coverage area. The re-selection procedure is performed if an acknowledgement message is received in response to the notification message.
US09185621B2

The present invention provides a method for supporting mobility of selected IP traffic offload (SIPTO) by a server undertaking a control plane in a mobile communication network. The method can comprise the following steps: receiving a handover request message for a terminal receiving a SIPTO service by means of a source base station to a target base station; deciding whether to deactivate the SIPTO service; performing a process for disconnecting a public data network connection (PDN) for the SIPTO, based on the decision; and transmitting to the terminal via the source base station a message including information for reactivating the SIPTO after the handover, according to the decision.
US09185617B2

A method and system for supporting an evolved universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) are disclosed. The system includes a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a UTRAN and an E-UTRAN. The UTRAN sends to the WTRU a list of available radio access technologies in a coverage area of the UTRAN. The list includes information related to the E-UTRAN. The WTRU receives the list and may initiate a handoff based on the list. The WTRU then sends its multi-mode/multi-RAT capability information including the E-UTRAN capability to the UTRAN. The UTRAN then sends a measurement capability message to the WTRU. The measurement capability message includes parameters necessary for performing measurements on an E-UTRAN channel. The WTRU performs measurements based on the measurement capability message and reports measurement results to the UTRAN. The UTRAN may initiate a handoff to the E-UTRAN based on the measurement results.
US09185615B2

A wireless communication system according to the present invention is a wireless communication system including a mobile station and a base station that wirelessly communicates with the mobile station. The wireless communication system includes area determination unit that determines, based on position information of the mobile station, which of a plurality of areas the mobile station is positioned, in which the plurality of areas are obtained by dividing a cell managed by the base station, and neighbor cell information notification unit that notifies the mobile station of neighbor cell information associated with the area where the mobile station is positioned. This configuration enables cell search for the neighbor cell at the mobile station in a smaller area than a cell corresponding to the position of the mobile station.
US09185609B2

A handover control method includes the follow steps. First, determining a geographical location of each femtocell and determining a maximum bandwidth provided by each femtocell, and determining which femtocells are in a same region according to the geographical information of each femtocell. Secondly, selecting one or more femtocells from one region as server femtocells of the region by comparing the maximum bandwidth of the femtocells in the same region, and transmitting identification information of each server femtocell to non-server femtocells near the server femtocell. Thirdly. transmitting registration information of all other femtocells of all regions to each server femtocell. Fourthly, when receiving a handover report from user equipment to switch from an original femtocell to a target femtocell, obtaining the registration information of the target femtocell from one server femtocell. Finally, transmitting a control signal including the obtained registration information to the user equipment.
US09185605B2

A radio communication apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive information controlling a timing at which an access request for accessing an access destination over a network is to be executed. The radio communication apparatus also includes a control unit configured to control execution of the access request with a timing controlled based at least in part on the information. An associated method, medium and an information processing apparatus are also described.
US09185599B2

Disclosed is method for controlling interference in a wireless system having multiple sending and receiving nodes. In the method for controlling interference in a wireless system having multiple sending and receiving nodes, a plurality of receiving nodes share each other's channel information, each of the receiving nodes uses the shared channel information to calculate a precoding matrix which is fed back to the sending nodes, and each of the sending nodes uses each of the precoding matrices received as feedback to transmit a send signal to the receiving nodes, thereby controlling interference. Complete interference alignment can be achieved even by just sharing channel information between receiving nodes, and the invention can be employed not only for inter-cell interference but also for intra-cell interference environments.
US09185594B2

The present patent application improves DARP by allowing multiple users on one time slot (MUROS). It comprises means and instructions for sharing signals on a single channel, comprising setting up a new connection, allocating a new time slot if there is an unused time slot on a channel frequency, selecting an used time slot for the new connection to share with an existing connection if there is not an unused time slot on the channel frequency, and selecting a different training sequence code for the new connection if the used time slot on the channel frequency has been selected for the new connection to share with an existing connection.
US09185593B2

Wireless communication systems and methods of scheduling access terminal responses to an interactive multicast message are provided. A radio access network (RAN) generates an access control message (ACM), the ACM indicating feedback instructions for a plurality of access terminals (ATs) belonging to a given multicast group. The feedback instructions of the ACM designate a temporary manner in which the plurality of access terminals are to respond to an interactive multicast message. The target ATs receive the interactive multicast message as well as the ACM. The target ATs, or multicast group members, respond to the interactive multicast message based on the feedback instructions for the plurality of access terminals indicated by the ACM.
US09185589B2

Example methods and apparatus to identify wireless carrier performance effects are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving an indication of media content presentation on a wireless communication device, monitoring a wireless carrier operating parameter in response to receiving the indication of media content presentation, and monitoring the wireless communication device for a media content presentation command. The example method also includes associating the media content presentation command and the wireless carrier operating parameter with a scoring factor indicative of subscriber preferences, and generating a report including the scoring factor.
US09185581B2

The present disclosure relates to identifying stale failure reports in a cellular communications network. In one embodiment, a node in a cellular communications network receives a failure report associated with a connection failure for a user equipment and determines when the connection failure occurred with respect to a most recent mobility adjustment made by the node. If the connection failure occurred before the most recent mobility adjustment made by the node, the node classifies the failure report as a stale failure report. In one embodiment, if the failure report is classified as a stale failure report, the node discards the failure. In another embodiment, if the failure report is classified as a stale failure report, the node considers the failure report with reduced relevance for a next iteration of a process to determine whether new mobility adjustments are desired.
US09185580B2

A method for performing a logged measurement in wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving measurement configuration from a network, logging MDT (Minimization of Driving Tests) measurement, detecting whether a condition for state transition has occurred, performing state transition when the condition for state transition has occurred, and logging state transition information related to said state transition.
US09185560B2

A wireless device may perform a local authentication to reduce the traffic on a network. The local authentication may be performed using a local web server and/or a local OpenID provider (OP) associated with the wireless device. The local web server and/or local OP may be implemented on a security module, such as a smartcard or a trusted execution environment for example. The local OP and/or local web server may be used to implement a provisioning phase to derive a session key, associated with a service provider, from an authentication between the wireless device and the network. The session key may be reusable for subsequent local authentications to locally authenticate a user of the wireless device to the service provider.
US09185559B2

A method and apparatus are provided for a subsidizing service provider entity to personalize a subscriber device to ensure the subscriber device cannot be used in a network of a different service provider entity. As the service provider entity subsidizes the subscriber device, it desires to ensure that subscriber device is personalized such that the subscriber device may operate only in its network and not a network of a different service provider entity. The subscriber device is pre-configured with a plurality of provider-specific and/or unassociated root certificates by the manufacturer of the subscriber device. A communication service is established between the service provider entity and the subscriber device allowing for the mutual authentication of the subscriber device and the service provider entity. After mutual authentication, the service provider entity sends a command to the subscriber device to disable/delete some/all root certificates that are unassociated with the service provider entity.
US09185556B2

An approach for forming a common network using shared private wireless networks is described. A shared access platform receives a request, from a user device, for connectivity to a wireless service provider network formed by a plurality of customer premise nodes. The shared access platform also authenticates, in response to the request, the user device for access to the wireless service provider network based on permission settings established for the plurality of nodes in association with the wireless service provider network.
US09185550B2

A vehicle wireless communication apparatus, including: a first portable device; a second portable device; a first receiver; a second receiver; a control apparatus; an in-vehicle communication network; and a relay unit, wherein, on receiving first directive data transmitted from the first portable device, the first receiver transmits first identification data of the first portable device to the relay unit; on receiving second directive data transmitted from the second portable device, the second receiver transmits second identification data of the second portable device to the relay unit; and on receiving the first identification data transmitted from the first portable device or the second identification data transmitted from the second portable device, the relay unit transmits more-recently received data to the control apparatus as identification data continuously at predetermined regular intervals.
US09185540B2

Apparatus configured to operate as a network element within an IMS to provide services to a subscriber. The apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving charging function information for the subscriber provided by a subscriber profile server, the charging function information including an indication of a plurality of IMS network element types that may be used to provide services to the subscriber and, for each of the plurality of IMS network element types, specifying whether an IMS network element of that type should send charging information for the subscriber to an offline charging function and whether an IMS network of that type should send charging information for the subscriber to an online charging function. The apparatus further comprises a processor for determining whether the IMS network element should send charging information for the subscriber to an offline charging function and whether the IMS network should send charging information for the subscriber to an online charging function and a transmitter for sending charging information to any of an offline charging function accordingly.
US09185534B2

In a method of notifying a user of an option to participate in a meta game, a presence of a player of a computer-implemented game at a location is detected. An association between a computer-implemented meta-game and the location is identified. The player of the computer-implemented game is presented with an option to participate in the computer-implemented meta-game. An indication of an acceptance of the option to participate in the computer-implemented meta game is received from the player of the computer-implemented game. A performance of an action within the computer-implemented game by the player of the computer-implemented game is reflected within the computer-implemented meta game.
US09185533B2

A process includes receiving a first communication on a first call associated with a first subscriber identity module (SIM) in an user equipment (UE). The process further includes receiving a second communications on a second call associated with a second SIM in the UE. The process also includes outputting from the UE the received first communications and the received second communications. The process further includes selectively transmitting communications from the UE to an active call selected from one of the first call or the second call.
US09185532B2

A method and a device for transmitting electronic mail messages using a mobile wireless telephone network short message service are provided. An electronic mail message is transmitted by using the at least one short message which includes a short message header portion and a short message data portion. The short message data portion includes a user data header portion having: a) an identifying data field to identify that the short message data portion includes addressing information in accordance with RFC 822, and b) a length data field identifying a length of the addressing information in accordance with RFC 822. The addressing information in accordance with RFC 822 includes data fields differentiated from one another by keywords.
US09185509B2

An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform providing a visual representation of at least one audio parameter associated with at least one audio signal, detecting via an interface an interaction with the visual representation of the audio parameter, and processing the at least one audio signal associated with the audio parameter dependent on the interaction.
US09185507B2

Ambience signal components are obtained from source audio signals, matrix-decoded signal components are obtained from the source audio signals, and the ambience signal components are controllably combined with the matrix-decoded signal components. Obtaining ambience signal components may include applying at least one decorrelation filter sequence. The same decorrelation filter sequence may be applied to each of the input audio signals or, alternatively, a different decorrelation filter sequence may be applied to each of the input audio signals.
US09185502B2

An acoustic transmission device for transmission of acoustical energy to the cochlea includes a liquid conducting assembly, an acoustic input unit, and a vibration transducer abutting a transmission area on an outer surface of the skin over a transition area of the acoustic input unit. The assembly includes a tube with a liquid or semi-liquid medium filling the bore of the tube, and is adapted to be terminated in direct operative association with the cochlea. The acoustic input unit is adapted to be disposed subcutaneously between a skull bone surface and an external skin surface. The vibration transducer is adapted to be magnetically attachable at a fastening area adjacent to the transmission area by a magnetic assembly configured to be provided under the skin in the fastening area around the transition area.
US09185498B2

The invention regards a hearing device with two or more microphone units each having a conduit leading from a respective sound inlet in the hearing-device housing to a respective transducer, wherein the lengths of the conduits may differ without causing a difference in the frequency characteristics of the microphone units and wherein ultrasonic frequencies may be dampened, while at the same time providing higher freedom in the physical layout of the hearing device. This is achieved in that each conduit comprises a chamber and a pipe forming a resonator, and in that the frequencies of resonance (f1, f2) of the resonators are equal.
US09185492B2

The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
US09185490B2

A single enclosure loudspeaker system projects multi-channel surround sound into a listener's room, and so replaces multiple conventional surround channel loudspeakers. The loudspeaker system includes a pair of opposing multi transducer arrays oriented laterally toward walls or reflecting surfaces (relative to the viewing axis) within the media space. The multi-element arrays are housed in a single self-powered loudspeaker enclosure along with a single (or multiple) low-frequency electro-acoustical drive element(s). In one embodiment of the invention, surround channel program material is pre-processed by an integrated wireless transmission device that performs certain digital signal processing and channel mixing steps in advance of wireless surround signal broadcast to a receiver.
US09185489B2

A device that may be used as an automatic voiding diary detects urinary and/or fecal voiding events and records voiding information indicative of the voiding events without the need for significant patient interaction. The device includes a microphone that captures internal and/or external sounds that are associated with voiding events and generates an electrical signal based the sounds. The device processes the electrical signal to determine whether the signal is indicative of the occurrence of a voiding event (i.e., the device detects voiding events) by, for example, comparing the electrical signal to a signal template or comparing an amplitude of the signal to a threshold. The device may be a device implanted within the patient or an external device that can be carried or attached to the body or clothing of the patient.
US09185472B2

When a communication session is implemented, the communications of a direct mode terminal may be mediated via a direct mode gateway such that messages of a direct mode first terminal are addressed with identification information of the direct mode gateway. In the invention identity information of a user of the direct mode terminal is delivered to a trunked mode terminal in a user plane signalling message of the communication session. In terminal procedures identity of the direct mode gateway may be replaced by identity information received in the user plane signalling message. Identity of the direct mode terminal is then in a simple manner made available to terminal procedures of the trunked mode terminal.
US09185467B2

A reception apparatus is configured to receive data including a plurality of packets each of which has information on a time point when the packet is generated; to extract a terminal packet which is a packet included in the data received and which has information on a time point which is nearest to a current time point; and to control an operation clock by comparing the information on the time point included in the terminal packet with information on an elapsed time obtained by adding information on a time point, which is included in a terminal packet of preceding data, to an elapsed time from when the preceding data is received to the current time point.
US09185466B2

Several million television receive antennas installed on roof tops in the US and around the world. A method is disclosed that uses each of the millions of television receive antennas as transmitters to provide high speed wireless mobile and broadband infrastructure to send and receive internet, data, audio, video, at user locations and communication between devices and sensors securely. This is the first converged broadcast and broadband interactive wireless infrastructure utilizing the television as an interface for applications such as financial transactions, home-to-home interconnection, environmental, energy management (smart meters), social networking, streaming, gaming, and security management. A personal server connects to a television receiver and antenna which connects among them wirelessly and connect to a broadcasting site server and an electric-substation server. The invention creates wireless cloud eliminating the need of a personal computer. The method overcomes the problem of interference whist preserving latency, synchronization, and time accuracy.
US09185465B2

A method can include initiating a video request via an application operating on a smart device. The method can also include transmitting the video request to a service provider from the smart device via a network to enable transmission of configuration information to a one-way set-top box and to enable transmission of video content corresponding to media content associated with the video request to the one-way set-top box based on the configuration information.
US09185464B2

A method includes providing identifying information for a customer premises communication device to a provider network, wherein the customer premises communication device is a node of a customer premises network. The method may further include registering a communication channel between the customer premises communication device and the provider network. In addition, the method may include receiving at least one service alert message from the provider network using the communication channel. The type of service alert message is selected based on the customer premises communication device.
US09185454B2

A system and method for linking the account of a subscriber of a multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) network to an account of the subscriber on a social networking site and to receive invitations to follow a page or join a group hosted on a social networking site that is relevant to the video content being displayed on the subscriber's television.
US09185449B2

An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings); etc. The operation of applications such as web browser applications; home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.
US09185448B2

A remote control method comprises: providing a receiving device electrically connected with a display device; the receiving device establishing wireless communication connections respectively with a mobile internet device and a computer; a user inputting a control instruction to the mobile internet device to transmit the control instruction to the receiving device therefrom; the receiving device forwarding the control instruction to the computer; and the computer responding to the control instruction and transmitting a screen frame to the receiving device for the display device to output the screen frame. The remote control method may simplify the operating procedures for switching computers and enhance the communication quality between the mobile internet device and the computer.
US09185446B1

A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device.
US09185445B2

Systems and methods for transmitting a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content are disclosed. A particular method includes receiving a designation at a server of a prioritized audio stream to be transmitted with multimedia content. The designation is received at a server prior to transmission of the multimedia content. The multimedia content is retrieved from a first content source and the prioritized audio stream is retrieved from a second content source that is different than the first content source, where the first content source and the second content source are external to the server. The prioritized audio stream is added to a least a portion of the multimedia content to form a composite content stream. The method includes transmitting the composite content stream to a destination device via a network.
US09185444B2

A video playback system with multiple video decoders includes a content provider server for providing video signals of a target video; a first video decoder; a first display for displaying video content outputted from the first video decoder; a second video decoder; a second display for displaying video content outputted from the second video decoder; a playback control server for controlling the first and the second video decoders; and a mobile communication device for transmitting selection messages to the playback control server via internet and then transmitting modification messages to the playback control server via internet. The playback control server opts to utilize the first video decoder to receive a portion of video signals of the target video according to the selection message, and opts to utilize the second video decoder to receive subsequent video signals of the target video according to the modification message.
US09185439B2

A server may provide information describing characteristics of audio and video components to a client, separately from encoded samples of the audio and video components themselves. The client may use the information to select components, and then to request the selected components, e.g., in accordance with a streaming network protocol. In one example, an apparatus for sending encapsulated video data includes a processor configured to determine characteristics for components of a plurality of representations of video content, wherein the characteristics comprise at least one of a frame rate, a profile indicator, a level indicator, and dependencies between the components, and one or more interfaces configured to send the characteristics to a client device, receive a request from the client device for at least one of the components after sending the characteristics, and send the requested components to the client device in response to the request.
US09185438B2

A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving video content at a mobile device via a network from a video server wherein a single version of the video content is provided by the video server to a group of mobile devices that includes the mobile device, utilizing the mobile device for adjusting dimensions of an area of attention in an image of the video content based on a desired display resolution to generate an adjusted area of attention, utilizing the mobile device for adjusting dimensions of a peripheral portion that surrounds the area of attention in at least one of a horizontal or vertical direction based on the adjusted area of attention to generate an adjusted peripheral portion of an adjusted image, and replacing the image with the adjusted image during presentation of the video content at a display of the mobile device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09185427B2

Several improvements for use with Bidirectionally Predictive (B) pictures within a video sequence are provided. In certain improvements Direct Mode encoding and/or Motion Vector Prediction are enhanced using spatial prediction techniques. In other improvements Motion Vector prediction includes temporal distance and subblock information, for example, for more accurate prediction. Such improvements and other presented herein significantly improve the performance of any applicable video coding system/logic.
US09185417B2

Video decoder apparatus and method, for decoding a motion-compensated transform-coded video stream. The apparatus has: a first mode in which it is operable to decode the video stream at a first resolution, and wherein a motion-compensation step of the decoding is performed in the image-domain. It also has a second mode in which it is operable to decode the video stream at a second resolution, and wherein at least one motion-compensation step is performed in the transform-domain. The decoder is adapted to switch between the two modes while decoding the video stream.
US09185414B1

Disclosed herein are implementations of systems, methods, and apparatuses for video encoding using variance. One aspect of the disclosed implementations includes a method for encoding a video stream that includes generating a first input variance based on pixel values of a first block of a first frame of the video stream, generating a first reconstruction variance based on pixel values of a reconstructed first block that is reconstructed from an encoding of the first block, comparing the first input variance and the first reconstruction variance to detect a visual artifact in the reconstructed first block, and encoding a second block of a second frame of the video stream using an encoding mode that is selected based on the detection of the visual artifact in the reconstructed first block by the comparison.
US09185413B2

A channel equalizer includes a first transformer, an estimator, an average calculator, a second transformer, a coefficient calculator, a compensator, and a third transformer. The first transformer converts normal data into frequency domain data, where a known data sequence is periodically repeated in the normal data. The estimator estimates channel impulse responses (CIR) during known data intervals adjacent to each normal data block. The average calculator calculates an average value of the CIRs. The second transformer converts the average value into frequency domain data. The coefficient calculator calculates equalization coefficients using the average value, and the compensator compensates channel distortion of each normal data block using the coefficients. The third transformer converts the compensated data block into time domain data.
US09185412B2

Systems, methods, and processor executable code for high quality wide-range multi-layer image compression of a sequence of video images. A computer-implemented method of adding signal-to-noise improvement layers which are targeted to specific aspects of a sequence of images. The method comprises selecting one or more aspects of a coded image to improve, isolating those image aspects using the selection criteria, and coding a signal-to-noise layer using the isolated coded image aspects. A computer-implemented method for generating a signal-to-noise correction layer from a digitized video image represented as pixels. The method comprises quantizing and dequantizing the digitized video image to create a coded image, subtracting the coded image from the digitized video image to create a signal-to-noise difference image represented as pixels, and applying one or both of quantization weighting and pixel weighting to the signal-to-noise difference image pixel values such that larger difference image pixel values have smaller quantized values.
US09185411B2

A method for decoding video includes receiving a frame of the video that includes at least one slice and at least one tile. Each of the at least one slice and the at least one tile are not all aligned with one another. Each of the at least one slice is characterized that it is decoded independently of the other the at least one slice. Each of the at least one tile is characterized that it is a rectangular region of the frame and having coding units for the decoding arranged in a raster scan order. The at least one tile of the frame are collectively arranged in a raster scan order of the frame.
US09185408B2

A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for signaling the storage of motion information describing the depicted motion associated with digital pictures. In one embodiment, the method comprises signaling the replacement of a motion vector stored in connection with a previously coded picture with the motion vector of the currently coded frame. Another signal may be used to indicate motion vector replacement for all pictures in a sequence.
US09185400B2

A computer-implemented method for determining a video frame type, comprising the steps of receiving a video frame and analyzing the contents of consecutive lines of the video frame in frequency domain by detecting a number of LR-type lines (μLR) of the video frame for which the left half of the line is phase-correlated with the right half of the line, detecting an LR mean error (εLR) as a function of the difference between the values of Fourier transform coefficients for the left half of the line and the right half of the line, detecting a number of TB lines (μTB) of a top half of the frame which are phase-correlated with lines of a bottom half of the frame and detecting a TB mean error (εTB) as a function of the difference between the values of Fourier transform coefficients for the lines of the top half of the frame and the lines of the bottom half of the frame. The method further comprises the step of calculating probability coefficients specifying that the frame type is a TB-type (pTB) or LR-type (pLR) 3D frame as a function of the LR mean error (εLR) and the TB mean error (εTB) and calculating a probability coefficient specifying that the frame type is a 2D frame as a function of the number of LR-type lines (μLR) and the number of TB lines (μTB).
US09185385B2

The present invention makes it possible to perform transmission of stereo image data between devices in a favorable manner. A source device (disc player 210) receives E-EDID from a sink device (television receiver 250) via DDC of an HDMI cable 350. This E-EDID contains information on 3D image data transmission modes that can be supported by the sink device. On the basis of the information on 3D image data transmission modes from the sink device, the source device selects a predetermined transmission mode from among the 3D image data transmission modes that can be supported by the sink device. The sink device transmits 3D image data in the selected transmission mode to the sink device. For the convenience of processing in the sink device, the source device transmits information on the transmission mode for the 3D image data transmitted, to the sink device by using an AVI InfoFrame packet or the like. The sink device processes the 3D image data received from the source device in accordance with its transmission mode, thereby obtaining left eye and right eye image data.
US09185380B2

One embodiment is a method of presenting an audio-visual work which includes: (a) detecting media work content properties in a visual portion of the audio-visual work using a media work content properties detection apparatus; (b) associating a presentation rate of the portion of the audio-visual work with the detected media work content properties; and (c) presenting the portion of the audio-visual work using the media work content properties detection apparatus; wherein the media work content properties comprise one or more of a predetermined number of items in a video frame, a predetermined number of moving items in a video frame, and one or more predetermined individuals; and wherein the audio-visual work is output from a surveillance camera.
US09185375B2

The color imaging element and the imaging device according to the present invention can improve reproduction precision of demosaicing processing in a high frequency region and suppress aliasing. Further, the color imaging element can achieve high resolution by reducing occurrence of color moire (false color). Furthermore, the color imaging element and the imaging device can perform pixel demosaicing processing with high precision. Still furthermore, a basic array pattern including a square pattern and a grating filter line is repeated in a first direction and a second direction, and thus a color filter array can perform signal processing in a subsequent stage according to a repeating pattern of the square pattern and the grating filter line, and can simplify the processing in a subsequent stage more than a conventional random array.
US09185372B2

An illumination apparatus emits light onto an optical modulation device for forming an image according to a modulation signal and illuminating an object. The illumination apparatus includes a light source; a fluorescent material that emits light of a color different from a color of light emitted by the light source; and a light guiding unit that switches between a state in which the light emitted from the light source is guided to the fluorescent material and a state in which the light emitted from the light source is not guided to the fluorescent material.
US09185370B2

A camera according to the present invention, which is capable of continuous shooting before and after a still image shot according to photographer's operation, comprises: an imaging section converting an object image into image data; a still image shooting section obtaining image data of the still image according to release operation; a continuous shooting section obtaining the image data by continuous shooting before and after the obtaining of the still image in the still image shooting section; an image processing section performing image processing which is different from that of the image data obtained by the still image shooting section and changed sequentially, on the image data obtained by the continuous shooting section; and a recording section recording the image data image-processed by the image processing section.
US09185363B2

An imaging system is provided for a vehicle. The imaging system includes: an imager configured to image a forward external scene of the controlled vehicle and to generate image frame data corresponding to each frame of a series of acquired image frames; and a processor configured to receive and analyze the image frame data to detect a dominant scene motion and to determine relative motion of objects as compared to the dominant scene motion, and wherein the analysis of the image frame data performed by the processor includes categorizing objects detected in the image frame data using the relative motion of those objects.
US09185357B2

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a multimodal optical sectioning microscope (200, 400, 600) for full-field imaging of a volumic and scattering sample comprising: —a full-field OCT system for providing an image of a first section in depth of the sample comprising an illumination sub-system (201, 401, 601) and a full-field imaging interferometer with a detection sub system (208, 408, 608) and an optical conjugation device for optically conjugating the sample and said detection sub system, wherein said optical conjugation device comprises a microscope objective (203, 403, 603), —a supplementary full-field optical sectioning imaging system for providing a fluorescent image of a second section in depth of said sample comprising a structured illumination microscope with an illumination sub system (623), means (421, 422) for generating at the focal plane of said microscope objective of said full-field imaging interferometer a variable spatial pattern illumination and a detection sub system (624), optically conjugated with said focal plane of the microscope objective.
US09185354B2

A home health care monitoring method and system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: capturing a plurality of video sequences from a plurality of respective cameras disposed in different locations within a patient's home, including capturing two-dimensional image data and depth data for each video sequence; defining a plurality of events to monitor associated with the patient, the events including, during a predetermined time period, at least (1) the patient's body being in a particular position for at least a predetermined amount of time; performing depth-enhanced video content analysis on the plurality of video sequences to determine whether the event (1) has occurred. The video content analysis may include: for each of at least two cameras: automatically detecting a human object based on the two-dimensional image data; using the depth data to confirm whether the human object is in the particular position; and based on the confirmation, tracking an amount of time that the human object is in the particular position; and then determining that the event (1) has occurred based on the collective tracked amount of time.
US09185351B2

Roughly described, a system and method for delivering video content to a user's client device in a video-on-demand (VOD) system, which includes providing a collection of video segments, the segments having a predefined default sequence; establishing a streaming video session according to a session-oriented protocol; transmitting toward the client device a script executable by the client device, the script operable to transmit navigational codes toward the head-end equipment in response to and indicating user selection among navigational choices; beginning transmission of the video segments in the collection toward the client device in accordance with the default sequence of segments; and in response to receipt of one of the navigational codes, and without tearing down the streaming video session, altering the transmission sequence to jump to the segment that the user selected.
US09185349B2

According to conventional arts, object data must be included in video data in advance. However, including the object data in the video data causes a problem to increase a data amount to be transmitted from a broadcasting station (transmission terminal) to a reception terminal. In addition, according to the conventional arts, since there is no opportunity to previously insert the object data in video data of real-time broadcasting such as live broadcasting, the user cannot display detailed information of a desired object. Provided is a technique to display detailed information of a desired object in video without increasing an amount of data in distribution of the video data when a user indicates the object in the video through a touch panel or the like, by transmitting indicated coordinate information and indication timing information corresponding to such indication to a search server, obtaining corresponding object data from the search server and displaying the object data on the display.
US09185348B2

Provided are a method and apparatus for recommending broadcasting contents by using a multimedia contents reproducing device, the method including the operations of generating a user list about one or more second users related to a first user; displaying the user list on a screen of the multimedia contents reproducing device; selecting at least a third user from among the one or more second users in the user list; and transmitting a recommendation message to the third user, wherein the recommendation message is related to recommending a first broadcasting content currently being watched by the first user, or a second broadcasting content selected from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG).
US09185344B2

A transmission terminal is connected to a management device via a network. The transmission terminal includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a communication state of another transmission terminal from the management device; a selection accepting unit configured to accept a selection of the another transmission terminal from a user to participate in an established session that has been already established for the another transmission terminal; a participation determination unit configured to determine that it is not possible to participate in the established session when the communication state of the another transmission terminal whose selection has been accepted indicates participation restriction; and a communication unit configured not to transmit a participation request to the management device when it is determined that the participation is not possible.
US09185336B2

According to the present invention, provided is a disc player device (100) that automatically performs a user operation for playing a first play that is a title played before playing of a main part or display of a menu, faster than playing at a normal speed after the power is applied. A signal processing unit (15) is provided with a menu detection unit (17) to analyze structure of various data and detect a menu state, a main part detection unit (18) to detect playing state of a main part from the various data, and a user operation unit (19) to automatically perform a user operation for playing a title currently being played faster than playing at a normal speed until a menu state is detected by the menu detection unit (17) or a playing state of a main part is detected by the main part detection unit (18) when the signal processing unit (15) determines that a First Playback exists after the power is applied.
US09185334B2

In one embodiment, there is provided an image processing device. The image processing device includes: an acquisition module configured to acquire one or more images stored in one or more servers through a network; a generator configured to generate video data based on the images; a first transmitter configured to transmit an instruction through the network to a display device to play back the video data; and a second transmitter configured to transmit the video data to the display device through the network in response to a request from the display device.
US09185324B2

An EPG data service for an Intelligent TV includes various of source plugins polling and retrieving updated EPG information from a plurality of respective EPG information sources and an EPG subservice receiving the EPG information retrieved by the various source plugins, aggregate the EPG information, and provide a relevant portion of the EPG information to an application of the Intelligent TV. For an EPG source with substantially no updated EPG information, the respective source plugin associates EPG information from the EPG source with dummy EPG data. The EPG subservice aggregates the updated EPG information from the plurality of EPG sources and resolve conflicts between duplicate EPG information from the plurality of EPG sources according to various rules.
US09185321B1

An apparatus is configured to process at least one of video data, audio data and ancillary data to generate an output for broadcast. The apparatus includes a plurality of processing components and a control engine configured to receive at least one topology from a host system, each of the at least one topology provides a grouping of the plurality of processing components to process the at least one of the video data, the audio data and the ancillary data received by the apparatus, respectively. For each of the at least one topology, the control engine is configured to determine commands for execution by the processing components on a frame-by-frame basis, to generate the commands for execution by the processing components, and to send commands to the processing components to process the data.
US09185313B2

Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device, including, a pixel array unit, first driving means, second driving means, and third driving means.
US09185307B2

Imaging systems may be provided with stacked-chip image sensors. A stacked-chip image sensor may include a vertical chip stack that includes an array of image pixels, control circuitry and storage and processing circuitry. The image pixel array may be coupled to the control circuitry using vertical metal interconnects. The control circuitry may provide digital image data to the storage and processing circuitry over additional vertical conductive. The stacked-chip image sensor may be configured to capture image frames at a capture frame rate and to output processed image frames at an output frame rate that is lower that the capture frame rate. The storage and processing circuitry may be configured to process image frames concurrently with image capture operations. Processing image frames concurrently with image capture operations may include adjusting the positions of moving objects and by adjusting the pixel brightness values of regions of image frames that have changing brightness.
US09185300B2

A photographing apparatus is disclosed. The photographing apparatus includes a determination unit which determines a scene category to which an input image belongs from a plurality of predetermined scene categories, a photographing unit which photographs the input image, a control unit which controls the photographing unit to generate an original image corresponding to the input image and an additional image where image processing corresponding to the determined scene category has been performed on the input image, and a display unit which displays the generated original image and additional image according to a predetermined event.
US09185298B2

Provided is an image blur correction apparatus including a lens unit having an imaging optical system and an imaging unit configured to generate an image signal of a captured image, a blur detection unit configured to detect blurring occurring in the lens unit, a first correction unit configured to perform image blur correction by turning the lens unit in a first direction and in a second direction, a second correction unit configured to perform image blur correction on a captured image obtained by the imaging optical system, and an image blur correction control unit configured to drive the first correction unit and the second correction unit based on blurring detected by the blur detection unit.
US09185289B2

Generating a composite geo-referenced panoramic field of view image of a geographic area is provided. Geodetic coordinates are generated for each of a plurality of pixels in a digital image capturing the geographic area based on a corrected amount of image distortion in each line of pixels in the plurality of pixels in the digital image. Each of the plurality of pixels in the digital image with the calculated geodetic coordinates is mapped to a geo-referenced map corresponding to the geographic area based on the calculated geodetic coordinates of each pixel. The composite geo-referenced panoramic field of view image of the geographic area is generated based on the mapping of each of the plurality of pixels in the digital image with the calculated geodetic coordinates to the geo-referenced map corresponding to the geographic area captured in the digital image.
US09185284B2

Certain embodiments relate to systems and methods for generating a single group image from multiple captured images. A first image and a second image may be captured, the first image including a first part of a group and the second image including a second part of the group. A user interface may be provided, in some embodiments, for capture of the second image that enables a photographer to provide input regarding the relative positioning of the first and second image as well as providing input on the relative positioning of the first and second parts of the group and the image scene background. In some embodiments, a lowest energy seam line may be determined for an overlapping portion of the first and second images, and the lowest energy seam line may be used for generating a final stitched image including both the first and second parts of the group.
US09185282B2

There is provided a system including a housing configured to be grasped by a hand, a determination unit configured to determine whether an object point is present in a vicinity of an electronic apparatus, a recognition unit configured to recognize a relative relationship between the object point and a position of the electronic apparatus when the determination unit has determined that the object point is present in the vicinity, and a stimulation control unit configured to perform control in a manner that a stimulus is provided to a hand in accordance with the recognized relative relationship.
US09185278B2

There is provided headgear having a variety of components. In one form, the headgear includes a camera device mounted to a brim thereof. Camera accessories that can be mounted to the headgear can include a switch, a control panel, a view finder, one or more lights. The headgear can also include a heat sink mounted to the brim to dissipate heat, and can be configured to block radio frequency emissions, generated by powered components of the headgear, such as the camera, a circuit board, one or more lights, or the like. The headgear can also include a 3D camera device having first and second lens devices mounted to the brim in a spaced configuration.