US09194400B2

The centrifugal compressor is provided with a casing, a rotating shaft which is supported inside the casing, an impeller which is arranged on the rotating shaft and rotates to compress a fluid, and a washing liquid injection device which injects a washing liquid into a flow path formed by the impeller and the casing. The washing liquid injection device is provided with a plurality of nozzles which are arranged along a circumferential direction of the rotating shaft to inject the washing liquid into the flow path and a plurality of chambers which communicate with each corresponding nozzle among the plurality of nozzles and supply the washing liquid to the corresponding nozzle.
US09194398B2

There is provided a centrifugal fan including an upper casing which has an air suction opening, a lower casing, and an impeller which is disposed between the upper casing and the lower casing. The impeller includes an upper shroud which is provided on an upper casing side, and a plurality of blades which are arranged along a circumference direction below the upper shroud, and is rotatable around a rotary shaft. The upper casing and the lower casing configure an open-type casing. A surface of the upper shroud facing the upper casing includes a first portion which becomes closer to the lower casing as separating further from the rotary shaft. A surface of the upper casing facing the upper shroud includes a second portion which faces the first portion of the upper shroud and becomes closer to the lower casing as separating further from the rotary shaft.
US09194397B2

The present invention relates to an aircraft gas turbine having a fan rotatable about an engine axis in the inflow region of the aircraft gas turbine, with the fan having several fan blades, with each fan blade being moveably mounted on a hub rotatable about the engine axis by means of its blade root on an area which is at the front in the flow direction, and with each fan blade being moveably mounted on an area at the rear in the flow direction, on an adjusting disk axially displaceable relative to the engine axis and non-rotatable with the hub, with the pitch angle of the fan blades being variable by the axial movement of the adjusting disk.
US09194387B2

A refrigeration device of an embodiment includes: a heat-insulating vacuum chamber; a refrigerator cryogenic unit that is provided in the heat-insulating vacuum chamber and is cooled to a lower temperature than 195 K; a catalytic electrode that is provided in the heat-insulating vacuum chamber and contains a transition metal at least in part of a surface thereof; a power supply that applies a voltage to the catalytic electrode; and a heating unit that is provided in the heat-insulating vacuum chamber and heats the catalytic electrode. In this refrigeration device, the catalytic electrode is insulated from the heat-insulating vacuum chamber and the heating unit, and the heating unit is insulated from the heat-insulating vacuum chamber and the catalytic electrode.
US09194385B1

A toolkit includes a hollow handle adapted to be fixed with an air pump body that includes a stem clamp actuator with a lever receptacle, and a pump actuator piston terminating in a pump cap. The pump body includes an air output port fixable with an air input port of a vehicle wheel. The pump body expels air upon manual reciprocal pumping of the pump actuator piston with the pump cap. An end cap fixes with the hollow handle and terminates in an LED lamp. The pump lever and a tire lever both include a plurality of additional tool sections, such as a universal ¼″ hexagonal shank aperture, wrench, a spoke wrench, a tire axle bolt wrench, a screwdriver, a bottle opener, additional wrench sizes, and the like. Both the pump lever and the tire lever may be used to aid in changing a flat tire, for example.
US09194382B2

A hydraulic pump control system provided in a construction machine such as an excavator is provided. According to the hydraulic pump control system, a loss of a flow rate is reduced by initially supplying hydraulic fluid as much as necessary from a hydraulic pump to a hydraulic motor in order to accelerate a swing movement of an upper frame against a lower traveling structure or to make an upper swing structure swing.
US09194378B2

An electromagnetic radiation collection apparatus includes an exterior including a bottom portion and first and second walls extending from the bottom portion, the exterior defining a cavity in the bottom portion, the cavity being configured to receive a thermally absorbing material; and a radiation collector. The radiation collector includes a first surface on an interior of the first wall, the first surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the first surface into the cavity; and a second surface on an interior of the second wall, the second surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the second surface into the cavity, where the first and second surfaces face each other to at least partially define an interior region of the radiation collector, and the cavity defines an opening to the interior of the radiation collector.
US09194372B2

The present disclosure describes lowering of the starting torque for an alternator or motor. The disclosure also describes the integrated torque management system, torque control logic and torque control method. The current process may be adopted for any motor or alternator that has to manage the starting torque for optimal performance. The disclosure also provides a method, system and a device to allow any energy generating system to rotate at lower speeds to improve the efficiency of power generators.
US09194368B2

An electro-hydrodynamic system that extracts energy from a gas stream, which includes an injector that injects a first species of particles having the same polarity into the gas stream, wherein particle movement with the gas stream is opposed by a first electric field; an electric field generator that generates a second electric field opposing the first, such that the net electric field at a predetermined distance downstream from the injector is approximately zero; an upstream collector that collects a second species of particles having a polarity opposite the first particle species; a downstream collector that collects the charged particle; and a load coupled between the downstream collector and the upstream collector, wherein the load converts the kinetic energy of the gas stream into electric power.
US09194367B1

A wind turbine built on a vertical axle rotationally mounted within a base. A plurality of frame assemblies mounted to the axle in spaced apart radial positions where each frame assembly engages a plurality of vertically oriented peaked screens, the peaked screens arranged in radially directed side-by-side fixed positions. A plurality of light-weight flexible fabrics, each one of said flexible fabrics pivotally engaged adjacent to one of the peaked screens and of sufficient size for covering the peaked screen.
US09194364B2

A direct drive wind turbine with a nacelle and a rotor including a hub, the nacelle and the hub connected in an interface region. The wind turbine includes a transport system for transporting hydraulic and/or pneumatic fluid from the nacelle into the hub. The transport system includes a rotary unit through which the fluid passes. A part of the rotary unit rotates in operation together with the hub. The rotary unit is positioned in the hub at a position distanced from the interface region facing away from the nacelle. Further disclosed are a transport system and a method of construction of such a direct drive wind turbine.
US09194361B2

An apparatus for generating electricity using water flow in a body of water comprises: an array of spaced apart elements. Each element defines an elongate flow passage and has an upstream side and an elongate downstream side, each element being provided with a series of holes spaced along its length and the downstream side extending and tapering away in the direction of flow. The elements are arranged side by side such that opposing walls of adjacent elements define a venturi section and a first diffuser section extending downstream from the venturi section. The apparatus also comprises:—a flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet;—a turbine located in the flow conduit;—and a generator connected to the turbine; The flow passages are connected to the outlet of the flow conduit such that the flow of water through the venturi sections causes water to be drawn through the flow conduit out via the holes the resulting flow driving the turbine.
US09194351B2

An injection valve for injecting a liquid includes an electromagnetic actuator and a movable valve needle and a valve closing element that with a valve seating surface forms a sealing seat, and includes a perforated disc situated downstream from the sealing seat, the perforated disc having at least one inlet area and at least one outlet opening. An upper functional plane having the at least one inlet area has a different opening geometry in cross-section than a lower functional plane having the at least one outlet opening. The perforated disc has inlet areas, each provided, as a locally limited cavity, with a rectangular or bathtub-shaped contour, a respective outlet opening going out from each in the direction of flow, the outlet openings, going out from the midpoint of the respective inlet areas, and drawing an imaginary longitudinal axis and transverse axis through these, having an asymmetry as to both axes.
US09194350B2

A fuel injection valve includes a solenoid device which generates a magnetic sucking force; a core provided inside the solenoid device; a movable valve element composed of an armature coming into contact with the core, a pipe section whose one end is joined to the armature, and a valve section joined to the other end of the pipe section, the valve element being suctioned against a spring during energization of the solenoid device; and a valve seat unit having a valve seat to or from which the valve element is mounted or removed by the magnetic sucking force generated from the solenoid device and pressing force of the spring. The armature, the valve section, and the pipe section of the valve element are integrally configured by molding with resin, the armature and the valve section being joined by the pipe section.
US09194347B2

An injector having a valve opening, a cylindrical pipe, a valve opening, a valve needle situated inside the pipe in the radial direction and guided to allow axial displacement; a solenoid coil situated outside the pipe in the radial direction; a solenoid core disposed inside the pipe in the radial direction; and a magnetic armature situated inside the pipe, opposite the solenoid core in the radial direction, the magnetic armature being disposed on the valve needle. The pipe is a magnetic first material in a first pipe region and a third pipe region, the first region facing the valve opening in the axial direction, and the third pipe region facing away from the valve opening in the axial direction. The pipe is a non-magnetic second material in a second pipe region, the second pipe region being between the first pipe region and the third pipe region in the axial direction.
US09194337B2

A high-pressure direct injected gaseous fuel system comprising a fuel tank capable of storing fuel at a first pressure and a compressor including an inlet capable of receiving the fuel, and operative to supply, at an outlet, compressed fuel at a second pressure higher than the first. The system also includes an accumulator connected to the outlet and a plurality of injectors connected to the accumulator. The injectors are adapted to inject fuel directly into a combustion chamber. The system includes a pressure relief valve interconnecting the fuel tank and the outlet, wherein the pressure relief valve is operative to allow fuel flow between the fuel tank and outlet if the second pressure exceeds a threshold pressure.
US09194335B2

An exit manifold is disclosed which includes a manifold body that includes a plurality of inlets. The manifold body provides communication between the inlets and a discharge port. At least one of the inlets directs flow in a first direction and at least one of the inlets directs flow in a second direction. The first and second directions are opposite and the material flowing in these opposite directions collides in front of the discharge outlet. The collision of these two oppositely-directed flows creates a high pressure stagnation region that may block or impede flow from one or more inlets that may be in alignment with the discharge port.
US09194334B1

A propellant feed system for swirl-coaxial injection of a liquid propellant includes a reservoir having a bottom plate and at least one tube originating in the bottom plate and extending therefrom. The tube has rectangular slits defined in and distributed tangentially and evenly about a portion of the tube that is disposed in the bottom plate. Drain holes are provided in the bottom plate and tunnels are defined in the bottom plate. Each tunnel fluidly couples one of the drain holes to a corresponding one of the rectangular slits. Each tunnel includes (i) a bend of at least 90°, and (ii) a straight portion leading to its corresponding rectangular slit wherein the straight portion is at least five times as long as a hydraulic diameter of the corresponding rectangular slit.
US09194333B2

The invention relates to a field of feeding reaction engines, and in particular a turbopump 9 for feeding at least one combustion chamber 2 with a first propellant, the turbopump comprising a pump 9a, a turbine 9b to the pump 9a in order to drive it, and a variable and/or disengageable braking device 11.
US09194323B2

A fuel injection device is equipped with a fuel injection valve that is mounted in an engine body and injects fuel containing air bubbles, and void fraction adjustment means that changes a void fraction of the fuel that is to be injected from the fuel injection valve. The void ratio adjustment means increases the fuel pressure of the fuel to be injected from the fuel injection valve when an increase of the void fraction is requested. The void fraction adjustment means adjusts the void fraction of the fuel by changing temperature of the fuel to be injected from the fuel injection valve. By appropriately controlling the void fraction, both fuel atomization and securement of the net amount of fuel can be achieved.
US09194311B2

Methods and systems are provided for heating a catalyst during engine cold-start conditions. One example embodiment uses positive valve overlap to drive a boosted blow-through airflow through the cylinders of an engine. Fuel is injected with the blow-through airflow during the valve overlap, and also injected into engine cylinders outside the valve overlap. The catalyst is heated by the resulting exothermic reaction of the blow-through airflow with the combustion products and the injected fuel in the exhaust manifold.
US09194308B2

A control apparatus is applied to an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger; an exhaust gas purifying catalyst which is arranged at a section downstream of a turbine in the exhaust passage; and a low pressure EGR passage which connects a section downstream of the exhaust gas purifying device in the exhaust passage and a section upstream of a compressor in the intake passage. The compressor is provided with a movable vane mechanism capable of varying throttled quantity of a flow passage of intake gas by moving diffuser vanes. The control apparatus controls the movable vane mechanism so that the throttled quantity of the flow passage is decreased when the exhaust gas is led to the compressor via the low pressure EGR passage as compared with a case when the exhaust gas is not led to the compressor.
US09194307B2

Systems and methods for fuelling a plurality of cylinders of an internal combustion engine are disclosed. The system includes a dedicated exhaust gas recirculation system for recirculating exhaust gas flow from at least one dedicated cylinder of an engine into an intake system prior to combustion. The system further includes a fueling system to provide a first flow of fuel to each of the plurality of cylinders and a second flow of fuel to each of the dedicated cylinders that is in addition to the first flow of fuel.
US09194300B2

A system for bleeding air on an aircraft, including: at least one air bleed valve that can bleed a flow of air on the aircraft, a first temperature information module, a second temperature information module, at least one control module, and at least one data processing module coupled to the control module.
US09194299B2

An anti-torsion assembly for positioning and securing a thermally conforming liner within a fan containment case is provided. The anti-torsion assembly minimizes the amount of machining that must be done prior to assembly. The anti-torsion assembly comprises a torque block with outwardly-opposing side surfaces and a pair of L-brackets. Each L-bracket has a bracket surface that faces one of the outwardly-opposing side surfaces of the torque block. A wear pad is affixed to each bracket surface. The L-brackets are positioned onto the thermally conforming liner using a spacer having a spacer width within a predetermined tolerance. A method of assembling a fan case assembly is also provided.
US09194294B2

A gas turbine engine includes an engine static structure housing that includes a compressor section and a turbine section. A core nacelle encloses the engine static structure to provide a core compartment. An oil tank is arranged in the core compartment and is axially aligned with the compressor section. Fan and core nacelles define an annular bypass flow path. The core nacelle provides a core compartment and includes an opening into the core compartment. The oil tank is arranged in the core compartment and includes a portion aligned with the opening that is exposed to the bypass flow path. The engine static structure is supported relative to a fan case by a radial structure. The oil tank is mounted to the engine static structure. An oil fill tube is mounted to the fan case and is fluidly connected to the oil tank.
US09194292B2

A sheet-metal turbine housing has a scroll part formed by joining opposing scroll members of sheet metal to form a spiral-shaped exhaust gas passage. The housing includes a member on a side of a bearing housing inclosing a bearing supporting a rotation shaft of a turbine rotor blade member on the exhaust side forms an outer side of the turbine rotor blade. Support columns connect the member on the side of the bearing housing with the member on the exhaust side in an axial direction of the turbine and are arranged at intervals on an outer circumference of the turbine. Each support columns may have a cross-sectional shape which includes an upstream corner and a downstream corner in a direction of a gas flow, each of which has an acute angle, so that an upstream surface and a downstream surface are inclined to the gas flow.
US09194288B2

An internal combustion engine can include a combustion volume within a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The combustion volume can be defined at least by a cylinder wall and a first piston in the cylinder. A swirl port can deliver a fluid into the combustion volume via a swirl port outlet such that the delivered fluid is directed around a periphery of the cylinder with a fluid velocity disposed at a predetermined angle away from tangential to a curve of the cylinder wall to generate a swirling motion in the combustion volume.
US09194282B2

An engine cylinder head and turbocharger assembly includes a turbocharger having a turbine housing, wherein part of the turbine housing is integrated into a casting of the engine cylinder head. The turbocharger is arranged with respect to the engine cylinder head such that the rotational axis of the turbocharger is transverse to the engine axis along which the engine cylinders are spaced. A compressor housing of the turbocharger is oriented toward an air intake side of the engine cylinder head, and the turbine housing is oriented toward an exhaust side of the engine cylinder head.
US09194280B2

Systems and methods are provided for reducing coking residues on an injection device of an applied-ignition, direct injection engine. An example system comprises an injection device; an electric heating device integrated with the injection device; a catalytic coating on a surface of the injection device; and a controller suitable to initiate a cleaning mode of the injection device wherein the electric heating device raises the temperature of the injection device. Heating the injection device allows coking residues on the injection device to oxidize in the presence of the catalytic coating.
US09194278B2

An engine is disclosed of the V-configuration having an integrated engine and transmission. The engine has a crankshaft which directly couples to drive the water pump, oil pump and transmission clutch. The water pump has a drive shaft coupled to the crankshaft that extends across the crankcase from a first to a second side. The water pump includes a housing where at least a portion is defined in the face of the crankshaft.
US09194269B2

A method includes receiving, at a controller having one or more processors, one or more measured parameters, each measured parameter related to a temperature that affects a temperature of a reductant injector of an exhaust system of an engine. The method includes determining a resistance of a coil of the reductant injector. The method includes estimating the temperature of the reductant injector based on (i) the one or more measured parameters and (ii) the coil resistance. The method also includes controlling a duty cycle of the reductant injector based on the estimated temperature of the reductant injector.
US09194264B2

The disclosure is directed at a valvetrain actuation (VA) system for an engine comprising at least two hydraulic rotary valves connected to an engine crankshaft, at least one hydraulic actuator driven by the at least two hydraulic rotary valves, and a high pressure hydraulic fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid to one of the at least two hydraulic rotary valves, wherein movement of the at least two hydraulic rotary valves by the engine crankshaft allows hydraulic fluid to flow to the at least one hydraulic actuator to actuate an engine valve.
US09194257B2

Systems and devices configured to shield portions of turbine conduits from contact with a working fluid flow and reduce the associated thermal gradients therein are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sleeve includes: a base portion defining a shield aperture, the base portion including an external surface configured to contact an internal surface of a turbine conduit; and a neck portion connected to the base portion and defining a neck aperture proximate a terminus of the turbine conduit, the neck aperture fluidly connected to the shield aperture.
US09194253B2

An assembly including a part for mounting at least one shaft bearing of a turbine engine and a support part that forms an abutment for the mounting part. The mounting part includes at least one channel through which engine gases pass, and connection parts that are capable of connecting the channel to an outer structure of the engine and to a housing holding the bearing. At least one of the connection parts is flexible so as to enable radial movement of the channel, an amplitude of the radial movement being limited by at least one of the elements of the mounting part coming onto an abutment supported by the support part. The support part extends longitudinally with regard to the direction of the rotational axis of the turbine engine so as to generate a turbine shroud that is configured to be positioned in alignment with a turbine wheel of the turbine engine.
US09194251B2

An example damper includes a damping member configured to damp a duct wall at an interface between a duct band and the duct wall.
US09194250B1

Various embodiments include detection systems adapted to monitor at least one physical property of a component in a turbomachine. In some embodiments a detection system includes at least one sensor configured to be affixed to a component of a turbomachine, the at least one sensor for sensing information regarding at least one physical property of the turbomachine component during operation of the turbomachine, a signal converter communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and at least one RF communication device configured to be affixed to a stationary component of the turbomachine, the radio frequency communication device configured to communicate with the at least one signal converter via an RF antenna coupled to the signal converter.
US09194248B2

Various embodiments include systems for controlling the flow of main steam from a high-pressure (HP) turbine to a turbine packing. In some cases, a system is disclosed including: a high pressure (HP) turbine including a plurality of stages, the plurality of stages including an early stage, a middle stage and a later stage; an intermediate pressure (IP) turbine operably connected with the HP turbine; a packing separating the HP turbine and the IP turbine; a main conduit fluidly connecting the middle stage of the HP turbine and the packing, the main conduit including a main valve; and a bypass conduit fluidly connected to the main conduit and bypassing the main valve, the bypass conduit including: a blocking valve; and an opening between the blocking valve and a downstream connection with the main conduit.
US09194243B2

An article may include an array of features formed in a substrate and may be coated with a coating layer. The array of features may mitigate stress experienced by the coated article. In particular, the array of features may reduce or limit crack propagation at the interface between the substrate and the coating layer. In some examples, the article is an airfoil that includes a tip that defines an edge. An array of features is formed on the surface of the tip, where the array of features is proximate to the edge, and the array of features does not intersect the edge. The airfoil includes a coating layer formed on the surface of the tip and the array of features.
US09194240B2

A vibration damper between outer platforms of adjacent composite-material blades of a turbine engine rotor wheel, the damper including a peg having a substantially spherical portion at each of its two ends, and two hollow inserts for being received in tangential cavities that are provided facing each other in outer platforms of two adjacent composite-material blades of a turbine engine rotor wheel, each spherical portion of the peg coming to bear with point contact against the inside of one of the inserts.
US09194228B2

A drilling area network hub is located proximate to a drill rig and includes an uphole transceiver in bidirectional communication with a downhole transceiver by utilizing the drill string as an electrical conductor. Certain information is collected including rig-based and/or location information. At least one field report is generated based on the certain information to characterize at least one of an inground operation, an operational condition of the downhole transceiver, an operational condition of the uphole transceiver, and an operational condition of the drill rig. A drilling area network server receives the field report from the Internet at a remote location and can generate a custom report and/or recommended actions based on field data. Region specific parameters can be applied to the operation of a drilling system. The drilling area network hub can transfer data logs to the remote location according to assigned priorities.
US09194226B2

Tracing fracking liquid in oil and gas wells using unique DNA sequences. For each of the DNA sequences, bonding to magnetic core particles, and encapsulating them with silica. Pumping the volumes of fracking liquid, each marked with one of the unique DNA sequences, into the well. Pumping fluids out of the well while taking fluid samples. For each of the plural fluid samples, gathering the silica encapsulated DNA using magnetic attraction with the magnetic core particles, dissolving away the silica shells, thereby separating the plural unique DNA sequences form the magnetic core particles, and analyzing the concentration of the unique DNA sequences in each of the plural fluid samples. Then, calculating the ratio of each of the volumes of fracking liquid recovered for each of the fluid samples, and thereby establishing the quantity of the volumes of fracking liquids removed from the fracture zones.
US09194223B2

Subterranean formations, such as tight gas formations, may be subjected to hydraulic fracturing by introducing into the formation a fracturing fluid of an aqueous fluid, a hydratable polymer, a crosslinking agent and proppant. The fluid enters the reservoir through an entrance site. The apparent viscosity of the fluid decreases distally from the entrance site such that at in situ conditions: (a) the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid 100 feet from the entrance site is less than 10 percent of the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid at the entrance site; (b) the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid 15 minutes after introduction into the entrance site is less than 15% of the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid at the entrance site; and/or (c) the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid is less than 10 cP within 15 minutes after being introduced through the entrance site.
US09194213B2

A packer for a well is described. The packer comprises at least one packing element, at least one anchoring element, and a mandrel coupled to the at least one anchoring element. The packer is arranged such that, once set, the mandrel is free to move with respect to the packing and anchoring elements. In one embodiment the at least one anchoring element is integral with the at least one packing element. In an alternative embodiment the at least one anchoring element is separate from the at least one packing element.
US09194210B2

Certain aspects are directed to downhole power delivery tools using hydrostatic pressure within the wellbore. In one aspect, a downhole power delivery tool is provided that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The downhole power delivery tool includes a body defining an inlet proximate to a chamber in the body, an actuation mechanism in the body and adjacent to the inlet, and a piston proximate to the chamber. The actuation mechanism can allow communication of hydrostatic pressure via the inlet to the chamber from an annulus external to the body in response to an actuation force being applied to the actuation mechanism. The hydrostatic pressure communicated to the chamber applies a first force to the piston. The piston applies a second force to a rod movable relative to the body in response to the first force being applied to the piston.
US09194206B2

A design for a bridge plug wherein the slip elements include an outer contact portion to engage a surrounding tubular member and an inner body portion designed to easily disintegrate during removal of the bridge plug by subsequent milling. The inner body portion is formed of a softer material than the outer contact portion. Also, the inner body portion is made up of a plurality of segments that are readily separated and dispsersed during milling out.
US09194204B2

Device for carrying a replacement safety valve in a well tube, with a straddle structure for placement inside a damaged “Down Hole Safety Valve” nipple seal area. It is comprising a pair of sealing assemblies (15, 16) to be activated upon setting of the device to seal said nipple seal area, and a locking dog assembly (17) for locking the device in the well tube, said elements being carried by a tubular mandrel (12). At least one of the sealing assemblies (15, 16) comprises a expandable element (22; 34) being activated by a pair of annular press elements (19, 20).
US09194201B2

A casing patch and methods for using same are provided. The patch can include a hollow, substantially tubular body. An opening can be formed in the body. A tapered slot can be formed in the body below the opening. A width of the tapered slot proximate the opening can be greater than the width of the tapered slot distal the opening. The tapered slot can be adapted to receive a tapered wedge and expand radially outward as the tapered wedge slides within the tapered slot and away from the opening.
US09194189B2

A method of forming a cutting element for an earth-boring tool. The method includes providing diamond particles on a supporting substrate, the volume of diamond particles comprising a plurality of diamond nanoparticles. A catalyst-containing layer is provided on exposed surfaces of the volume of diamond nanoparticles and the supporting substrate. The diamond particles are processed under high temperature and high pressure conditions to form a sintered nanoparticle-enhanced polycrystalline compact. A cutting element and an earth-boring tool including a cutting element are also disclosed.
US09194184B2

A control system and method for operating a well completion system utilizing at least one computer programmed in one embodiment to automatically operate the movement of pipe from a pipe tub to the mast and into the well and/or for movement of the pipe out of the well and/or back into the pipe tub. In one embodiment, the computer is programmed and/or configured to coordinate operation of a top drive, and/or a pipe tong, and/or a pipe moving member for moving pipe into and out of a mast, and/or a pipe transfer system for moving pipe to the pipe moving member. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one computer is mounted within a control van which may be positioned so that an operator within the control van can oversee operation of the well completion system.
US09194178B2

A door assembly for covering an opening includes a curtain supported at a first end of the opening. The curtain includes a first lateral edge supporting at least one first curtain magnetic device. The door assembly includes a first track portion extending along a first opening side of the opening between the first end and an opposing second end. The first track portion includes at least one first magnetic assembly. The first curtain magnetic device magnetically couples with the first magnetic assembly of the first track portion such that the curtain is magnetically supported at the first lateral edge of the curtain.
US09194173B2

A trim system for securing trim adjacent an edge of a building penetration, the trim system including at least one bracket that is attachable to a wall. The bracket having a center channel having opposed first and second side walls, at least one locking wedge located along each opposed side wall, and at least one tab extending outwardly from a side wall for gauging bracket distance from the edge of the penetration. The trim system also including at least one trim piece that is attachable to the bracket, the trim including at least two longitudinally extending slots disposed within the hidden surface of the trim for receiving the at least one locking wedge located along each opposed side wall of the bracket.
US09194172B2

A sliding panel structure. The sliding panel structure includes a frame having an upper support track and a lower guide rail. At least one sliding panel is connected between the upper support track and the lower guide rail. The sliding panel includes a sliding panel pivot axis and an extension for riding in the lower guide rail. The extension prevents undesired pivoting of the sliding panel about the sliding panel pivot axis. A mutual attraction device is connected between the sliding panel and the frame with a first mutual attraction part connected to the frame and the second mutual attraction part connected to the sliding panel. A fulcrum is utilized for tilting the sliding panel whenever the first mutual attraction part engages the second mutual attraction part.
US09194168B1

In one aspect, a vehicle's computing device may receive information identifying a client computing device, a pickup location, and an encryption key. When the vehicle is within a given distance of the pickup location, the computing device uses the encryption key to authenticate the client computing device. When the client computing device is authenticated, the computing device may estimate a first distance between the client computing device and the vehicle based on a strength of a signal received from the client computing device. The computing device may then automatically determine when to unlock the vehicle by selecting between a first distance value and a second distance value. The first value is selected when the first distance is greater than a threshold value, and the second value is selected when the first distance is less than the threshold value. The computing device may unlock the vehicle based on the determination.
US09194159B2

The invention relates to a padlock in particular to a padlock for securing and monitoring a switch of an industrial plant. The invention further relates to a set of padlocks, to a padlock housing and to a method of retrofitting a padlock.
US09194157B2

A method and system for real estate marketing allows individuals from the general public to gain access to a real estate property that is placed for sale or lease for the purpose of inspection. Access to the real estate property may be granted to requesting individuals who hold valid user accounts with a Remote Service Provider which can authorize such access. Access to inspect real estate property may be granted based on a charged fee basis and can be monitored via video and/or audio surveillance equipment to safeguard against vandalism and/or inappropriate conduct at the property location.
US09194156B2

An easily installable and preferably antimicrobial cover trim for a push bar of an exit device for a door, as well as a method for increasing fingerprint resistance of metal touch surfaces.
US09194155B2

A barrier cable anchor rail assembly is disclosed. The assembly is adapted to be encapsulated in a concrete column and engage a plurality of cables to provide a barrier between successive columns of concrete. The assembly includes a first rail member and a plurality of threaded connectors. The threaded connectors are adapted to be engaged by a chuck that includes cable grippers adapted to engage one of the cables. The threaded connectors can be attached to the first rail member in the same orientation with a predetermined spacing between the central axis of the plurality of threaded connectors. The first rail member maintains the orientation and predetermined spacing of the threaded connectors and provides support to the concrete column in which it is encapsulated. A barrier cable assembly adapted to form a barrier between a first concrete column and a second concrete column is also disclosed.
US09194154B2

The specification discloses a portable shelter which is conveniently transportable, easy to set up, and structurally stable in a variety a situations. The portable shelter comprises a canopy which is supported by opposing side support structures connected by a lateral support member and canopy support beams. The portable shelter can be disassembled and/or folded for convenient transportation.
US09194145B2

A non-permanent seating system includes a first and second riser assembly each having a deck mounted thereto. Each deck having an upper deck skin and a lower deck skin which sandwiches a core. A drive system engaged with the first riser assembly and the second riser assembly telescopes the first riser assembly relative to the second riser assembly.
US09194130B1

A system and method to attach an object to a support structure, the system includes an elongated rail, an elastic membrane bonded to the elongated rail, a riser removably attached to the elongated rail, and a plurality of fastener configured to secure the elongated rail to the roof structure.
US09194126B2

Eccentrically loaded structural members and methods of forming the same. The structural members have their compressive loading axes offset from their load central longitudinal axes.
US09194123B2

A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a grid support member, a ceiling panel, a torsion spring mounted on the ceiling panel, and a spring clip slideably mounted on the grid support member and configured to retain the spring. The spring clip includes a pair of resilient locking tabs engaging the grid support member to lock the clip to the member, thereby preventing withdrawing the clip from the support member. In one embodiment, the locking tabs form a snap-fit to the grid support member. The spring clip is positionable in a plurality of axial mounting positions on the grid support member to facilitate mounting the ceiling panel. In one embodiment, the grid support member may have a T-shaped cross section.
US09194121B2

Devices, systems, and components for attaching a modular element to a lateral surface at a variety of different angles include a connector module having a modular element interface on one end and a lateral surface interface on an opposing end. A flexible tip seal is located at the lateral surface interface of the connector module. The flexible tip seal enables an assembler to attach a modular element to a desired lateral structure at a variety of different angles.
US09194116B2

A reusable, catch basin filter installable by one person into a catch basin. A blank of filter material is foldable to form a skirt with a central opening and having the shape of a flattened tube. A filter trap filter depends from the skirt. The hollow interior of the trap communicates with the central opening of the skirt. A flat, wire insert inserts into the skirt through an open, first end of the skirt. When installed in a catch basin, the wire insert prevents the filter from slumping as material accumulates within the filter trap. Upstanding fabric loops permit lifting a full or partially full filter out of a catch basin by carry poles or the forks of a fork lift truck inserted through the loops. After removing retained matter from the filter and cleaning the filter trap, the filter is ready for reuse.
US09194115B1

The mountable urine reservoir is a device designed to address a common problem that exists in commodes installed in mobile vehicles. Because the motion of the vehicle may jostle a person attempting to stand while urinating it is common for urine to splash outside of the commode. This is highly unsanitary. The present invention eliminates this defect in the current systems by providing whereby a person can urinate standing up while inserting their penis within the barrel of a reservoir. Thus the walls of said reservoir would prevent any urine from splashing to the exterior.
US09194103B2

A tractor-mounted three-point-hitch implement, powered by the tractor power-take-off, with a rotational excavating apparatus for the excavation of linear depressions, including foundation footings, ditches and trenches. The rotational excavating apparatus for footings or trenches, having flat horizontal base and straight vertical sides, is cylindrical, drum-shaped, and made in sections, to allow for changes in width of depression. It is surfaced with claws and it rotates opposite the direction of the implement's movement, placing excavated spoils on the banks. The drum-shaped rotational excavating apparatus is removable for installing different sizes and shapes of rotational excavating apparatuses. A rotational excavating apparatus of spherical shape is used to form circular or rounded-U-shaped ditches, and one of prolate ellipsoid shape is used to form parabolic or rounded-V-shaped ditches that are shallow and easily mowed. The depth of cut is adjustable by the hydraulic lift on the tractor.
US09194093B2

The present invention is directed to a water pump that may be easily constructed from inexpensive parts and materials and that is powered by the water source from which the water to be pumped is drawn. In a preferred embodiment, two pairs of lever arms located on opposite sides of the pump are alternately filled with water from the source and then emptied causing the lever arms to alternately ascend and descend. As the lever arms ascend and descend, they alternately fill and then compress a pair of pistons causing water to be pumped to an outlet of the pump. Water from the emptied lever arms may preferably be returned to the source, thus minimizing any impact of the pump on the environment and downstream users of the water source.
US09194070B2

An embroidery frame includes a holding member configured to hold a sewing workpiece, an attaching member connected to the holding member and is detachably supported in a specified mounting position in relation to a frame support member provided in a sewing machine, and a positioning member mounted on the attaching member and including second engaging portions and displaceable portions. When, in the specified mounting position, the second engaging portion is engaged with first engaging portion, horizontal movement of the attaching member is restricted. When the displaceable portion is positioned in a first position, the horizontal movement of the attaching member is restricted by the engaging of the second engaging portion with the first engaging portion provided on the frame support member, and when the displaceable portion is positioned in a second position, the restricting of the horizontal movement of the attaching member is undone.
US09194068B2

A sewing machine includes a needle bar, a feed mechanism, a swinging mechanism, a display device, and a control device. The control device determines whether each one of a plurality of sets of sewing data for sewing a pattern is editable, displays on the display device, editable pattern described by the sewing data that has been determined to be editable, and acquires a selection command that selects an object pattern from among the editable pattern. The control device also acquires edit command to edit the selected object pattern, edits object sewing data that are for the object pattern, in accordance with the edit command that has been acquired, and causes the sewing machine to sew the object pattern on a sewing workpiece, based on the edited object sewing data, by operating the feed mechanism that moves the sewing workpiece and the swinging mechanism that swings the needle bar.
US09194067B2

A sewing machine includes a coordinate indicator, a processor, and a memory. The coordinate indicator includes a cylindrical housing, a rod-shaped indicating member, a switch, a single transmitter, a receiver, and a flat surface. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include computing a plurality of sets of first coordinates based on a plurality of times at which the receiver receives a ultrasonic wave, computing a movement direction based on at least some of the computed plurality of sets of the first coordinates, computing a movement distance based on at least some of the computed plurality of sets of the first coordinates, and computing second coordinates based on at least some of the plurality of sets of the first coordinates, the movement direction, and the movement distance.
US09194063B2

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a crimped composite thread, wherein the inventive method consists in extruding, cooling and in drawing several yarns in the form of a plurality of strand filaments and in jointly crimping them in order to obtain a crimped composite thread. The aim of said invention is to make it possible to pre-treat the threads in a manner adaptable to each treatment step. The aim is attained by that at least one multi-treaded yarn is whirl-tangled many times during several operations prior to crimping. For this purpose, a whirl-tangling device provided with a plurality of whirl-tangling units following each other in a direction of the yarn displacement is used.
US09194060B2

Disclosed herein is a process for forming a multilayer construction, and the multilayer constructions including at least one layer of an elastic meltblown fabric, the process comprising extruding one or more polyolefin polymer (e.g., a propylene-α-olefin copolymer) having a MFR from less than 90 dg/min through at least one die having a plurality of nozzles to form a plurality of continuous fibers, at least one die operating at a melt pressure from greater than 500 psi (3.45 MPa) to form at least one elastic meltblown fabric, and adhering the at least one elastic meltblown fabric to at least one extensible fabric.
US09194056B2

A film-forming apparatus and method comprising a film-forming chamber for supplying a reaction gas, a cylindrical shaped liner provided in the film-forming chamber, a straightening vane provided above the liner for the reaction gas to pass through, wherein the outside of the film-forming chamber connects the inside of the liner via a substrate transfer portion provided at the wall of the film-forming chamber by moving the straightening vane from the position that the straightening vane closes the upper opening of the liner. A substrate supporting portion provided in the liner, for supporting the substrate before the film-forming to move the substrate in a vertical direction, a substrate transfer unit capable of moving inside the film-forming chamber through the substrate transfer portion, wherein the substrate is transferred between the substrate supporting portion and the substrate transfer unit.
US09194055B2

A nitride semiconductor substrate is provided, having a concave or convex warpage on a front surface side, wherein when a rear surface side is placed on a flat surface, an average roughness of the rear surface at a part not in contact with the flat surface and at a part where a height from the flat surface to the rear surface is a prescribed value or more is set to be greater than an average roughness of the rear surface at a part where the height from the flat surface including a part in contact with the flat surface to the rear surface is less than the prescribed value.
US09194050B2

A fluorine gas generating device 100 which is characterized by having a cylindrical member 31a for circulating therein the main-product gas, a gas feed port 51a for introducing the main-product gas into the cylindrical member 31a, a gas discharge port 52a for discharging the main-product gas from the cylindrical member 31a, an adsorbent holding member 201 arranged in the cylindrical member 31a to form a space to provide a channel for the main-product gas circulated in the cylindrical member 31a, a stirring blade 202 for stirring the main-product gas that is introduced through the gas feed port 51a, and a gas flow guiding cylinder 203 for circulating or diffusing the main-product gas in the space within the cylindrical member 31a.
US09194044B2

A deposition apparatus 50 includes a chamber 1 having at its top section a gas inlet 4 for supplying deposition gas 25. Inside chamber 1 is a susceptor 7 on which to place a substrate 6; a heater 8 located below the substrate 6; and a liner 2 for covering the inner walls of the chamber 1. Apparatus 50 deposits a film on the substrate 6 by supplying deposition gas 25 from gas inlet 4 into chamber 1 while heating substrate 6. An upper electric resistance heater cluster 35 is located between the inner walls of the chamber 1 and liner 2 such that the upper heater 35 surrounds the liner 2. The upper heater 35 is divided vertically into electric resistance heaters 36, 37, and 38 which are independently temperature-controlled. The substrate 6 is heated with the use of both heater 8 and the upper heater cluster 35.
US09194041B2

The present invention relates to a tris(dialkylamide)aluminum compound, and a method for producing an aluminum-containing thin film using the aluminum compound, the tris(dialkylamide)aluminum compound being represented by the formula (1): wherein R represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and R1, R2 and R3 may be the same as, or different from each other, and each independently represents hydrogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or R1, R2 and R3 may be joined together to form a ring, with the proviso that the compounds in which two or more of R1, R2 and R3 are hydrogen atoms are excluded, and three dialkylamide ligands may be the same as, or different from each other.
US09194037B2

An sputtering device includes a carrier that includes a main body and support members. The main body defines a receiving space and includes a lateral surface defining at least one groove extending along a longitudinal direction. The receiving space and the at least one groove communicate with each other. The at least one groove is defined by a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines recessed portions along the longitudinal direction and communicates with the receiving space. The support members are used for hanging workpieces. Each of the support members includes at least one support arm protruding from the lateral surface and is selectively and movably retained by one of the recessed portions.
US09194036B2

A plasma vapor deposition system is described for forming a feature on a semiconductor wafer. The plasma vapor deposition comprises a primary target electrode and a plurality of secondary target electrodes. The deposition is performed by sputtering atoms off the primary and secondary target electrodes.
US09194026B2

An electric and electronic part copper alloy sheet with excellent bending workability and stress relaxation resistance is made from a copper alloy containing 1.5 to 4.0 percent by mass of Ni, Si satisfying a Ni/Si mass ratio of 4.0 to 5.0, 0.01 to 1.3 percent by mass of Sn, and the remainder composed of copper and incidental impurities, wherein the average crystal grain size is 5 to 20 μm, the standard deviation of the crystal grain size satisfies 2σ<10 μm, and the proportion of the number of particles having a particle diameter of 90 to 300 nm in Ni—Si dispersed particles having a particle diameter of 30 to 300 nm is 20% or more, where the particles are observed in a cross-section defined by a direction perpendicular to a sheet surface and a direction parallel to a rolling direction.
US09194016B2

An annealing separator for a grain oriented electrical steel sheet does not inhibit the flowability of an atmospheric gas during the final annealing of the coil-shaped product and can prevent the occurrence of surface roughness. The annealing separator contains 0.01-0.05 mass % of Cl, 0.05-0.15 mass % of B, 0.1-2 mass % of CaO and 0.03-1.0 mass % of P2O3, and is mainly composed of magnesia having: a degree of activity of citric acid of 30-120 seconds as measured at 40% CAA; a specific surface area of 8-50 m2/g as measured by a BET method; an amount of hydration of 0.5-5.2 mass % as measured in terms of ignition loss; and a content of particles each having a particle diameter of 45 μm or more of 0.1 mass % or less, the annealing separator further containing a water-insoluble compound having a particle diameter of 45-150 μm inclusive in an amount of 0.05-20 mass % inclusive.
US09194013B2

A hot blast stove dome comprises a first dome portion adapted for support on a combustion chamber wall of a hot blast stove, and a second dome portion adapted for support on a checker chamber wall of a hot blast stove, wherein a vertical expansion joint is provided between the first dome portion and the second dome portion and is adapted to allow the first dome portion and the second dome portion to independently accommodate vertical expansion of their respective supporting walls. The dome is suitably provided in a hot blast stove which comprises a combustion chamber, a checker chamber, a cylindrical housing comprising a combustion chamber wall and a checker chamber wall.
US09193997B2

Methods are provided for the detection and analysis of clonality in a cell population, where parallel sequencing is applied to a nucleic acid sample obtained from the cell population, optionally a population of lymphocytes. Replicate samples are amplified, and sequenced, where identification of coincident sequences in two or more replicates is indicative of clonal expansion.
US09193992B2

A method for determining the ploidy of a test genome is provided. In some embodiments, the method may comprises: a) obtaining a plurality of ratios for polymorphisms that are distributed throughout a test genome, wherein each of the ratios is a ratio of the measured copy number of uncut allele in a polymorphic site relative to the measured copy number of the uncut allele in the reference sample; b) taking the log of the ratios and plotting a distribution of the reference corrected log ratios of the SNP probes; and c) determining the ploidy of said the genome based on the number of peaks in that distribution.
US09193976B1

A soybean cultivar designated S120071 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S120071, to the plants of soybean cultivar S120071, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S120071, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S120071. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120071. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120071, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S120071 with another soybean cultivar.
US09193969B2

The invention provides a conjugate comprising (i) a nucleic acid which is complementary to a target nucleic acid sequence and which expression prevents or reduces expression of the target nucleic acid and (ii) a selectivity agent which is capable of binding with high affinity to a neurotransmitter transporter. The conjugates of the present invention are useful for the delivery of the nucleic acid to a cell of interests and thus, for the treatment of diseases which require a down-regulation of the protein encoded by the target nucleic acid as well as for the delivery of imaging agents to the cells for diagnostic purposes.
US09193968B2

The present invention provides improved aptamer libraries useful for discovery of aptamers that have high binding affinity for a single or a plurality of targets. The libraries contain higher copies of each member candidate such that they are more likely to be available to the application of acyclic identification methods that obviate the most time-consuming and costly step in traditional SELEX method, the multiple cycles of evolutionary selection.
US09193965B2

Provided herein are metabolically-modified microorganisms useful for producing biofuels. More specifically, provided herein are methods of producing high alcohols including isobutanol, 1-butanol, 1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, and 2-phenylethanol from a suitable substrate and a recombinant acetolactate synthase having both synthase and decarboxylase activity.
US09193962B2

The invention provides hydrolases, polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., an esterase, acylase, lipase, phospholipase (e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity) or protease activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant hydrolase activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The hydrolase activities of the polypeptides and peptides of the invention include esterase activity, lipase activity (hydrolysis of lipids), acidolysis reactions (to replace an esterified fatty acid with a free fatty acid), transesterification reactions (exchange of fatty acids between triglycerides), ester synthesis, ester interchange reactions, phospholipase activity and protease activity (hydrolysis of peptide bonds). The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts, including the manufacture of cosmetics and nutraceuticals. In another aspect, the polypeptides of the invention are used to synthesize enantiomerically pure chiral products.
US09193958B2

The invention provides a method for producing 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS), the method including subjecting ATP to sulfation and phosphorylation by use of adenosine 5′-triphosphate sulfurylase (ATPS) and adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK), wherein an adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) supply/regeneration system including adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), polyphosphate, polyphosphate-driven nucleoside 5′-diphosphate kinase (PNDK), and polyphosphate:AMP phosphotransferase (PAP), or an adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) supply/regeneration system including adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), polyphosphate, polyphosphate-driven nucleoside 5′-diphosphate kinase (PNDK), and adenylate kinase (ADK) is employed instead of ATP.
US09193957B2

The present disclosure provides engineered polypeptides having imine reductase activity, polynucleotides encoding the engineered imine reductases, host cells capable of expressing the engineered imine reductases, and methods of using these engineered polypeptides with a range of ketone and amine substrate compounds to prepare secondary and tertiary amine product compounds.
US09193955B2

Markers of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The markers are differentially expressed in comparison with normal counterpart cells, and are useful as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
US09193944B2

The present invention proposes methods for obtaining concentrated polyphenol extracts resulting from the stirring process, through a step in which a partially purified beer is placed into contact with a resin that adsorbs the polyphenols, followed by a step in which the polyphenols adsorbed onto said resin are recovered. The invention also relates to the extracts thus obtained, which feature remarkable properties, as well as to several applications for these extracts.
US09193936B2

Quaternary ammonium, betaine, or sulfobetaine compositions derived from fatty amines, wherein the fatty amine is made by reducing the amide reaction product of a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives and a secondary amine, are disclosed. Quaternary ammonium, betaine, or sulfobetaine compositions derived from fatty amidoamines, wherein the amidoamine is made by reacting of a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives and an aminoalkyl-substituted tertiary amine, are also disclosed. The quaternized compositions are advantageously sulfonated or sulfated. In one aspect, the ester derivative of the C10-C17 monounsaturated acid or octadecene-1,18-dioic acid is a lower alkyl ester. In other aspects, the ester derivative is a modified triglyceride made by self-metathesis of a natural oil or an unsaturated triglyceride made by cross-metathesis of a natural oil with an olefin. The quaternary ammonium, betaine, and sulfobetaine compositions and their sulfonated or sulfated derivatives are valuable for a wide variety of end uses, including cleaners, fabric treatment, hair conditioning, personal care (liquid cleansing products, conditioning bars, oral care products), antimicrobial compositions, agricultural uses, and oil field applications.
US09193928B2

Ecologically friendly organically composed fuel products are presented whose composition includes, but is not limited to, ingredients: 58 to 60 percent decomposed straw, 38 percent horse or cow manure, two percent hay mixture from various blends used as feed, and two percent straw dust. The above ingredients are subjected to a number of processing steps with the end product being a hydraulically compressed fuel product, such as a brick, block, briquette, blank, pellet, etc., dried to a less than 10 percent moisture content. Eco-friendly organic fuel products may be created from other ingredients than those described herein could undergo the disclosed process to produce other types of fuel items, both organic and inorganic, with the ingredients comprising wood chips, other kinds of animal manure, and wood chips.
US09193927B2

A method for converting carbon dioxide in flue gas into natural gas using dump energy. The method includes: 1) transforming and rectifying a voltage of dump energy generated from a renewable energy plant, introducing the voltage-transformed and rectified dump energy into an electrolyte solution to electrolyze water therein to yield H2 and O2; 2) purifying industrial flue gas to separate CO2 therein and purifying CO2; 3) transporting H2 generated and CO2 to a synthesis equipment, allowing a methanation reaction between H2 and CO2 to happen to yield a high-temperature mixed gas with main ingredients of CH4 and water vapor; 4) employing the high-temperature mixed gas to conduct indirect heat exchange with process water to yield superheated water vapor; 5) delivering the superheated water vapor to a turbine to generate electric energy, and returning the electric energy to step 1); and 6) condensing and drying the mixed gas.
US09193926B2

Fuel compositions exhibiting reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, based on a lifecycle assessment from the time of cultivation of feedstocks (in the case of plant materials) or extraction of feedstocks (in the case of fossil fuels) required for the compositions (up to and including the ultimate combustion of the fuel composition by the end user) are disclosed. The reduced level of emissions (“carbon footprint”) is achieved by incorporating a pyrolysis derived component having a higher heating value than ethanol and meeting other applicable standards for fossil fuel (e.g., petroleum) derived components conventionally used for the same purpose, such as transportation fuels. Advantageously, fuel compositions comprising pyrolysis derived gasoline can exhibit lower GHG emissions than gasoline derived solely from petroleum, or even conventional blends of petroleum derived gasoline and ethanol.
US09193919B2

The invention relates to a process for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of pyrolysis oil and also to a process for upgrading of pyrolysis oil implementing said HDO process, and also to processing of the aqueous phase resulting from the HDO by steam pre-reforming and then steam reforming.
US09193911B2

The present invention concerns fire retardant materials made of polymers, plastics and elastomeric-based materials comprising nanoclays intercalated with protonized silane.
US09193900B2

Provided is an optoelectronic device that includes: a light source; an emission layer disposed on the light source and including light emitting particles dispersed in a matrix polymer; and a polymer film disposed on the emission layer. The polymer film includes two layers: a first layer including a first polymer and a second layer including a second polymer. The first polymer includes a polymerized product of a first monomer including at least two thiol (—SH) groups and a siloxane-based second monomer or oligomer including at least one carbon-carbon unsaturated bond at a terminal end, and the second polymer includes a polymerized product of a third monomer including at least two thiol (—SH) groups and a fourth monomer including at least two carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds at a terminal end.
US09193898B2

A water-in-oil emulsion composition and method of production is disclosed. The composition may comprise a monomer phase, an organic phase, at least one initiator, and an inverting phase. The monomer phase may further comprise at least one monomer, water, ammonium chloride, sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate, tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, and at least one water soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The organic phase may further comprise at least one hydrophobic solvent, lecithin, and a polyoxyethylene derivative of a sorbitan ester. The at least one monomer may be selected from the group consisting of an acrylic monomer, an acrylamide monomer, and combinations thereof.
US09193893B2

Disclosed is a block copolymer composition for a hot melt adhesive, comprising a block copolymer A and a block copolymer B each having a particular structure, characterized in that the aromatic vinyl monomer unit content of the block copolymer A is 30% to 50% by weight; the aromatic vinyl monomer unit content of the block copolymer B is 15% to 25% by weight; a content of the aromatic vinyl monomer units relative to all polymer components of the block copolymer composition is 18% to 45% by weight; the weight ratio (A/B) of the block copolymer A with respect to the block copolymer B is 20/80 to 80/20; and the ratio (MwA/MwB) of the weight average molecular weight of the block copolymer A (MwA) with respect to the weight average molecular weight of the block copolymer B (MwB) is 0.65 to 1.5.
US09193885B2

This invention relates to a process to make a reaction product UA of at least one multifunctional aldehyde A with at least one cyclic urea U, by mixing the at least one multifunctional aldehyde A with the at least one cyclic urea U in the presence of at least one alcohol R1—OH, and optionally, at least one solvent that has no reactive groups which may react with aldehyde groups, —CO—NH— groups, or hydroxyl groups, to effect an addition reaction to obtain a solution of a product UA, where R1 is selected from the group consisting of linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups having from one to twelve carbon atoms, to the reaction product obtained by this process, and to a method of use thereof as crosslinker for coating compositions.
US09193884B2

An ink composition includes a colorant, a co-solvent, and an acid chosen from oleic acid, linoleic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, and combinations thereof. The ink composition further includes lithium and water. An anti-evaporative layer forms, during uncapped non-use, at an interface between air and the ink composition in an orifice of a nozzle, thereby reducing evaporation of the water from the ink composition.
US09193875B2

A polyol having the formula X(O—R1—OH)m(O—R2)nHq. X is Si, C, B, Ti, P, Al, Mg, or Ca. Each R1 is derived from dipropylene glycol or tripropylene glycol, and each R2 is an aliphatic group. m is 2, 3, or 4; n is 0, 1, or 2; and q is 1 or 2 when X is C, and is 0 when X is not C. A thermoset formed by reacting a polyisocyanate with the polyol. An antifouling coating containing the thermoset and optionally a biocide. An antifouling coating that is not foam formed by reacting Si(O—R1—OH)m(O—R2)nR3 with a polyisocyanate. Each R3 is an alkyl group or aromatic group.
US09193873B2

Protein-polymer composite materials are provided according to embodiments of the present invention that include an admixture of a polymer resin, a surfactant and a non-aqueous organic solvent. An aqueous solution containing bioactive proteins is mixed with the admixture. The emulsion is mixed with a crosslinker to produce a curable composition. The curable composition is cured, thereby producing the protein-polymer composite material that is useful for facilitating removal of bioorganic stains.
US09193867B2

The present invention provides thermosetting aqueous binder compositions comprising one or more reducing sugar, one or more diprimary diamine or poly(primary amine), and from 7 to 45 wt. %, based on total solids, of one or more polysaccharide having a dextrose equivalent (DE) value of from 5 to 30. The compositions provide treated articles, such as fiberglass mat. The binders provide articles having a dramatically reduced binder weight loss upon cure and a reduction in cure energy needed to achieve early dry strength.
US09193855B2

There is provided a flame-retardant insulated electric wire having an aluminum conductor, which is excellent in long-term thermal resistance, flame retardancy, stretchability, and abrasion resistance. The present invention relates to a flame-retardant insulated electric wire containing a conductor containing an aluminum-based material and an insulating coating layer which coats the conductor, wherein the insulating coating layer is formed of a resin composition containing 100 parts by weight of a base resin containing (A) a polypropylene-based resin and (B) an olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer and a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, (C) 50 to 150 parts by weight of a flame retardant, and (D) 0.35 to 6.00 parts by weight of a metal scavenger.
US09193841B2

This invention relates to a film comprising a mixture of at least a first polymer and a second polymer; the first polymer derived from the reaction of one or more amine monomers and a plurality of acid monomers, wherein the one or more amine monomers includes at least 60 mole percent 5(6)-amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole, based on the total amount of amine monomers; and the plurality of acid monomers include those having a structure of Cl—CO—Ar1—CO—Cl & Cl—CO—Ar2—CO—Cl wherein Ar1 is an aromatic group having para-oriented linkages and Ar2 is an aromatic group having meta-oriented linkages, and wherein the plurality of acid monomers has at least 50 mole percent of the monomer containing aromatic group Ar2; and the second polymer derived from the reaction of metaphenylene diamine and isophthaloyl chloride.
US09193840B2

A composite material includes: carbon fibers having an average fiber length of more than about 10 mm and about 100 mm or less; and a thermoplastic resin. The carbon fibers are substantially two-dimensionally-randomly oriented. The composite material includes a carbon fiber bundle (A) in a ratio of about 30 volume % or more and less than about 90 volume % to a total volume of the carbon fibers, the carbon fiber bundle (A) including the carbon fibers of a critical single fiber number defined by formula (1) or more. An average number (N) of the carbon fibers in the carbon fiber bundle (A) satisfies formula (2). Critical single fiber number=600/D  (1) 6×104/D2
US09193829B2

Polyetherimide compositions of formula (1) are described wherein the polyetherimide compositions comprise a polyetherimide comprising a reacted combination of alkali metal salts comprising an alkali metal salt of a dihydroxy aromatic compound and an alkali metal salt of a monohydroxy aromatic compound with a bis(halophthalimide), wherein the alkali metal salt of the monohydroxy aromatic compound is included in an amount of more than 0 and less than 5 mole percent, based on the total moles of the alkali metal salts, and the polyetherimide has a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to 43,000 Daltons. The polyetherimide exhibits lower levels of chlorine and chlorine end groups, lower levels of bis(halophthalimide) and bis(phthalimide), and low plate-out during manufacturing.
US09193828B2

A polyimide precursor composition includes a polyimide precursor including a repeating unit represented by the following Formula (1), a solvent, and acidic carbon black having a pH of 5.0 or less, wherein R1 represents a tetravalent organic group, R2 represents a divalent organic group, each of R3 and R4 independently represents a monovalent organic group or hydrogen, and R3 and R4 are not hydrogen at the same time.
US09193825B2

The present invention relates to a polycarbonate resin having, in the molecule, at least a structural unit represented by the following formula (1), wherein the terminal hydroxyl group concentration of the polycarbonate resin is 300 ppm or less: wherein each of R1 and R2 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 20 or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and X represents a single bond, a carbonyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylidene group, a substituted or unsubstituted sulfur atom, or an oxygen atom.
US09193819B2

The present invention relates generally to substrates for making polymers and methods for making polymers. The present invention also relates generally to polymers and devices comprising the same.
US09193818B1

Toughened polylactic acid-backbone graft and bottlebrush copolymers are synthesized by polymerizing a lactide-functionalized rubber-toughened macromonomer using ring-opening polymerization (ROP). In some embodiments of the present invention, the macromonomer is a lactide-functionalized rubber-toughened polymer that may be synthesized by, for example, polymerizing an impact-modifying monomer (e.g., an impact modifier such as n-butyl methacrylate) capable of undergoing radical polymerization (e.g., styrenic, vinylic, acrylic, etc.) using a brominated lactide initiator via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The brominated lactide initiator may be 3-bromo-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione prepared by, for example, reacting lactide with N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of benzoyl peroxide.
US09193813B2

A phenylene-bridged Salalen catalyst, a catalyst system comprising an activator and the phenylene-bridged Salalen catalyst, a process comprising contacting one or more olefins with the catalyst system, and polymers produced by the process are disclosed herein.
US09193811B2

A true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. Articles made from the expandable copolymer may include tapes, membranes, films, fibers, and are suitable in a variety of end applications, including medical devices.
US09193794B2

The present invention provides novel antibodies specifically bind to an epitope on CD43 and CEA expressed on nonhematopoietic cancer cells, but do not specifically bind to a CD43 expressed by a leukocyte or by a Jurkat cell, and is capable of inducing apoptosis of the nonhematopoietic cancer cell after binding to the epitope on cell surface of the nonhematopoietic cancer cell in the absence of cytotoxin conjugation and immune effector function, wherein the epitope comprises a carbohydrate structure and the binding of the antibody to the epitope is inhibited by a carbohydrate comprising a Lea structure, a Lea-lactose structure, a LNDFH II structure, or a LNT structure. In addition, the present invention also provides use of the antibodies described herein for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
US09193784B2

Antibodies that bind human β-amyloid peptide, methods of treating diseases or disorders characterized by elevated β-amyloid levels or β-amyloid deposits with said antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said antibodies and methods of manufacture.
US09193783B2

This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, retina, skin, muscle, joint, and cartilage using a Dragon family protein. Protein and nucleic acid sequences of human, murine, zebrafish, and C. elegans Dragon family members are also disclosed.
US09193779B2

The present invention discloses protein fragment including a cell binding region of fibronectin and methods of using the same for cell culture. Additionally, surfaces modified with such protein fragment and compositions including the same are provided. Desirably, such surfaces allow various cells to adhere thereto yet avoid issues associated with animal-derived products.
US09193772B2

The production of recombinant proteins using a synthetic gene for increased expression of the protein in Pichia pastoris is disclosed. More specifically, disclosed is a process for producing a recombinant Sm14 protein of Schistosoma mansoni, by providing a synthetic gene for increased production of Sm14 protein, producing the gene and genetically manipulating the Pichia pastoris strain with the gene in order to produce a vaccine effectively. Improved methods are also provided for producing and purifying this protein from P. pastoris cells, which can be scaled for industrial production.
US09193771B2

The present invention relates to the pharmaceutical field. Specifically, it contemplates a polynucleotide encoding a Neurotoxin polypeptide exhibiting a reduced duration of biological effect in a subject, wherein the polypeptide comprises at least one degradation signal in the light chain as well as vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide, polypeptides encoded thereby and antibodies specifically binding to the polypeptides. Moreover, the invention relates to medicaments comprising the polynucleotides and polypeptides as well as specific therapeutic applications thereof. Furthermore, the present invention contemplates methods for the manufacture of the polypeptides and medicaments.
US09193765B2

According to the present invention, peptides having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 21, 23, 27, 36, 46, 57, 60 and 62 were demonstrated to have cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) inducibility. Therefore, the present invention provides a peptide having the amino acid sequence selected from among SEQ ID NOs: 14, 21, 23, 27, 36, 46, 57, 60 and 62. The peptide can include one, two, or several amino acid substitutions, deletions, insertions, or additions so long as its CTL inducibility is retained. Furthermore, the present invention provides pharmaceutical agents for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cancers, and/or prevention of postoperative recurrence thereof, which contain any of these peptides. Pharmaceutical agents of this invention include vaccines.
US09193764B2

There is described a material comprising tapes, ribbons, fibrils or fibers characterized in that each of the ribbons, fibrils or fibers have an antiparallel arrangement of peptides in a β-sheet tape-like substructure.
US09193760B2

The invention provides methods and materials for using apatite chromatography supports to dissociate and remove contaminants that are complexed to biological products. The invention further provides materials and methods for dissociating aggregations of target biological molecules or improperly folded target molecules to improve purification of the target molecule.
US09193753B2

The present invention relates to a Drosophila in vitro system which was used to demonstrate that dsRNA is processed to RNA segments 21-23 nucleotides (nt) in length. Furthermore, when these 21-23 nt fragments are purified and added back to Drosophila extracts, they mediate RNA interference in the absence of long dsRNA. Thus, these 21-23 nt fragments are the sequence-specific mediators of RNA degradation. A molecular signal, which may be their specific length, must be present in these 21-23 nt fragments to recruit cellular factors involved in RNAi. This present invention encompasses these 21-23 nt fragments and their use for specifically inactivating gene function. The use of these fragments (or chemically synthesized oligonucleotides of the same or similar nature) enables the targeting of specific mRNAs for degradation in mammalian cells, where the use of long dsRNAs to elicit RNAi is usually not practical, presumably because of the deleterious effects of the interferon response. This specific targeting of a particular gene function is useful in functional genomic and therapeutic applications.
US09193752B2

Provided herein are novel 5′-(S)—CH3 substituted bicyclic nucleosides, oligomeric compounds prepared therefrom and methods of using the oligomeric compounds. More particularly, the furanose ring of each of the novel 5′-(S)—CH3 substituted bicyclic nucleosides includes a 2′ to 4′ bridging group. The 5′-(S)—CH3 substituted bicyclic nucleosides are expected to be useful for enhancing one or more properties of the oligomeric compounds they are incorporated into such as for example increasing the binding affinity. In certain embodiments, the oligomeric compounds provided herein hybridize to a portion of a target RNA resulting in loss of normal function of the target RNA.
US09193746B2

Luminescent metal complexes, methods of producing and/or designing same, methods of using same, and associated technology, are disclosed herein. A luminescent metal complex may be useful for a variety of applications, such as staining, detection, and/or identification, for example, of substances, such as poly(amino acids), for example. Further by way of example, a luminescent metal complex may be useful for staining, detecting, and/or identifying poly(amino acids) that are associated with any of various environments, such as a gel or a gel matrix, such as any associated with SDS-PAGE, for example, a surface environment, such as any associated with western blot, for example, and/or the like. Compositions, solutions, and kits comprising a luminescent metal complex are also disclosed herein.
US09193742B2

The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of thiocarboxylate silane comprising reacting an aqueous solution of a salt of a thiocarboxylic acid with a haloalkylalkoxysilane in the presence of a solid supported catalyst. The invention is also directed to a process for the preparation of an aqueous solution of a salt of a thiocarboxylic acid which comprises reacting an aqueous solution of a sulfide and/or hydrosulfide with a carboxylic acid halide and/or acid anhydride.
US09193741B2

The present invention relates to compound of Formula I, II, III, or IV, and/or a pharmaceutical acceptable addition salt thereof and/or a stereoisomer thereof and/or a solvate thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R11, and R12 are as defined in the claim 1 or as described in detail in the description of the invention, and to the use of said compounds to treat or prevent viral infections and their use to manufacture a medicine to treat or prevent viral infections, particularly infections with RNA-viruses belonging to the family of the Retroviridae, the family of the Flaviviridae and the family of the Picornaviridae and more preferably infections with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV1), Human Immunodeficiency Virus 2 (HIV2), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Dengue virus, and enteroviruses like Coxsackievirus, Rhinovirus and Poliovirus. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions of said compounds and the use of said pharmaceutical compositions to treat or prevent viral infections. The present invention further relates to the use of said compounds as biologically active ingredients, more specifically as medicaments for the treatment of viral disorders and pathologic conditions such as, but not limited to, viral infections with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV1), Human Immunodeficiency Virus 2 (HIV2), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Dengue virus, and enteroviruses like Coxsackievirus, Rhinovirus and Poliovirus.
US09193737B2

The present invention provides a process for preparing a saturated 6,14-dihydroxy morphinan. The process comprises contacting an unsaturated 6-O-hydrocarbyl morphinan with hydrogen peroxide and an organic acid to form an unsaturated 6-keto-14-hydroxy morphinan. The unsaturated 6-keto-14-hydroxy morphinan is contacted with a first reducing agent to form an unsaturated 6,14-dihydroxy morphinan, and the unsaturated 6,14-dihydroxy morphinan is contacted with a second reducing agent to form the saturated 6,14-dihydroxy morphinan.
US09193736B2

Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating Type II diabetes. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein R1, R2, L, and Q are defined herein.
US09193733B2

The present invention provides piperidinylcyclobutyl substituted pyrrolopyrimidines and pyrrolopyridines of Formula I, as defined herein, as well as their compositions and methods of use, that modulate the activity of Janus kinases (JAKs) and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to the activity of JAKs including, for example, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
US09193718B2

This invention provides a class of quinazoline compounds, as represented by formula (I), and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein: each of R1 and R2 independently, is selected from H, C1-C6 alkoxy, halo-C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6-alkoxy-C1-C6 alkoxy, C3-C8 cycloalkoxy, C3-C8 heterocycloalkoxy containing at least one of heteroatoms selected from N, O, S; Z is —NR4—, C(R5)2, S or —O—, wherein R4 is H or C1-C3 alkyl, R5 is the same or different, selected from H or C1-C3 alkyl; R3 is selected from H, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy or halo-C1-C6 alkyl; n is an integer from 0 to 5. This invention also provides methods of preparation and medical uses of the compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. These compounds have the activity of inhibiting EGFR-TK, and can be used as drugs for the treatment of protein tyrosine kinase related diseases such as tumors, cancers, etc.
US09193714B2

Described herein are compounds that are estrogen receptor modulators. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such estrogen receptor modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that are mediated or dependent upon estrogen receptors.
US09193713B2

The present invention relates compounds of formula (I) wherein A and R1 are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.
US09193709B2

The present invention provides a compound useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of neurodegenerative disease and the like, or a salt thereof. The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I) wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof.
US09193706B2

Provided are an efficient method for producing 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline derivatives and useful production intermediates thereof. Provided is a method for producing 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline derivatives represented by general formula (1), comprising converting a compound represented by general formula (3) in the presence of acid after reacting with an aniline derivative, or converting a compound represented by general formula (3) by reacting with an aniline derivative in the presence of an acid.
US09193702B2

A fluorinated aromatic epoxy compound having a fluorinated ether tail and a pendant epoxy functional group. These compounds are particularly useful as starting materials for producing various water and oil repellents and soil resists.
US09193697B2

The present invention is directed to certain Oxazole derivatives which are useful as modulators of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) and as FAAH imaging agents. The invention is also concerned with pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds as active ingredients and the use of the compounds and their formulations in the treatment of certain disorders, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, skeletomuscular pain, and fibromyalgia, as well as acute pain, migraine, sleep disorder, Alzheimer Disease, and Parkinson's Disease.
US09193695B2

The present invention provides a 1,2,4-triazolone derivative represented by Formula (1A) having an antagonistic activity on the arginine-vasopressin 1b receptor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound or the salt as an active ingredient, in particular, a therapeutic or preventive agent exhibiting favorable pharmacokinetics in a disease such as mood disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, eating disorder, hypertension, gastrointestinal disease, drug addiction, epilepsy, cerebral infarction, cerebral ischemia, cerebral edema, head injury, inflammation, immune-related disease, or alopecia.
US09193691B2

Disclosed embodiments relate to improved methods for the synthesis of activated fumarate intermediates and their use in chemical synthesis. Disclosed embodiments describe the synthesis of activated fumarate esters including those derived from activating groups including: 4-nitrophenyl, diphenylphosphoryl azide, pivaloyl chloride, chlorosulfonyl isocyanate, p-nitrophenol, MEF, trifluoroacetyl and chlorine, for example, ethyl fumaroyl chloride and the subsequent use of the activated ester in situ. Further embodiments describe the improved synthesis of substituted aminoalkyl-diketopiperazines from unisolated and unpurified intermediates allowing for improved yields and reactor throughput.
US09193679B2

The invention related to a process for the preparation of a bismercaptodiether by reacting a polysulfide with a monothiol in the presence of a base and to a process for the depolymerization of a polysulfide by reacting said polysulfide with a monothiol in the presence of a base.These processes enable the preparation of bismercaptodiethers without inorganic salt formation.
US09193655B2

Provided is a method for highly selectively producing 7-octenal with a high conversion ratio through the isomerization reaction of 2,7-octadiene-1-ol. Specifically, provided is a method for producing 7-octenal, in which a copper-based catalyst is obtained by reducing a copper-based catalyst precursor described below, and an isomerization reaction of 2,7-octadiene-1-ol is caused in a gas phase using a fixed-bed reaction in the presence of the obtained copper-based catalyst.The copper-based catalyst precursor: a copper-based catalyst precursor obtained by calcining a mixture containing copper, iron, aluminum, and calcium silicate in which an atomic ratio of iron and aluminum to copper [(Fe+Al)/Cu] is in a range of 1.71 to 2.5, an atomic ratio of aluminum to iron [Al/Fe] is in a range of 0.001 to 3.3, and calcium silicate is contained in a range of 15% by mass to 65% by mass at a temperature in a range of 500° C. to 1,000° C.
US09193650B1

Processes for producing long chain secondary alcohols from fatty acids and fatty oils, wherein at least one fatty acid or a fatty acid mixture is contacted with a ketonization catalyst in a ketonization catalyst under ketonization conditions to provide a long chain ketone, and the long chain ketone is contacted with a selective ketone hydrogenation catalyst that lacks catalytic activity for alcohol dehydration to selectively hydrogenate the long chain ketone to provide the corresponding long chain secondary alcohol.
US09193647B2

The process for preparing butadiene from n-butane comprises the steps of A) providing a feed gas stream a comprising n-butane; B) feeding the feed gas stream a comprising n-butane into at least one first dehydrogenation zone; C) compressing in at least one first compression stage and cooling the gas stream b; D) absorbing the butenes and the stream c2 comprising butadiene, n-butane, hydrogen and water vapor, with or without inert gases and with or without carbon oxides, with a selective solvent; E) extractively distilling the selective solvent; F) distilling the selective solvent; G) feeding stream f and an oxygenous gas into at least one second dehydrogenation zone and oxidatively dehydrogenating 1-butene and 2-butenes.
US09193644B2

A process for selectively dealkylating aromatic compounds includes providing a coal tar stream comprising aromatic compounds and hydrotreating the coal tar stream to reduce a concentration of one or more of organic sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen in the coal tar stream, and to hydrogenate at least a portion of the aromatic compounds in the coal tar stream. The process further includes hydrocracking the hydrotreated coal tar stream to further hydrogenate the aromatic compounds and to crack at least one ring of multi-ring aromatic compounds to form single-ring aromatic compounds. The single-ring aromatic compounds present in the hydrocracked stream are then dealkylated to remove alkyl groups containing two or more carbon atoms.
US09193640B2

Disclosed herein are methods of performing microchemical reactions and electro-wetting-on-dielectric devices (EWOD devices) for use in performing those reactions. These devices and method are particularly suited for preparing radiochemical compounds, particularly compounds containing 18F.
US09193632B2

The invention relates to a method for producing a ceramic-metal connection that is repeatedly subjected to great changes in temperature during use, in which the metal and ceramic are brazed to one another two-dimensionally. Here it is provided that the metal and ceramic are arranged against one another in a monitored manner, preferably in a displacement-monitored manner
US09193631B2

A coated grain is provided with a fused base grain at least partially covered with a coating that includes silica. The base grain includes more than 40% of alumina as a percentage by weight based on the weight of the base grain.
US09193624B2

The present invention relates to a production method for thermochromatic glass in which use is made of a low-temperature metal vapor deposition process, and to thermochromatic glass obtained thereby. More specifically, the invention relates to: a production method for thermochromatic glass in which a low-temperature metal-vapor-deposition process is used in order to effect the vapor deposition of a metal for forming a thermochromatic metal oxide and then subsequently a heat treatment is carried out, such that the processing efficiency is high and the reliability of the thermochromatic characteristics of the glass produced by the method is outstanding; and to thermochromatic glass obtained by means of the method.
US09193621B2

To provide a heat-absorbing glass plate which satisfies both low solar transmittance and high visible light transmittance, presents a green color as transmitted light and contains a small number of coloring components. The heat-absorbing glass plate of the present invention has a solar transmittance of at most 42% calculated as 4 mm thickness, has a visible light transmittance (by illuminant A, 2° visual field) of at least 70% calculated as 4 mm thickness, and provides a transmitted light having a dominant wavelength of from 492 to 520 nm, and it is made of soda lime silica glass having substantially the following composition, as represented by mass % based on oxides. SiO2: 65 to 75%, Al2O3: more than 3% and at most 6%, MgO: at least 0% and less than 2%, CaO: 7 to 10%, total iron as calculated as Fe2O3: 0.45 to 0.65%, and TiO2: 0.2 to 0.8%, and contains substantially no member selected from the group consisting of CoO, Cr2O3, V2O5 and MnO, wherein the proportion of the mass of divalent FeO in the mass of total iron which is the amount of total iron as calculated as Fe2O3, is more than 42% and at most 60%.
US09193617B2

An interlocking structure including: a top panel; a first wall and second wall; a first brace and a second brace each having interlocks that interlock with complementary interlocks on the top panel and at least one of the first and second walls. The structure can optionally have an additional interlocking joint, for example, a boss and via, between the top panel and contact point(s) or contact regions of each wall, and the interlocking joint can optionally have an adhesive seal to lock the optional interlocking joints. Also disclosed is a method of making the liner article and methods for using the article for forming glass, as defined herein.
US09193615B2

The present invention relates to a floating media moving bed portable biofilter and degasser and methods of using same useful for the biological treatment of aqueous nitrogenous waste. Provided herein are enhanced biofilter systems and methods for removing nitrogenous wastes from bodies of water. The portable biofilters described herein remedy the deficiencies of existing biofilters described above due to their enhanced nitrogen removing efficiency coupled with their simple and robust design, relative inexpensiveness, portability, ease of cleaning and maintenance, minimized trapping of aqueous solids, minimization of off-flavors in aquacultured fish, and immediate functionality when transferred to different sources of water. These advantages render the portable biofilters of the present invention suitable for commercial applications for aqueous nitrogenous waste removal.
US09193613B2

A system and method for the treatment of process streams is provided. A catalyst mediates a wet oxidation process at elevated temperatures and pressures for treating at least one undesirable constituent in an aqueous mixture. A catalyst may be selected for its solubility at a detected pH level of the aqueous mixture. Alternatively, a pH level of the aqueous mixture may be adjusted to solubilize a selected catalyst and/or maintain the selected catalyst in a soluble form. A controller in communication with a pH sensor may be configured to generate a control signal to adjust the pH level of the aqueous mixture in response to the pH sensor registering a pH level outside a predetermined pH solubility range for a selected catalyst.
US09193610B2

The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for treating water. The methods, apparatuses and systems reduce scaling associated with solubilized water hardness using a sequence of water treatment agents, including a first threshold agent shedding weak cation exchange resin and a second magnesium compound conversion agent water treatment. The system or apparatus and methods according to the invention provide synergistic reduction of hard water scaling and elimination of cementing on the insoluble magnesium compound.
US09193597B2

The present invention provides a method for obtaining high purity chlorosilanes from chlorosilanes containing boron impurities and phosphorus impurities. On the basis of the finding that solid by-product formation in the purification of chlorosilanes by adding an aromatic aldehyde results from a catalytic reaction by iron ions or rust-like iron, a Lewis base having a masking effect is added to chlorosilanes. Examples of the Lewis base include a divalent sulfur-containing compound and an alkoxysilane. The divalent sulfur-containing compound is preferably a compound represented by the formula: R—S—R′ (wherein R is a hydrocarbon group or a carbonyl group; and the sum of the carbon atoms in R and R′ is 7 or more), and the alkoxysilane is preferably a compound represented by the formula: RxSi(OR′)4-x (wherein R and R′ are each an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms).
US09193588B2

A hydrogen suppressing, flameless, heat generating chemical composition including magnesium or a magnesium-containing alloy, a hydrogen suppressor or eliminator, particulate carbon, a metallic salt including a cation and an anion and water. The anion is selected from the group consisting of silicate, carbonate, bicarbonate, phosphate, borate, perborate, percarbonate, perphosphate, persulfate, nitrate, nitrite, ferrate, permanganate, and stannate and combinations thereof. The magnesium or magnesium-containing alloy, hydrogen suppressor or eliminator, particulate carbon, metallic salt and water are each present in a proportional amount to generate sufficient heat to heat water, medical supplies and/or consumable rations.
US09193580B1

A nano-electromechanical system comprises piezoelectric vertically aligned BaTiO3 nanowire arrays for energy-harvesting applications, sensors, and other applications. The aligned piezoelectric nanowire arrays provide highly accurate nano-electromechanical system-based dynamic sensor with a wide operating bandwidth and unity coherence and energy harvesters at low frequencies. The growth of vertically aligned (B45-mm long) barium titanate nanowire arrays is realized through a hydrothermal synthesis.
US09193569B2

A balustrade device for a conveyor includes at least a holder body, a clamping component assembled to the holder body, and a clamping force applying mechanism. The clamping component has a panel-side pressing surface, and the clamping force applying mechanism has a clamping force action axis intersecting, in vertical cross-sectional view, with the panel-side pressing surface or a plane extending from the panel-side pressing surface. Thus, a high gripping force can be generated in spite of a two-dimensional shape of the balustrade device.
US09193568B2

Provided is a passenger conveyor apparatus that can be reduced in number of components. The passenger conveyor apparatus includes a plurality of footsteps to be moved in a circulating manner, a moving handrail to be moved in a circulating manner in synchronization with the movement of the plurality of footsteps, and a truss for supporting the plurality of footsteps and the moving handrail. A skirt guard is provided on a lateral side of the plurality of footsteps. At least one roller is provided to each of the plurality of footsteps. The roller is guided by a rail corresponding to the roller. The rail is fixed to a rail supporting plate supported on the truss. At least one of the skirt guard and the moving handrail is fixed to the rail supporting plate.
US09193566B1

A ceiling assembly for an elevator cab that includes, among other features, an improved emergency access panel. The access panel appears to be part of a monolithic ceiling panel. When unlocked, the access panel is permitted to drop along a series of slides and remains substantially horizontal. Tracks are provided in the frame of the ceiling assembly that permits the dropped access panel to easily slide away to give access to the interior of the elevator cab through the ceiling. Drops in each of the tracks help bias the access panel open when it is placed in a fully open position.
US09193560B2

A leader member includes a connection portion that is connected to a substrate and a position reference portion that is used at least for aligning the substrate with the connection portion.
US09193549B2

The invention relates to a sheet conveying apparatus which includes: a rotator pair which includes a nip portion to nip and convey a sheet conveyed by a sheet conveying portion; a first moving portion which includes a first contact surface abutting on the sheet on an upstream of the nip portion of the rotator pair in a sheet conveying direction, the first contact surface moving while being pressed by the sheet; a second moving portion which includes a second contact surface abutting on the sheet on the upstream of the nip portion of the rotator pair in the sheet conveying direction, the second contact surface moving while being pressed by the sheet; and a guide portion which guides a leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying portion selectively to the first contact surface of the first moving portion and the second contact surface of the second moving portion.
US09193545B1

A separation function releasing mechanism includes a frame defining two activating slots at two opposite sides, a separating mechanism which includes a bracket pivoted to the frame and a group of retard rollers rotatably mounted to the frame, a group of separating rollers located under the retard rollers, and a pushing mechanism which includes a connecting element mounted in one side of the frame and capable of sliding forward and backward. Two opposite sides of the bracket protrude outward to form a pair of activating columns slidably located in the activating slots with the distal ends projecting outward out of the activating slots. A top face of a rear of the connecting element is defined as a slantwise pushing plane and a horizontal blocking plane in front of the pushing plane which are located under and in front of the activating column to work closely with the activating column.
US09193544B2

A sheet stacking device includes a base member and a sheet stacking portion on which a sheet is stacked. The sheet stacking portion is supported by the base member swingably in a first direction orthogonal to a second direction, and swings and changes an inclination angle for holding the stacked sheet.
US09193535B2

In a food management system for managing a food carried by a food plate carrier put on the conveyor line, the food plate carrier comprises a mounting platform having a plate resting portion for resting thereon a plate, and a cover for covering the plate resting portion, the cover being attached to the mounting platform in such a manner as to open and close with respect to the plate resting portion, and the food management system comprises an IC tag attached to the food plate carrier, a reader for reading data on the food from the IC tag, an open-close detector for detecting opening and closing of the cover of the food plate carrier, and a controller for computing data on the food, based on the data read by the reader and the data on the opening and closing of the cover detected by the open-close detector.
US09193533B2

A multi-directional roller assembly for directing articles in a conveying system. The multi-directional roller assembly has a rotatable roller frame housing at least one set of mutually-actuating rollers. The multi-directional roller assembly directs an article supported by the assembly along a trajectory determined by the orientation of the multi-directional roller assembly relative to an input force. The orientation of the multi-directional roller assembly may be changed to change the trajectory. A conveyor system may include an array of multi-directional roller assemblies. An actuator controls the orientation of the multi-directional roller assemblies individually and may also control an array of multi-directional roller assemblies as a group.
US09193528B2

A device for transferring a container from a first location to a second location includes a first container guide defining a linear path between the first location and the second location, a second container guide defining a second linear path between the first location and the second location, the second linear path having at least a change in path direction, and a motor unit creating a relative movement between the first guide and the second guide.
US09193526B2

A component supplying apparatus includes a chute section including a sliding surface on which an electronic component is slidable. The chute section includes: a pair of bottom support members which oppose each other in a lateral direction perpendicular to a sliding direction such that a distance between the bottom support members is changeable, and each of which includes an upper surface defining the sliding surface; a pair of side support members which oppose each other in the lateral direction such that a distance between the side support members is changeable, and which support lateral side surfaces of the electronic component sliding on the sliding surface; and a top support member which opposes the sliding surface such that a distance between the top support member and the sliding surface is changeable, and which prevents the electronic component sliding on the sliding surface from escaping upward.
US09193525B2

An apparatus for handling electronic components on a lead frame. The apparatus including a singulation device configured to singulate the lead frame to thereby separate the electronic components and to position the separated electronic components alternately into at least two layers along different levels; and a guide having a plurality of lanes running along a surface of the guide, the lanes being configured to transport the separated electronic components from a first end of the guide arranged adjacent to the singulation device to a second end of the guide arranged adjacent to an output area. The lanes at the first end of the guide are alternately arranged into at least two layers having respective levels to receive the electronic components from the singulation device, whereas the lanes at the second end of the guide are arranged into a single layer along a common level for transferring the electronic components to the output area.
US09193514B2

A package providing a storage space with features capable of affecting atmospheric conditions therein, comprising a body having a first and at least one second storage space adjacent thereto, wherein the first storage space is defined by sidewalls, and the at least one second storage space is defined by sidewalls including at least a portion thereof which further defines the first storage space, the second storage space providing a reservoir for containing an antimicrobial agent therein, wherein the antimicrobial agent includes a precursor to chlorine dioxide gas and the portion of the sidewall which further defines the first storage space is configured to allow for the delivery of the chlorine dioxide gas from the second storage space into the first storage space.
US09193510B2

A system is provided for heating a comestible. The system includes a container and a flexible vented package containing a liquid, semi-solid or liquid/solid combination comestible. The package is positioned within the container in a manner that hinders the comestible from escaping through the package's vent(s). The container is penetrable to microwaves and is adapted to not experience heat-induced damage when subjected to a heating cycle in a combination microwave and convection oven. The container is adapted to protect the package from heat-induced damage when the container is subjected to a heating cycle in a combination microwave and convection oven.
US09193509B2

The present disclosure relates to a dual barrier laminate structure, particularly suitable for aggressive or moisture containing products. The present disclosure also relates to a plastic based laminate (PBL) or an aluminum based laminate (ABL) comprising the said dual barrier laminate.
US09193496B2

A Method of Processing a Container and Base Cup Structure For Removal of Vacuum Pressure A plastic container (10) has a wall extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (20). The panel (20) is transversely oriented and can move from a downwardly inclined position providing a geometrically unstable configuration to an upwardly inclined position providing a geometrically stable configuration to control pressure change in the container. This movement may be provided by suitable actuating means such as rod (22). In the unstable configuration a base cup 50 or any other suitable holder can support the container and enable it to be conveyed in a container handling or processing system.
US09193491B1

A system for labels that are positioned on a pharmaceutical container. The system can vary the choices for design and size of the labeling with respect to several types of container in which pharmaceuticals are positioned. The system increases the readability of information positioned on the pharmaceutical container by coordinating a label to the type and size of the container.
US09193490B2

A bag retrieval assembly and bag, which facilitates the covering of a bale of cotton or other fibrous material, are discussed. The bag is configured to be used with the bag retrieval assembly, which is configured to manipulate the bag from a stacked or stored configuration to an open configuration that may be raised and held into a position for further processing.
US09193487B2

A method of packaging a food product using a polymer membrane, the polymer being a self assembling polymeric material, and the method including a.) rendering the said polymer into a film; and b.) packaging a food product in an atmosphere with the said polymer film, wherein said film regulates the atmosphere in which the food product is packaged.
US09193485B2

Folding device for making a fold in a first direction in a foldable material, wherein the folding device comprises a clamping unit and a folding unit, the clamping unit comprising first and second clamping fingers, which with respect to each other can be moved apart and towards each other for clamping the material in between them, the folding unit being placed next to the clamping unit in a direction transverse to the first direction, and comprising a first and a second folding arm, which with respect to each other can be moved apart and towards each other, the first folding arm comprising two first folding fingers that extend in a direction of the first folding arm and are spaced apart from each other transverse to the first direction, the second folding arm comprising at least one second folding finger that extends in the direction of the first folding arm, the second folding finger being movable to between the first folding fingers.
US09193479B2

Monitoring of high-lift systems for aircraft. In one configuration, a method for monitoring a high-lift system includes monitoring a first current draw of a first drive station of the high-lift system, and monitoring a second current draw of a second drive station of the high-lift system. The method further includes comparing the first current draw and the second current draw to determine if a differential between the first current draw and the second current draw exceeds a threshold, and generating a failure signal if the differential between the first current draw and the second current draw exceeds the threshold.
US09193478B2

The present disclosure relates to a flight recorder, having a memory, a control device, which is coupled to the memory and which is configured to record flight data during the flight of an aircraft and to store said flight data in the memory, a transceiver device, which is coupled to the control device and which is configured to accept stored flight data signals from the control device and to convert them into acoustic signals, and an acoustic transducer, which is coupled to the transceiver device and which is configured to emit the acoustic signals of the transceiver device into a body of water, the control device being configured to receive control signals via the transceiver device and, depending on the control signals, to retrieve partial data areas of the stored flight data from the memory and to transfer them to the transceiver device.
US09193475B2

Tire pressure monitoring systems and methods for detecting a tire burst are disclosed. The system may include a tire pressure sensor, a tire pressure monitor, and a tire burst indicator. The tire pressure sensor may measure tire pressure in an aircraft tire. The tire pressure monitor may analyze data from the tire pressure sensor to detect a tire burst. A tire burst may be detected in response to a rapid decrease in tire pressure. In response to detecting a tire burst, the tire pressure monitor may transmit a tire burst message to the tire burst indicator. The tire burst indicator may indicate to a pilot that a tire burst has been detected.
US09193469B2

An aircraft jet engine includes an exhaust-gas nozzle having a device configured to blow out an exhaust gas in a pulsating manner into an exhaust-gas stream so as to reduce noise. The exhaust-gas nozzle includes openings distributed along a circumference of the exhaust-gas nozzle and disposed upstream from a nozzle outlet. The openings communicate with the device.
US09193465B2

An electromechanical actuation system for an aircraft passenger suite for allowing passenger-initiated adjustment of a passenger seat and related passenger accoutrements including a suite control unit configured to receive command signals from a user interface, and a first line replacement unit comprising a first integral electronic control unit and a second line replacement unit coupled to the first line replacement, wherein the first electronic control unit controls operation of the first line replacement unit and the second line replacement unit in response to command signals received from the suite control unit.
US09193459B2

An access platform (208) enables containers (222) to be loaded into a cargo hold (218) of an aircraft (202) from a ground vehicle (220). The platform (208) has two opposite and non-parallel ends (210, 214), between which there is defined a support surface, the platform when viewed in plan having a generally trapezoidal shape. In use, an item (222) of cargo is moved between the cargo hold (218) and the ground vehicle (220) via a door opening, the movement of the item (222) through the door opening being in a direction (213) which when viewed in plan is not parallel to the direction (211) in which the door opening faces. During such movement, the item (222) of cargo is supported by from beneath by the support surface of the platform (208).
US09193458B2

An air-to-surface surveillance and/or weapons system includes a base aircraft and an unmanned slave aircraft that can be uncoupled from a base aircraft and coupled back to it again. The base aircraft and slave aircraft are equipped with coupling equipment designed to work together. The base aircraft is equipped with surveillance and monitoring equipment. The slave aircraft is equipped with monitoring equipment and/or weapons. The slave aircraft can be connected to a control station via a data link for data exchange and can be controlled from this control station.
US09193445B2

A wing tip device for fixing to the outboard end of a wing, the wing defining a wing plane, the wing tip device comprising: an upper wing-like element projecting upwardly with respect to the wing plane and having a trailing edge; and a lower wing-like element fixed with respect to the upper wing-like element and having a root chord and a trailing edge, the lower wing-like element root chord intersecting with the upper wing-like element, and the lower wing-like element projecting downwardly from the intersection, wherein the upper wing-like element is larger than the lower wing-like element and the trailing edge of the lower wing-like element is adjacent the trailing edge of the upper wing-like element at the intersection, and wherein an included angle between the upper and lower wing-like elements at the intersection is less than, or equal to, 160 degrees. Also, a wing with the wing tip device; an aircraft with the wing; a method of fitting, or retro-fitting, the wing tip device to a wing; a method of modifying an existing wing tip device; and a method of operating a wing with the wing tip device.
US09193430B2

To provide a technique capable of adjusting a tilt angle of a ship propulsion machine body with respect to a hull to a tilt angle suitable for a travelling state easily and with high accuracy. A motor adjusting a tilt angle of a ship propulsion machine body with respect to a hull and a control device controlling drive of the motor so as to change the tilt angle in accordance with an output from a hull angle sensor detecting a hull angle as an angle of the hull with respect to the water surface are included.
US09193428B2

Oar carriers and methods of carrying oars, for example, rowing blades or sculls used by competitive rowing crews. The oar carriers include a panel, through holes in the panel sized to receive a shaft of an oar, and slots in a peripheral surface of the panel providing open access to the through holes to allow transfer of the shaft to the through hole. The slots may have a minimum width less than the diameter of the shaft of an oar, where the slot is made of a resilient material adapted to deflect and allow the diameter of the shaft to transfer to the through hole. One or more handles may be provided to the carrier. Methods of using the oar carrier and arrangements of oars and oar carriers are also disclosed.
US09193427B1

A floating vessel having a hull, at least one thruster tube, at least one water moving device and at least one power supply in the thruster tube. At least one appendage partially surrounds the thruster tube and encircles the thruster tube from 30 percent to 40. A plurality of supports secures the at least one appendage to the hull. At least one fairing plate is installed between a tangent of the appendage and the hull for following a circumference of the thruster tube and encircling the thruster tube from 30 percent to 40 percent, wherein the fairing plate is configured to transition water flow from the hull over the appendage and into the thruster tube to reduce water turbulent flow across an opening of the thruster tube.
US09193416B2

A bicycle sprocket support assembly is provided with a sprocket support body, a first sprocket support member and at least first and second sprockets. The sprocket support body has a tubular shaped part with an exterior surface and an interior surface arranged around a center longitudinal axis. The first sprocket support member is integrated with the exterior surface of the sprocket support body as a one-piece, unitary member and projects radially from the exterior surface of the sprocket support body. The first and second sprockets are fixed to the first sprocket support member by at least one fastener with the first and second sprockets being supported at axially spaced apart locations along the center longitudinal axis of the sprocket support body.
US09193408B2

A tricycle has a frame, a front wheel with drive pedals, a seat, and a footboard. The footboard of the novel tricycle can optionally be mounted on the frame in a first orientation and at least a second orientation.
US09193406B2

An angle adjusting device for a bicycle saddle is disclosed. The device includes a frame coupling block, which is coupled at a lower end thereof to an upper portion of a height adjustment unit. A saddle coupling post is coupled at a lower end thereof to an upper end of the frame coupling block and is coupled at an upper end thereof to the saddle, with a through hole formed in the upper portion of the saddle coupling post. An angle fixing unit includes a pair of fan-shaped plates attached to left and right sides of the frame coupling block, and a pair of rectangular plates coupling front and rear edges of the fan-shaped plates to each other. An angle adjusting unit is coupled to the saddle coupling post, and is detachable from holes in the angle fixing unit to control the rotation of the saddle coupling post.
US09193396B2

A vehicle comprises a frame, a cab, a viscous mount, and a pin. The frame comprises a first pin receptor. The cab comprises a second pin receptor. The viscous mount comprises a third pin receptor and a frame mount. The frame mount is connected to the frame. The third pin receptor is movable within a limited range relative to the frame mount. The pin is received by the first pin receptor, the second pin receptor, and the third pin receptor and defines a tilt axis about which the cab may rotate relative to the frame. A clearance between the pin and the first pin receptor is greater than a clearance between the pin and the second pin receptor and a clearance between the pin and the third pin receptor.
US09193394B1

A vehicular instrument panel, including a substrate comprising a plurality of chopped carbon and chopped glass fibers within a nylon resin, the substrate defines an airbag canister. The plurality of chopped carbon and chopped glass fibers are segregated such that the chopped carbon fibers are substantially concentrated within a driver-side portion of the substrate and the airbag canister, and the chopped glass fibers are substantially concentrated within a passenger-side portion of the substrate. The substrate can also include a boundary region such that the plurality of chopped carbon and glass fibers in the substrate are substantially mixed in the boundary region.
US09193393B2

One variation may include a vehicle center tunnel which may include an enclosed exhaust system.
US09193389B2

A side bottom structure of a vehicle may include a side sill having a closed cross-section with a predetermined outline, forming a side bottom of the vehicle body, and elongated in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a front pillar having one end thereof connected to a front end of the side sill and elongated in a height direction of the vehicle toward a roof of the vehicle, and a side outer panel combined with the side sill and the front pillar and forming a side external appearance of the vehicle body, wherein the side sill is formed by combining an inner side sill and an outer side sill, and wherein the inner and outer side sills have constant transverse cross-sections respectively, and a front end of the inner side sill and a front end of the outer side sill protrude further than the front of the front pillar.
US09193383B2

A steering knuckle to be used with the steering assembly of a vehicle such as a farming tractor is disclosed. The steering knuckle comprises preconfigured attachment areas where attachment element(s) or bracket(s) can be releasably yet rigidly secured. The attachment areas may be further reinforced with additional knuckle material (e.g. metal, metallic alloy). The steering knuckle therefore provides predetermined and preconfigured attachment location(s) where a wheel-replacing track system can be secured, thereby allowing the track system to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient or weak locations.
US09193380B2

A steering-shaft-rotation-angle detection device that detects a rotation angle of a steering shaft that is rotated by operation of a steering wheel, includes an electric motor that assists steering of the steering wheel by a driver, a speed reduction mechanism that reduces speed of rotation of the electric motor and transmits the rotation to the steering shaft, a rotating body that is attached to a rotation shaft of the electric motor, a signal output unit that outputs a signal in accordance with rotation of the rotating body, and a controller that calculates a rotation angle of the rotating body on the basis of the output signal from the signal output unit and calculates, on the basis of this rotation angle and a speed reduction ratio of the speed reduction mechanism, a rotation angle of the steering shaft.
US09193373B2

A stroller includes a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, and a handle bar assembly, with each respective assembly being configured to connect to respective first, second, and third rotatable elements of a folding mechanism. Each of the first, second, and third rotatable elements are rotatably supported by a common axle. The stroller further includes a leverage element rotatably supported by a leverage axle, with the leverage axle being supported by the third rotatable element and being arranged in a parallel relationship with the common axle. The leverage element includes an axle slot for accommodating movement of the common axle. The leverage element also includes a first pin and a second pin, with the first pin being rotatably supported by the first rotatable element in a receptacle arranged at a first distance from the common axle, and the second pin being rotatably supported by the second rotatable element in a second receptacle at a second distance from the common axle.
US09193372B2

A stroller apparatus comprises a support frame, a first seat assembled with the support frame and configured to receive a child in a first position, a second seat assembled with the support frame and configured to receive the child in a second position at a height different from the first position, the child facing rearward when seated on either of the first and second seats, and a third seat assembled with the support frame and configured to receive a second child in a third position facing forward in front of the first and second seats.
US09193365B2

A railcar damping device includes: a tank storing a liquid; a first opening/closing valve provided in a first passage connecting a rod side chamber to a piston side chamber, which are defined by a piston, to be capable of opening and closing the first passage; a second opening/closing valve provided in a second passage connecting the piston side chamber to the tank to be capable of opening and closing the second passage; a pump that supplies the liquid from the tank to the rod side chamber; a motor that rotates at a fixed rotation speed in order to drive the pump to rotate; and a section determination unit that determines whether a section type of a current travel section of the railcar is an open section or a tunnel section on the basis of a speed deviation between a target rotation speed and an actual rotation speed of the motor.
US09193355B2

Methods and systems for construction zone sign detection are described. A computing device may be configured to receive a 3D point cloud of a vicinity of a road on which a vehicle is travelling. The 3D point cloud may include points corresponding to light reflected from objects in the vicinity of the road. The computing device may be configured to determine a set of points representing an area at a given height from a surface of the road, and estimate a shape associated with the set of points. Further, the computing device may be configured to determine a likelihood that the set of points represents a construction zone sign, based on the estimated shape. Based on the likelihood, the computing device may be configured to modify a control strategy associated with a driving behavior of the vehicle; and control the vehicle based on the modified control strategy.
US09193352B2

An engine shaft of an engine, rotatable shafts of motor generators and a drive force output shaft are interconnected with each other through a drive force transmission arrangement. An ECU computes a torque command value of each of the motor generators through use of an equation of torque equilibrium, which corresponds to the drive force transmission arrangement, based on an engine shaft demand motor generator torque and an output shaft demand motor generator torque.
US09193347B2

A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer tractive torque to an output member coupled to a ground wheel. A method for operating the powertrain system includes identifying an undesirable operating region for the multi-mode transmission associated with driveline growl including an input torque range and an output torque range. In response to a command to traverse the undesirable operating region from a first operating region to a second operating region, a fast engine torque transition is executed including controlling the engine as a fast-adjusting torque actuator to control input torque from the engine to the multi-mode transmission and correspondingly controlling motor torque from a torque machine to the multi-mode transmission to maintain output torque from the multi-mode transmission responsive to an output torque request while traversing the undesirable operating region from the first operating region to the second operating region.
US09193345B2

An automatic transmission includes an input member, a planetary gear set, a plurality of engagement mechanisms, an output member, a switching mechanism, an engine braking determination device, a vehicle speed detector, and a controller. The controller is configured to prevent the switching mechanism from switching a mode from a fixed mode to a reverse rotation prevention mode when a shift position is changed from a reverse drive range to a forward drive range, and if the engine braking determination device determines that a vehicle is in an engine braking mode or if a travel speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detector is higher than a predetermined speed.
US09193344B2

A structure for a spring chamber is formed by connecting a chamber case and a return spring housing case and includes a piston member and a push rod. The piston member has a spring receiving section which holds a power spring inside the chamber case and a cylinder body section which is interlocked with the spring receiving section. A diaphragm is arranged inside a return spring housing case chamber in the return spring housing case, defines a pressure medium chamber, and is deformed by an advancing and retracting operation of the cylinder body section. The push rod member advance and retract with an operation of the diaphragm, and performs braking or releasing of a brake. The push rod member is formed with integral molding of a push plate and a axle body section with aluminum material.
US09193340B2

Provided is a wheel speed sensor interface. The wheel speed sensor interface includes: a speed pulse detection circuit configured to receive a plurality of sensor signals including wheel speed information of a vehicle, detect a plurality of speed pulses on the basis of the plurality of the received sensor signals, and transmit the plurality of the detected speed pulses to an external device; and a comparison speed detection circuit configured to generate a plurality of counting values by counting each of the detected speed pulses, generate comparison speed information by multiplexing the plurality of the generated counting values through a time division method, and transmit the generated comparison speed information to the external device.
US09193334B2

A yoke lever includes an upper wall and two side walls. The upper wall includes an elongated hole, and the side wall includes a pivot coupled portion. A secondary lever includes an insertion coupling portion to be inserted and coupled to the elongated hole from the upper side. The insertion coupling portion includes an insertion tube portion having two opposing side walls, which face the inner surfaces of the side wall of the yoke lever, and two end walls, which connect the longitudinal ends of the opposing side walls. A pivot coupling portion projects from a longitudinally central portion of the opposing side wall to engage the pivot coupled portion while permitting pivoting.
US09193332B2

A wheel cover for a wheeled vehicle which can be placed onto an associated wheel and secured using the same securing mechanism used to secure wheels to the wheeled vehicle. The securing member can be, for example, a nut typically used to attach wheels to the wheeled vehicle. The wheel cover can have a circumferential wall portion to cover a rolling surface of the associated wheel and a sidewall portion to contact a side of the associate wheel. The circumferential wall portion can have multiple features, such as protrusions, to reduce or inhibit rotation of the associated wheel when the wheel cover is attached thereto.
US09193331B2

A vehicle door control apparatus is provided with an authentication unit, a detection unit and a control unit. The authentication unit authenticates an ID information outputted from a mobile device carried by a user. The detection unit detects an object around a door. The control unit performs an opening operation of the door at least when both a first condition and a second condition are satisfied. In the first condition, the authentication unit authenticates the ID information. In the second condition, the detection unit detects that the object is separated from a predetermined determination area after the object is continuously located in the determination area over a predetermined time.
US09193329B2

A positioning device (12), especially for a vehicle seat belt feeder, comprises a flexible load-bearing element (16) and a molded part (18) comprising a plurality of molded elements (20) each of which annularly surrounds the elastic load-bearing element (16) and includes axial bearing surfaces. The axial bearing surfaces of the molded elements (20) include a surface structure which is configured so that two neighboring molded elements (20) loaded against each other contact each other with their axial bearing surfaces, are in positive engagement and are orientated in the radial direction at a defined position relative to each other, A belt buckle device (10) comprises an afore-described positioning device (12) as well as a belt buckle (14) that is fastened to the load-bearing element (16).
US09193326B2

A side-impact airbag system includes an inner airbag that is supplied with gas and inflates and deploys in an inner side in a vehicle width direction for a seating occupant on a driver's seat, and an ECU that instructs an inner inflator to supply gas to the inner airbag. The ECU activates the inner inflator of the driver's seat to supply gas to the inner airbag at a first timing in the event of the side impact collision on a passenger seat side and at second timing that is set to be later than the first timing in the event of the side impact collision on a driver's seat side.
US09193323B2

A cover door that includes a frame having a wall and an upper aperture extending at the end of the wall, and a lid covering at least one portion of the upper aperture and movable relatively to the frame so as to clear the upper aperture. The lid is attached to the wall through a hinge-forming area. The hinge-forming area has at least one central hinge connecting a central portion of the lid to the frame, and at least one side hinge connecting a side portion of the lid to the frame. The side hinge has a greater length than the length of the central hinge.
US09193313B2

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatus and methods including communication circuits for communicating between a plurality of compartments in a vehicle. An array of flexible cables provides signal-communication paths between the plurality of compartments in the vehicle, with each cable having a glass or silica core region for conveying optical signals, and communicating signals (electrical signals and optical signals) along at least one of the signal-communication paths and between the plurality of compartments in the vehicle. The apparatus and methods also include a plurality of circuits that communicate status-indication signals between locations along the array of flexible cables. The status-indication signals are communicated via the signal-communication paths in the flexible array of cables and are indicative of vehicle-travel modes for reporting a status of the vehicle in a mode relative to travel of the vehicle.
US09193305B2

A movable utility rack is provided. The utility rack presents an ergonomic and easily accessible configuration to a user. One embodiment of the movable utility rack includes a base frame and first and second spaced apart track assemblies mounted on the base frame. The first and second spaced apart track assemblies have a curved shape and each define a channel at a first radius of curvature. A first support member is carried by the first track assembly within the channel thereof, and a second support member is carried by the second track assembly within the channel thereof. A drive arrangement is operatively connected to the first and second support members to move the support members within the channel defined by each track assembly along an arcuate path that has a second radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the first radius of curvature.
US09193302B2

A vision system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button attached at a first location at an in-cabin surface of a windshield and an attachment member attached at a second location at the in-cabin surface of the windshield. A light absorbing layer is disposed at the windshield and at least partially masks the presence of the attachment member from view by a viewer who is viewing through the windshield from outside the vehicle. An accessory module is releasably attached to the attachment member and accommodates a forward facing camera. With the accessory module releasably attached to the attachment member at the windshield, the forward facing camera views through the windshield. The forward facing camera includes a component of a camera-based driver assistance system of the vehicle.
US09193299B2

A storage box includes a storage unit for storing an article, a lid unit slidably attached to the storage unit and adapted to open and close an opening portion of the storage unit, a light source unit attached to the storage unit, a first light guide body attached to the inside of the storage unit, a second light guide body attached to the inside of the lid unit, and a light emitting portion disposed on an upper surface of a front end of the lid unit, the light emitting portion defining a handle portion of the lid unit, and has a rectangular shape longer in a width direction of the lid unit.
US09193296B2

A motor vehicle driving assistance method including at least one electric motor powered by a battery and capable of driving drive wheels of the vehicle, the method including calculating an optimized consumption for the vehicle from an actual power consumption of the vehicle and from values collected by sensors of the vehicle, over a same path that the vehicle is in a process of traveling, the optimized consumption corresponding to a reference driving style; and informing the driver of a distance that he/she could travel using the power supply available on-board the vehicle if he/she were to adopt the reference driving style, or else the driver is informed of energy savings per unit of distance traveled that he/she might obtain if the reference driving style were adopted.
US09193295B2

A storage device within a ratchet arrangement for automatically storing a length of fastening material including a storage housing and a biasing member for drawing the fastening material into the storage housing. The fastening material can be used with a ratchet/handle tie-down mechanism, allowing for the dynamic portion of the webbing to automatically be retracted into the storage housing. The automatic retraction leaves little or no excess webbing or fastening material, such that a user does not have to tie off excess webbing or material.
US09193294B1

A fastener for securing straps, includes a base member defining a pair of anchor receiving holes, wherein the base member is configured to be engaged with a receiving frame in such a way that the base member faces an interior side of the receiving frame and axes of the anchor receiving holes define a non-normal angle with respect to the receiving frame. The fastener further includes an anchor comprising a pair of arms, wherein the arms are received by the anchor receiving holes, wherein the anchor is configured to traverse along the anchor receiving holes without being disengaged from the base member.
US09193285B1

An arm support is provided for the occupant of a vehicle having a strap encircling a seat back rest, a pair of bolsters, each having one end attached to the strap in spaced apart relation, and a lumbar support attached to the strap midway between the bolsters. The bolsters lie on the seat bench and are proportioned to support the elbows and forearms of the occupant, thereby relieving neck and shoulder strain. When used by a driver, the bolsters do not interfere with operation of the vehicle and the upper arms of the driver are free to contact the seat back rest.
US09193277B1

Electric vehicles that use replaceable and exchangeable batteries, applications for communicating with a service that provides access to kiosks of batteries, and methods and systems for finding charged batteries, reserving batteries, and paying for use of the batteries, are disclosed. One example is a system that includes at least one server that is capable of communication with a plurality of kiosks. Each kiosk is configured to hold one or more rechargeable batteries and dispense batteries to user with user accounts. The system manages inventory at the kiosks, enables payment for use or charges a user's account, enables locating of kiosks with batteries proximate to a user's vehicle location and optionally enables users to reserve batteries. The system provides access to the network of kiosks and information regarding battery availability via applications, such as smartphone applications, tablets, connected commuters and/or computers of a vehicle.
US09193274B2

A battery electric vehicle jumper cable includes a first battery electric vehicle electrical plug adapted for connection to a standard charging port interface on a first battery electric vehicle; a second battery electric vehicle electrical plug adapted for connection to a standard charging port interface on a second battery electric vehicle; and an electrical cable establishing electrical communication between the first battery electric vehicle electrical plug and the second battery electric vehicle electrical plug. An electrical power transfer system for battery electric vehicles and a battery electric vehicle jump starting method are also disclosed.
US09193273B1

Vehicles that are capable of connecting to the AC grid are described that comprise a prime mover and at least one motor generator. In one embodiment, a vehicle may be constructed as a plug-in hybrid system and using the powertrain under controller instruction to either place power on an AC power line (to service AC grids) or to draw power from the AC power line to add electrical energy to the batteries on the vehicle. In some aspects, vehicles may test whether the power needed to service the AC power line may be satisfied by the on-vehicle batteries or, if not, whether and how much power to extract from the prime mover. In some aspects, vehicles may have a thermal management system on board to dynamically supply desired heat dissipation for the powertrain, if the powertrain is using the prime mover to supply power to the AC grid.
US09193270B2

A charging interface for a motor vehicle, in particular, an electric vehicle, for charging the traction battery, having a charging socket arranged in a vehicle body opening and a closure device for covering the vehicle body opening, the charging socket can be moved in the axial direction of the vehicle body opening and the charging socket is made to move as a result of the closure device being opened.
US09193264B2

A method for determining a reference value for controlling a vehicle's speed by a vehicle control system is described. The method includes: making a first prediction and a second prediction of the speed along a horizon, the first prediction based on an engine torque that retards the vehicle as compared with a conventional cruise control, and the second prediction based on an engine torque that accelerates the vehicle as compared with the conventional cruise control; comparing the first prediction and second prediction, respectively, with a lower limit value and/or an upper limit value, which delineate a speed range within which the speed is to be maintained; and determining the reference value based on at least one of the respective comparisons and the first prediction and second prediction so that the set speed is within the speed range bounded by the lower and upper limit values.
US09193262B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a motor vehicle having: prime mover means; at least first and second groups of one or more wheels; and a driveline operable to connect the prime mover means to the first and second groups of one or more wheels such that the first group of one or more wheels and not the second group is coupled to a torque transmission path from the prime mover means when the driveline is in a first mode of operation and both the first and second groups of one or more wheels are coupled to a torque transmission path from the prime mover means when the driveline is in a second mode of operation, the driveline including an auxiliary portion for connecting the second group to the torque transmission path from the prime mover means, the auxiliary portion comprising first and second releasable torque transmitting means and a prop shaft, the first releasable torque transmitting means being operable to connect a first end of the prop shaft to the torque transmission path from the prime mover means, the second releasable torque transmitting means being operable to connect a second end of the prop shaft to the second group of one or more wheels, the vehicle further comprising control means operable to control the first and second torque transmitting means to switch the driveline between the first and second modes of operation such that in the first mode the prop shaft is disconnected from both the torque transmission path from the prime mover means and said second group of one or more wheels, wherein when in the first mode the vehicle is operable to control the driveline to switch from first mode to the second mode responsive to a speed of the vehicle.
US09193258B2

A drive device for a vehicle includes a first motor, a first case, a second motor, a second case, a right-and-left communication passage, and a sensor. The first case houses the first motor and has a left reservoir to store liquid fluid. The second case houses the second motor and has a right reservoir to store liquid fluid. The right-and-left communication passage communicates with the left reservoir and the right reservoir. The sensor is configured to detect a property of the liquid fluid and disposed in the right-and-left communication passage.
US09193256B2

A hybrid module (1) is installed a drive train of a motor vehicle between a combustion engine and a transmission and has an electric machine and a clutch installed in a common housing (2). The hybrid module (1) further has an air supply entrance (7) for introducing cooling air into the hybrid module (1). The air supply entrance (7) is an oval with a short axis directed toward the combustion engine and the transmission. Thus, the hybrid module has a short extent between combustion engine and transmission, and also allows a sufficiently large quantity of air to be supplied into the hybrid module.
US09193254B2

A power system of a series hybrid vehicle, comprising a fuel source; a control system; at least two auxiliary power units, each of which auxiliary power units, under control of the control system, independently receives fuel from the fuel source, and converts chemical energy in the fuel into electrical energy and outputs the electrical energy to a common current bus; a power battery electrically connected to a common current bus to, under control of the control system, receive electrical energy from the common current bus to perform charging or perform discharging through the common current bus; and a traction motor electrically connected to the common current bus to, under control of the control system, receive electrical energy from the common current bus and convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy and transmit the mechanical energy to a power train of the vehicle so as to drive the vehicle to run.
US09193242B2

The smart suspension is compilation of air coils (air cylinder and air piston) as well as smart hydraulic shock absorber that in respect their roles are making comfort and improving vehicles balance. Regardless of the vehicle, the height adjustment system being used in smart suspension, adjusts the height and has the ability to drive in any desirable heights without losing a bit of comfort and safety (lowest to the highest elevations). There are two manual and automatic height adjustment systems, automatic system is being activated by disembarking passengers and manual system is set using the electronic key. These changes can range from 1 mm to 20 cm which in both conditions there would be no change in safety or any uncomfortable feeling.
US09193239B2

The invention relates to a pneumatic spring device for a motor vehicle, including a rolling piston (4), a pneumatic spring cover (5) axially movable thereto, and an interposed elastomer covering as rolling bellows (6) with a trapped compressible air volume. According to the invention, at least one additional spring element (3) is connected in series to the pneumatic spring (2), with a radial bearing (14) of the rolling piston (4) and/or the pneumatic spring cover (5) being integrated as torsion compensation.
US09193232B2

A telematics system for a vehicle to be towed is provided. The telematics system includes a vehicle communication network configured to receive vehicle data from at least one vehicle system of a plurality of vehicle systems. The telematics system also includes a telematics module configured to determine a towing mode status of the vehicle, generate telematics data based on the vehicle data, and transmit the telematics data to a remote access system based on the towing mode status of the vehicle indicating that the vehicle is configured to be towed.
US09193230B2

A chain link for antiskid chains of vehicle tires, which is provided in order to improve the grip properties, in particular on a smooth underlying surface, with one or more spike(s) which project on one of its sides. Each spike has, perpendicular to its longitudinal extent, a cross-section whose outer edge has a corrugated peripheral contour of successive troughs and peaks.
US09193211B2

A multi-page presentation folder is described that is capable of securing and displaying one or more sheets of material, such as sheets of music. One or more sheets may be secured and displayed via each panel of the multi-page presentation folder. In various embodiments, for a given number of page turns, a greater number of sheets may be displayed and/or presented. For example, in one embodiment, a multi-page presentation folder allows user to “turn a page” only once to view up to six sheets or only twice to view up to eight sheets. The folder may also provide stability to the sheets of material preventing them from sagging.
US09193206B2

The present disclosure is drawn to fabric print media, a coating composition, and a method of coating a fabric substrate to form a fabric print medium. The fabric print medium can comprise a fabric substrate having an ink-receiving coating applied thereto, the coating comprising a metal complex, an organophosphate, and a starch.
US09193200B2

An imprinter includes a printing base for mounting a card and a print paper to be imprinted on a predetermined area thereof, a carriage that is movable above the printing base, a roller includes a hard material and is provided as is housed within the carriage for transcribing the information represented as embossed on a card, a roller shaft for fixedly supporting the roller, bearings for rotatably supporting the roller shaft at a position of a predetermined height from the card mounting surface of the printing base, and an elastic mechanism provided between the bearings and the roller shaft, the elastic mechanism being radially deformed during an imprinting operation to cause the roller to radially move relative to the bearings so that the embossed information of the card may be transcribed onto the print paper.
US09193196B1

Printer head shuttles configured to control contact pressure of one or more printer head assemblies against a printing substrate and an underlying platen during a printer operation are shown and described. The printer head shuttles include a shuttle guide and a shuttle main body having one or more printer head assemblies. Each printer head assembly includes an axel attached to the shuttle main body, an assembly main body pivotably attached to the axel, a mounting plate attached to the assembly main body, a printer head attached to the mounting plate, and a drive mechanism for pivoting the head assembly between a substrate compressing position and a substrate non-compressing position.
US09193188B2

The platen gap adjustment mechanism 70 of a printer 1 adjusts a gap between a printhead 59 and a platen 25 by moving first and second guide rails 57, 58 that support the head carriage 59 in a gap adjustment direction relative to the platen 25. A rotary mechanism for synchronously rotating the first and second guide rails 57, 58 to adjust the gap has a rotary shaft 101 perpendicular to the first and second guide rails 57, 58; first and second drive-side gears (e.g. worms) 104, 105 disposed coaxially to the rotary shaft 101; a first driven-side gear (e.g. worm wheel) 106 disposed coaxially to the first guide rail 57 and meshing with the first drive-side gear 104; and a second driven-side gear (e.g. worm wheel) 107 disposed coaxially to the second guide rail 58 and meshing with the second drive-side gear 105.
US09193164B2

Inkjet head cleaning and storage includes cleaning an orifice plate by inserting a tip of a shaped wiper into a slit of a printing mask, such that one or more shoulders of a handling end of the shaped wiper are in contact with respectively one or more edges of the slit. The shoulders of the shape wiper facilitate the tip applying a predetermined pressure to an orifice surface during wiping. Preventing sediment buildup during extended periods of non-printing includes placing at least the orifice plate of the printing head in a protecting liquid that avoids evaporation of the volatile liquid from the nozzles. An innovative “night plate” can be used to seal the slit of a printing mask and ink purged from the printing head used to fill a gap between the printing head and the mask, thereby covering at least the orifice plate with the purged ink.
US09193156B2

A capacitive load drive circuit, which may be embodied in a printer, includes a movable member; pressure chambers and respective capacitive elements; a first circuit substrate installed outside the movable member, and on which is installed a control signal supply unit that generates control signals; a second circuit substrate installed on the movable member, and on which is installed a circuit that charges or discharges the capacitive elements according to the control signals; and a flexible flat cable, on which is formed wirings including control wiring, which transmits the control signals from the first to the second circuit substrate, and a wiring, which supplies power supply and ground voltages to the second circuit substrate. A total path length of the wirings between the first and second circuit substrates is shorter than the total path length of the wiring between the second circuit substrate and each of the capacitive elements.
US09193154B2

A liquid ejection head includes a recording element substrate having an ejection port, a support member having a recessed portion and supporting the recording element substrate by a bottom portion of the recessed portion, wiring electrically connected to the recording element substrate and extending between the recording element substrate and a side surface of the recessed portion, a sealant with which the wiring is covered, and a passage formed in the support member and allowing a first region where the sealant is placed and a second region different from the sealed region to communicate with each other.
US09193143B2

The present invention relates to a precision overprinting method of printed electronics rotary printing where a location can be adjusted in real time. More particularly, minute precise printing electronic patterns of a micrometer level which are multilayered by a plurality of gravure offset printing units are accurately overprinted, and a fine deviation in a rotation direction and an axial direction of a plate cylinder is quickly solved. The present invention also relates to a precision overprinting method of printed electronics rotary printing where a location can be adjusted in real time, capable of verifying a printing quality by displaying register marks printed in printing units and alignment state on a display device.
US09193133B2

A method of directly growing graphene of a graphene-layered structure, the method including ion-implanting at least one ion of a nitrogen ion and an oxygen ion on a surface of a silicon carbide (SiC) thin film to form an ion implantation layer in the SiC thin film; and heat treating the SiC thin film with the ion implantation layer formed therein to graphenize a SiC surface layer existing on the ion implantation layer.
US09193125B2

A honeycomb structure mainly composed of cordierite and obtained by forming and firing a forming material containing a layered clay mineral whose layer charge (X) is 0.2
US09193118B2

Methods of manufacturing contact lenses using ophthalmic lens molds having a molding surface comprising a thermoplastic polymer, the molding surface having a percent polarity from 3% to 20% and a surface energy from about 25 mN/m to about 40 mN/m to cast mold a polymerizable composition having a surface tension from about 20 mN/m to about 25 mN/m, wherein a surface energy differential of the surface tension of the polymerizable composition less the surface energy of the molding surface less than or equal to zero (0); and silicone hydrogel contact lens bodies so manufactured are described.
US09193111B2

A method of polishing an integrally bladed rotor includes the steps of positioning a mask on an integrally bladed rotor such that a portion of the integrally bladed rotor is unmasked to define an exposed portion and polishing the exposed portion of the integrally bladed rotor.
US09193108B2

A transport system for containers includes a plurality of vehicles configured to be driven independently of each other. A guiding device is configured to guide the vehicles in a circulating manner. A plurality of mold shells are configured to encompass a side wall of the containers about a partial circumferential area of the side wall, the plurality of mold shells being mounted on respective ones of the plurality of vehicles so as to receive the containers between adjacent mold shells of adjacent vehicles and transport them.
US09193106B2

Method for producing a blend of a plastic first material and a wood or other plant second material in a planetary roller extrusion arrangement. The method involves feeding particles of the second material into a feed, which particles of the second material have a maximum diameter of 1 mm. Particles of the first material are fed into a melting device and liquefied into a plastic melt. The plastic melt is fed into a pump. Particles of the second material are moved into a planetary roller part of the extrusion arrangement, while the plastic melt is also pumped in. The particles of the second material are then blended with the plastic melt to form a blend that is at least 60% by weight of the second material.
US09193104B2

One-piece article obtained by injection molding, with at least one injection point, said article comprising a main body (20), having a body volume defined by the space within a surface forming an outer envelope, and at least one hook (21), preferably a field of hooks, obtained from the same molding of the main body of the molded article, the hook or each hook having a stem of longitudinal axis and a catching part projecting laterally from the stem, characterized in that the volume of the hooks is substantially smaller than the volume of the body, i.e at least 100 times smaller, preferably at least 1000 times smaller, for example between 100 000 and 100 000 000 times smaller, than the volume of the body, and in that the width, or smallest transverse dimension, of the stems, measured transversely to the longitudinal axis, is smaller than the thickness of the main body, measured along the longitudinal axis of the stems.
US09193100B2

The invention provides a molded foam molding method capable of obtaining a molded foam in which pinholes may not be formed with ease even when a blow ratio is high and which has a high expansion ratio. The invention also provides a molded foam which includes no pinholes, is reduced in weight, and is excellent in heat insulating property. The molding method includes blending a polypropylene-based resin having an equilibrium compliance from 2.0 to 6.0 (10−3×Pa−1) with a foaming agent and kneading the blend in an extruder. The extruded foamed resin is molded so as to be fit along a mold by a pressurized fluid. Moreover, the molded foam is formed by the method described above, and has an expansion ratio from 1.5 to 5.0 times and an impact strength of not less than 30 kg·cm.
US09193099B2

A method for producing a skin-covered foamed molded article includes blow molding a parison into a skin and heating expanded polystyrene beads filled in a hollow space of the skin to form a foam layer fuse-bonded to the skin, polystyrene resin composition having specific Charpy impact strength, MFR and branching degree. The skin of the skin-covered foamed molded article is formed of the specific polystyrene resin composition.
US09193096B2

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a method for readily manufacturing a seamless mold in the form of a roll which has a porous alumina layer over its surface. The mold manufacturing method of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a mold which has a porous alumina layer over its surface, including the steps of: providing a hollow cylindrical support; forming an insulating layer on an outer perimeter surface of the hollow cylindrical support; depositing aluminum on the insulating layer to form an aluminum film; and anodizing a surface of the aluminum film to form a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of minute recessed portions.
US09193093B2

A computerized method for simulating a fluidized state of a plastic material in a chamber, comprises steps of: generating a chamber model which is a finite volume model of the chamber; defining a material model of the plastic material; defining a gas-phase model of gas; and making a flow calculation of the material model and the gas-phase model which are in the chamber model, wherein the material model is provided with viscosity of the plastic material, and the gas-phase model is provided with viscosity which is more than the actual viscosity of the gas.
US09193092B2

The invention relates to a method and device with which it is possible to arrange complicated shapes with considerable differences in height in wood fiber board, and in particular but not exclusively so called MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). The deformation of the wood fiber board which can be achieved is known in the art as extrusion, wherein a considerable plastic deformation takes place accompanied by flow and stretch of the material.
US09193090B2

A cutting machine including an endless band knife, the band knife being guided in opposed directions in a revolution zone of the band knife forming a cutting zone, and including a first and a second deflecting device for deflecting and returning the band knife. The first and the second deflecting devices each deflect and return the band knife without a reverse bending cycle.
US09193088B2

There is provided a cutting fluid ejection apparatus including a cutting fluid ejection nozzle configured to supply a cutting fluid to a tool of a processing machine or a workpiece during processing of the workpiece by the processing machine, a drive motor configured to adjust an ejection angle of the cutting fluid ejection nozzle; and a controller configured to control the drive motor. The controller is capable of performing control in a chip removal operation mode to remove a chip.
US09193082B2

A cutting plotter includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores computer-readable instructions that cause the processor to perform setting, counting, storing, and notifying when executed. The setting sets a plurality of partial areas by dividing a cuttable area of a holding member, the cuttable area is an area in which a cutting object is to be detachably adhered. The counting counts a number of cuts by a cutting blade within the cuttable area for each of the plurality of partial areas. The storing stores each of count values associated with each of the plurality of partial areas in a storage portion, each of the count values is counted by the counting for each of the plurality of partial areas. The notifying notifies, based on the count values stored in the storage portion, information relating to the number of cuts for each of the plurality of partial areas.
US09193081B2

A child-safe, hand, fruit corer and slicer includes: handle, a wire member having two ends and a configuration between these ends that is adapted to: (a) provide the outline of: (i) a triangular-shaped structure that has three corners and a base that is situated approximately perpendicular to the handle's centerline, and (ii) a wing-like structure that extends perpendicular to the handle's centerline from each of the corners of the base of the structure, (b) enable the triangular-shaped structure to penetrate a fruit that is to be cored and sliced, and by the at least 180 degree rotation of the handle to core out a core section of the fruit, and (c) enable this wing-like structure to penetrate and slice the fruit into two halves when the handle is moved forward along the handle's centerline.
US09193079B2

A linkage mechanism for a wet shaving razor is provided. The linkage mechanism is pivotally connected to and suspended from the handle at one end and pivotally and removably attached to the cartridge carrier at an opposite end allowing the cartridge carrier to pivot about a virtual pivot axis located below the shaving plane and into the skin. The linkage mechanism provides flexibility in positioning the virtual pivot axis since it is not limited to the physical constraints of the cartridge. As a result, the shaving razor cartridge has a flatter contact with the skin throughout the shaving stroke providing shaving comfort with reduced nicks and cuts.
US09193075B1

Optical flow for a moving platform may be encoded into pulse output. Optical flow contribution induced due to the platform self-motion may be cancelled. The cancellation may be effectuated by (i) encoding the platform motion into pulse output; and (ii) inhibiting pulse generation by neurons configured to encode optical flow component optical flow that occur based on self-motion. The motion encoded may be coupled to the optical flow encoder via one or more connections. Connection propagation delay may be configured during encoder calibration in the absence of obstacles so as to provide system specific delay matrix. The inhibition may be based on a coincident arrival of the motion spiking signal via the calibrated connections to the optical flow encoder neurons. The coincident motion pulse arrival may be utilized in order to implement an addition of two or more vector properties.
US09193074B2

A multi-joint robot having a function for estimating an amount of decrease in inner pressure of a gas spring, by means of a simple and low-cost structure, and a method for estimating the amount of decrease in inner pressure of the gas spring. The gas pressure within a cylinder of the gas spring decreases in connection with the motion of a lower arm associated with the gas spring. In the present invention, an amount of decrease in inner pressure within the gas spring is estimated by using a current value of a servomotor, in view of the finding that the amount of decrease in inner pressure is generally proportional to an amount of decrease in torque, and the torque generated by the servomotor can be calculated based on the current value of the servomotor.
US09193073B1

An encoded calibrating plate is fixed on the working environment of the robot arm and has a chessboard pattern with each square in the chessboard pattern being an encoding. The encoding indicates direction or position on the encoded calibration plate. A visual system of the robot arm captures an image of the encoded calibrating plate, calculates the coordinates encoding of the encoded calibration plate, and positions the visual system to calibrate a positioning error of the robot arm and the visual system.
US09193065B2

A remote controlled robot system that includes a mobile robot with a robot camera and a battery plug module, and a remote control station that transmits commands to control the mobile robot. The system also includes a battery charging module that mates with the mobile robot battery plug module, and an alignment system that aligns the battery plug module with the battery charging module. The battery modules may also be aligned with the aid of video images of the battery charging module provided to the remote station by a camera located within the battery plug module.
US09193056B2

A pneumatic spanner structure includes a head body, a link bevel gear unit, a hit unit and a driving handle. A driving motor axle portion at an open end of the driving handle drives a motor link bevel gear post and a hit unit link bevel gear plate of the link bevel gear unit. The hit unit link bevel gear plate links the hit unit. The link bevel gear unit enhances and transmits the force to the hit unit. The hit unit applies the acting force on a workpiece. The hit unit doesn't need a buffer space for actuation and the force is indirect. The link bevel gear unit is a deceleration device to extend the service life of the whole structure. The output force is more powerful than the prior art, providing a stable and compact structure.
US09193052B2

A mounting system for a gas gun, for mounting a motor, is disclosed. The mounting system includes a cylinder, a rigid carrier for carrying the motor such that the motor is disposed through the cylinder and is floatingly movable along an axis, a fixing member, fixedly arranged at an end plane of the cylinder and limited the carrier in the cylinder, and at least one elastic element embedded into the embedding hole of the carrier. The elastic element has a first buffering body extending between one side of the carrier and the fixing member for absorbing a positive vibrating energy of the motor and a second buffering body extending between the other side of the carrier and the cylinder for absorbing a negative vibrating energy of the motor. Dynamic energy generated during vibration of the motor is absorbed by the first and second buffering bodies to achieve the damping effect.
US09193050B2

An oil core replacing device includes a base pivotally provided thereon with a driving gear and three driven gears. The driven gears are annularly positioned around and meshed with the driving gear, respectively secured thereon with a clamping member with a rod body. A tubular body is annularly fitted around the outer circumferential side of each rod body, able to slide freely at the outer circumferential wall of the rod body. Thus, by having the tubular bodies sliding axially along the rod bodies and extending to the lower side of the rod bodies, the clamping members of the oil core replacing device can be adjusted in length for matching with different operation demands, convenient in operation.
US09193044B2

An adjustable spanner for quickly turning an object includes a moving member, a first jaw, a second jaw, and a grip. The moving member is movably joined to the grip. The first jaw is adjustably jointed to the moving member. The second jaw is pivotally joined to the grip and cooperates with the first jaw to clamp the object. A user grasps the grip when using the adjustable spanner.
US09193036B2

An abrasive water-jet machining device includes an abrasive nozzle assembly (11) that jets ultrahigh-pressure water mixed with an abrasive during a cutting process for cutting a workpiece (W) into a desired shape, a catcher cup (12) that collects the ultrahigh-pressure water jetted from the abrasive nozzle assembly (11), and a distance adjusting mechanism (13) that adjusts the distance between the abrasive nozzle assembly (11) and the catcher cup (12) so as to maintain a constant distance between the catcher cup (12) and the workpiece (W). The device increases the collection rate of the abrasive fluid when cutting a workpiece whose plate thickness changes in a longitudinal direction (vertical direction) and/or a width direction (horizontal direction).
US09193027B2

A retainer ring is provided for use in conjunction with Chemical Mechanical Polishing apparatus which polishing is used to polish a substrate. Particularly, the retainer ring includes an inner surface defining a retainer area, an outer surface, a front surface extending between the inner and outer surface, the front surface being in contact with the polishing pad during polishing and a transition region between the outer surface and the front surface. A CMP apparatus which includes at least a ring having the above features is also provided for.
US09193024B2

The present invention provides a surface processing system for a work piece in the mechanical technical field. The system comprises at least one group of polishing units. A manipulator and several polishers with different polishing precisions are provided on the polishing units. The polishers are arranged around the manipulator in turn. The work piece could be moved by the manipulator between the processing center and the polishing units. The machined work piece is loaded by the manipulator for one time when the manipulator is located at the processing center. When the manipulator is located at the polishing units, the manipulator keeps holding the work piece and transfers the work piece in a preset sequence to each polisher corresponding to the polishing unit where the manipulator is located. The surface of work pieces having different wall thicknesses and complex surfaces could be processed in a large batch with a high efficiency.
US09193023B2

A knife sharpening system mountable in a small vehicle is disclosed. The knife sharpening system includes a grinding device including a motor, and an abrasive member directly connected to the motor without using a reduction device, to reduce loss of power transmitted from a battery to the abrasive member, and a water-proof device for preventing scattering of water and dust caused by rapid rotation of the abrasive member. The abrasive member can rotate using small force in accordance with direct connection of the abrasive member to the motor. Even when the abrasive member rotates at high speed, scattering of water or dust is prevented in accordance with direct connection of the abrasive member to the motor. Accordingly, the abrasive member can be driven using a battery of a small vehicle.
US09193013B2

Methods for assembling fiberglass reinforced plastic sucker rods include transporting fiberglass reinforced plastic sucker rod sections from an off-site location to an assembly facility at or near a point of use, and providing a sufficient number of metallic end fittings to connect respective ends of the plurality of sucker rod sections in series at the assembly facility. Systems for assembly of sucker rods from sucker rod sections transported from off-site location to or near a point of use are also described.
US09192990B2

A method of preparing a component (60) to be joined to another component (55). The method comprises growing an array of projections (56, 57) on a bond region of the component (55) in a series of layers, each layer being grown by directing energy and/or material from a head to selected parts of the bond region. The joint may be used to join a pair of structural components, for instance in an aerospace application. For instance the joint may be used to join a reinforcing plate, floating rib foot, or stringer to a panel such as a wing or fuselage cover. Alternatively the joint may be used to join adjacent layers in a laminate structure.
US09192968B2

System and method for treating particulate solids comprises a processor for providing contaminated particulate solids at a predetermined apparent density and a screw feeder for transporting a water-based slurry of the contaminated particulate solids through an ultrasound signal of sufficient size, strength and duration to cause the contaminants to separate from the particulate solids. One or more stacks of ultrasonic transducers arranged around the screw feeder may be employed in which the diameter of each transducer preferably is substantially the same as the pitch of the screw feeder.
US09192962B2

The present invention relates to a vibration exciter for generating a directed excitation vibration, especially for installation in a vibration tamper, and a machine with such a vibration exciter, comprising at least two parallel extending unbalance shafts which are rotatable against one another, on which at least one respective fixed unbalance mass and at least one respective movable unbalance mass are arranged, with the positions of the movable unbalance masses on the unbalance shafts being variable by way of an adjusting device for adjusting the amplitude of the exciter vibration, and with the adjusting device comprising a central adjusting element for amplitude adjustment which acts on the movable unbalance masses of the two unbalance shafts, which central adjusting element is arranged coaxially to a rotational axis (AS) about which the vibration exciter is rotatable for the purpose of vector adjustment of the excitation vibration.
US09192961B2

A head unit for an ultrasonic probe includes a connecting section, an element chip and a supporting member. The connecting section is configured to electrically connect the head unit to a probe main body of the ultrasonic probe. The element chip is configured to be electrically connected to the probe main body through the connecting section. The element chip includes a substrate and an ultrasonic element array. The substrate defines a plurality of openings arranged in an array pattern. The ultrasonic element array includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, with each of the ultrasonic transducer elements being provided in each of the openings of the substrate. The supporting member supports the element chip.
US09192956B2

A sprinkler assembly including a pressure regulator and a flow stop element combined in a single assembly. In one embodiment, the sprinkler includes a sprinkler body in fluid communication with a water supply to provide water to the sprinkler, a riser movably mounted in the sprinkler body and in fluid communication with the sprinkler body such that the riser rises up and out of the sprinkler body when water is provided to the sprinkler, a nozzle assembly mounted on a top end of the riser and in fluid communication with the riser; and a regulation element mounted in the riser and in contact with a portion of the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly holds the regulation member in an open position to allow flow of water to the nozzle assembly and to maintain a substantially constant water pressure in the nozzle assembly.
US09192947B1

An apparatus and method for aerial chemical trimming of vegetation, the apparatus including an elongated boom suspended from an aircraft, a plurality of nozzles aligned vertically along one side of the boom, and a reservoir and pump coupled to a lower end of the boom for supplying an herbicide through the boom to the plurality of nozzles. In use, the boom is positioned alongside a row of vegetation to be trimmed and the herbicide is pumped from the reservoir, through the boom, to the nozzles and sprayed directly onto the vegetation. The boom is then moved along the row of vegetation.
US09192936B2

A method for crushing and drying damp wood, wherein the wood is introduced into an impact reactor, which has a substantially cylindrical main body, in the closed interior space of which there rotates a rotor with at least one impact element, which contacts the wood and crushes it into part-constituents while generating a great transfer of momentum. The interior space of the cylindrical main body is assigned a suction removal device, which during the impact crushing removes the mist of moisture produced when the impact element makes contact with the material, and the interior space of the cylindrical main body has admitted to it hot gas, heated by waste heat from a combustion process, at a temperature of less than 95° C., in particular less than 80° C., or the exhaust gas from a combustion process, which after a collision of the impact element with a material constituent penetrates the material constituent in place of the moisture leaving. Also a device for carrying out the method.
US09192935B2

A transfer device (100) comprises a housing (110) defining a chamber (130), carriers (120), and an adjustable spacing mechanism (124). The carriers (120) can be positioned in the chamber (130) and have receiving openings (158). The spacing mechanism (124) is configured to move carriers (120) relative to one another along a chamber (130) to a desired spatial arrangement. Items, such as microscope slides (260), can be transferred between slide holder devices by using the transfer device (100). The pitch of the carriers (120) can be adjusted to receive and dispense slides (260).
US09192932B2

In an aspect of this invention, a closure for a well plate is provided which has a reservoir. The closure has openings through which acoustic ejection of fluid droplets can take place without removing the closure. The reservoirs in the closure may help to maintain acceptable levels of solvent in the wells of the well plate despite the evaporation which may occur during the course of ejection.
US09192922B2

The present invention provides a process for producing propylene, comprising contacting at least one of raw material selected from the group consisting of ethylene and ethanol with a catalyst containing a medium pore diameter zeolite in a fluidized bed reactor wherein the catalyst containing the medium pore diameter zeolite satisfies the following (a) through (e): (a) a particle diameter of catalyst particles at 90% by weight or more is within a range of 10 to 197 μm; (b) a bulk density of the catalyst particles is within a range of 0.7 to 1.1 g/cm3; (c) a mean compressive strength of the catalyst particles having a particle diameter within a range of 30 to 70 μm is 15 MPa or more, and a compressive strength of the catalyst particles at 90% by weight or more is 10 MPa or more; (d) an angle of repose is 20 to 30°; and (e) a pore volume of pores having a pore radius within a range of 2000 to 20000 nm is 0.050 cc/g or less.
US09192916B2

A process and catalyst are presented for the selective hydrogenation of branched diolefins and acetylenes to olefins. The process uses a catalyst having large pores, and a minimal amount of micropores. The catalyst is designed to have minimal diffusional resistance through the large pores, and to minimize the hydrogenation of olefins to paraffins.
US09192913B2

An object of the present invention is to provide an adsorbent material having excellent gas storage performance and gas separation performance.This object can be achieved by an adsorbent material comprising a composition comprising a metal complex (A) and an elastomer (B), the metal complex (A) containing an anionic ligand and at least one metal ion selected from ions of metals belonging to Groups 1 to 13 of the periodic table, the metal complex (A) being capable of undergoing a volume change upon adsorption, and the mass ratio of the metal complex (A) and the elastomer (B) being within the range of 1:99 to 99:1.
US09192908B2

A process of forming microcapsules is described. The microcapsule population is formed by providing an anionic or cationic, solid hydrophilic core material; providing an oil continuous phase, the oil continuous phase comprising one or more esters with chain length up to about 18 carbons. Emulsification is achieved by subjecting the mixture to high shear agitation and heating the mixture for a time sufficient to enable acid or amine acrylate or methacrylate and multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate to form a prepolymer which migrates to the anionic or cationic solid hydrophilic material, thereby forming prepolymers adhered to the hydrophilic core materials. Temperature is held or heating continued for a time sufficient to enable the prepolymer to flow onto and coalesce into a continuous film surface coating on the hydrophilic core material. Heating is carried out or light exposure or both for a time and temperature sufficient to cross link the prepolymers.
US09192887B2

A process of producing degassed liquid sulfur within a vertical sulfur condenser may include providing a plurality of condenser tubes within an external casing; submerging exit ends of the plurality of condenser tubes within a liquid reservoir resulting in submerged exit ends of the plurality of condenser tubes; passing the Claus process gas into an inlet end of the plurality of condenser tubes; condensing the Claus process gas within the condenser tubes to produce condensed Claus process gas within the plurality of condenser tubes; and collecting the condensed Claus process gas in the liquid reservoir upon exiting of the condensed Claus process gas at an exit end of the plurality of condenser tubes. The process may further include converting hydrogen sulfide by the Claus reaction 2H2S+SO23/xSx+2H2O, and decomposing polysulfanes to hydrogen sulfide and sulfur, wherein elemental sulfur is freed from hydrogen sulfide.
US09192885B2

The intake air filter according to the invention is for cleaning intake air for internal combustion engines, in particular in vehicles. To this end, the intake air filter comprises an openable housing (10) with an inlet (14) and an outlet (15). Disposed between the inlet (14) and the outlet (15) is an annular, closed main filter element (17) and an annular, closed secondary element (31). The secondary element (31) is connected to the outlet (15), whereby no contamination can pass through to the outlet (15) when the main filter element (17) is replaced. A centering device (29, 30, 40, 41, 42) is provided on the end face opposite the outlet (15) between the secondary element (31) and the main filter element (17), said centering device being used to fix the position of the secondary element (31) within the main filter element (17). This prevents relative movements between the main filter element (17) and the secondary element (31).
US09192884B2

A high temperature filter and a self-cleaning filtering system for filtering media, such as biomass materials, are provided. The filter and filtering system is particularly useful in the filtration of syngas in a plasma arc gasification process to remove char and other particles of down to a submicron size from the syngas. The filter is formed from a pleated metal mesh material including end caps secured by a high-temperature metallic paste or adhesive, such that the filter is capable of withstanding operating temperatures up to 2000° F. The system includes a backflush unit for injecting cleaning media therein to remove trapped char and other debris from the filter. At least two filtering systems can be placed in parallel so that one system can be cleaned while the other is operating. A method for filtering media is also disclosed.
US09192873B2

A digit cover for conveying a non-verbal message. The digit cover includes at least a first message area for conveying a first message. The digit cover may also include additional message areas for conveying additional messages.
US09192870B2

A balloon arrangement comprises a base member. At least one stem unit is configured for removably engaging the base member. At least one balloon hoop unit is configured for removably engaging the stem unit. The balloon hoop unit comprises a hoop portion that is configured to rotate from a substantially flat position for storage to a substantially horizontal position for supporting a balloon. The balloon hoop unit further comprises a self-sealing balloon tie portion that is configured for sealing a tail of a balloon. At least one balloon is operable to be inflated by breathable air in which the self-sealing balloon tie portion seals a tail of the balloon inflated with the breathable air. The hoop portion, in the supporting position, supports the balloon inflated with the breathable air in a position for simulating being held up by helium inflation.
US09192868B2

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for rendering audio animation, the system comprising: two or more non-biotic figures; an audio player, having two or more audio sources correspondingly to the two or more non-biotic figures, for simultaneously playing the audio signals associated with the two or more non-biotic figures; and two or more speaker units corresponding to the two or more audio sources. The system may further comprise means for wireless transmission of the audio signal of at least one of the audio sources to a remote speaker unit thereof. The means for wireless transmission may comprise a wireless transmission unit deployed at the audio player, and a wireless receiving unit deployed at the speaker unit. The non-biotic figure may be a two-dimensional, three-dimensional figure, and so on.
US09192866B2

A water slide for a recreational pool or other body of water, the water slide being in a spiral configuration with a runway or flume down the spiral and into the pool. The water slide also includes a fountain, which may be centrally located within the spiral slide flume, that produces an upward and outward water spray pattern with an outer envelope that may be sized to correspond to an outer diameter or given outer extent of the spiral slide flume such that the water spray from the fountain falls substantially onto the water slide runway as opposed to on the pool deck.
US09192863B2

The present disclosure may take the form of a method for enhancing performance of interactive content. The method includes analyzing by a processing element a user actuated object of the interactive content, predicting action of the user actuated object in a proceeding frame of the interactive content, using the predicted action, determining by the processing element if the user actuated object can be cached for the proceeding frame, if the user actuated object can be cached, saving the user actuated object as a bitmap object and display the bitmap object in the proceeding frame and if the user actuated object cannot be cached, rendering a vector graphic of the user actuated object in the proceeding frame.
US09192853B2

Coin operated amusement device including a crane game, a game of chance, and a simulated slot machine in combination. The Amusement device also includes a credit card swipe component for accepting payment. The credit card swipe component can also accept and player cards commonly issued by casinos and other merchants for playing machines in their locations for payment and storing or crediting winnings. The amusement device also includes a thermal printer for generating and printing tickets for location/retailer specific coupons or other awards that can be used at the location, online, or with other merchants in a specific area.
US09192849B2

A system for displaying information on a basketball court, boxing ring or other athletic surface. The system includes: a plurality of light arrays configured to be embedded in a top layer of the athletic surface and oriented to emit light upwards through the athletic surface; and a control system for selectively controlling activation of the light arrays to display advertising and other information in the athletic surface.
US09192848B1

A skate wheel cap and light apparatus for generating a light source can comprise an outer skate wheel cap structure. The outer skate wheel cap structure can comprise a first attachment point that is configured to attach to a portion of a skate wheel. Additionally, a power source can be integrated within the outer skate wheel cap structure. Further, the outer skate wheel cap structure can comprise a light source, which is electronically coupled to the power source.
US09192840B2

A martial arts training device has a frame including a vertical post, and an impact absorbent material formed over the vertical post. The impact absorbent material is provided with an exterior striking surface. The vertical post supports the impact absorbent material to form a primary striking target. An upper armature member connects to the vertical post at an upper armature member upper end. The upper armature member extends horizontally from the vertical post and then extends downwardly at a diagonal angle. The upper armature member is connected to the central armature mount. A lower armature member connected to the central armature mount at a lower armature member upper end.
US09192831B2

A golf club head has a body defining a ball striking face. The body further has a first leg extending away from the ball striking face and a second leg extending away from the ball striking face wherein a void is defined between the first leg and the second leg. The body further defines a cover that extends over the void. The golf club head may further have support structures and adjustable weight members.
US09192829B2

A golf club head having a plurality of slots that are strategically placed on its sole to enhance sound and reduce weight is disposed herein. In particular, the slots are disposed in a triangular pattern or around a triangular panel proximate the face.
US09192819B2

Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, a layer formed from an additional thermoplastic composition, and an outermost layer formed from a thermoset rubber.
US09192809B1

An exercise device has a frame supporting guide links and foot support links. Upper pulleys are pivotally connected to the frame or guide links, front lower pulleys are connected to the guide links or foot support links and rear lower pulleys are connected to the foot support links. A flexible element extends from a vertical drive assembly to the upper pulley, front lower pulley, rear lower pulley and then to the frame rearward of the guide link pivot.
US09192807B2

An exercise device for the purpose of strengthening the trunk muscles is used on the top surface of a bed or a similar platform. The exercise device has a rectangular board with a first and second end, a first and second side, a top, and a bottom. A single pair of legs is attached to the first end of the board. A rigid foam covered bar spans the top of said rectangular board and is attached to the first and second sides of the rectangular board.
US09192806B2

An exercise system is presented utilizing a plurality of adjustable resistance members. Specifically, an athletic garment is presented, such as athletic shorts, having a plurality of padded elements therein which cover a user's muscles and provide resistance when exercising. In addition, the garment has a plurality of opposing attachment sites and a plurality of resistance bands connected between opposing attachment sites. When a user wears the athletic garment while exercising, the padded elements and the resistance bands stretch and resist movement thereby providing an improved workout.
US09192803B2

A sled with tubular runners that have a square aft cross section from which fixable bayonet couplings having three sides of a square extend and can receive a pole support frame's side members which cover the bayonet extensions. The pole support frame supports opposed bearings that rotationally mount a pole axle from which an equipment support pole transversely extends. Two semi-circumferential arrays of holes interact with holes in a fixed angular adjuster, mounted to the pole support frame, to enable multiple discrete fixed angular positions for the pole. The sled can support weights, preferably in the form of containers of water, as well as exercise equipment. The pole can support pole extensions, exercise equipment, and pulleys for guiding cables that connect weight containers to exercise apparatus.
US09192791B2

The present invention relates to a topical composition for use on skin containing theanine derivatives as active components and, more particularly, to a topical composition for use on skin having anti-aging, skin wrinkle repair, skin barrier enhancement, skin immunity enhancement, skin moisturizing, and atopy alleviation effects by containing theanine derivatives as active components.
US09192789B2

Methods for ablating tissue in a patient having atrial fibrillation comprise advancing an elongate flexible shaft through a patient's vasculature into a chamber of a heart. The elongate flexible shaft has an energy source and a sensor. Tissue in the heart is scanned with the sensor and data about the tissue is captured. The captured data is grouped into one of a plurality of tissue classifications and an anatomical map of the tissue showing the grouped data is displayed. At least a portion of the tissue is ablated so as to form a conduction block that blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the heart. The ablated tissue is grouped into one or more predefined tissue classifications during or prior to the ablation.
US09192782B1

A system and method of producing a reference graph for use in selecting the proper radiation levels for use during radiation therapy. Using the radiation treatment plan, a physician can then create a dose volume histogram. The dose volume histogram is used to create a risk map for selected tissue. Data from one or more databases is then accessed and overlaid onto the risk map to create a reference graph. The data from the selected databases contains historical data of past radiation levels used during prior radiation therapies. Furthermore, the historical data can contain instances of adverse reactions due to high radiation levels. The physician can view the reference graph to determine if the radiation being used on a patient is either overly aggressive or overly safe in all areas of affected tissue.
US09192778B2

The invention provides a cochlea stimulator for implantation comprising optical fibers of which are coupled to an irradiation source that is controlled by a modulator to generate irradiation specific for a pre-determined range of sound-frequencies. The cochlea stimulator effects a frequency-specific activation of the organ of Corti needed for speech perception especially in noisy environment and more complex sounds. For imparting excitation signals which are generated by modulated pulsed laser irradiation conducted within an optical fiber in order to elicit nervous signals in residual functional organ of Corti sections, the auditory prosthesis preferably contains optical fibers which are dimensioned to terminate in end sections within the cochlea at different sites or sections of the organ of Corti. e.g. having different lengths for locating their end sections at different internal parts of the cochlea.
US09192774B2

A cardiac pacing system comprising one or more leadless cardiac pacemakers configured for implantation in electrical contact with a cardiac chamber and configured to perform cardiac pacing functions in combination with a co-implanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises at least two leadless electrodes configured for delivering cardiac pacing pulses, sensing evoked and/or natural cardiac electrical signals, and bidirectionally communicating with the co-implanted ICD.
US09192773B2

An implantable system (11) for control of and communication with an implant (17) in a body, comprising a command input device (12) and a processing device (13) coupled thereto, the processing device (13) being adapted to generate input to a command generator (16) which is comprised in the system (11) coupled to the processing device (13) and which is adapted to generate and communicate commands to the medical implant (17) in response to input received from the processing device (13), the system (11) further comprising a memory unit (15) connected to at least one of said devices in the system (11) for storing a memory bank of commands. The command input device (12) is adapted to receive commands from a user as voice commands, and the processing device (13) comprises a filter adapted to filter voice commands against high frequency losses and frequency distortion caused by the mammal body (10).
US09192767B2

Described herein are microelectrode array devices, and methods of fabrication and use of the same, to provide highly localized and efficient electrical stimulation of a neurological target. The device includes multiple microelectrode elements arranged along an supportive backing layer. The microelectrode elements are dimensioned and shaped so as to target individual neurons, groups of neurons, and neural tissue as may be located in an animal nervous system, such as along a region of a cortex of a human brain. Beneficially, the neurological probe can be used to facilitate location of the neurological target and remain implanted for long-term monitoring and/or stimulation.
US09192766B2

Methods for treating polycystic kidney disease with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a renal artery of a kidney of a patient. One or more measurable physiological parameter corresponding to the polycystic kidney disease can thereby be reduced. Moreover, central sympathetic drive in the patient can be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for the polycystic kidney disease. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The modulation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a neuromodulation assembly, e.g., a neuromodulation assembly configured to cryotherapeutically cool the renal nerve or to deliver an energy field to the renal nerve.
US09192760B2

A method for determining whether the relative position of electrodes used by a neurostimulation system has changed within a patient comprises determining the amplitude of a field potential at each of at least one of the electrodes, determining if a change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes has occurred, and analyzing the change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes to determine whether a change in the relative position of the electrodes has occurred. Another method comprises measuring a first monopolar impedance between a first electrode and a reference electrode, measuring a second monopolar impedance between second electrode and the reference electrode, measuring a bipolar impedance between the first and second electrodes, and estimating an amplitude of a field potential at the second electrode based on the first and second monopolar impedances and the bipolar impedance.
US09192755B2

A catheter assembly comprising an elongated tubular structure having a distal end and a proximal end; a septum disposed within the interior of the tubular structure so as to define a first lumen and a second lumen, and a valve element disposed at the distal end of the tubular structure and configured to move longitudinally relative to the tubular structure between (i) a closed position in which the distal end of the tubular structure is closed off by the valve element, and (ii) an open position in which the distal end of the tubular structure is not closed off by the valve element; wherein the tubular structure, septum and valve element are configured so as to provide fluid communication between the first and second lumen when the valve element is disposed in its closed position.
US09192754B2

An IV set is disclosed that includes a silicone rubber tube coated with a layer of a gas barrier material. The coated tube is resilient and has low gas permeability and is suitable for use with peristaltic IV pumps.
US09192749B2

An applicator device (10) is provided for applying a patch (44) having an array of microprotrusions (90) to the stratum corneum. The applicator device (10) includes a device body (12) and a piston moveable within the device body (12). A cap (16) is provided on the device body (12) for activating the device (10) to impact the stratum corneum with a microprotrusion array (44, 90). The device (10) is capable of being cocked by one handed operation of the user which allows the device (10) to be used by patients having neither the strength nor the manual dexterity to cock other types of applicator devices.
US09192733B2

A puncture needle assembly including: a puncture device which is provided with a needle tube having a sharp needlepoint at the tip thereof, and also with a protector which is supported relative to the needle tube so as to be movable in the axis direction of the needle tube between a first position at which the protector covers at least the needlepoint of the needle tube and a second position at which the protector exposes the needlepoint and is located further on the base end side than the first position; a cap which is removably mounted to the puncture device; a lock which can, when the protector is at the first position, maintain the position of the protector; and a lock release which, when the protector moves from the first position to the second position, enables the protector to move by releasing the locked state maintained by the lock. The cap has a prevention section which, in a cap-mounted state in which the cap is mounted on the puncture device with the protector located at the first position, prevents the lock from being unlocked.
US09192730B2

A method for replacing a tag tool needle includes securing at least a portion of a tag tool needle coupled to a tag tool in a needle container; and removing the tag tool needle from the tag tool with the needle container. A tag tool needle container includes a first tubular aperture adapted to receive at least a portion of a first tag tool needle therein, where the first tubular aperture has a compression-fit adapted to securely enclose the portion of the first tag tool needle when urged over the first tag tool needle; and a second tubular aperture coupled to the first tubular aperture and adapted to receive at least a portion of a second tag tool needle therein, where the second tubular aperture has a compression-fit adapted to adapted to securely enclose the portion of the second tag tool needle when urged over the second tag tool needle.
US09192726B2

A drug delivery device is presented comprising of a housing, a plurality of contacts, and a cylindrical member configured to be rotatably supported inside the housing, wherein the outer surface of the cylindrical member is provided with a plurality of tracks together forming an encoder, each track comprising conductive segments and non-conductive segments, and wherein the cylindrical member is supported in the housing such that each track is engaged by a respective one of the plurality of contacts.
US09192723B2

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for reducing Medical Administered Errors, (MAE) in the administration of injectable medications to patients by using a syringe device that is designed, labeled, and calibrated to decrease the risk of such errors. The syringe may be designed for a specific medication, and labeled to indicate the name of the medication for which it was designed. The syringe is calibrated to deliver a specific amount of the medication that is the appropriate dosage for a patient of a particular weight or other feature, thereby making it unnecessary for the user to perform calculations to determine the correct dosage volume for the particular patient. The syringe may also be calibrated with additional measurement scales that enable the user to verify that the correct dosage.
US09192722B2

This pharmaceutical injection device comprises a main body case (2) having an injection needle extension/retraction opening (1); a pharmaceutical syringe mounting portion (3) provided inside the main body case (2); a piston (5) capable of moving relative to the pharmaceutical syringe mounting portion (3); a drive mechanism (6) for the piston (5); a controller (7) that is electrically connected to the drive mechanism (6); and an orientation sensor (8) that is electrically connected to the controller (7). The controller (7) controls the speed of the piston (5) in order to reduce liquid leakage during pharmaceutical mixing.
US09192712B2

Various security features for a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The security features include providing dual verification for standing orders, allowing multiple levels of access rights to features of the medical infusion pump, and incorporating a security touch screen in the medical infusion pump. Methods of use and operation of these features are disclosed as well.
US09192704B2

A TET system is operable to vary an amount of power transmitted from an external power supply to an implantable power unit in accordance with a monitored condition of the implantable power unit. The amount of power supplied to the implantable power unit for operating a pump, for example, can be varied in accordance with a cardiac cycle, so as to maintain the monitored condition in the power circuit within a desired range throughout the cardiac cycle.
US09192699B2

Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
US09192693B2

Disclosed herein is a method for treatment of emphysema by reducing the volume of the pulmonary alveoli or alveolar sacs which have been anomalously expanded with destruction by emphysema. The method includes a step (a) of inserting a catheter into a bronchus or bronchiole, a step (b) of injecting through said catheter a film-forming agent into the respiratory region including the pulmonary alveoli or alveolar sacs, thereby forming a film on the inner wall of said respiratory region, and a step (c) of shrinking said pulmonary alveoli or alveolar sacs.
US09192692B2

Nasal or sinus site may be treated with a ready-to-use paste having a high concentration of a water-soluble chitosan, an osmolality reducing agent in a phosphate-containing solution. The paste forms at room temperature, has a pH of at least 4 and the osmolality reducing agent does not crosslink with the water-soluble chitosan. The paste provides stenting and adheres to the nasal or sinus site and has a residence time of at least 1 day.
US09192691B2

An air freshener comprises a container divided into an inner cylindrical reservoir and an outer annular reservoir with at least two different fragrant materials with different fragrances. A cap is carried by the container and covers the reservoirs. A sleeve extends from the cap into the container between the reservoirs. The cap is movable axially with respect to the container between a raised position in which the at least two different fragrances are released, and a closed position in which the cap covers the container to resist release of the at least two different fragrances.
US09192679B2

The invention relates to a novel galenical system for taste masking, protecting an active substance, in particular in an acid medium, modulating releasing properties, masking mucous irritability and toxicity of certain active substances, for preparing aqueous forms which have a masked taste, are stable and pH independent. Said invention also relates, in particular to a galenical system which is embodied in the form of lipidic solid particles and strictly hydrophobic and devoid of water, surface active agents, emulsifiers, solvent traces and which is characterized in that it comprises at least one type of hydrophobic wax and at least one type of fatty non-neutralised acid.
US09192675B2

A breath-powered, dry powder inhaler, a cartridge, and a pulmonary drug delivery system are provided. The dry powder inhaler can be provided with or without a unit dose cartridge for using with the inhaler. The inhaler and/or cartridge can be provided with a drug delivery formulation comprising, for example, a diketopiperazine and an active ingredient, including, peptides and proteins such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 for the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity. The dry powder inhaler is compact; can be provided in various shapes and sizes, colors, and comprises a housing, a mouthpiece, a cartridge placement area, and a mechanism for opening and closing the medicament cartridge. The device is easy to manufacture, provides a pre-metered single unit dose, it is relatively easy to use, and can be reusable or disposable.
US09192674B2

The present disclosure is directed generally to cosmetic compositions comprising EPA free acid and GLA free acid. In some embodiments, the cosmetic compositions have a cosmetically acceptable odor.
US09192664B2

Disclosed are methods and compositions of anti-B cell antibodies, preferably anti-CD22 antibodies, for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of B-cell associated diseases, such as B-cell malignancies, autoimmune disease and immune dysfunction disease. In certain embodiments, trogocytosis induced by anti-B cell antibodies may determine antibody efficacy, disease responsiveness and prognosis of therapeutic intervention. In other embodiments, optimal dosages of therapeutic antibody may be selected by monitoring the degree of trogocytosis induced by anti-B cell antibodies. Other characteristics of anti-B-cell antibodies that may be monitored include inducing phosphorylation of CD22, CD79a and CD79b; inducing translocation of CD22, CD79a and CD79b to lipid rafts; inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis; increasing pLyn, pERKs and pJNKs; decreasing constitutively-active p38; or inducing mitochondrial membrane depolarization, generation of reactive oxygen species, upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xl, Mcl-1 and Bcl-2.
US09192656B2

The present invention is directed toward the delivery of toxic agents to pathogenic cells, particularly cancer cells. In some embodiments, the toxic agent is a human ribonuclease or similar agent that is toxic to cells.
US09192654B2

The invention relates to the use of the PAT nonapeptide in the manufacture of a drug for preventing or treating a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease. The parenteral route of administration is preferable, including the subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intravenous or intranasal routes. The invention also relates to an injectable formulation containing the PAT nonapeptide which can be administered to patients suffering from a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease.
US09192652B2

This application features methods of inhibiting ultraviolet B-induced skin damage in a subject. The methods include administering a VEGF-C agonist to the subject.
US09192638B2

The invention relates to a preparation containing several amino acids and plant extracts and its alcohol detoxification activity. The component (a) in the preparation contains a mixture of two or more amino acids or derivatives thereof; the component (b) in the preparation contains a mixture of three or more extracts from plants. There are several plant extracts used in this invention such as the extract of ginseng radix, the extract of ginkgo biloba leaf, the extract of Silibinin, the extract of barberry wolfberry fruit and tea polyphenosis. The invention also relates to the biological activities of said preparation, such as the liver protection from chemical injury, the tolerance enhancement of hypoxy and the rapid decrease till elimination of the blood alcohol content.
US09192636B2

The present invention relates to compositions comprising Andrographis paniculata extracts combined with Ginkgo biloba extracts complexed with phospholipids.Moreover, the compositions administered in oils rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids demonstrate a further synergic effect between the ingredients.Said compositions are useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
US09192632B2

Methods of producing stem cell conditioned media to treat mammalian injuries or insults. In at least one embodiment of a method of producing a stem cell conditioned media of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of culturing at least one stem cell in a first cell culture medium, replacing some or all of the first cell culture medium with a second cell culture medium and further culturing the at least one stem cell in the second cell culture medium, and collecting a quantity of the second cell culture medium after a culture duration, wherein the quantity of the second cell culture medium contains a cell culture byproduct effective to treat a mammalian insult or injury. In another embodiment, the step of culturing comprises culturing the at least one stem cell in EGM2MV.
US09192630B2

Restoration or increase of inhibitory interneuron function in vivo is achieved by transplantation of MGE cells into the brain. Compositions containing MGE cells are provided as are uses to treat various diseases characterised by abnormal inhibitory interneuron function or in cases where increase inhibition may ameliorate neural circuits that are abnormally activated.
US09192628B2

Disclosed is a method for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a patient by administering to the patient autologous, ex vivo-expanded CD4+CD25+Foxp3+CD127low T reg cells when the patient is in remission. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting the activity of autoimmune, autologous cytotoxic T and B cells in a patient suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of autologous CD4+CD25+Foxp3+CD127low T reg cells to the patient.
US09192621B2

Provided herein are compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of Flaviviridae infections, including HCV infections. In certain embodiments, compounds and compositions of nucleoside derivatives are disclosed, which can be administered either alone or in combination with other anti-viral agents. In certain embodiments, provided herein are compounds according to Formula 1001: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, stereoisomeric form, tautomeric form or polymorphic form thereof, wherein Base, Y, Z, A, RC and RD are as described herein.
US09192613B1

This method outlines a process which a patient may follow to find a rapid, safe and effective treatment for the common problem of premature ejaculation. The method progresses through three stages including clinical history, diagnostic testing, and treatment. Treatment of primary premature ejaculation includes assessing the condition of the male to establish that the male has primary premature ejaculation as opposed to secondary premature ejaculation and, if the male is diagnosed as having primary premature ejaculation, identifying a treatment protocol that progresses to a safest and most effective methodology in a shortest number of steps. During treatment, the male is progressed through at least two of the following steps in sequence until a satisfactory delay of ejaculation is achieved: applying a clomipramine sublingual spray, applying a clomipramine nasal spray, applying a troche of clomipramine buccally or sublingually, applying tramadol buccally, and injecting a vasodilator into a corpus cavernosum of the male's penis in an amount sufficient to provoke a lasting erection.
US09192610B2

The present invention relates to the use of a series of quinazoline-derived compounds to produce a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of neurological and/or neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease. The present invention also relates to a method for the treatment and/prevention of neurological and/neurodegenerative diseases comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of said compounds.
US09192606B2

The present invention relates to formulations of 3-(6-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-3-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid in Form I, pharmaceutical packs or kits thereof, and methods of treatment therewith.
US09192599B2

The present invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist for preventing or treating inflammatory pain and diseases in mucosa of oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. In another aspect the present invention provides mucosal bioadhesive slow release carriers for the extended and controlled release of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists that can be used on mucosal surfaces for preventing or treating inflammatory pain and diseases in mucosa of oral cavity.
US09192598B2

A group of antimicrobial compounds shows effectiveness for preventing bacterial growth and bio film formation. In particular, the compounds are effective for preventing the growth of gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA”) bacteria. The compounds include naturally-occurring compounds such as linoleyl ethanolamide, noladin ether, and anandamide, and man-made compounds such as CP55,640 [(−)-cis-3-[2-Hydroxy-4-(l,l-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]-trans-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexanol] and O-2050 [(6aR,10aR)-3-(l-Methanesulfonylamino-4-hexyn-6-yl)-6a,7,10,1Oa-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran]. Because these antibacterial compounds have unique modes of action and/or unique chemical scaffolds compared to traditional antibiotics, they are extremely useful against bacteria having resistances to antibiotics.
US09192593B2

An amino-acid containing composition for inhibiting accumulation of fat, containing leucine in an amount of 33 to 67% by weight and threonine in an amount of 33 to 67% by weight, in terms of free amino acids thereof, based on whole amino acids.
US09192592B2

The present invention relates to the use of a 2,5-dihydroxybenzene derivative represented by Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, isomer, or prodrug thereof for the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of, inter alia, dermatitis.
US09192588B2

An object of the present invention is to provide zeaxanthin-enriched poultry eggs containing zeaxanthin at high concentrations. The present invention specifically relates to zeaxanthin-enriched poultry eggs obtained by feeding poultry with a poultry feedstuff containing zeaxanthin-producing bacteria.
US09192585B2

Compounds that are central nervous system drug candidates for the treatment of cognitive decline and, more particularly, Alzheimer's disease are provided. Methods of treating, inhibiting, and/or abatement of cognitive decline and/or Alzheimer's disease with a compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the invention are also provided. Also provided are methods of preparing the compounds/compositions of the invention.
US09192580B2

The invention disclosed herein relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a carrier and an active ingredient, wherein the carrier is fish gelatin and the composition is a fast-dispersing dosage form designed to release the active ingredient rapidly on contact with a fluid. In one embodiment, the composition is designed for oral administration and releases the active ingredient rapidly in the oral cavity on contact with saliva. The fish gelatin can be obtained from cold water fish sources and is preferably the non-gelling, non-hydrolyzed form. A process for preparing such a composition and a method of using fish gelatin in a fast dispersing dosage form are also provided.
US09192578B2

The present invention includes compositions and methods of making a modified release pharmaceutical formulation and a method of preparation for the embedding of modified release multi-particulates into a polymeric or wax-like matrix. The modified release multi-particulates comprise an effective amount of a therapeutic compound having a known or desired drug-release profile. Modified release multi-particulates may include a polymeric coat or may be incorporated into particle or core material. The polymer matrix comprises a thermoplastic polymer or lipophilic carrier or a mixture thereof that softens or melts at elevated temperature and allows the distribution of the modified release multi-particulates in the polymer matrix during thermal processing. Formulation compounds and processing conditions are selected in a manner to preserve the controlled release characteristics and/or drug-protective properties of the original modified release multi-particulates.
US09192576B2

The present application describes pharmaceutical formulations of bromocriptine mesylate and methods of manufacturing and using such formulations. The formulations are useful for improving glycerine control in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
US09192565B2

The invention provides ethanol-free liquid oral care compositions comprising cetyl pyridinium chloride which do not have an unacceptably bitter taste, e.g. mouthwashes, toothpastes, throat sprays, and breath sprays that are substantially free of ethanol, e.g., comprising (i) an antimicrobially effective amount of cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), (ii) one or more flavoring oils which are substantially insoluble in water at room temperature, and (iii) water, wherein the ratio of the CPC to the one or more flavoring oils is from 1:1.5 to 1:2.5, as well as methods of making and using the same.
US09192563B2

Oral compositions containing a polyorganosilsesquioxane particle, preferably polymethylsilsesquioxane particles having a particle size of from about 1 to about 10 microns and an orally-acceptable carrier. Method of using such compositions for the cleaning and polishing of dental enamel, such methods including the step of applying such oral care compositions to the teeth of a user.
US09192549B2

A process for preparing silicate shell microcapsules comprises adding a water reactive silicon compound to an oil in water emulsion, thereby condensing and polymerizing the water reactive silicon compound to form silicate shell microcapsules having a core comprising the oil phase of the said emulsion. The water reactive silicon compound comprises a tetraalkoxysilane and an alkoxysilane having an amino or quaternary ammonium substituted alkyl group.
US09192545B2

A root canal filling material incorporates heat conductive particles of sub-micron size dispersed in a heat flowable matrix of endodontic filling material. The particle size is 1 micron or less (e.g., 0.5 to 1 micron, or nanoparticles of 100 nm or less). The addition of high heat conductive particles in the heat flowable matrix material improves the overall heat conductivity of the root canal filling material. During root canal treatment procedure, the filling material softens more thoroughly to fill the root canal apex and to form a seal of higher integrity at the root canal apex area, at a significantly lower operating temperature. The inventive filling material may be provided in bulk (e.g., pellet form) for use with an injection tool that heats and injects softened filling material into root canal cavities, or pre-shaped in the form of dental root canal filling cones (or points).
US09192537B2

A plug connector has a housing body, and a retaining cage is locked in place inside the housing body. At one end the retaining cage encloses a contacting element for electrically contacting a conductor of a cable to be attached, and at the other end the retaining cage encloses the cable sheath of the cable to be attached. Coupling elements for reversible connection of a further plug connector having an identical housing body are provided externally on the housing body on both sides thereof. Fixing elements for fixing the plug connector onto a mounting rail are provided externally on the housing body.
US09192533B2

A patient positioning wedge, mattress, pillow, pod, or other surface or apparatus for preventing or relieving pressure ulcers or other types of wounds through low air loss therapy, alternating pressure therapy, or both, and the ports, controllers, and manifolds used in combination. The mattress includes a plurality of perforated or otherwise porous air cells for supporting the patient's body weight. The mattress further includes valves and accessory ports to pump air into accessories, such as patient positioning wedges, pods, and pillows. Each accessory also includes perforated or otherwise porous air cells. The air cells in the mattress and accessories allow for low air loss therapy and/or alternating pressure therapy by passing air between the contact surface of the mattress or accessory and the contact surface of the patient, thus helping alleviate pressure, heat, friction, and moisture, while maintaining support and stability of the patient.
US09192530B2

A seat configured to provide support for a user at various positions, such as standing position or a seated position, is provided.
US09192526B2

A discrete absorbent insert for use in a containment system includes an absorbent core positioned between a first sheet and a second sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet extend beyond the core and are joined together to form a seal. The absorbent core has at least 40% superabsorbent. The absorbent insert has an intake layer of at least 100 gsm between the first sheet and the absorbent core. The first sheet and the second sheet are fluid permeable, spunbond webs of synthetic polymer filaments. The absorbent insert has an absorbent capacity of at least 600 g. The discrete absorbent insert may have an intake rate for a first insult through the first sheet having a first value and an intake rate for a first insult through the second sheet having a second value, wherein a difference between the first value and the second value is less than 20%.
US09192522B2

The present invention provides a tampon applicator assembly having an applicator barrel with an insertion tip with a maximum of three petals. Additionally, the tampon applicator assembly can be provided with a tapered insertion tip. A shaped pledget can be housed in the applicator barrel, which provides support to the petals.
US09192510B2

Materials and Methods for producing localized hypothermia in a patient for treatment of a weight disorder (e.g., obesity).
US09192502B2

An ankle-foot orthotic device is designed to closely simulate the natural movement of a lower extremity throughout a proper walking gait cycle. The orthotic device includes upper and lower support members that are pivotally coupled by opposing dorsiflexion assist members. The lower support member includes a rigid, unitary cup for receiving the heel and ankle portions of the lower extremity. The cup is shaped to include a continuous slot that allows for at least 5 degrees of compression upon initial heel strike and thereby promotes a smooth, decelerating heel roll. The lower support member additionally includes a rigid footplate on which is mounted a flexible overlay, the overlay extending beyond the footplate in the medial aspect to promote proper pronation into midstance. A compressible stop is mounted on the lower support member and selectively contacts the upper support member to prevent hyperextension of the lower extremity.
US09192496B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering a stent to a lumen internal to a body of a patient and for sheathing a stent just prior to an insertion procedure. One embodiment comprises a delivery device having a partially sheathed configuration, a fully sheathed delivery configuration, and a deployed configuration. A panchor (combination pusher and anchor) is configured to engage and limit proximal and distal movement of the implantable device. An outer sheath surrounds a distal portion of an inner member and retains the implantable device near the distal end. The outer sheath is slidably moveable relative to the inner member to deploy the implantable device. Proximal movement of a trigger results in movement of the outer sheath to deploy the implantable device. A sheathing mechanism is configured to crimp and fully sheathe the implantable device prior to a deployment procedure.
US09192492B2

The device includes a stent and a separating device, the stent having a number of areas of separation and the separating device being able to be introduced through the wall of the stent at an area of separation. According to embodiments of the invention, each area of separation has a number of separable junctions; the activation of the separating device separates at least one of the separable junctions of the area of separation so as to separate the stent into two stent sections at the area of the bifurcation and to allow the stent sections to further expand to respectively conform to a shape of the main conduit and to a shape of the secondary conduit at the area of the bifurcation.
US09192481B2

The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
US09192479B2

Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint and the patella specifically are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches involving implanting a joint surface load reducing implant proximate the joint to change the direction of the tendons or muscles exerting forces on the joints.
US09192474B2

A penis erection stimulation system comprises one or more infusion needles disposed within and implanted along with one or more housings adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. A reservoir and a pump are also implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid. A drive unit also adapted for implantation inside the patient's body is arranged for advancing and retracting the tip end of the infusion needle such that it penetrates the housing at least in two different penetration areas either simultaneously or in immediate time succession, thereby injecting drugs along with the infusion liquid into the patient's body for stimulating penis erection.
US09192468B2

An artificial mitral valve is anchored in the left atrium by placing the valve between the annulus of the natural mitral valve and an artificial annulus. The artificial annulus is formed by inserting a tool into the coronary sinus, and adjusting the tool to force the wall of the left atrium to form an annulus above the artificial valve, this locking it in place and forming a hemostatic seal.
US09192466B2

A heart valve prosthesis configured for placement at a mitral valve in the heart is disclosed that includes a stent-like support structure for supporting a prosthetic mitral valve. The support structure is configured to have a low ventricular profile with only a short length thereof protruding into the left ventricle when deployed in vivo. The support structure includes an upstream section that is outwardly expandable to sit against the atrial wall so as to at least partially anchor the prosthesis therein and a downstream section to which the prosthetic mitral valve is coupled that extends between the left atria and ventricle through the native mitral valve. The low-ventricular profile of the prosthesis is achieved by shaping the support structure such that the downstream section extends within and overlaps with the upstream section at given regions around the circumference of the support structure in an expanded configuration.
US09192463B2

A perfusion device and a delivery system for repair of a damaged portion of a body vessel. Perfusion device can include a tubular body that is self-expandable, having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion. One or more series of barbs can be disposed circumferentially along the intermediate portion. Barbs are capable of penetrating into the tunica intima and tunica media of said vessel wall upon insertion of said device into said body vessel, and not into said tunica adventitia. A graft can be associated with the tubular body. Graft has a proximal end and a distal end, and preferably extends entirely along a luminal wall of the tubular body. Graft may also extend along an exterior surface of the tubular body at the proximal and distal portions. A remodelable covering can be applied along the intermediate portion. Delivery devices for the perfusion implant and methods of delivering the perfusion implant are also provided.
US09192458B2

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 tissue.
US09192455B1

Oral appliances, methods of making oral appliances, and bite registration devices for use in making oral appliances are provided. An oral appliance includes a lower segment, and upper segments. The upper segments are operably connected to the lower segment using threaded elements. Rotational manipulation of the threaded elements causes the upper segments to be displaced horizontally relative to the lower segment about the lengths of the threaded elements, and the lengths of the threaded elements are substantially parallel to each other. A bite registration device for use in making an oral appliance includes a top surface including a protrusion and a bottom surface including a receptacle configured to receive the protrusion. The device is configured to be maintained in stacked relation to a like configured second bite registration device by mating the protrusion of the bite registration device with a receptacle of the second bite registration device.
US09192449B2

The microbial scrub brush in one embodiment employs an insert that is impregnated with an anti-bacterial disinfectant and that is housed within a housing of alcohol-compatible material and sealed over by a removable lid. The insert is maintained in sterile condition until ready for use. After removal of the lid, the insert is moved over the end of a female luer or other portion of a medical device and rotated in order to clean the exterior surface as well as the interior luminal surface of the device. In one embodiment, the scrub brush integrally includes both a cleansing portion with a cleansing insert to cleanse a part of a medical device and a protection portion with a cover component to cover and protect the cleansed medical device part from subsequent contamination. The cleansing insert includes a plurality of compliant fingers to ensure adequate cleansing of the medical device part.
US09192448B2

A force transducer is coupled to a distal portion of a shaft of a surgical instrument. The force transducer includes proximal and distal portions, radial ribs, and a plurality of strain gauges. The radial ribs form a plurality of through passages. The surgical instrument further includes a flush manifold that receives a liquid from a proximal portion of the shaft, and that directs the liquid along a first subset of through passages of the plurality of through passages toward the distal portion of the force transducer. A plenum at the distal portion of the force transducer collects the liquid from the first subset of through passages and redirects the liquid back toward the proximal portion of the shaft along a second subset of through passages of the plurality of through passages different from the first subset of through passages.
US09192446B2

An MRI-guided interventional system for use with a patient and an interventional device includes a base, a trajectory guide frame, and a mounting device. The base is configured to be secured to a body of the patient. The trajectory guide frame includes a targeting cannula. The targeting cannula has an elongate guide bore extending axially therethrough, defining a trajectory axis, and being configured to guide placement of the interventional device. The trajectory guide frame is operable to move the targeting cannula relative to the base to position the trajectory axis to a desired intrabody trajectory to guide placement of the interventional device in vivo. A plurality of patient engagement structures are provided on the base and are configured to penetrate tissue of the body and to space the base apart from the tissue. The system further includes a plurality of fasteners configured to secure the base to the body.
US09192442B2

An apparatus has a pump module providing pump energy, a resonator and a controller. The resonator includes a gain medium receiving the pump energy from the pump module and producing light; reflective surfaces reflecting light produced by the gain medium back toward the gain medium; and a variable light attenuator receiving light produced by the gain medium. The controller controls the amount of light attenuated by the variable light attenuator such that the apparatus emits windows of pulses of laser light at spaced time intervals, each window containing a plurality of pulses of laser light and each interval between windows being larger than an interval between pulses within a window. The emitted windows of pulses of laser light heat tissue to a temperature that causes coagulation without vaporization.
US09192434B2

A forceps includes an end effector assembly having a stop and a plurality of overmold teeth within at least one jaw member. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a stop molded within an insulative housing, and an insulator plate with the overmold teeth formed from plastic. The overmold teeth extend through openings within a sealing plate and protrude past the tissue sealing surface of the sealing plate. The stop primarily controls the gap distance between opposing jaw members by bearing most of an applied load and the overmold teeth assist in controlling the gap distance by bearing the remaining applied load.
US09192433B2

A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.
US09192424B2

An AC active load device for use with a generator and a controller to supply a variable impedance when supplied with an AC waveform. The AC active load device uses a transformer and one or more transistors to generate an average max load impedance greater than 1000 ohms over varying voltage levels. The transistor functions as a dynamically-controlled resistor to the generator when the generator supplies the AC voltage to the transformer. The transistors may be GaN FETs or LDMOSFETs. The transformer steps down a voltage supplied by a generator to a voltage below the threshold voltage of the transistors. A control voltage is supplied to the gate of the transistors and may be controlled by a controller. A voltage and current are outputted to the controller from the AC active load device. The AC active load device may be used to calibrate the generator.
US09192405B2

A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable, flexible, hollow drive shaft having a fluid impermeable wall defining a fluid impermeable lumen of the drive shaft and, an abrasive element mounted to a distal end portion of the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from a distal support element formed at a distal end of the drive shaft, the distal support element being inflatable by pressurized fluid which flows in an antegrade direction through said lumen of the drive shaft and is at least partially re-directed into the distal fluid inflatable support element.
US09192403B2

A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an elongate implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to compress lung tissue. The implant may be longer in axial length than an axial length of the target axial region in which it is deployed. Deployment may involve allowing an end of the implant to move relative to surrounding tissue while the implant is progressively deployed.
US09192397B2

The invention relates to a method of creating a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony structure. The invention also relates to devices that may be used to perform the steps to create the curvilinear cavity. In one embodiment, a method of forming a curvilinear void in bony structure may include the steps of accessing a bony structure with a cannula, inserting a distal end of a drill device through the cannula and into the bony structure, manipulating the distal end of the drill device to create a curvilinear void in the bony structure, enlarging the void by expansion of a balloon element mounted to the drill device, and deflating the balloon element and removing the drill device from the cannula.
US09192396B2

Disclosed is a bone coring device having a handle including a first handle component and a second handle component. The first handle component is rotatably coupled to the second handle component. The device also includes a coring assembly mechanically coupled to the handle. The coring assembly includes an elongated outer cutting member having an internal bore and distal edge adapted to cut through cancellous bone. The coring assembly also includes an elongated inner member slidably positioned within the internal bore of the outer cutting member. Rotatable movement of the first handle component relative to the second handle component causes relative, linear movement between the elongated outer cutting member and the inner member to facilitate coring of a sample of bone when the coring assembly is positioned within the bone.
US09192392B2

Systems and methods for joint replacement are provided. The systems and methods include a surgical orientation device and at least one orthopedic fixture. The surgical orientation device and orthopedic fixtures can be used to locate the orientation of an axis in the body, to adjust an orientation of a cutting plane or planes along a bony surface, to distract a joint, or to otherwise assist in an orthopedic procedure or procedures.
US09192387B1

A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US09192382B2

A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member defines a first axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first jaw member is pivotable about the first axis. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart and an approximated position.
US09192381B2

The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus.
US09192375B2

An implant manipulator may have a distal end that retains an implant, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion between the ends. The intermediate portion may have a cross-sectional shape that extends along a nonlinear pathway. The intermediate portion may have a selectively bendable portion in which the cross-sectional shape varies to facilitate bending when desired. The implant manipulator may be a needle for a suture passer, with a suture capture feature at the distal end. The suture capture feature may have first and second members that flex apart to permit entry of the suture into a suture capture hole wherein the suture is retained until released. A suture passer may receive the needle in a bore shaped to change the cross-sectional shape to facilitate or restrict bending of the needle, as needed.
US09192373B2

Suture constructs and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a construct includes a first limb, a second limb, a coaxial region, and a collapsible snare defined by the first and second limbs. The coaxial region can be formed by a portion of the second limb being disposed in a volume of the first limb, which allows for a low profile construct that is useful in various soft tissue repair procedures. The construct can be configured to be disposed in tissue to draw the tissue toward bone, and the coaxial region can be deconstructed so that the first and second limbs can be used to help secure the desired location of the tissue with respect to the bone. Various features of the construct and methods for using the same in a surgical procedure are also provided.
US09192366B2

A retraction device for retracting an incision in a body wall includes a sheath that traverses through the incision from outside the body to a body cavity inside the body. The retraction device may include a deployable, adjustable frame that supports the sheath and that, together with the sheath, retracts the incision. The retraction device may include an outer ring and an inner ring coupled to opposing ends of the sheath and further include means to place the sheath in tension between the inner and outer rings, thereby retracting the incision.
US09192364B2

A tissue puncture closure device includes an anchor, a suture connected to the anchor at a distal end of the suture, a sealing plug positioned proximal of the anchor, and a compaction assembly. The compaction assembly includes a compaction tube having a distal end and a proximal end, and a pivot arm having first and second ends and being rotatable about a pivot axis. The proximal end of the compaction tube is connected to the first end of the pivot arm and a proximal end of the suture is connected to the second end of the pivot arm. The compaction assembly also includes a release member operable to release the pivot arm to rotate between a first position wherein the compaction tube is withdrawn, and a second position wherein tension is applied in the suture and the compaction tube is advanced to compact the sealing plug.
US09192362B2

A device for closure of an opening formed in a body vessel includes a grasping member and a sheath movable thereover. The grasping member comprises a tubular body having a plurality of grasping fingers extending from a distal end of the tubular body. The fingers radially extend from the tubular body at a first angle, and are collapsible therefrom to a second angle. The fingers have a distal tip configured for grasping an outer wall of the body vessel surrounding the vessel opening when the fingers are at the first angle. The sheath is slidable over the tubular body and at least a portion of the grasping fingers for collapsing the fingers from the first angle to the second angle, thereby causing the collapsed fingers to at least substantially close the opening.
US09192354B2

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprising: an image forming unit which forms an ultrasound image that corresponds to an echo signal received from a subject to which a contrast medium has been administered; a region of interest setting unit which sets, in a target region corresponding to target tissue on the ultrasound image formed by the image forming unit, a first region of interest and a second region of interest which are two regions different from each other; a feature value extraction unit which extracts, as a feature value, a difference in brightness between the first region of interest and the second region of interest set by the region of interest setting unit; and a type determination unit which determines, based on the feature value extracted by the feature value extraction unit, a type of the target tissue.
US09192350B2

A portable radiation imaging apparatus configured to wirelessly communicate with a radiation generation apparatus includes a radiation image sensor including a two-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of detection elements configured to detect a radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a wireless communication unit configured to receive a generation condition of the radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a storage unit configured to store the received generation condition and radiation image data obtained by the radiation image sensor in association with each other, and a housing configured to accommodate the radiation image sensor, the wireless communication unit, and the storage unit.
US09192339B2

A scanning system and an image display method are provided, the method including: implementing a scanning process to obtain scanning data; converting the scanning data into image data; implementing an identification process and a segmentation process to the image data to obtain position and direction information of an interventional device; and calculating a first set of imaging parameters corresponding to a first image display mode based on the obtained position and direction information of the interventional device, and implementing real-time image display based on the first set of imaging parameters. Position and direction of interventional devices may be determined accurately. Further, multiple display modes are available, which may provide an accurate and full range image display.
US09192338B2

A method of presenting glucose data to a person with diabetes from a blood glucose meter is provided in which an effective meal average (EMA) value is presented, followed by two or more of the individual values that make up the EMA, to provide improved feedback data for clinical decisions by patients who need to alter their dose of insulin. The EMA can also comprise a measure of the variability of its constituent values. The EMA encompasses those values that occur at specified times such as 1 hour before and 1 hour after a specified meal time. The EMA is calculated over a limited number of days previous to the calculation (e.g., 3 days) and has a minimum number of values that must be obtained within the time and date ranges. An algorithm allows for exclusion of any given reading from the average (e.g., post-prandial or control solution readings). Patients can use 1 to 8 EMA on any given date range (e.g., preferably 4, that is, breakfast, lunch, supper and bedtime snack).
US09192333B1

A wireless system and methods for non-invasive detection of brain injury that includes a detection device for reliable monitoring and analyzing of sleep movement in comparison with normal sleep movement architecture to identify dampened sleep movement patterns indicative of brain injury.
US09192331B2

A releasing structure for a lancing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a lancet body with a lancet at the front; a lancet holder mounted with the lancet body with the lancet at the front; a stem disposed behind the lancet holder and moving the lancet holder forward/backward; a rotary housing pushing/pulling the stem while turning forward at a predetermined angle about a rotational axis defined in the movement direction of the lancet; a torsion spring storing torque for turning the rotary housing forward at a predetermined angle; and a loading handle transmitting torque to the torsion spring while turning forward at a predetermined angle.
US09192329B2

A user configurable variable mode pulse indicator provides a user the ability to influence outputs indicative of a pulse occurrence at least during distortion, or high-noise events. For example, when configured to provide or trigger pulse indication outputs, a pulse indicator designates the occurrence of each pulse in a pulse oximeter-derived photo-plethysmograph waveform, through waveform analysis or some statistical measure of the pulse rate, such as an averaged pulse rate. When the configured to block outputs or not trigger pulse indication outputs, a pulse indicator disables the output for one or more of an audio or visual pulse occurrence indication. The outputs can be used to initiate an audible tone “beep” or a visual pulse indication on a display, such as a vertical spike on a horizontal trace or a corresponding indication on a bar display. The amplitude output is used to indicate data integrity and corresponding confidence in the computed values of saturation and pulse rate. The amplitude output can vary a characteristic of the pulse indicator, such as beep volume or frequency or the height of the visual display spike.
US09192325B2

An apparatus and method for determination of change in volume of a body part or body organ on a real-time basis. In a breastfeeding application, an inflatable cuff is positioned on a nursing breast and allows direct access to the nipple by the breastfeeding infant. The inflatable cuff includes an outer shell portion and an inner inflatable bladder. The pressure in the bladder is monitored regularly by a pressure sensor, during a breastfeeding session. When the pressure drops below a preselected pressure, a controller directs a pump to pump air into the inflatable bladder to maintain the preselected pressure. The volume of added air is monitored during the breastfeeding session. Various calibrations are used to correlate the amount of added air, to the volume of breast milk withdrawn from the breast. The volume of breast milk withdrawn during breastfeeding is calculated and displayed throughout the breastfeeding session.
US09192317B2

Described is an implantable medical device comprising housing having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end fixedly coupled to the distal end of the lead body, a coupler rotatably disposed within the housing, the coupler having a proximal end and a distal end, and a helical electrode fixedly secured to the distal end of the coupler. The helical electrode comprises a proximal axial length portion that comprises a non-degradable material, and a distal axial length portion that comprises a biodegradable material. The proximal and distal portions may include concave/convex surfaces or threaded portions. The coupler and the helical electrode are configured to rotate and therefore translate relative to the housing.
US09192315B2

Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating patient signal analysis. In accordance with one aspect, patient signal data including at least one identified cycle is segmented into at least two regions of interest, including a late potential region of interest. The late potential region of interest may be an RS, RT, S-full or T-full signal portion. At least one patient signal parameter is determined based at least in part on the segmented regions of interest. A pathology or event may be detected based on the determined patient signal parameter.
US09192313B1

The present invention is directed to a physiological recording device and, more particularly, to a physiological recording device that can be used without skin preparation or the use of electrolytic gels. The invention is further directed to an encouragement ring which stabilizes and helps situate the physiological recording device on a subject's skin to help provide a better electrical signal, increase surface area, and reduce and minimize noise and artifacts during the process of recording or monitoring a physiological signal. The invention is still further directed to surface features on a surface of the physiological recording device with a size and shape that will not substantially bend or break, which limits the depth of application of the recording device, and/or anchors the recording device during normal application. The invention is even further directed to a method for manufacturing a physiological recording device, and minimizing cost of manufacture.
US09192309B1

A heart monitor is disclosed. The monitor computes ST segment deviations and stores the results in heart rate based histograms. Periodically, the monitor analyzes the histogram data to determine a normal range of ST deviation for a particular heart rate range. The monitor computes heart rate dependent ischemia detection thresholds based on the upper and lower boundaries of the normal range. A current threshold for a heart rate range is set as a weighted average of the prior threshold and a provisional threshold based on recent data, thereby limiting the amount the actual detection threshold changes from period to period.
US09192307B2

An imaging guidewire can include one or more optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) directs light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound is sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal is optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed to develop a 2D or 3D image. In one example, the guidewire outer diameter is small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. Techniques for improving ultrasound reception include using a high compliance material, resonating the ultrasound sensing transducer, using an attenuation-reducing coating and/or thickness, and/or using optical wavelength discrimination. Techniques for improving the ultrasound generating transducer include using a blazed FBG, designing the photoacoustic material thickness to enhance optical absorption. Techniques for distinguishing plaque or vulnerable plaque may be used to enhance the displayed image.
US09192302B2

A system for imaging an abnormal cell and or diseased tissue after topical application of a near infrared protease-specific probe is disclosed. The system includes a protease-specific near infrared (NIRF) imaging probe, means for topically administering the protease-specific probe to a diseased tissue and an imaging device capable of detecting the interaction between the protease-specific NIRF imaging probe and the diseased tissue. A method and surgical procedure are also disclosed.
US09192301B2

A data processing apparatus, system and method for simulating radiological imaging of a physical object, comprising: an object model generator configured to generate a data model, wherein the data model comprises data representative of the orientation of the physical object with respect to a frame of reference and simulated composition data; and an image simulator configured to perform a radiological simulation on the data model and generate a simulated radiological image of the physical object.
US09192295B1

In an OCT system, the autocorrelation signal depends only on the strength of the signal in the object arm scattered back from a patient's retina and is a result of different reflections from different layers of the retina interfering with each other. The strength of the autocorrelation signal depends on how well focused the system is. Normally the autocorrelation signal is treated as noise. However by removing the reference path signal, the autocorrelation signal is easily measured and analyzed. The optimal focus can the then be found by adjusting the focus value until the autocorrelation signal is maximized.
US09192294B2

Systems and methods for faster acquisition and processing of OCT image data are presented. In one embodiment of the present invention, an OCT system is operated in two different acquisition modes of different axial resolutions to allow for efficient collection of OCT Angiography data while also collecting high resolution OCT data. In another embodiment, a reduced subset of a collected data set is used for OCT Angiography data analysis. In another embodiment, a sweep of a swept-source laser is split into different spectral components covering different transverse locations on the sample. A further aspect includes the ability to process all or a portion of collected OCT data with one motion contrast technique before or while a second set is processed using a different motion contrast technique.
US09192293B2

An image processing apparatus includes a tomographic image acquisition unit configured to acquire a polarization-sensitive tomographic image of a subject by using a polarization adjustment member which adjusts a polarization state of a measuring beam, and a display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display the polarization-sensitive tomographic image and a display form indicating a state of the polarization adjustment member.
US09192290B2

An illumination apparatus for an image sensor at the distal end of an endoscope includes an illumination carrier and a plurality of micro LEDs each including a main surface from which the emission is made, with a maximum lateral dilatation of less than 500 μm. The illumination carrier is associated with the distal end of the endoscope, and the plurality of micro LEDs are arranged on the illumination carrier such that with electrical excitation, the environment of the distal end of the endoscope is at least in some portions illuminated.
US09192288B2

An endoscope includes an active bending portion provided in an insertion portion and bendable according to a bending operation, the active bending portion including bending pieces adjacent to each other and pivotably connected together via a plurality of rotation shafts, the rotation shafts being located at positions differing by 90° in a circumferential direction J of the bending pieces, and a passive bending portion provided closer to the proximal end side than the active bending portion and passively bendable when an external force is applied thereto, the passive bending portion including bending pieces adjacent to each other and pivotably connected together via a plurality of rotation shafts, the rotation shafts being located at positions differing by 60° in the circumferential direction J.
US09192280B2

Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the method includes determining a normal water level or a normal rate of water level change for a wash cycle of the dishwasher and monitoring a water level or a rate of water level change during execution of the wash cycle. The method further includes detecting the clogging condition of the filter by detecting a deviation thereof. A current position of the wash cycle being executed may then be determined. The method further includes executing a remedial operation to facilitate removal of the clogging condition and determining if the clogging condition has been removed. Finally, the method includes resuming operation of the dishwasher at a wash cycle position based on the current position if the clogging condition has been removed.
US09192278B2

Provided is a self-cleaning substrate system. The system includes a substrate and a cleaner coupled to the substrate, wherein the cleaner includes at least one of an electrode, an ultrasound emitter, or a coronal wind generator. The system includes a circuit configured to determine a characteristic of the substrate. The system further includes a power source. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the cleaner, the sensor, and the power source. The circuit provides a feedback signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the controller, and wherein the controller is coupled to the cleaner such that the cleaner can be controlled by the controller.
US09192271B2

The invention relates to a suction unit and relates to a vacuum cleaner. The suction unit comprises a drive system for driving the suction unit over a surface to be treated; a chassis supporting the drive system; a nozzle for removing particles from a surface to be treated which nozzle is configured to move with relation to the chassis in a direction away from the surface to be treated, the nozzle having an interior space defining an opening that faces the surface to be treated; and an outlet communicating with the interior space, the outlet being arranged for communication with a fan unit in operating conditions. The suction unit further comprises coupling means for coupling the nozzle to the chassis, wherein the coupling means is arranged to exert a force that is directed away from the surface to be treated when the under pressure in the interior space increases. In this manner the problem of the suction unit getting stuck on the floor can be overcome or at least be reduced. Furthermore the traction of the drive system can be improved. An autonomous vacuum cleaner according to the invention comprises such a suction unit and further comprises a dust chamber, and a fan unit that communicates with the dust chamber, the fan unit communicating with the outlet for creating under pressure in the interior space of the nozzle in operating conditions.
US09192251B1

A fixture has a front frame with a front, a side and a back, wherein the side extends from the front to the back. A side panel holder is mounted next to the front frame such that a wall of the side panel holder covers the back of the front frame proximate an edge where the back of the front frame meets the side of the front frame. A side panel is positioned within the side panel holder.
US09192245B2

A mattress assembly includes an inner core comprising a base core layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces, and at least one comfort layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces disposed on the top surface of the base core layer; a side rail assembly disposed about a perimeter of the inner core; and a plurality of air channels extending from a central region of the inner core to the side rail assembly configured to permit the flow of fluid from and to the inner core.
US09192244B2

Human skin surface cooling system used in bed during sleep, directing forced room air to an area above a flat mattress and under a top bed sheet, creating a tunnel of cool, moving air. User pre-selects air volume and run time, triggering a preset operating cycle from a remote actuator button. Weight bars isolate cooled bed area from non-cooled area. Optional fragrance and sound systems are provided.
US09192239B2

A seating furniture structure having a carrier unit and a seat part arrangement movably mounted relative to the carrier unit, and a leg rest arrangement with a guiding part and a support carriage displaceable relative to the guiding part by mechanical tension cord control system. The tension cord control system has a forced coupling to a pivot mechanism of the guiding part such that the support carriage is displaceable between different end positions relative to the guiding part in response to a pivot position of the guiding part.The tension cord control system includes adjacent deflection elements, wherein a tension cord of the tension cord control system is guided alternatingly deflected in opposite directions over the deflection elements, and a deflection element is dislocatably retained and is in operative connection to the pivot mechanism of the guiding part by a forced coupling unit.
US09192224B1

The disclosure includes a hammock made of a flexible piece of material whose ends can be gathered into endpoints where the suspension system is attached so that the hammock can be suspended between two points (trees/posts/etc). The hammock is covered with a flexible material (such as mosquito netting/fabric/etc) so that the hammock is enclosed. On one or both sides of the hammock an adapter panel is attached between the canopy and the hammock body.
US09192213B2

A cane includes a tube, an extension rod telescopically mounted within one end of the tube, and a control mechanism sandwiched between the tube and the extension rod. The tube defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The extension rod defines a plurality of holes. The control mechanism is movable among a first position where the control mechanism is positioned in a selected one of the holes in the extension rod, and the tube, the extension rod and the control mechanism are prohibited from moving axially with respect to one another; a second position where the extension rod and the control mechanism together are allowed to move axially with respect to the tube; and a third position where the extension rod is allowed to move axially with respect to the control mechanism and the tube.
US09192202B2

A head garment is provided that has a head band and at least one hair holding component. The head band is formed from an piece of material that is folded over on itself to provide inner and outer layers and a bottom edge. A top edge is formed by sewing the free edges of the layers together. Ends of the layers are also sewn together to provide a rear seam. The rear seam is provided with an opening through which the component can be extended when it is desired to be used, or which can be moved through the opening to be held between the layers when not desired to be used. The component being secured between the layers. An alternative head garment has a button attached to a rear of a head band for releasably securing a hair net thereto. Each head garment may include a visor if desired.
US09192194B2

A storage receptacle for smoking material may open on two opposite sides. A first end of the storage receptacle may have teeth which extend from the first end of the storage receptacle. A second end of the storage receptacle may have one or more cavities which store a pipe, a lighter and/or a cleaning pick. A first cover and a second cover may be removed from the first end and the second end of the receptacle, respectively. The first cover may have teeth, and the first cover may be rotated relative to the first end of the receptacle to grind, to divide and/or to separate the smoking material into smaller sizes using the teeth. Threads may connect the first cover to the first end and the second cover to the second end. A sieve cylinder may have a screen which collects the smoking material having smaller sizes.
US09192191B2

Disinfecting devices and related methods are provided that apply germicidal ultraviolet light to disinfect dispensing components of food and beverage dispensers. A disinfecting holster for a bar gun includes a support surface configured to interface with a bar gun to support the bar gun when stowed in the holster, a housing coupled with the support surface and surrounding a dispensing nozzle of the bar gun when the bar gun is stowed in the holster, and an ultraviolet light source configured to emit germicidal ultraviolet light onto the nozzle. The housing substantially contains the ultraviolet light within the housing during the application of the ultraviolet light to the dispensing nozzle. The ultraviolet light can be periodically applied to maintain the nozzle in a disinfected state.
US09192188B2

A dietary supplement and method of supplementation comprises a vegetable component consisting essentially of juices extracted from two parts by weight fresh, unpeeled carrots; one part by weight fresh, unpeeled beet root; one part by weight of fresh, unpeeled cucumber; and a selected quantity of aloe vera juice. A cleansing component includes at least one of the following: about 2 fluid ounces (59.1 ml) of lemon juice; about 1.5-2 fluid ounces (44.3 to 59.1 ml) of lime juice; about 1 fluid ounce (29.6 ml) of aloe vera juice; and about 4-6 fluid ounces (118.3 to 177.4 ml) of cranberry juice. The vegetable component is ingested orally twice daily and the cleansing component is ingested orally once daily.
US09192187B2

A method for preparing a sterilized ready-meal package, including providing a main container defining a main volume intended to accommodate a main food product, and having a first opening at the upper part surrounded by a first planar edge. At least one secondary container defining a secondary volume is included and has a second opening at the upper part surrounded by a second planar edge. The secondary container is introduced inside the main container, so that said first edge and said second edge are flush. At least one secondary food product is introduced inside the secondary volume, and at least one main food product is introduced inside the main volume. A perimetric seal is made between a covering film, arranged to cover said first and second openings, and said first edge, and an inner seal is made between the covering film and the second edge.
US09192174B2

The invention relates to a workstation of a food item processing system, said workstation comprising a food item reception area for receiving food items at the workstation from a primary conveyor of the food item processing system, a food item dispatch area for returning processed food items to the primary conveyor, a computer registration device arranged for obtaining information about a return of a processed food item from said food item dispatch area to said primary conveyor and sending said information to a computer system.
US09192171B2

An improved apparatus and method for skinning large game animals is used by fastening the animal head to an upright at one end of the apparatus structure, making incisions at and cuts around the neck and attaching to the skin the end of a cable from a manually powered windlass mechanism mounted on an upright at the opposite end of the structure. As the windlass is operated the skin is drawn back over and off the carcass and the carcass is brought to a near horizontal position in open space between the two end upright parts of the structure. Two extensions are then swung into place along the animal's hind legs and attachments are made to the leg tendons. The skinned hide is then removed from the hind legs. The carcass is thus secured in a convenient and sanitary position for removing usable meat.
US09192170B2

In accordance with example embodiment, a system may include a supply unit, a first transfer unit, a second transfer unit, and a gas chamber. In example embodiments, the supply unit may include a plurality of compartments and each compartment may have a moving device configured to move contents of the compartment from a first end of the compartment to a second end of the compartment. In example embodiments the first transfer unit may include a second moving device. In example embodiments, the second transfer unit may include a third moving device. In example embodiments the first transfer unit may be configured to receive contents from each compartment of the supply unit and move the contents to the second transfer unit, and the third moving device may be configured to move the contents to the gas chamber.
US09192166B2

The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Streptomyces microflavus strain NRRL B-50550 and/or a mutant thereof having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens and at least one insecticide in a synergistically effective amount, with the proviso that the biological control agent and the insecticide are not identical. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.
US09192162B2

The use of polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride as preservative for preventing and controlling citrus sour rot and its application are disclosed by the present invention. The citrus preservative calculated by 100% total mass fraction comprises 0.05%-0.5% polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride, 0.05%-0.2% of one or more selected from the group consisting of a mixture of several of the following: 0.05%-0.2% imidazole fungicidebactericide, benzimidazole fungicidebactericide, pyrimethanil, fludioxonil and azoxystrobin, and 0.02%-0.15% polyethenoxy ether emulsion or quaternary ammonium salt emulsion, and the rest is water. The citrus preservative can significantly inhibit the decay of citrus fruit such as Citrus microcarpa during storage, especially the incidence of sour rot. So the commercial value of citrus is obviously increased.
US09192157B2

A device is provided for securing a tissue sample from biological material. The tissue sample is housed in bottom and top platens that are configured to promote fluid communication between the tissue sample and the exterior environment to permit transport or cryogenic fluid to contact the sample. Additionally, diskette assemblies may be provided within the platens that permit sub-samples to be separated without directly handling the tissue sample. The diskette assemblies may also be configured to promote fluid communication with the sub-sample housed therein.
US09192151B2

Dual action lethal containers, systems, methods, compositions and formulas used to kill mosquitoes and their larvae. The containers can have separate interior larvicidal and adulticidal coatings separated from each other by horizontal water line holes in the container. Another container can use a novel combined coating of a larvicidal and adulticidal coating. Unique compositions of adulticidal coatings, larvicidal coatings and combined adulticidal and larvicidal coatings can be used as liners.
US09192148B1

A feeding apparatus for use in dispensing feed formula to hummingbirds or other animals. The apparatus comprises a reservoir containing a ready-to-consume and preservative free feed solution for birds. The walls of the reservoir are made of a metal layer and a paper or plastic layer to provide a barrier to light, oxygen, and flavor to maintain the feed solution in a substantially sealed environment.
US09192146B2

A birdfeeder apparatus that includes a tubular housing having an inner surface that defines an internal cavity. A plate having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface is positioned within the internal cavity. The plate divides the internal cavity into a first chamber that is termed by the first major surface of the plate and a first portion of the inner surface of the tubular housing and a second chamber that is formed by the second major surface of the plate and a second portion of the inner surface of the tubular housing. A gauge mechanism for measuring a desired standard is coupled to the first major surface of the plate. The plate permits a food substance that is inserted into the internal cavity to enter into the second chamber and prevents the food substance from entering into the first chamber.
US09192145B2

Disclosed are harness assemblies for use in tethering a pet, such as a dog, to a leash. The harness assemblies distribute the forces associated with restraining the animal over the animal's entire body. The harness assemblies also provide a wide range of adjustability and are easy to position upon or take off the animal. Various buckle constructions are also disclosed for use in easily securing the harness onto an animal. The various components of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter.
US09192144B2

A wearable animal waste collection device comprising a wearable structure configured to be worn by a user, the wearable structure including an attachment portion for removably engaging a direct collection device wherein the direct collection device is configured to directly collect an animal waste before the animal waste reaches a ground surface is provided. An associated method is also provided.
US09192139B1

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046343. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046343. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046343 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046343 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09192135B2

The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CC1211481 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CC1211481 and its progeny, and methods of making CC1211481.
US09192129B2

The present invention is in the field of soybean variety SJ1114205 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety SJ1114205 and its progeny, and methods of making SJ1114205.
US09192128B2

The present invention is in the field of soybean variety SJ1112872 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety SJ1112872 and its progeny, and methods of making SJ1112872.
US09192126B1

A novel maize variety designated PH1V7B and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1V7B with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1V7B through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1V7B or a locus conversion of PH1V7B with another maize variety.
US09192121B1

A novel sorghum variety designated PHAT3BVIT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a plant that comprise crossing sorghum variety PHAT3BVIT with another plant. Methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHAT3BVIT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid sorghum seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the sorghum variety PHAT3BVIT or a locus conversion of PHAT3BVIT with another sorghum variety.
US09192116B1

A novel maize variety designated PH1D7S and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1D7S with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1D7S through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1D7S or a locus conversion of PH1D7S with another maize variety.
US09192114B1

A novel maize variety designated X85D215 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X85D215 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X85D215 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X85D215, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X85D215. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X85D215.
US09192107B2

A stackable elevated planter has a rectangular or oval body that holds potting soil. Two or four legs sockets are attached to and extend away from the bottom of the planter body to define a rectangle. Legs are provided such that each leg has one end sized to fit within one of the leg sockets. The legs have a length less that the length of the rectangle and an average width which is less than one fourth of the width of the rectangle such that the four legs can be laid next to one another within the planter body and a similar second planter will fit within that planter. The body of the second planter may be positioned over the four legs such that the leg sockets of the second planter body extend beyond the four legs and the leg sockets of the second planter may rest on the top surface of the base of the first planter. An optional shelf that fits within the planter body for storage and is attached to the legs when the planter is assembled may also be provided. In another embodiment the legs can be filled with water and a wick may extend from each leg into the planter body.
US09192102B2

An agricultural machine includes a pick-up device with teeth and points, and a guiding device with a lower front end, a rear part and an intermediate part situated above the pick-up device and movable relative to the latter about a rotation center, via a displacement device movable in a first, respectively a second position and including first and second connecting devices which enable the guiding device to pivot about a first, respectively a second rotation center. The first and second connecting devices are geometrically and/or elastically configured so that in the first position, the lower front end is greatly raised above the ground and the intermediate part is brought close to the points, and that in the second position the lower front end is brought greatly close to the ground and the intermediate part and the rear part are distanced from the points.
US09192094B2

A system for dispersing different sized particulate material is provided that includes a hopper configured to contain particulate material and multiple interchangeable inserts that are removably attached to an inside of the hopper. Each of the multiple of interchangeable inserts have a distinct hole pattern to facilitate the flow of different sized particulate material from inside the hopper. A dispersing mechanism is provided that disperses the particulate material flowing through the distinct the hole patterns.
US09192093B2

A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement including, an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank, the inductor box comprising at least one inductor segment configured to guide the particulate material and an airflow through the inductor box, wherein the at least one inductor segment comprises a particulate material fluidization chamber configured to establish a vortex that mixes the particulate material with the airflow.
US09198335B2

A method for processing a housing for devices such as electronic devices. A hairline is formed on an inner surface of an inmold mold. In addition, a hairline is formed on an inmold film. The inmold film is positioned inside the inmold mold and a housing representing the hairline of the inmold mold and the hairline of the inmold film together is formed using inmold injection molding.
US09198320B2

A fiber panel system includes a chassis including a backplane; and at least a first blade configured to mount to the chassis. The first blade is moveable relative to the chassis between a refracted (closed) position and at least one extended position. The first blade includes a coupler arrangement for connecting together media segments. The first blade remains electrically connected to the backplane of the chassis when moving between the retracted and extended positions.
US09198318B2

A fixing mechanism for fixing a data storage device is disclosed. The fixing mechanism includes a first latching member, a second latching member and a pressing member. The first latching member is for latching a first hole, so as to fix a first side of a data storage device. The second latching member is connected to the first latching member for latching a second hole, so as to fix a second side of the data storage device. The pressing member is connected to the second latching member. The pressing member drives the second latching member to rotate in a first direction as being pressed, so as to separate the second latching member from the second hole, and further drives the first latching member to rotate in the first direction, so as to push the first side of the data storage device for lifting the data storage device.
US09198317B2

An improved multi-functional flexible printed circuit (FPC) assembly 142 is provided for use in an electronic communications device 100. The FPC assembly 142 can comprise a curved FPC 144 a flexible substrate 156 and components thereon and can be positioned against a portion of an interior surface 137 of the housing 106 so as to share common wall surfaces for improved volumetric space utilization. The FPC assembly 142 can have a curved contour which matches a curvature of the curved housing 106. The components can include flexible metal conductors 158, multiple antennas 160 and 162, speaker felt 150 and/or a seal or gasket 146.
US09198314B2

A USB memory stick includes housing having a frame hole, a tray providing a fastening structure, and a memory attached to the tray and mounted with the tray in the housing. The memory includes a mating fastening structure fastened to the fastening structure of the tray, a stepped bottom wall formed of a plurality of steps rising one behind another, a plurality of vertical clearance compensation spring leaves respectively disposed corresponding to the steps, and a mating locating block forced into engagement with the frame hole of the housing.
US09198311B2

A latch having an idle position, a first position, and a second position is associated with a first panel and a second panel of a computing system. The first panel is associated with the latch being positioned in the first position. The second panel is associated with the latch being positioned in the second position.
US09198300B2

A wave solder machine is configured to perform a wave solder operation on an electronic substrate. The wave solder machine includes a fluxing station configured to apply flux onto the electronic substrate, a pre-heating station configured to heat the electronic substrate, a wave soldering station configured to attach electronic components to the electronic substrate with solder, and a conveyor configured to transport substrates through a tunnel passing through the fluxing station, the pre-heating station and the wave soldering station. The wave solder machine further includes a flux management system configured to remove contaminants from the tunnel. The flux management system is in fluid communication with the tunnel for passage of a vapor stream from the tunnel through the flux management system and back to the tunnel. Methods of performing a wave solder operation are further disclosed.
US09198299B2

A method is provided for repairing defects in a contact printed circuit. The method provides a substrate with a contact printed circuit formed on a substrate top surface. After detecting a discontinuity in a printed circuit feature, a bias voltage is applied to at least one of a first region of the printed circuit feature or a second region of the printed circuit feature. The bias voltage may also be applied to both the first and second regions. An electric field is formed between the bias voltage and an ink delivery nozzle having a voltage potential less than the bias voltage. Conductive ink is attracted into the electric field from the ink delivery nozzle. Conductive ink is printed on the discontinuity, forming a conductive printed bridge. Typically, the ink delivery nozzle is an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing nozzle.
US09198290B2

A wiring substrate includes: a substrate layer made of glass or silicon and including: a first surface formed with a first hole; and a second surface formed with a second hole and being opposite to the first surface, wherein the first hole is communicated with the second hole; a connection pad formed in the second hole; a first wiring layer formed in the first hole and electrically connected to the connection pad; a first insulation layer formed on the first surface of the substrate layer to cover the first wiring layer; and a second wiring layer formed on the first insulation layer and electrically connected to the first wiring layer. A diameter of the first hole is gradually decreased from the first surface toward the second surface, and a diameter of the second hole is gradually decreased from the second surface toward the first surface.
US09198288B2

A method of making silver carboxylate includes forming a mixture of at least one carboxylic acid and at least one aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, and at room temperature, introducing silver oxide into the mixture to form the silver carboxylate in the aromatic hydrocarbon solvent. The mixture may be free of alkali bases and mineral acids, with no additional materials being introduced into the mixture when introducing the silver oxide.
US09198287B2

The substrate with a transparent electrode includes a first dielectric material layer mainly composed of SiOx, a second dielectric material layer mainly composed of a metal oxide, a third dielectric material layer mainly composed of SiOy, and a transparent electrode layer, in this order on a transparent film substrate. The transparent electrode layer is patterned to have an electrode layer-formed part and an electrode layer non-formed part. The transparent electrode layer is a layer mainly composed of an indium-tin composite oxide and having a thickness of 20 nm to 35 nm. The refractive index n1 of the first dielectric material layer, the refractive index n2 of the second dielectric material layer, and the refractive index n3 of the third dielectric material layer satisfy n3
US09198278B2

A printed circuit board includes at least one plated-through hole via drilled into at least one of a first layer on a first side of the printed circuit board and a second layer on a second side of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board also includes a core section laminated between the first layer and the second layer, wherein a length of the core section is shorter than a length of the first layer and a length of the second layer. The printed circuit board further includes an open slot configured to house a connection tab of an electronic product connected to the printed circuit board, wherein the open slot is formed adjacent to the core section and between sections of the first layer and the second layer that are longer than the core section.
US09198268B2

A static eliminator includes a plurality of static eliminating needles, a holder including a retaining surface on which the plurality of static eliminating needles is held, a plurality of partitions, and a restriction member including a first end portion having a restriction surface at a static eliminating needle side to contact the static eliminating needles. A length of the plurality of static eliminating needles from the first end portion of the restriction member as an origin to a leading end of the plurality of static eliminating needles is shorter than a distance from the origin to an end surface of the plurality of partitions within the range of movement of the plurality of static eliminating needles from the retaining surface up to a position five degrees (5°) below the restriction surface in an angle between the retaining surface and an imaginary plane including the restriction surface.
US09198267B2

Provided is a deuterium lamp power supply circuit capable of preventing the application of a high switch-to-ground voltage to a switch when applying a voltage between a positive electrode and negative electrode to light a deuterium lamp. The power supply circuit includes a capacitor for applying a voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, with one terminal of the capacitor being connected to the positive electrode; a power supply, installed between the capacitor and the negative electrode, for charging the capacitor; and a two-terminal switch connected in parallel to the power supply. The switch is placed at a location close to ground, and thus a high switch-to-ground voltage is not applied to the switch.
US09198266B2

An optical navigation sensor includes: a driving circuit and a charge pump. The driving circuit is employed for driving a light source externally connected to the optical navigation sensor. The charge pump is employed for intermittently performing an operation of providing a first supply voltage to the light source. When the driving circuit drives the light source, the charge pump does not perform the operation of providing the first supply voltage to the light source.
US09198262B1

The method of spatial lightbulb operation includes determining the position of the lightbulb relative to a physical space, detecting a contextual event, determining a spatial lighting pattern associated with the contextual event, and selectively controlling lightbulb light emitting elements based on the position of the lightbulb and the spatial lighting pattern. A lightbulb including: a plurality of individually controlled light emitting elements mounted in fixed, predetermined positions on the substrate; a light sensor mounted to the substrate; a wireless communication module; and a processor configured to: index each light emitting element; progress each of the plurality of light emitting elements through an orientation pattern; associate a reference point on the lightbulb with an external reference point; and selectively operate individual light emitting elements of the plurality according to lighting instructions, based on a relationship between the reference point on the lightbulb and the external reference point.
US09198258B2

Disclosed is a display device. The display device includes: a light source; an optical sheet into which light is incident from the light source; a display panel disposed on the optical sheet and including an effective display region and a non-effective display region around the effective display region; and a light conversion/light-blocking sheet corresponding to the non-effective display region.
US09198250B2

The invention relates to a dimmable LED light source comprising:—a rectifier having rectifier input terminals for connection to respective output terminals of a phase cut dimmer of the trailing edge type, input terminals of the phase cut dimmer being connected to the mains supply, and having rectifier output terminals,—a first bleeder circuit connecting the rectifier output terminals, —a series arrangement comprising a unidirectional element and a capacitive means connecting the rectifier output terminals, —a converter circuit, having input terminals coupled to respective sides of the capacitive means and output terminals coupled to a LED load, for generating a current through the LED load, in dependence on a dim signal, out of a voltage present across the capacitive means, —a dim circuit for generating a dim signal as a function of the adjusted phase angle of the phase cut dimmer and for supplying the dim signal to a dim input of the converter circuit, the dim circuit comprising: —gradient detection circuitry for determining the gradient of the voltage across the capacitive means and for determining as the adjusted phase angle the first value of the phase angle for which the gradient is negative, when the phase angle is less than 90 degrees, —signal generating circuitry for generating a sinusoidal signal that represents the mains supply voltage, —circuitry for activating the first bleeder when the phase angle is 90 degrees and for switching off the first bleeder when the adjusted phase angle has been determined, in case the adjusted phase angle is higher than 90 degrees, —deviation detection circuitry for detecting the deviation of the voltage across the rectifier output terminals from the sinusoidal signal, for comparing the deviation voltage with a reference voltage and for determining as the adjusted phase angle the value of the phase angle for which the deviation voltage is higher than or equal to the reference voltage, when the phase angle is between 90 and 180 degrees.
US09198246B2

A lighting device is provided. The lighting device includes a switch-mode power supply module, an electronic ballast power supply module, a first single-pole double-throw switch, a second single-pole double-throw switch, a third single-pole double-throw switch, a fourth single-pole double-throw switch, and a direct-current driven lighting module. The lighting device is connected with the ballast, one input of the ballast is connected to an AC power supply. The switch-mode power supply module and the electronic ballast power supply module are used to convert AC into DC. The common end of four single-pole double-throw switch is connected with the ballast. When the ballast is an inductive ballast, the common end of four single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the input of the switch-mode power supply module. When the ballast is the electronic ballast, the common end of four single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the output of the electronic ballast power modules.
US09198238B2

A light emitting circuit is provided. The light emitting circuit may include a first light emitting diode (LED) group to which LEDs are connected, and a second LED group to which LEDs are connected. A resistive load is serially connected to the first LED group to control a current with respect to the first LED group, and a capacitive load is serially connected to the second LED group to control a current with respect to the second LED group.
US09198233B2

A method for operating an induction cooktop having multiple induction heating coils includes monitoring a characteristic of the heating coils indicative of audible noise generated by simultaneous operation of multiple induction heating coils. Upon indication of audible noise from the monitored characteristic, an operating characteristic of at least one of the induction heating coils is varied so as to change the audible noise into a pre-defined, stored audible noise pattern that is desirous to a consumer or user of the cooktop.
US09198232B2

A heating device having a thermally conducting member made from a matrix of carbon nanotubes and having opposing ends. A connector portion can be positioned at each end of the conducting member, and can be capable of receiving a current from an external source to permit the conducting member to generate heat. A coupling mechanism can be included and associated with the connector portion so as to provide the connector portion with substantially uniform contact across a contact surface area with the conducting member. Methods of using the heating device are also disclosed.
US09198231B2

A heater control device having at least two PTC heaters having PTC elements includes switching units which are provided so as to correspond to the PTC heaters and which switch an energized state and a non-energized state of the PTC elements by being turned ON and OFF, pattern information which defines state combination patterns of the energized state and the non-energized state of the PTC elements with respect to a required power value for the heater unit, and a ratio controlling unit which when the required power for the heater unit is at an intermediate value of the required power values defined in the pattern information, controls a ratio of the energized state to the non-energized state of the PTC elements based on a ratio of ON time to OFF time for which an average power within a certain period matches the required power.
US09198229B2

Provided is a method for a multiple radio access technology (RAT) terminal defining information related to a trigger metric and scanning for transmitting channel state information regarding a second system to a first system, and transmitting the channel state information regarding the second system to the first system. A method for the terminal transreceiving data with a first base station supporting a first base station and with a second base station supporting a second RAT in a radio access system supporting multiple RAT, according to one embodiment disclosed in the present invention, comprises: a step of receiving from the first base station triggering information related to the transmission of the channel state information regarding the second base station; and transmitting the channel state information on the second base station to the first base station.
US09198226B2

A method of managing the operation of a network element in a communications system, the method comprising: receiving performance indicators by an optimizing function; combining together the performance indicators to produce an achievement indicator comprising weighted components of the performance indicators; using the achievement indicator to determine an optimum setting of at least one parameter value related to operation of the network element; applying the parameter value to the network element.
US09198214B2

Using a Bluetooth communication channel for point of sale processing simulates a near field communication connection. A contactless device and the point of sale reader establish an unsecure communication channel. The user taps the contactless device with a point of sale terminal reader. The contactless device creates receive signal strength indicator (“RSSI”) value spikes. The terminal reader measures the RSSI values and transmits them to the contactless device, which determines if the RSSI value reaches or exceeds a threshold configured for the contactless device. If the threshold is reached, the terminal reader and the contactless device establish a secure communication connection. The devices communicate via the secure communication connection, and the connection is terminated when a request to terminate is received.
US09198209B2

A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a request associated with a flow over a wireless link, where the request specifies resource requirements for the flow. The method also includes mapping an Internet protocol (IP) flow description to a plurality of tunnel IP addresses, and mapping a framed IP address to an access point (AP) tunnel endpoint address in order to establish a quality of service (QoS) for tunneled traffic.
US09198203B2

According to one or more implementations of the disclosure, packets may be transmitted in a low power and lossy network (LLN) by receiving, on a first node, a message from a sending node, and by activating a critical message configuration to be applied in routing the message. A message identifier (e.g., signature) for the message may also be received or gleaned. The message identifier can be compared at the first node to a list of stored message identifiers, created based on routing history, to determine if the message has already been received. As such, if the message has not been received at the first node previously, a first parent and a second parent for the message are identified and the message, along with the critical message indication, can be transmitted to the first parent and the second parent, thereby achieving redundancy in the routing of the message.
US09198195B2

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may be configured to determine a plurality of slots for transmitting information including a plurality of first type slots and a plurality of second type slots where the second type slots have a longer duration that the first type slots. The apparatus may be configured to transmit information in a first type slot when a previous reception was successful and there is no other transmission expected to occur during a gap preceding the first type slot and during the first type slot. Additionally or in the alternative, apparatus may be configured to transmit information in a second type slot when at least one of the previous reception was unsuccessful or there is another transmission expected to occur during a gap preceding the first type slot or during the first type slot.
US09198190B2

Embodiments herein relate to a method in a first communication node (201) for estimating pre-coding weights for transmission on a radio channel (205) between the first node (201) and a second communication node (203) in a communication network (200). The first node (201) comprises at least two transmit antennas. Each transmit antenna is configured to transmit on each of at least two sub-bands. The first node (201) obtains at least two pre-coding reports. Each pre-coding report is for a different time instance. Each pre-coding report comprises pre-coding weights or indications to pre-coding weights. The pre-coding weights are associated with each transmit antenna and with each sub-band. For each transmit antenna, the first node (201) estimates pre-coding weights for at least one of the sub-bands based on the pre-coding weights in the obtained pre-coding reports. The estimated pre-coding weights are different from a most resent of the obtained pre-coding reports.
US09198185B2

There is proposed a mechanism by means of which information can be generated and used for estimating and identifying at each base transceiver station of a communication network the set of other base transceiver stations generating interference on certain monitored component carriers used by the base transceiver station, i.e. information for the generation of the incoming uplink background interference matrix. For this purpose, a specific communication information set, referred to as uplink radio load map, is determined which informs about an average (time/frequency) and aggregated (over all or group of served UEs) uplink load measure per component carrier. Based on the uplink radio load map received via suitable signaling from other base transceiver stations, each base transceiver station can determine the incoming uplink background interference matrix and initiate, if necessary, suitable measures for reducing interference per component carrier.
US09198183B2

In overview, the various embodiments describe methods for configuring a nodeB to recognize tuneaway events and to operate in a manner that mitigates the adverse effects of user equipment (UE) tuneaways on network capacity. In the various embodiments, the nodeB may detect that a UE is periodically tuning away based on the periodic, characteristic nature of the drops in the UE's signal strength. When the nodeB recognizes that a UE is performing periodic tuneaways, the nodeB may implement various resource management strategies while the UE is in a tuneaway gap to minimize the impact of the UE's tuneaway gaps and may resume normal resource management operations when the UE is not in a tuneaway gap. Thus, the various embodiments enable the nodeB to determine and manage the effects of a UE's tuneaway gaps, thereby increasing network capacity, optimizing power management, and enhancing the overall user experience.
US09198182B1

A wireless access node and method for a carrier aggregation (CA) communication mode between the wireless access node and a User Equipment device (UE) are provided. The wireless access node in one example includes a communication interface configured to allocate one or more traffic channels and a signaling channel between the wireless access node and the UE and a processing system coupled to the communication interface and configured to determine a UE location of the UE in preparation for switching to a CA communication mode, determine if the UE is in-building using the UE location and setting a UE in-building state based on the UE location, and if the UE in-building state is true, then allocate a plurality of CA traffic channels to the UE from a building-penetrating frequency band.
US09198178B2

A method of configuring a component carrier includes determining how timings of receiving and/or sending data for at least two aggregated component carriers in at least one time period are related; and setting the timing of receiving and/or sending data for the at least two aggregated component carriers based on the determining.
US09198174B2

Support for multiple wireless access technologies in a common radio access network is provided. In one aspect, a method of wireless communication includes determining whether to map a shared data channel to at least one resource element. The mapping determination is based at least in part on whether the shared data channel is associated with a legacy wireless technology or an advanced wireless technology. The method further includes transmitting the shared data channel based at least in part on the mapping determination and transmitting a reference signal in the at least one resource element.
US09198167B2

A method of generating networks by utilizing a multi-channel so that channels may be efficiently used, inter-channel interference may be avoided, and a network may be energy efficiently managed is provided. Through a super personal area network (PAN) coordinator that manages all networks based on a multi-channel, a PAN capable of avoiding inter-channel interference may be formed. In addition, it is possible to grasp use states of channels used for transmitting and receiving beacon frames, to observe a change in a network topology, and to form an energy efficient PAN.
US09198164B2

Disclosed is a radio technology independent method for coexistence among dissimilar or independently operated TV Band Device (TVBD) networks and dissimilar TV Band Devices. A resource allocation method on centralized topology is disclosed, which comprises steps of receiving at least one available resource; performing a neighbor set calculation based on the received at least one available resource; calculating the resource according to the neighbor set calculation, where the calculated resource is allocated to at least one device.
US09198156B2

A paging procedure implemented by a base station avoids transmission of unnecessary page messages. In a first embodiment, a first base station is notified by a mobile switching center when a paging request is sent to a mobile station via a second base station. The first base station does not page the mobile station, but stores a paging parameter in memory. When the first base station receives a page response message from the mobile station, it correlates the unsolicited page response message with a paged mobile list to determine a corresponding paging parameter, and forwards the page response message with the stored paging parameter to the mobile switching center. In a second embodiment, the first base station pages the mobile station and then sends an immediate paging response to the mobile switching center without waiting for a page response from the mobile station to terminate the paging procedure at the mobile switching center.
US09198149B2

Disclosed are various embodiments involving a two-step searcher for cell discovery. Multiple scrambling codes associated with multiple neighboring cells are obtained. Slot timing is obtained for a received signal based at least in part on a detection of primary synchronization peak energy in the received signal. One of the scrambling codes for decoding the received signal is identified based at least in part on testing multiple scrambling code hypotheses in parallel during an accumulation time period of the received signal in response to obtaining the slot timing.
US09198145B2

In a wireless communication system, a first wireless communication unit receives a first data including identification information associated with the first data transmitted from a third wireless communication unit; generates, when needed to share a specific time with a second wireless communication unit, a second data associated with a first reception time of the received first data; and transmits the second data and the identification information of the received first data. The second wireless communication unit calculates, upon reception of the identification information and the second data, if it is judged that the first data has previously been received based on the identification information, a time value needed to synchronize with the first wireless communication unit, based on a second reception time of the first data previously received and the first reception time of the first data associated with the second data transmitted from the first wireless communication unit.
US09198134B2

A method, system, and device provide power-efficient communications within the context of available power. Transmission and receipt data rates are scalable in accordance with output power available from a power source. Data is transmitted at a data rate determined, at least in part, by the available output power.
US09198128B2

Provided is a method and apparatus for discontinuously transmitting/receiving packets for low-power consumption of a terminal in a cellular system for packet transmission. The present research provides a method and apparatus that can perform a low-power consuming operation when a terminal is in active state in a cellular system. The method for discontinuously transmitting/receiving packet data to reduce power consumption of a terminal in a cellular system, including the steps of: a) establishing discontinuous reception/transmission (DRX/DTX) parameters including discontinuous DRX/DTX cycle information for terminals operating in a transmission suspension mode, which is a sub-state of an active state; and b) performing DRX/DTX based on the DRX/DTX parameters in the terminals operating in the transmission suspension mode.
US09198119B2

According to some aspects, a method includes communicating a request from a first device to a second device using near field communication (NFC). The request includes a preferred mode of wireless local area network (Wi-Fi) operation and state information of the first device. The method further includes receiving a reply at the first device, sent from the second device, including acceptance of the preferred mode of Wi-Fi operation. The method further includes communicating wireless information to establish the Wi-Fi communication link from the first device to the second device.
US09198115B2

In a communication system wherein a plurality of electronic devices connect and disconnect from communication over a medium and wherein the communication system has a protocol such that it is followed by the plurality of electronic devices when using the communication system, a probing device attempts to detect presence of a listening device and parameters associated with a connection to be set up between the probing device and the listening device by sending a probe request packet directed to the listening device and sending, from the listening device, a probe response packet in response to the probe request packet, wherein the listening device bypasses at least one step of the protocol when sending the probe response packet. The bypassed step might be medium arbitration, the communication system might be a wireless network fully or partially based on an 802.11x specification, or a wireless network that uses 802.11x frame formatting and/or modifications/extensions thereof.
US09198112B2

Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate supporting mobility for UEs and relay eNBs in split-cell relay configurations. Parameters regarding communicating with one or more UEs can be provided to disparate eNBs from a donor eNB to provide mobility for one or more of the UEs or a serving relay eNB. In addition, a donor eNB can request establishment of one or more radio bearers at a target relay eNB for continuing communications with one or more UEs. Moreover, a donor eNB can provide information regarding one or more core network bearers to a target donor eNB to facilitate establishing the core network bearers at the target donor eNB for communicating with the one or more UEs. Furthermore, uplink buffer contents from a relay eNB can be provided to a target donor eNB so communications from the one or more UEs can be continued by the target donor eNB.
US09198108B2

The second data transfer unit (RN S/P-GW 8) terminates a relay-station data bearer provided between a relay station (RN 2) and the second data transfer unit, and transfers user data between a first data transfer unit (UE S/P-GW 6) and the relay station (RN 2) by associating a mobile-station data bearer provided between the mobile station (RN-UE 3) and the first data transfer unit (UE S/P-GW 6) with the relay-station data bearer. When a belonging destination of the relay station (RN 2) is changed from the first base station (DeNB 1-1) to the second base station (DeNB 1-2), a relay-station mobility management unit (RN MME 7) changes a path of the relay-station data bearer, which is terminated by the relay station (RN 2) and the second data transfer unit (RN S/P-GW 8), so as to pass through the second base station (DeNB 1-2). It is thereby possible, for example, to change base stations without interrupting communication of a mobile station (RN-UE 3) during operation of a relay node cell.
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