US09218579B2
Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for facilitating retrieval of information from an image. The one or more image characteristics are modified to degrade the original image. The degraded image is provided as a first task to at least one first remote worker, the first task corresponds to an activity of tagging one or more regions of interest in the degraded image by the at least one first remote worker. Further, one or more second images are generated based on the one or more tagged regions of interest and are provided as one or more second tasks to at least one second remote worker, the one or more second tasks correspond to an activity of retrieving information from the one or more second images.
US09218570B2
A prediction technique to predict an anomalous state of a processing environment at a future point in time. One or more values of one or more metrics of the processing system are obtained. For the one or more metrics, one or more predicted values are determined for one or more points in time in the future. Based the predicted values, one or more change values for one or more points in time are determined, and based on the one or more change values, a determination is made as to whether an anomalous state exists within the processing system.
US09218567B2
Quantum processor based techniques minimize an objective function for example by operating the quantum processor as a sample generator providing low-energy samples from a probability distribution with high probability. The probability distribution is shaped to assign relative probabilities to samples based on their corresponding objective function values until the samples converge on a minimum for the objective function. Problems having a number of variables and/or a connectivity between variables that does not match that of the quantum processor may be solved. Interaction with the quantum processor may be via a digital computer. The digital computer stores a hierarchical stack of software modules to facilitate interacting with the quantum processor via various levels of programming environment, from a machine language level up to an end-use applications level.
US09218563B2
Apparatus and methods for salient feature detection by a spiking neuron network. The network may comprise feature-specific units capable of responding to different objects (red and green color). The plasticity mechanism of the network may be configured based on difference between two similarity measures related to activity of different unit types obtained during network training. One similarity measure may be based on activity of units of the same type (red). Another similarity measure may be based on activity of units of one type (red) and another type (green). Similarity measures may comprise a cross-correlogram and/or mutual information determined over an activity window. During network operation, the activity based plasticity mechanism may be used to potentiate connections between units of the same type (red-red). The plasticity mechanism may be used to depress connections between units of different types (red-green). The plasticity mechanism may effectuate detection of salient features in the input.
US09218554B2
A method for image processing executed by an image processing apparatus includes sequentially receiving PDL data and transferring a figure included in the PDL data to processing in a subsequent stage, assigning edge extraction processing as a unit of processing for extracting edge information for each transferred figure, merging the edge information extracted from each figure, spooling the merged data in a tile format as intermediate data, and reading out the intermediate data in the tile format from spooling process and performing processing on each tile to generate a pixel from the intermediate data.
US09218550B2
A method for producing a customized print includes determining a color of at least one feature of an object, where the object is imaged with a reference color chart. A color palette is selected based on the at least one determined feature color and a print is generated based on the selected color palette. A system for producing a customized print is also described.
US09218549B2
A number of printable images on a continuous sheet and printing throughput can be increased when printing an image in which images of different sizes coexist and are arranged. In a printing apparatus which prints a plurality of images by using a full-line inkjet printhead while conveying the sheet, the size of an image and a position of a sheet where the image is printed are analyzed from inputted image data. A necessary type of preliminary discharge is determined in accordance with the analysis result. Then, print data is generated by adding, to the image data, data for preliminary discharge complying with the determined type of preliminary discharge. It is controlled to print by the full-line printhead based on the generated print data.
US09218546B2
Methods, systems and apparatus for choosing image labels. In one aspect, a method includes receiving data specifying a first image, receiving text labels for the first image, receiving search results in response to a web search performed using at least some of the text labels as queries, ranking the text labels, at least in part, based on a number of resources referenced by the received search results, wherein at least some of the resources each include an image matching the first image, and selecting an image label for the image from the ranked text labels, the image label being selected based on the ranking.
US09218529B2
A system and method for estimating a location of an object or vehicle is provided. Images of a region encompassing the object are obtained, providing a three dimensional (3-D) view frame of the region. 3-D view frames are collected along a direction of travel of the object. A 3-D map is generated along the direction of travel of the object, the map based on the 3-D view frames and further based on an estimate of motion of the object at times associated with the 3-D view frames. A first set of features is extracted from the 3-D map. A geo-referenced feature database is searched for a second set of features that match the first set of features. A geo-location associated with the second set of features is retrieved from the feature database. The location of the object is estimated based on the retrieved geo-location.
US09218524B2
Methods and systems for automatic classification of images of internal structures of human and animal bodies. A method includes receiving a magnetic resonance (MR) image testing model and determining a testing volume of the testing model that includes areas of the testing model to be classified as bone or cartilage. The method includes modifying the testing model so that the testing volume corresponds to a mean shape and a shape variation space of an active shape model and producing an initial classification of the testing volume by fitting the testing volume to the mean shape and the shape variation space. The method includes producing a refined classification of the testing volume into bone areas and cartilage areas by refining the boundaries of the testing volume with respect to the active shape model and segmenting the MR image testing model into different areas corresponding to bone areas and cartilage areas.
US09218521B2
A case includes a main body, a protective frame, and at least one fixing member. The main body includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion rotatably connected to the first mounting portion. The protective frame is disposed on boundaries of the first mounting portion. The at least one fixing member is mounted on the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. The first mounting portion and the protective frame jointly define an accommodation space to receive a reader, the second mounting portion secures a portable electronic device communicating with and separates from the reader. The first mounting portion rotates relative to the second mounting portion to be secured on the second mounting portion via the at least one fixing member.
US09218509B2
In response to a tamper-attempt indication, a memory device selectively disables one or more memory operations. Disabling can be accomplished by different techniques, including altering bias voltages associated with performing the memory operation, gating off a current needed for performing the memory operation, and limiting the needed current to a magnitude below the threshold magnitude required for the operation. After disabling the memory operation, a mock current can be generated. The mock current is intended to mimic the current normally expended during the memory operation when not disabled, thereby leading a user to believe that the device is continuing to operate normally even though the memory operation that is being attempted is not actually being performed.
US09218508B2
An electronic device includes a positioning module, a micro processing unit and a first storing device. The micro processing unit electrically connects with the positioning module and the first storing device. The electronic detects a position thereof via the positioning module and generates a positioning coordinate datum. The micro processing unit determines whether the electronic device is in a preset working area through the positioning coordinate datum. When the electronic device is not in the preset working area, the micro processing unit stops the electronic device from accessing the first storing device. When the electronic device is in the preset working area, the micro-processing unit allows the electronic device to access the first storing device and boot a first operating system stored thereon.
US09218502B1
An electronic permissions and security system are disclosed which may be used to determine permissions and policies for resources in a complex multi-dimensional data system. Analysis of resource data hierarchies and/or accessor data hierarchies using the permissions computing systems and methods discussed herein may provide efficient and flexible permissions analysis, determination, and management. The electronic permissions system may include for example, a permissions analysis module or component configured to access, traverse and/or analyze a resource hierarchy and/or an accessor hierarchy to determine permissions with respect to a resource. Permissions may be defined according to various policies which may include specific actions allowed or disallowed for the policy. Specific actions within a policy may also be organized hierarchically such that one particular grant of one permission may imply granting of another permission.
US09218501B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to managing access to protected computer resources. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for modifying a user's ability to access a protected computer resource while the user is currently using the resource. If the privileges granted to a user for accessing the protected resource are altered, these alterations take effect in substantially real time. In an exemplary embodiment, a user data repository will initiate the process of altering the user's access privileges upon changes of data in the repository. In this way, it does not matter how or by whom the data in the repository is changed, but the change itself is sufficient to initiate a re-computation of a user's access privileges to the protected resource.
US09218497B2
Systems and methods of a personal daemon, executing as a background process on a mobile computing device, for providing personal assistant to an associated user is presented. Also executing on the mobile computing device is a scheduling manager. The personal daemon executes one or more personal assistance actions on behalf of the associated user. The scheduling manager responds to events in support of the personal daemon. More particularly, in response to receiving an event the scheduling manager determines a set of apps that are responsive to the received event and from that set of apps, identifies at least a first subset of apps for execution on the mobile computing device. The scheduling manager receives feedback information regarding the usefulness of the executed apps of the first subset of apps and updates the associated score of each of the apps of the first subset of apps.
US09218494B2
Methods and systems for providing a secure client drive mapping and/or file storage for mobile device management type security may include executing a managed application for presentation on a mobile device, receiving a request to save a data file locally on the mobile device, and determining whether the data file contains sensitive data are described herein. Subsequently, when the data file contains sensitive data and responsive to the request, the methods and system may also include encrypting the data file, storing the encrypted data file on the mobile device, and linking the encrypted data file to an unencrypted version of the data file, the unencrypted version of the data file not containing the sensitive data.
US09218469B2
A method for installing authentication credentials on a network device. An intermediary computing device (e.g., client computer) downloads an application for installing the authentication credentials from a secure website. The application on the intermediary computing device requests authentication credentials from a Network Access Control (NAC) credential service. The application passes the authentication credentials received from the NAC credential service through the intermediary computing device to an endpoint (e.g., video conferencing device). The application installs the authentication credentials on the endpoint.
US09218468B1
For sharing of information in a virtual or online environment, methods and systems are provided which enable verifying attributes of an individual. An individual registered for participation in a virtual or online environment may provide evidence of the attributes from a verification source that exists outside the virtual or online environment. An administrator associated with the virtual or online environment verifies the attributes by receipt of the evidence. Alternatively, the attribute for the individual may be verified after receipt of one or more signals indicating individuals registered for participation in the virtual or online environment have corroborated the attributes. A verification indication for an attribute may be shared with other individuals in the virtual or online environment.
US09218462B2
A method includes upon receiving a request from a user to perform an operation on a device that is running under an operating system, authenticating the user on the basis of credential data that is retrieved from a data storage unit that is associated with a lights-out management (LOM) capability of the device. If authentication of the user is successful, the user is enabled to perform the operation.
US09218460B2
A technique for mining pharmacophore patterns including computer-implemented methods for generating a database of pharmacophores and computer-implemented methods for classifying a query molecule with the database of pharmacophores. Generation of the pharmacophore database includes methods of defining a Joint Pharmacophore Space (JPS) using the three-dimensional geometry of pharmacophoric features of all active molecules against multiple targets.
US09218449B2
This invention provides several ways of managing GC bias that occurs during seequencing and analysis of genomic DNA. Maternal plasma can be used as a source of fetal DNA for analysis. DNA segments or tags obtained from the plasma can be aligned with a chromosomal region of interest and with an artificial reference chromosome assembled from regions of the genome having matching GC content. This technology can be used, for example, to detect and evaluate aneuploidy and other chromosomal abnormalities.
US09218443B1
OpenCL program compilation may include generating, using a processor, a register transfer level (RTL) description of a first kernel of a heterogeneous, multiprocessor design and integrating the RTL description of the first kernel with a base platform circuit design. The base platform circuit design provides a static interface within a programmable integrated circuit to a host of the heterogeneous, multiprocessor design. A first configuration bitstream may be generated from the RTL description of the first kernel using the processor. The first configuration bitstream specifies a hardware implementation of the first kernel and supporting data for the configuration bitstream. The first configuration bitstream and the supporting data may be included within a binary container.
US09218439B2
Search systems and computer-implemented search methods are described. In one aspect, a search system includes a communications interface configured to access a plurality of data items of a collection, wherein the data items include a plurality of image objects individually comprising image data utilized to generate an image of the respective data item. The search system may include processing circuitry coupled with the communications interface and configured to process the image data of the data items of the collection to identify a plurality of image content facets which are indicative of image content contained within the images and to associate the image objects with the image content facets and a display coupled with the processing circuitry and configured to depict the image objects associated with the image content facets.
US09218438B2
Data specifying a new edge of a graph database may be received. A data store for storing the new edge may be identified from amongst a plurality of data stores utilized to store one or more portions of the graph database. Each of the plurality of data stores may be associated with a set of values corresponding to an aspect of edges of the graph database. The data store for storing the new edge may be identified based on the new edge being associated with a value corresponding to the aspect of edges of the graph database that is within a set of values corresponding to the aspect of edges of the graph database associated with the data store for storing the new edge.
US09218437B1
Computer applications may generate a large volume of different types of record data. In one example, the large volume of record data may represent millions of different processes occurring every second. Described herein are systems, methods and devices for generating parsed data based on the large volume of record data. The parsed data may be consumed by computing nodes within a designated amount of time from the generation of the record data.
US09218432B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personnel communications management within an enterprise or group of related enterprises during crisis situations. In particular, the systems and methods provide event management, shared situational awareness, personnel tracking, and unified crisis notification management to multiple users.
US09218430B2
A method for recommending an application includes obtaining an input model representing user interaction patterns during execution of a first application. The input model is compared to a reference model representing user interaction patterns during execution of a second application. A similarity is determined between the input model and the reference model. A recommendation of the second application is generated in response to the similarity.
US09218415B2
A method of allowing listeners to participate in broadcast programming is provided, the method generally comprising one or more of providing a library of media elements accessible by a plurality of listeners; receiving from each of at least two of the listeners a playlist of media elements, wherein at least one of the media elements in each playlist is from the library of media elements; editing the playlists using broadcast scheduling software; providing the edited playlists to the plurality of listeners for playback, and for feedback regarding the playlists; and receiving feedback from at least one of the listeners regarding the playlists. A system and apparatus are similarly provided.
US09218413B2
Various aspects described or referenced herein are directed to different methods, systems, and computer program products relating to multi-media management and streaming techniques implemented over a computer network, including, for example, one or more features and/or functions relation to one or more of the following (or combinations thereof): venue-based streaming radio stations, mobile user graphical user interfaces, creation and streaming of dynamic streaming radio stations based on a user's geolocation, ticketing and reservations, etc.
US09218406B2
In various embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of operating a server to manage user data in a plurality of storage appliances. The method involves establishing in a database system, via the server, information for each registered user; establishing and storing in the database system a set of relationships, based on designations by the users, among registered storage appliances and container designations; and using a central service running on the server to deliver storage appliance-container relationship data to the storage appliances so as to enable the appliances to substantiate the containers therein, and to replicate user data with other storage appliances that have substantiated corresponding containers, in a manner consistent with the stored relationships, and wherein the central service operates without interaction with user data stored in the containers.
US09218405B2
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for efficiently storing application data received from clients in a database stored on a server, such as a cloud-based database. The methods include receiving a batch of a plurality of web operations that specify actions to be performed on data objects that represent application data stored in a cloud database, translating the web operations to a batch of data storage operation sets, creating a temporary database having a subset of contents of the cloud database, applying the data storage operation sets to the temporary database, recording database operations generated by the temporary database based on the plurality of data storage operation sets, and applying the plurality of database operations to the cloud database in a transaction. Translating the web operations can include mapping the actions to be performed on the data objects to transactions to be performed on the cloud database.
US09218404B2
A method, system and computer readable storage medium for replicating database data of heterogeneous data type are disclosed. The method includes determining the data type of an element of heterogeneous data type to be replicated. The element is packed into a predetermined transfer format as an opaque data type, based on the determined data type, and replicated to a replication server. The replication server is instructed to not modify the element noted as opaque.
US09218400B2
A system for data aggregation and representation, comprising a data aggregator that may request or receive input from a plurality of data sources, a visualization engine that may generate representations of data, and an interaction manager that may handle interactions from an analyst, and a method for multidimensional representation of data.
US09218396B2
Techniques are disclosed for determining reasons underlying insights gleaned from multi-dimensional data. In one embodiment, a contingency table is accessed that represents multiple dimensions of the data, in order to identify one or more insights. One or more dimensions, other than the represented dimensions, are evaluated to identify one or more reasons underlying a first insight of the one or more insights, and the one or more reasons are output.
US09218395B2
A method and system for managing attributes in a streaming application is disclosed. The system may have a stream manager communicatively coupled with processing elements for tracking a stream of tuples. The system may also have a first stream operator communicatively coupled with the stream manager and capable of receiving the stream of tuples, wherein the first stream operator selects the selected attribute of the first tuple and assigns a first identifier to the selected attribute. The system may also have a second stream operator communicatively coupled with the stream manager and capable of receiving the stream of tuples, and capable of replacing the selected attribute in the second tuple with a second identifier provided by the first stream operator. The system may also have an identifier table communicatively coupled with the stream manager and the first and second stream operator, wherein the identifier table includes identifiers for selected tuples.
US09218391B2
Techniques for producing a cross tabulation are described. The techniques involve issuing a plurality of queries to a database. The queries are for each of at least one sublevel of data for each of at least one dimension of data associated with records in the database. The queries provide sublists of sorted identifiers for each one of the queries. The technique determines occurrences of intersections of levels of one dimension with levels of another dimension of the data associated with records in the database by traversing the sublists to detect intersections of the dimensions.
US09218384B2
A memory stores a plurality of data objects and their respective evaluation scores. A processor is configured to update, in response to an update made to a first data object, evaluation values of one or more second data objects linked from at least the first data object, based on the evaluation score of the first data object. In response to a reference request for one data object, the processor determines the evaluation score of the requested data object, based on the evaluation scores of one or more third data objects having a link to the requested data object.
US09218378B2
A method of sorting a database of records and data items, in which each record has an identifier, data variables and paths pointing to data items being the value of the data variables is disclosed. The database has a first and second frequency for each path of the first and second data variables, respectively. The method includes creating an intermediate array having a section for each value of the second data variable. Storing the identifier of each record. Creating a final array having sections for each value of the first data variable. Storing the identifier of the records into the section of the final array corresponding to the value of its first data variable. Identifying break points in the final array. Repeating the previous two steps for each section of the intermediate array. Creating a break point index.
US09218370B2
A method and system for processing a data load. A request is received for a data load to load data into a database in accordance with a data template that includes data to be loaded into the database. The template includes columns and rows. The request specifies a request type characterized by at least one column that collectively includes unique data for each row. The columns include N sets of columns (N≧1) in addition to the at least one column. The data load is split into multiple loads of data. The multiple loads include one load and N additional loads. The one load is associated with the at least one column. The N additional loads are respectively associated with the N sets of columns and are configured to generate or modify one or more rows in each table of N respective additional tables in the database.
US09218364B1
A system for monitoring an image tagging system comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to provide a user display for a type of monitoring of an image tagging system. The user display includes image tagging monitoring for: a) in the event that a computer vision match is found, a computer vision match and an associated computer vision tag and, b) in the event that no computer vision match is found, a human vision match and an associated human vision tag. A memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.
US09218363B2
The invention relates to a method for maintaining location information in a database. An application running in a client device scans for stationary devices that have a unique identifier. If such a device is found, the location of the device by means of the unique identifier is looked up from a central server comprising a database. If the unique identifier is in the database the physical location of the stationary device could be retrieved. As the stationary device is in the vicinity of the stationary device, the physical location of the user using the stationary device is known. If the unique identifier of the stationary device is not found, the user is asked once to identify its location. The unique identifier and location is then stored in the data structure of the database. Subsequent requests by a client device for the same stationary device will result in a known location.
US09218360B2
A location-based service is provided that allows a user of a mobile device to tag and track the places he or she visits and share these places with social networking members. To implement this service a system receives location information from the user's location-aware mobile device over a wireless network. The location information identifies various locations or other points-of-interest that the user has visited. Based on this information the system determines a geographical domain that encompasses at least some of the locations the user has visited. Once a geographic domain has been determined it is presented to the user via the mobile device. The user is prompted to tag the geographical domain with an annotation that describes the geographic domain. The system stores the geographical domain and the annotation associated therewith so that it can be searched and accessed or retrieved by the user or members of the user's social network.
US09218356B2
Methods and systems for synchronizing network configuration state tables between an operating system kernel and an attached ASIC switch device are disclosed. An instruction to update a target network configuration state table in either an operating system kernel or an attached ASIC switch device is received. Data from the target network configuration state table and data from a corresponding network configuration state table are retrieved. Values of data in the two tables are compared and an instruction is sent to update the target network configuration state table with one or more values from the corresponding network configuration state table.
US09218354B2
A method is provided for compressing results of a join query. A join order of a result set is determined from the join query, where the result set includes a plurality of tuples. A plurality of dictionary entries for the result set is received. A nested hierarchy of dictionaries is created based on the join order and the dictionary entries. A plurality of encoded tuples is received. The nested hierarchy of dictionaries is used by a processor to decode the plurality of encoded tuples so as to produce the plurality of tuples of the result set.
US09218344B2
The present invention provides systems, methods, and software for automatically processing data included in a document and identifying and recommending citations matching the processed data. The system allows a user to select and submit text segment(s) for analysis and to select from a set of recommended citations a citation(s) that matches the text segment as well as profile data for inclusion in the document. One or more citation libraries or authority databases are queried to find citations for recommendation which best match the text segment selected and submitted by the author. The system automatically processes data submitted by an author to generate a set of recommended citations for consideration and for inclusion within a document while the document is presented by a document rendering application. A selected citation is then formatted and inserted in the document.
US09218337B2
A text editing apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a display device; an operation device; a conversion candidate creating portion that creates at least one conversion candidate associated with a character and outputs a signal for displaying the created conversion candidate; a finally-determined character string output portion that outputs a signal for displaying the corresponding conversion candidate; and a learning portion that learns and storing character string data for the next creation of said conversion candidate at the time of an input of a learning instruction different from the time of the input of said selective final determination.
US09218336B2
Constructing an automaton for automated analysis of agglutinative languages comprises: constructing an affix automaton for each of a plurality of affix types of an agglutinative language, where each of the affix types is associated with one or more affixes associated with a morphological concept; combining any of the affix automatons to form a plurality of template automatons, where each of the template automatons is patterned after any of a plurality of agglutination templates of any of the affix types for the language; and combining the template automatons into a master automaton.
US09218330B2
Described is a method to communicate to a third party information for part of an electronic form that cannot be competed and then to incorporate returned information into the electronic form. In various embodiments, while filling in an electronic form, a requestor requests assistance in the form of information from a third party such as a supervisor. The requestor specifies a range of the part requiring assistance, and copies the partial form into a field of a message. An agent acquires information concerning the partial form based on the copy operation. The message including the information on the partial form is sent to the third party. The third party inputs information into an input field concerning the input request and returns the partial form in a message. The agent incorporates the information included in the returned message into the original electronic form.
US09218328B2
Disclosed are method and apparatus for displaying supplementary information on a graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information is received. The supplementary information is retrieved and displayed in a reserved display field in a graphical user interface. The reserved display field may be configured by a user to adapt to specific applications, but remains stationary throughout the user session. The reserved display field does not obstruct any other display fields in the graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information may be generated by using a mouse to first position a cursor over an active display element. A request for supplementary information associated with the active display element may be generated by clicking the mouse, or by holding the cursor stationary for a time interval greater than a threshold dwell time.
US09218325B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a font match technology, and in particular relate to a technology for performing font match with attribute values of a font. A method for font matching may include generating a two-dimensional link matrix based on available fonts and attribute values of the available fonts, receiving a font match query, and determining a font matching the received font match query from the available fonts by using the two-dimensional link matrix. Font matching may be implemented automatically, quickly, and accurately, without the need of manually randomly trying each font of a plurality of available fonts. Meanwhile, this method is independent from text processing software and may be called by any arbitrary text processing software (application). Moreover, this method allows the user to flexibly configure selection of the font attributes so as to perform font match more efficiently.
US09218313B2
In one embodiment, a method for sharing bandwidth in a data processing system having a plurality of locations includes splitting data into a plurality of data elements, sending each one of the plurality of data elements to a different location selected from the plurality of locations, wherein each data element is different, and sending a message to each of the locations. In another embodiment, a method for sharing bandwidth in a data processing system having a plurality of locations, wherein the plurality of locations comprises a first location and plurality of further locations, includes receiving a first data element, receiving a message, wherein the message comprises an address of each of the further locations, and sending the first data element to each of the further locations of the plurality of further locations, responsive to determining the address of each of the further locations.
US09218312B2
A memory device includes an interface unit and a memory unit. The interface unit receives a clock signal, a command signal and a data signal, internally adjusts input impedance based upon at least one of the command signal and the clock signal, and generates internal control signal of the memory device based upon the command signal and data signal. The memory unit performs read/write operations based upon the internal control signal.
US09218307B2
Data writers desiring to update data without unduly impacting concurrent readers perform a synchronization operation with respect to plural processors or execution threads. The synchronization operation is parallelized using a hierarchical tree having a root node, one or more levels of internal nodes and as many leaf nodes as there are processors or threads. The tree is traversed from the root node to a lowest level of the internal nodes and the following node processing is performed for each node: (1) check the node's children, (2) if the children are leaf nodes, perform the synchronization operation relative to each leaf node's associated processor or thread, and (3) if the children are internal nodes, fan out and repeat the node processing with each internal node representing a new root node. The foregoing node processing is continued until all processors or threads associated with the leaf nodes have performed the synchronization operation.
US09218306B2
Disclosed is a memory sharing circuit for sharing a memory, the circuit including a plurality of unit processors connected to the memory, wherein the unit processor includes a buffer configured to be connected through the memory, a buffering address and a data bus, and a processor configured to be connected to the buffer for access to the memory through the buffer, and wherein the plurality of unit processors is configured to allow the processors to share the memory by preventing address/data bus collision for access to the memory by the processors.
US09218305B2
Data writers desiring to update data without unduly impacting concurrent readers perform a synchronization operation with respect to plural processors or execution threads. The synchronization operation is parallelized using a hierarchical tree having a root node, one or more levels of internal nodes and as many leaf nodes as there are processors or threads. The tree is traversed from the root node to a lowest level of the internal nodes and the following node processing is performed for each node: (1) check the node's children, (2) if the children are leaf nodes, perform the synchronization operation relative to each leaf node's associated processor or thread, and (3) if the children are internal nodes, fan out and repeat the node processing with each internal node representing a new root node. The foregoing node processing is continued until all processors or threads associated with the leaf nodes have performed the synchronization operation.
US09218304B1
A method and system for intercepting I/O requests and responses in a proprietary operating environment or hypervisor-virtualization utilizing open source software or general public license device drivers. The processing includes at the added functionality module comprises at least one of encrypting, de-duplicating, compressing and caching.
US09218301B2
A storage device security system includes a server that is coupled to a storage device, a storage controller, a configuration IHS, and a remote access controller. The remote access controller receives a storage device access key request and a storage controller Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) from the storage controller. The remote access controller also receives a server GUID from the server. The remote access controller also receives a security key from the configuration IHS over a network. The remote access controller is configured to use a remote access controller Media Access Control (MAC) address, the storage controller GUID, the server IHS GUID, and the security key to generate a storage device access key. The remote access controller may then provide the storage device access key to the storage controller, and storage controller may use the storage device access key to access the storage device coupled to the server IHS.
US09218290B2
Described embodiments provide for storing data in a local cache of one of a plurality of processing modules of a network processor. A control processing module determines presence of data stored in its local cache while concurrently sending a request to read the data from a shared memory and from one or more local caches corresponding to other of the plurality of processing modules. Each of the plurality of processing modules responds whether the data is located in one or more corresponding local caches. The control processing module determines, based on the responses, presence of the data in the local caches corresponding to the other processing modules. If the data is present in one of the local caches corresponding to one of the other processing modules, the control processing module reads the data from the local cache containing the data and cancels the read request to the shared memory.
US09218286B2
Methods and apparatuses for processing partial write requests in a system cache within a memory controller. When a write request that updates a portion of a cache line misses in the system cache, the write request writes the data to the system cache without first reading the corresponding cache line from memory. The system cache includes error correction code bits which are redefined as word mask bits when a cache line is in a partial dirty state. When a read request hits on a partial dirty cache line, the partial data is written to memory using a word mask. Then, the corresponding full cache line is retrieved from memory and stored in the system cache.
US09218284B2
In some implementations, an apparatus includes a first programmable hardware timer that specifies an initial wait time before issuing two or more commands to a storage device, and a second programmable hardware timer that specifies an interval time between at least two commands of the two or more commands.
US09218276B2
A storage apparatus is provided, including a first storage unit; a load information obtaining unit that obtains load information for each of a plurality of portions defined by dividing the first storage unit; a portion identifying unit that identifies a candidate portion that is to be relocated in the first storage unit based on the load information; a determining unit that determines whether or not data in the candidate portion is allowed to be migrated to a second storage unit, the second storage unit having a performance value higher than a performance value of the first storage unit; an adder that adds the second storage unit, when the determining unit determines that the data in the candidate portion is not allowed to be migrated; and a relocation unit that migrates the data in the candidate portion from the first storage unit to the added second storage unit.
US09218273B2
A test generator generating a test for a system having a plurality of executing entities that are capable of concurrent execution, the test comprises transactions that comprise one or more access transactions that are configured to access a shared resource and one or more reconfiguration transactions configured that are configured to reconfigure the shared resource, wherein said generating comprises: determining a partial order between pairs of transactions that are both associated with the shared resource and that at least one of which is a reconfiguration transaction; and generating the test so as to enforce the partial order during execution of the test by the system.
US09218265B2
The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of devices in a distributed network of broadcast devices, such as Set Top Boxes (STBs). Such devices typically require periodic updates as new versions of operating software is developed. However, it is not possible to guarantee that all devices that have received an updated software version are able to operate correctly. The system initiates a test for a STB and monitors in real time the state of the STB as the software download occurs. The state of the STB is reported to a system controller and the results are output to a test engineer. Other devices in the broadcast network can be controlled by the controller and various troubleshooting or operational tests performed.
US09218261B2
Systems, methods, computer readable media and apparatuses for executing one or more test cases associated with verifying a functionality of a computer system, software application, or the like are presented. The test cases may be received by a system and may be prioritized and integrated into an existing queue of test cases based on the determined priority. In some examples, a configuration for a computing device to execute the test cases may be identified and transmitted to one or more computing devices available to or scheduled to execute the test cases. Accordingly, the test cases may be dynamically allocated to available computing devices for execution. In some arrangements, one or more reports may be generated and/or transmitted reporting the results of the execution of the test cases. The reports may be accessible via the system and/or may be transmitted to a user via, for example, an email message.
US09218258B2
Roughly described, an integrated circuit chip comprises a plurality of peripheral circuits, each peripheral circuit connected to a respective debug unit, the respective debug unit configured to generate debug information of that peripheral circuit; and a plurality of separate stores for receiving debug information, storing debug information, and outputting debug information; wherein in response to a single trigger signal, the debug units are configured to stream their generated debug information to the plurality of separate stores; and wherein each of the plurality of separate stores is configured to receive debug information at a higher stream rate than it outputs debug information.
US09218242B2
Data that is stored in a higher error rate format in a nonvolatile memory is backed up in a lower error rate format. Data to be stored may be transferred once to on-chip data latches where it is maintained while it is programmed in both the high error rate format and the low error rate format without being resent to the nonvolatile memory.
US09218241B2
One example discloses a wireless receiver circuit comprising: a wireless receiver unit having a first voltage power supply and providing an output as a stream of digital output bits; a parity check unit at the output; a control unit configured to derive a control output based on the difference between the parity check unit output and a target parity error rate; and a voltage regulator for providing the first voltage to the wireless receiver unit, in dependence on the control unit output wherein the voltage regulator implements a voltage overscaling function for the wireless receiver unit and is operable to overscale the first voltage in response to a parity error rate of less than 0.5 and to drive the first voltage to a predetermined maximum voltage value in response to a parity error rate of 0.5.
US09218239B2
This disclosure relates to error correction circuitry. In one aspect, an error correction circuit can serially receive a digit stream and parse the digit stream into substrings of a predetermined length of digits. Each of the substrings can include data digits and parity digits in certain embodiments. As the substring is received, parity can be tracked in defined regions of the substring. When the entire substring has been received, an error in one of the data digits of the substring can be corrected based on an indication of parity in at least one defined region in some embodiments. Then corrected data, which can include the corrected data digit and the other data digits of the substring, can be stored. According to certain embodiments, the error correction circuit can be implemented by asynchronous circuitry.
US09218232B2
A method for detecting an anomaly in operation of a data analysis device, comprising: receiving present real-time readings of multiple sensors associated with the data analysis device, and maintaining a history of past real-time readings; determining which of said multiple sensors are correlated; computing a deviation between at least some of said present and at least some of said past real-time readings of said correlated sensors; and declaring an anomaly when said deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US09218223B2
A sequencer of a processing unit determines, at runtime, a barrier width of a barrier operation for a group threads, wherein the barrier width is smaller than a total number of threads in the group of threads, and wherein threads in the group of threads execute data parallel code on one or more compute units. In response to each thread in a subgroup of the group of threads having executed the barrier operation, the subgroup including a same number of threads as the barrier width, the sequencer may enable the subgroup of the group of threads to execute on the one or more processors past the barrier operation without waiting for other threads in the group of threads to execute the barrier operation, wherein the subgroup of the group of threads is smaller than the total number of threads in the group of threads.
US09218222B2
A computer device with synchronization barrier including a memory and a processing unit capable of multiprocess processing on various processors and enabling the parallel execution of blocks by processes, the blocks being associated by groups in successive work steps. The device further includes a hardware circuit with a usable address space to the memory, capable of receiving a call from each process indicating the end of execution of a current block, each call comprising data. The hardware circuit is arranged to authorize the execution of blocks of a later work step when all the blocks of the current work step have been executed. The accessibility to the address space is achieved by segments drawn from the data of each call.
US09218221B2
Methods and apparatus for token-sharing mechanisms for burst-mode operations are disclosed. A first and a second token bucket are respectively configured for admission control at a first and a second work target. A number of tokens to be transferred between the first bucket and the second bucket, as well as the direction of the transfer, are determined, for example based on messages exchanged between the work targets. The token transfer is initiated, and admission control decisions at the work targets are made based on the token population resulting from the transfer.
US09218218B2
A system and method for managing dynamically allocated resources assigned to a service includes providing a service to be used by a plurality of sites in a federation. Usage information associated with the service is communicated to each of the plurality of sites. A disposition of the service is determined based on local policies and the usage information received from other sites by a service owner. The disposition of the service is updated across a plurality of sites in accordance with messages sent by the service owner to reduce resource usage.
US09218216B2
In one embodiment, a centralized device for a computer network divides the computer network into one or more regions for which performance is to be measured, and selects one or more nodes within each respective region of the one or more regions. The centralized device may then send a performance measurement request (PMR) to the selected node(s) for each region, and receives measured performance reports from the selected node(s) for each region in response to the PMR. Accordingly, based on the measured performance reports, the centralized device may then adjust at least one of either the divided regions or the selected node(s) for one or more of the one or more regions, e.g., for future PMRs.
US09218210B2
A management node includes a distributed task management unit that divides a task including a plurality of processing targets and allocates the task to a plurality of execution nodes, and an execution status information memory update unit that updates execution status information of the task in accordance with execution status update requests from the execution nodes. Based on a first period of time required for processing the processing targets of a unit amount by the execution node and a second period of time required for processing the execution status update request by the management node, the distributed task management unit determines the amount of the task allocated to each of the execution nodes such that a difference in the completion time of the task allocated to any two execution nodes, among the execution nodes, becomes greater than the second period of time.
US09218208B2
A method and system for selecting traffic processors for processing and transmitting broadcast/multicast service flow in a cellular network includes evaluating processor occupancy of a plurality of traffic processors and selecting the traffic processors with the highest available processor occupancy. The cellular network has one or more base stations that are connected to a radio network controller, the radio network controller having a plurality of traffic processors to process the radio signals and data traffic to be transmitted to the base stations. A required processor occupancy for transmitting the broadcast/multicast service flow to the base stations is estimated and the traffic processors are selected such that their combined available processor occupancy is greater than the required processor occupancy for the broadcast/multicast service flow. The method and system optimizes resource utilization and distribution among the plurality of traffic processors.
US09218202B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to prioritize jobs (e.g., within a cloud computing environment) so as to maximize positive financial impacts (or to minimize negative financial impacts) for cloud service providers, while not exceeding processing capacity or failing to meet terms of applicable Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Specifically, under the present invention a respective income (i.e., a cost to the customer), a processing need, and set of SLA terms (e.g., predetermined priorities, time constraints, etc.) will be determined for each of a plurality of jobs to be performed. The jobs will then be prioritized in a way that: maximizes cumulative/collective income; stays within the total processing capacity of the cloud computing environment; and meets the SLA terms.
US09218200B2
Methods, systems and computer readable media for granting class level trust in an open application programming interface (API) system is disclosed. The method includes defining a common information model (CIM) architecture, and the CIM architecture is configured with a CIM object manager (CIMOM) for managing client requests made through APIs. The APIs are handled by the CIMOM and the CIMOM accesses schemas that include one or more classes. The method includes applying trust level settings to particular ones of the one or more classes of the schemas, and the trust level settings define client permissions to the particular classes. The method further includes hiding the particular classes to clients that lack a trust level sufficient to access the particular classes. Clients that lack the trust level are serviced with classes that do not have the applied trust level settings.
US09218199B2
Embodiments relate to a method, apparatus and program product and for capturing thread specific state timing information. The method includes associating a time field and a time valid field to a thread data structure and setting a current time state by determining a previous time state and updating it according to a previously identified method for setting time states. The method further includes determining status of a time valid bit to see if it is set to valid or invalid. When the status is valid, it is made available for reporting.
US09218193B2
Embodiments of the present invention and provide a method for distributed virtual machine (VM) image management in a cloud computing management includes receiving in a hypervisor executing in memory of a host computer, a request for VM image data from a VM and determining whether or not the requested VM image data is present in a local cache of either the hypervisor of the host computer or in a cache of a hypervisor of a peer host. The method additionally includes retrieving the requested VM image data from a seed image in a remote data store in the cloud computing environment only when it is determined that the VM image data neither is present in the local cache of the hypervisor of the host computer nor is present in the cache of the hypervisor of the peer host.
US09218188B2
In one embodiment, a content item and a feedback user-interface (UI) element associated with the content item may be displayed on a user device. The feedback UI element enables a user to provide feedback with respect to the content item. In response to a user interaction with the feedback UI element, an animation sequence featuring the feedback UI element is displayed on the user device.
US09218184B2
Method, apparatus, and program means for performing bitstream buffer manipulation with a SIMD merge instruction. The method of one embodiment comprises determining whether any unprocessed data bits for a partial variable length symbol exist in a first data block is made. A shift merge operation is performed to merge the unprocessed data bits from the first data block with a second data block. A merged data block is formed. A merged variable length symbol comprised of the unprocessed data bits and a plurality of data bits from the second data block is extracted from the merged data block.
US09218183B2
System and method for performing a high-bandwidth memory copy. Memory transfer instructions allow for copying of data from a first memory location to a second memory location without the use of load and store word instructions thereby achieving a high-bandwidth copy. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (1) decoding a destination address from a first memory transfer instruction, (2) storing the destination address in a register in the bus interface unit, (3) decoding a source address from a second memory transfer instruction, and (4) copying the contents of a memory location specified by the source memory address to a memory location specified by the contents of the register. Other methods and a microprocessor system are also presented.
US09218178B2
A firmware update system is described that collectively handles secure firmware updates for hardware resources in a defined and consistent manner. The firmware update system may be configured to manage at least some firmware updates in a pre-boot environment (e.g., before an operating system is loaded). By doing so, the firmware update system exercises control over the updates and reduce entry points exposed to attackers. In one approach, update states are defined for hardware resources that are managed by the firmware update system. In a pre-boot environment, the update states for the managed hardware resources are set to enable firmware updates. The firmware update system may then detect and apply firmware updates available for the managed hardware resources. Update states may be set to disable before loading the operating so that firmware updates for managed resources are disabled outside of the secure pre-boot environment.
US09218177B2
Techniques to prioritize and optimize the execution of upgrade operations are described. A technique may include determining the size of data blocks that are to be copied from one storage medium to another, and the dependencies of upgrade tasks on the data blocks and on other tasks. A task may be prioritized according to a weight that includes the cumulative sizes of the data blocks that it and its dependent tasks depend on. A data block copying may be prioritized according to the cumulative weights of the tasks that depend on that data block. Some embodiments may perform several data copying and/or tasks in parallel, rather than sequentially. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09218171B2
Method, program and system for code optimization. The method includes detecting a sign assignment instruction having an input operand and an output operand identical in size to each other. Analyzing and determining whether a value of the input operand results from an add or subtract operation and if the value is greater than the value prior to the operation. If so then removing the sign assignment instruction on the condition that the input operand and the output operand of the sign assignment instruction have their addresses identical to each other and replacing the sign assignment instruction with a copy instruction for copying the value of the input operand of the sign assignment instruction to a value of the output operand on the condition that the addresses of the input operand and the output operand of the sign assignment instruction are not identical and do not overlap each other.
US09218169B2
Techniques and systems for creating a function call graph for a codebase are disclosed. Graph creation includes identifying functions in the codebase by a function signature and representing a function as a first node in the call graph. For that function, identifying call-to functions, call-from functions, and inheritance parents and children, and a base class from the function signature of that function; adding child nodes to the first node based on the identified call-to and call-from functions; for an interface call to a base class method in the function, adding child nodes to the first node based on implementations of an override of the base class method; for an added child node, removing that child node from the first node if a source file that includes an implementation of an override and a source code file that includes the function don't share at least one common binary file.
US09218165B2
A method, computer program product, and computer system for receiving, at a computing device, an input including an indication of a type of an object for which an instance is required. Code that is declared in a software development application is scanned for the instance. An output is generated including one or more suggestions how to acquire the instance based upon, at least in part, the code that is declared in the software development application.
US09218161B2
A computer-implemented method for generating user stories for a software product, includes collecting, by a processor, a plurality of requirements, creating, by the processor, a plurality of content space specification files that includes the plurality of requirements, processing, by the processor, the plurality of content space specification files to generate the user stories, defining, by the processor, a content space, and embedding, by the processor, the content space in the software product.
US09218155B2
A portable information terminal includes a display element and a control element. The display element includes a plurality of display screens. The control element divides a whole image including two or more rows of individual images arrayed in a direction where the plurality of display screens are arrayed into a plurality of divided images by a dividing line passing through gaps between the individual images in the respective rows, and displays each of the divided images on each of the display screens of the display element.
US09218154B2
Embodiments are described for displaying indications of notifications received by a multi-screen device. The notifications may relate to a number of different categories including, without limitation, phone calls, SMS messages, email, notifications from applications, battery level, and signal strength. The multi-screen device includes a unified desktop that displays indications of the notifications regardless of the state of the multi-screen device, which in embodiments includes an undocked state and a docked state, in which a peripheral screen is used to display the indications. The indications may be displayed differently depending on the state of the multi-screen device.
US09218153B2
A method and system for servicing a print request from a specific client system. Client-specific information from a client profile is read from database accessible to at least two printer server systems. The client-specific information includes the specific client system's geographic location, a favorite time span reflecting when the specific client system was previously connected to a network, an amount of data reflecting data previously printed within a given historical time span, a maximum data transfer rate at which the specific client system can transfer data to the network, a minimum speed required for printing data received from the specific client system by each printer server system, or combinations thereof. At least one best-suited printer is ascertained to be used for servicing the print request, utilizing the client-specific information, printer server information, and printer information. The print request is serviced by the at least one best suited printer.
US09218152B2
An image forming apparatus comprises: a detection unit which detects the abnormal condition of the image forming apparatus; a storage unit which stores, as history information, information about a type of the abnormal condition and an occurrence situation of the abnormal condition in a case where the detection unit detects the abnormal condition; a determination unit which determines whether an occurrence frequency of the abnormal condition which has newly occurred is higher than a predetermined frequency; and a notification unit which, in a case where an abnormal condition has newly occurred and the determination unit determines that the occurrence frequency of the abnormal condition which has newly occurred is higher than the predetermined frequency, stops the image forming apparatus and notifies the user of trouble information for making a repair request by the user.
US09218143B2
A management server capable of communicating with a providing apparatus via a network and using a function provided by the providing apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive failure information from the image forming apparatus, and a notification unit configured to perform notification for arranging maintenance of the image forming apparatus according to the failure information received from the image forming apparatus, wherein the management server does not arrange the maintenance of the image forming apparatus if it can be identified that the failure is caused by the providing apparatus based on the received failure information.
US09218138B1
A method is used for managing consistency groups in storage systems. A consistency group comprising multiple logical objects is created and multiple replicas of the consistency group are created. The consistency group is restored to one of the multiple replicas.
US09218126B2
Disclosed are methods, circuits, apparatus and systems for human machine interfacing with a computational platform or any other electronic device, such as a cell-phone, smart-phone, e-book, notebook computer, tablet computer, etc. According to some embodiments, there may be provided an adaptive touch-screen input arrangement, such as a keyboard, keypad or any other touch screen input arrangements including one or more input elements such as rendered or projected keys or buttons which may be projected onto or rendered on a touch screen display. The adaptive touch-screen input arrangement may be adapted to alter the size, shape or location of input elements within proximity of a finger, limb or implement used by a user to touch the screen.
US09218125B2
A method includes displaying information associated with a first application on a touch-sensitive display, detecting a touch on a touch-sensitive display and determining touch attributes, determining when the touch is a first gesture type based on the touch attributes, and when the touch is determined to be the first gesture type, forwarding information related to the touch to a second application, otherwise forwarding the information related to the touch to the first application.
US09218118B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for enabling easy generation, editing, and access to digital content compilations, such as playlists, etc. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure employ one or more graphical user-interfaces that provide a playlist toolbar (e.g., a sidebar) after determining a user wishes to access a digital content compilation. Further, predictions may be made to determine potential activities associated with these compilations based upon previous actions performed by the user.
US09218111B2
Image processing device for displaying content, content creation device, and image processing method
When the user enters a request for moving a viewpoint, whether or not a displayed area is encompassed in a link area that is set for an active image is kept monitored. When the displayed area is encompassed, a corresponding link is determined to be valid, and an image of a link destination mapped to the link area is displayed. Whether or not the displayed area moves outside of a link area set for an image of a link origin is further monitored. If even a part of the displayed area moves outside of the link area, a corresponding link is determined to be invalid, and the display is switched back to the image of the link origin. If none of the above-stated conditions applies, the initial image continues to be displayed while moving the displayed area according to the movement of the viewpoint within the active image.
US09218110B2
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus capable of exchanging information with another apparatus. The apparatus includes: a unit for carrying out a communication with the other apparatus; a unit for acquiring information on a state of a communication with the other apparatus carried out by the communication unit; and a unit for determining image information for a user owning the other apparatus based on the information acquired by the communication-state information acquisition unit and determining an array including the image information. The apparatus further includes: a unit for generating a display image including the image information based on the array; and a unit for displaying the display image.
US09218107B1
Data including information regarding a display of the host device may be received. Such information may be used to identify one or more top-level windows in the host device display. Further, it is determined which of the top-level windows is currently active. The active top-level window may be determined to include a text caret and further, that the text caret is active such a keyboard display appears in a portion of the display of the client device. Instructions are generated for automatic adjustment of the remaining portion of the display of the client device based on the location of the text caret.
US09218106B2
A particular system includes a processor and memory storing instructions that are executable by the processor to cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include sending a notification indicator to a first device in response to identifying content of interest associated with a first source. The operations also include, in response to user input responsive to the notification indicator, sending a menu display to the first device. The menu display includes a first user selectable option to view a submenu. The submenu includes an option to selectively enable display of an alert associated with the first source. The alert is displayable on the first device in conjunction with display of a first program.
US09218104B2
According to an embodiment, a display device includes a display, a deciding unit, a three-dimensional input unit, and a controller. The display configured to display partially a two-dimensional image in a two-dimensional area and a stereoscopic image in a three-dimensional area. The deciding unit is configured to based on a position of the three-dimensional area in the display, decide on a range of a space in front of the display, within which operation of the stereoscopic image with an input device is allowed. The three-dimensional input unit configured to obtain three-dimensional coordinate information inputted by the input device with respect to the display. The display controller is configured to, when the three-dimensional coordinate information is within the decided range, operate the stereoscopic image in accordance with the three-dimensional coordinate information.
US09218102B1
Collaborative editing of electronic documents in realtime is provided. A host serves a client code over a network to a plurality of clients that each employ a browser to run the client code. The client code revises the text document locally in response to user input, frequently sends those edits to the host, receives updates from the other clients via the host, and revises the local text document accordingly. Each client, in some embodiments, stores three variables, one for edits not yet reported to the host, one for edits reported by not yet acknowledged, and one for the text document as modified by the acknowledged edits. Updates from the other clients are applied to the three variables according to certain rules. A composition of the three variables yields a version of the text document. The host keeps records of which edits were introduced by which client.
US09218099B2
Systems, devices and techniques disclosed in this document provide device-to-device communications via a human body of a user between (1) a capacitor sensor touch screen device that includes a capacitor sensor touch screen that includes capacitor sensors and provides a display function and (2) a capacitor sensor device that includes one or more capacitor sensors that detect or sense, based on capacitive sensing and without providing a display function, signals transmitted from the capacitor sensor touch screen of the capacitor sensor touch screen device. The human body of a user operates as a signal transmitting medium. In addition, the systems, devices and techniques disclosed in this document provide device-to-device communications via direct device-to-device coupling between two capacitor sensor touch screen devices each including capacitor sensor touch screen that includes capacitor sensors and provides a display function.
US09218094B1
A method can include determining multiple sensed positions of an object path in a touch sense region; generating at least a first predicted position from the sensed positions; and filtering a sense position, including associating the sense position with the object path if it is within a first proximity to at least the first predicted position, and not associating the sense position with the object path if it is outside of at least the first proximity from the first predicted position.
US09218092B2
A touch screen panel and a method of manufacturing the same, the touch screen panel including a curved substrate; sensing patterns on at least one surface of the curved substrate; and an insulating layer covering the sensing patterns.
US09218082B2
A liquid crystal display device with a built-in touch screen with improved contact efficiency between the data electrode and the pixel electrode on the lower substrate, and a method for manufacturing such a device with reduced cost and excellent efficiency by making use of a half-tone mask are disclosed.
US09218081B2
It is an object to provide a semiconductor display device having a touch panel, which can reduce power consumption. The semiconductor display device includes a panel which is provided with a pixel portion and a driver circuit which controls an input of the image signal to the pixel portion, and a touch panel provided in a position overlapping with the panel in the pixel portion. The pixel portion includes a display element configured to perform display in accordance with voltage of the image signal to be input, and a transistor configured to control retention of the voltage. The transistor includes an oxide semiconductor in a channel formation region. The driving frequency of the driver circuit, that is, the number of writing operations of the image signal for a certain period is changed in accordance with an operation signal from a touch panel.
US09218077B2
A touch control method is implemented in an electronic system. A calculation of the product of a pressure value and the area over which pressure is applied are included in touch input data packets representing a touch operation, the values of net force associated with the touch input packets are thus obtained. A signal of a short press, if recognized, with a value of net force greater than a net force threshold can be recognized as a signal of a long press, thus simulating an operation of long press and triggering the selection of an object, where the selection of the object would otherwise require a long press operation. The touch control method operates to significantly speed up selection of an object.
US09218071B2
Systems and methods for determining interpolation functions for a stylus position on a sensor matrix and estimating such a position are provided. In one disclosed embodiment, a test apparatus comprises a stylus configured to be positioned on a sensor matrix at each location of a set of known locations. One or more processors are configured to access the touch sensor data corresponding to the set of known locations, where the data is produced in response to positioning the stylus on the sensor matrix at the set of known locations. Stylus location data reflecting the set of known locations is accessed. A stylus position interpolation function is then determined by curve fitting based on the touch sensor data corresponding to the set of known locations and the stylus location data reflecting the set of known locations.
US09218050B2
Provided are a method of transmitting and receiving image data with high speed, which includes sequentially transmitting image data output from an image sensor through one or more transmission channels with a speed corresponding to a bandwidth of the transmission channels, and sequentially recording image data received through one or more transmission channels in a frame store with a speed corresponding to a total bandwidth obtained by summing bandwidths of the respective one or more transmission channels, and an apparatus for implementing the method.
US09218040B2
Methods and apparatuses for reducing power consumption of a system cache within a memory controller. The system cache includes multiple ways, and individual ways are powered down when cache activity is low. A maximum active way configuration register is set by software and determines the maximum number of ways which are permitted to be active. When searching for a cache line replacement candidate, a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is used to select from the active ways. This ensures that each active way has an equal chance of getting picked for finding a replacement candidate when one or more of the ways are inactive.
US09218038B2
Management of energy consumption within a computing environment. Energy consumption of different hardware components are measured in the computing environment. Measurement includes voltage and current versus time used by the hardware components. The different measured values of energy consumption are collected, followed by tracking the hardware component used in time during an execution of an individual execution context within the computing environment. The energy consumption of the individual execution context is calculated by associating the corresponding collected measured energy consumption to the hardware component used.
US09218036B2
A power supply controlling apparatus including: plural communication ports that connect to an information processing apparatus via plural communication devices, respectively; a switching portion that switches a setting of at least one of the communication ports so as to connect the at least one of the communication ports to any one of a data input and output device and one of the communication devices; and a transmission portion that, when the switching portion switches the setting of the at least one of the communication ports so as to connect the at least one of the communication ports to the one of the communication devices, and the communication devices are connected to the communication ports, respectively, transmits an e-mail in which an address of each of the communication ports has been described, to the information processing apparatus via the corresponding communication device connected to each of the communication ports.
US09218028B2
A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
US09218023B2
A foldable structure for the support and use of portable devices is presented. The structure is attached to the back panel of a portable device or the device case. When the structure is unfolded, it rests flat in the indented area at the rear side of a portable device or the device case without changing the look and feel of the device. When the structure is folded, it forms a grip or device support stand to augment the functionality and usefulness of the portable device.
US09218018B2
Implementations of the present disclosure involve an apparatus and/or method for providing one or more clock signals within a processing device. In particular, one or more counter devices may be integrated into a microprocessor design that operates on a system clock signal to provide ratioed synchronous clock signals for use by the microprocessor. Additionally, one or more synchronization pulse signals are also generated from the one or more counter devices to facilitate communication between domains of the microprocessor that may operate on separate clock frequencies. Such synchronization pulse signals may also provide for a virtual clock signal within a clock domain to create a low frequency logic cluster within a high frequency domain of the microprocessor. A synchronous, low frequency reset signal is also disclosed to synchronize the counting devices to the system clock without the need for an additional high frequency signal path in the microprocessor design.
US09218017B2
A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices having independent clocking arrangements. A task distribution device is to distribute tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices to perform tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to synchrony group members over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which synchrony group members are to execute the task. Each synchrony group member periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines there from a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.
US09218005B2
A trim assembly is provided with a cage with an internal surface and a cage port. A plug having an external surface is disposed in the cage and is operable between a closed position, a pressure balancing position and an open position. The trim assembly also includes a low friction flow restrictor disposed between the cage and the plug and a pressure energized seal disposed between the cage and the plug. A seal balancing volume defined by the internal surface of the cage, the external surface of the plug, the low friction flow restrictor and the pressure energized seal is provided. The seal balancing volume is in fluid communication with the cage port through the low friction flow restrictor and is maintained at a seal balancing volume pressure. The trim assembly further includes a pressure control assembly configured to vent the seal balancing volume.
US09217996B2
In various embodiments, digital manufacturing of jewelry items is provided, including a physical process and software automation for implementing the physical process. Further, models formed during the process, as well as the resultant jewelry items, are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises forming a digital model of the jewelry item, forming a physical model of the jewelry item based on the digital model, and manufacturing the jewelry item in a lost wax process using the physical model.
US09217988B2
A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane.
US09217979B2
A recording-material cooling device includes a first belt, a first cooling unit, and a second cooling unit. The first belt is disposed at a first face side of a recording material. The first cooling unit has a first heat absorbing surface to contact the first belt to absorb heat of the recording material. The second cooling unit has a second heat absorbing surface to directly or indirectly contact the recording material to absorb heat of the recording material. The second cooling unit is disposed at a second face side of the recording material. The first and second cooling units are offset from each other in a transport direction of the recording material. Each of the first and second surfaces has a shape in which an inner area protrudes beyond opposed ends in the transport direction. The first and second surfaces overlap each other in a direction crossing the transport direction.
US09217976B2
An image forming apparatus includes a toner-image carrying member, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the toner-image carrying member onto a recording medium at a transfer portion, a transport roller disposed along a transport direction to transport the recording medium to the transfer portion while being in contact with the recording medium, and a release unit that releases the contact of the transport roller with the recording medium. The release unit does not release the contact of the transport roller when it is detected that the recording medium passing through the transport roller is a thick recording medium or a recording medium having a high bending strength, and releases the contact when the recording medium is different from the thick recording medium and the recording medium having a high bending strength. The release unit releases the contact before a leading edge of the recording medium reaches the transfer portion.
US09217975B2
An optical scanning device includes a light emitter, a scanner, a first detector and a determiner. The light emitter outputs a beam. The scanner scans within a given area determined in advance with the beam output from the light emitter. The first detector is arranged on an optical path of the beam in the given area and detects the light quantity of the beam. The determiner determines light quantity shortage of the light beam if the light quantity detected by the first detector is below a first threshold set in advance and above a second threshold indicating a light quantity smaller than the first threshold and determines an abnormality in a scanning operation by the scanner or an abnormality of the light emitter if the light quantity detected by the first detector is below the second threshold.
US09217971B1
A fixing device includes a rotatable endless fixing member that fixes a toner image onto a recording medium, and a heating member. The heating member includes a heat-generating layer that generates heat when supplied with electricity; an insulation layer that encloses the heat-generating layer therein to electrically insulate the heat-generating layer; a metallic layer that is laminated on a first surface of the insulation layer, has higher rigidity than the insulation layer, and generates an elastic restoring force; and a thermally conductive layer that is laminated on a second surface of the insulation layer, has lower rigidity than the metallic layer, and has higher thermal conductivity than the insulation layer and the metallic layer. The heating member is supported by one edge of the fixing member in a circumferential direction thereof, elastically deforms by being pressed against an inner peripheral surface of the fixing member, and heats the fixing member.
US09217962B2
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by consecutively superposing toner images that have been formed on a plurality of photosensitive drums, on an intermediate transfer member or a transfer medium. The image forming apparatus is made compact and operates at a low cost. Since a current supply member supplies a current in a rotational direction of an intermediate transfer belt, multiple first transfer portions do not need corresponding voltage sources. Even in the case where a charging member supplies a current, the potential of the intermediate transfer belt is maintained at a predetermined potential by a constant-voltage element connected to support rollers.
US09217961B2
An endless belt for an image forming device includes a base member that is shaped in a loop and is to be rotated around a center of the loop, and a reinforcement tape that is attached to a side of the base member, has two ends that are overlapped with each other, and has a bonding portion between the two ends in the overlapped portion. The bonding portion has an outer portion, an inner portion and a center portion between the inner and outer portions. A length of the center portion in a rotating direction of the base member is greater than a length of the inner portion and a length of the outer portion.
US09217960B2
An image forming apparatus includes: image bearing members; a belt unit including an endless belt; a slackness forming unit for performing a first function of forming a belt slacking region, at least at a portion where the belt opposes the image bearing members, by causing the slackness forming unit to act on the belt unit and for performing a second function of eliminating the belt slacking region; and a guiding unit for guiding the belt unit so that the slackness forming unit performs the first function in a state in which the belt is spaced from the image bearing members and so that the slackness forming unit performs the second function in a state in which the belt slacking region contacts the image bearing members.
US09217955B2
A shutter for use in a toner cartridge of an imaging device according to one example embodiment includes a toner path. The toner path includes an entrance opening positioned to receive toner and an exit opening positioned to exit toner from the toner path. An air duct through the shutter is separated from the toner path. The air duct has a first opening positioned next to the exit opening of the toner path. The air duct has a second opening.
US09217953B2
A developing device includes a developer container, a developer bearer, a partition to divide an interior of the developer container into a first compartment to which developer is supplied and a second compartment in which the developer bearer is disposed, main communication openings provided at both ends of the partition, a sub-communication opening provided in an intermediate portion of the partition, developer conveyance members provided in the first compartment and the second compartment to circulate developer between the first compartment and the second compartment, and a developer amount detector to detect an amount of developer in a detection area positioned in the first compartment and adjacent to the sub-communication opening.
US09217950B2
A developing device includes a development housing, a developer carrier, a toner carrier, a bias applying unit, a leakage detecting unit, a bias control unit and a leakage detection control unit. The developer carrier carries a developer layer. The toner carrier receives the toner from the developer layer and supplies the toner to an image carrier. The bias applying unit includes one transformer and applies direct-current voltages and alternating-current voltages to the developer carrier and the toner carrier. The leakage detecting unit detects leakage occurring between the image carrier and the toner carrier or between the toner carrier and the developer carrier. The leakage detection control unit detects a value of an inter-peak voltage, at which the leakage occurs, by applying the same direct-current voltage to the toner carrier and the developer carrier and changing the inter-peak voltages of the alternating-current voltages.
US09217948B2
An optical scanning apparatus includes, a deflection unit configured to deflect first and second light fluxes in a main scanning direction by a same deflection surface, an incident optical system configured to cause the first and second light fluxes to enter the deflection surface, and an imaging optical system configured to converge the first and second light fluxes deflected by the deflection unit to first and second surfaces to be scanned, respectively. The imaging optical system includes first imaging optical element having an output surface including first and second curves that the first and second light fluxes respectively enter, and among light rays included in the first and second light fluxes, the light rays that are reflected by the first and second curves, intersect each other in a sub-scanning cross section perpendicular to the main scanning direction.
US09217946B1
An exposure apparatus includes: a substrate that has a light emitting element mounted on a front surface of the substrate; a casing to which the substrate and an optical element are fixed so as to allow the substrate to face the optical element that focuses light emitted from the light emitting element; a sealing material that seals a fitting portion between the substrate and the casing from a rear surface side of the substrate; and a conductive component that is mounted on a ground terminal formed on the rear surface of the substrate and has a height from the rear surface higher than a height of the sealing material at an end portion on a central portion side of the substrate.
US09217943B2
The magnetic toner contains magnetic toner particles containing a binder resin and a magnetic body, and inorganic fine particles present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles. The coverage ratio of the magnetic toner particle surface by the inorganic fine particles resides in a prescribed range for this magnetic toner; the binder resin is a styrene resin; the weight-average molecular weight and radius of gyration of the magnetic toner reside in a prescribed relationship; and the viscosity of the magnetic toner at 110° C. resides in a prescribed range.
US09217941B2
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an erasable toner includes washing toner particles including therein a coloring material that is erasable by heating and a binder resin to obtain a toner cake having the amount of water of 20% by weight to 60% by weight, and drying the toner cake at 40° C. or more and at a temperature which is lower than the complete color erasing temperature of the toner particles by 30° C. or more.
US09217939B2
A toner composition and a method of making a toner composition wherein toner particles having an average size in the range of 1-25 μm may be mixed with large fumed silica particles sized 70 nm to 120 nm and medium fumed silica particles sized 30 nm to 60 nm and optionally alumina particles surface treated with an inorganic/organic compound. The large sized fumed silica particles are present in the range of 0.1% to 2% by weight of the toner composition. The medium sized fumed silica particles are present in the range of 0.1% to 2% by weight of the toner composition. The alumina particles surface treated with an inorganic/organic compound may be present in the range of 0.01% to 1.0% by weight of the toner composition.
US09217936B2
The disclosure relates to an optical device, in particular for microlithography. The optical device includes an optical module and a support structure that supports the optical module. The optical module includes an optical element and a holding device that holds the optical element. The holding device includes a deformation device having a plurality of active deformation units which contact the optical element and which are designed so as to impose a pre-defined deformation on the optical element. The optical module is fixed to the support structure in a replaceable manner.
US09217929B2
Compositions containing certain organic solvents comprising at least 50% by weight of a glycol ether and a quaternary ammonium compound are capable of removing residues such as photoresist and/or etching residue from an article.
US09217926B2
A method of making a structure having a patterned a base layer and useful in the fabrication of optical and electronic devices including bioelectronic devices includes, in one embodiment, the steps of: a) providing a layer of a radiation-sensitive resin; b) exposing the layer of radiation-sensitive resin to patterned radiation to form a base layer precursor having a first pattern of exposed radiation-sensitive resin and a second pattern of unexposed radiation-sensitive resin; c) providing a layer of fluoropolymer in a third pattern over the base layer precursor to form a first intermediate structure; d) treating the first intermediate structure to form a second intermediate structure; and e) selectively removing either the first or second pattern of resin by contacting the second intermediate structure with a resin developing agent, thereby forming the patterned base layer. The method is capable of providing multilayer articles having almost any shape at high resolution without the need for expensive or damaging mechanical or laser cutting.
US09217914B2
A multi-projection system having a plurality of projection surfaces onto which images are projected is provided, where the plurality of projection surfaces are disposed on two or more sides not parallel to each other. The multi-projection system provides high three-dimensional images and a high degree of immersion in images and further provides multi-view images, thereby making theater customers feel like they really exist in the space described through the images.
US09217900B2
A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display includes: forming an etch target layer including a conductive material on a first substrate; forming a first mask layer on the etch target layer; forming a block copolymer coating layer including a plurality of polymers on the first mask layer; processing the block copolymer coating layer to form a block copolymer pattern layer including first and second polymer blocks; removing one of the first or second polymer blocks to form a second mask pattern layer; etching the first mask layer by using the second mask pattern layer as an etching mask to form a first mask pattern layer; and etching the etch target layer by using the first mask pattern layer as an etching mask to form a first electrode. The first electrode includes a plurality of the first minute patterns extending in a predetermined direction and having a polarization function.
US09217897B2
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which enables to reduce the occurrence of image sticking without deteriorating the electric properties, and a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device which enables to reduce the occurrence of image sticking. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pair of substrates, an alignment film formed on at least one of the pair of substrates, and a polymer layer formed on the alignment film and controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules which are adjacent to the polymer layer, wherein the polymer layer is formed by polymerization of one or more kinds of monomers added in the liquid crystal layer, and at least one of the one or more kinds of monomers is a monomer polymerizable upon exposure to visible light.
US09217894B2
A backlight assembly includes a first light guide plate, a second light guide plate, a light source part and a cover part. The second light guide plate is spaced apart from the first light guide plate. The light source part includes a first light source providing light to the first light guide plate and a second light source providing light to the second light guide plate. The cover part is disposed over the light source part. The cover part overlaps with a portion of the first light guide plate and a portion of the second light guide plate. A display apparatus having the above configuration has a narrow bezel and a thin profile.
US09217891B2
Embodiments of the invention disclose a liquid crystal panel and a manufacturing method thereof, and a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal panel comprises two substrates disposed to be cell-aligned, reaction active sites for polymerization reaction are evenly formed on surfaces of the two substrates in opposition to each other, and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer is disposed between the two substrates. At least a part of polymer contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer is bonded to the reaction active sites.
US09217888B2
A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel having a display area and non-display area; a flexible substrate in the non-display area and connected to a control circuit substrate; a plurality of drivers in the non-display area; a plurality of connection wiring lines in the non-display area for connecting the flexible substrate to the plurality of drivers; a first driver; a second driver that is arranged further away from the flexible substrate than the first driver; a non-overlapping connection wiring line that connects the second driver to the flexible substrate and that does not overlap the first driver; and an overlapping connection wiring line that connects the second driver to the flexible substrate and that has a least a portion thereof overlapping the first driver.
US09217878B2
Disclosed is a light switching module comprising a polarizing element with a patterned retarder having a variable first optical axis; a retardation element having a variable second optical axis and a scattering microstructure; and a shifting means for adjusting the relative position of the polarizing element and the retardation element to switch the light switching module to transparent state or scattering state.
US09217864B2
Disclosed is an automatic camera lens cleaning system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a blower assembly having a housing with a camera secured thereto. The camera lens of the camera is encircled in an annular member having a plurality of apertures thereon, wherein the apertures are in air communication the interior volume of the housing and a tube connected thereto. The tube is in air communication with an air compressor pump, which is driven by engine or an electronic solenoid and actuated by a central processing unit (CPU) or the like. The air compressor pump can force air through the apertures so as to clean the camera lens. The CPU is adapted to actuate the air compressor pump when the vehicle transmission is set in reverse, when there is debris on the camera lens, and/or when the camera is initiated through a user interface.
US09217860B2
Provided is a spatial light modulation element comprising a substrate; a flat portion that is movable relative to the substrate; a flat board attached to the flat portion; and a dielectric film that is formed on a surface of the flat board opposite the surface on which the flat portion is attached, and reflects incident light. In the spatial light modulation element the dielectric film may include two or more types of dielectric layers that are repeatedly layered in an alternating manner, such that adjacent layers have different refractive indexes from each other. Furthermore, the dielectric film may be formed by alternately layering an Al2O3 film and a SiO2 film.
US09217851B2
A zoom lens includes a front unit including one lens unit having a negative refractive power, and a rear unit including an aperture stop and one or more lens units and having a positive refractive power as a whole, and an interval between adjacent lens units changes during zooming such that an interval between the front unit and rear unit decreases at a telephoto end when compared to a wide angle end. The front unit includes a negative lens G11 in a position closest to the object side, and a lens surface of the negative lens G11 on the image side has an aspherical shape by which the positive refractive power increases from a center to an edge. Various parameters for the zoom lens according to the present invention are properly set.
US09217850B2
A zoom lens includes: a first lens group having a negative refractive power; and a second lens group having a positive refractive power, provided in this order from an object side. Magnification is changed by moving the first lens group and the second lens group. The first lens group includes a first lens having a negative refractive power, a second lens, a third lens having a negative refractive power, and a fourth lens having a positive refractive power, provided in this order from the object side. The zoom lens satisfies predetermined conditional formulae.
US09217849B2
The zoom lens includes in order from an object side to an image side where N represents an integer equal to or more than 5, a first lens unit, a second lens unit, an (N−2)-th lens unit, an (N−1)-th lens unit and an N-th lens unit respectively having positive, negative, positive, negative and positive refractive powers. The (N−1)-th lens unit includes an image stabilizing lens unit. The conditions of 0.01
US09217847B2
An optical imaging lens includes a plurality of lens elements having a refracting power, an object-side surface facing toward the object-side, and an imaging-side surface facing toward the imaging-side. The plurality of lens elements include a first lens element closest to the object-side, a second lens element second closest to the object-side, and a third lens element third closest to the object-side. The plurality of lens elements also include a fourth lens element closest to the imaging-side.
US09217837B2
In an example embodiment, a module latch mechanism includes a follower and a driver. The follower is configured to be slidingly positioned relative to a housing and to facilitate selective engagement of the housing with a host device. The follower includes a retaining member configured to retain a resilient member in at least one direction such that the resilient member urges the follower towards a first position relative to the housing. The driver is configured to be rotatingly positioned relative to the housing. The driver includes a cam configured to urge the follower towards a second position relative to the housing as the driver is rotated from a latched position to an unlatched position.
US09217829B2
A compact, low-loss and wavelength insensitive Y-junction for submicron silicon waveguides. The design was performed using FDTD and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The device was fabricated in a 248 nm CMOS line. Measured average insertion loss is 0.28±0.02 dB across an 8-inch wafer. The device footprint is less than 1.2 μm×2 μm, orders of magnitude smaller than MMI and directional couplers.
US09217818B2
A polarizer is provided comprising: a transparent substrate, on a main surface of which a plurality of grooves in parallel with each other are provided at an interval; a birefringence crystal layer with a single orientation formed on the main surface of the transparent substrate where the grooves are provided, wherein the birefringence crystal layer is at least filled in the grooves so that linearly polarized light incident on a location corresponding to the grooves and passing through the polarizer is converted into first polarized light, and linearly polarized light incident on a location between the grooves and passing through the polarizer is converted into second polarized light, the polarization directions of the first and the second polarized light are different from each other.
US09217816B2
Retroreflective articles and appliqués include a first binder layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, a retroreflective layer including a plurality of retroreflective elements at least partially embedded in the first major surface of the first binder layer, a second binder layer adhered to the second major surface of the first binder layer, and a substrate layer attached to the second binder layer. The first binder layer is a non-thermoplastic crosslinked (meth)acrylate-based copolymer. The second binder layer is a moisture-cured urethane-based polymer. The first binder layer and the second binder layer include functional groups capable of co-reacting to form a chemical bond. The retroreflective appliqués can be attached to clothing articles.
US09217804B2
A method for identifying clock timing discrepancies in at least one clock of interest that is associated with a marine seismic receiver, comprises collecting from at least one marine receiver other than the receiver of interest a first data set corresponding to a selected time period, said first data set being selected to include ocean wave signals; collecting from the receiver of interest a second data set corresponding to the selected time period, said second data set being selected to include ocean wave signals; applying a mathematical prediction technique to the ocean wave signals in the first data set so as to generate a predicted response for a receiver co-located with the receiver of interest; comparing the predicted response to the second data set so as to generate a correlation data set; and using the correlation data set to determine a corrected parameter for the receiver of interest.
US09217800B2
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophone is provided comprising: a rigid tubular substrate; an annular cavity formed around the rigid tubular substrate by affixing a tubular diaphragm around the rigid tubular substrate; a flexible piezoelectric element wrapped around and bonded to the flexible tubular diaphragm; and a molded portion covering the piezoelectric element.
US09217791B1
A method includes, until the end of an operational scenario time window, iteratively repeating the steps of selecting a ping optimization method based upon a mission mode, remaining scenario time, total remaining ping energy, and an acoustic performance metric, generating a set of acoustic pings using an acoustic ping source network including more than one acoustic ping sources selected according to the ping optimization method, processing detections from the generated set of acoustic pings, and updating performance metric predictions associated with optimization decision variables for the operational scenario time window. The method may provide intelligent ping control decisions for multi-static active acoustic networks.
US09217788B2
A location and tracking system has wireless base stations, an input interface, and a processor. It receives initial physical environment inputs for an environment, with default signal attenuation values for wall and obstacle segments. An initial channel parameters fingerprint of projected signal strengths in the environment is generated according to the initial physical environment model. The processor simulates motion of the node along a hth trajectory to create a corresponding fitness function describing how similar the channel parameters estimated along the hth trajectory by the prediction model are to gathered channel parameters by the mobile node along its trajectory. The model and the fingerprint are subsequently modified in iterations as possible mobile node trajectories are determined to perform location error estimation which takes into account the re-calculated fingerprint and gathered channel parameters and the hth trajectory as a ground truth.
US09217775B2
Systems and methods for characterizing a device that operated to clear a fault in a power line, such as a power distribution system feeder, are disclosed. Characterizing the device may include receiving measured data corresponding to a current measured along the feeder proximate a substation bus, determining from the measured data that a fault has occurred in at least one phase and has been cleared, subtracting reference data from the measured data to estimate residual fault data, and estimating from the residual fault data a characteristic of the device that operated to clear the fault. The systems may include an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) and a processor linked to the IED.
US09217768B2
A method of electrically testing an in-cell touch screen is disclosed. The in-cell touch screen includes a display electrode, a driving line, and a detecting line. The detecting line intersects the driving line. The method includes floating the display electrode and performing at least one of: A) applying a first predetermined voltage to one column of adjacent columns of the driving line or one row of adjacent rows of the driving line, and grounding the other column of the adjacent columns or the other row of the adjacent rows, and B) applying a second predetermined voltage to one column of adjacent columns of the detecting line or one row of adjacent rows of the detecting line, and grounding the other column of the adjacent columns or the other row of the adjacent rows. The method also includes determining whether the driving line or the detecting line is shorted or opened.
US09217758B2
A method of testing a semiconductor die having an array of contacts, where at least two I/O pads in adjacent positions have the same data signal during testing operations with a test probe. The adjacent I/O pads form a test cluster allowing the use of a larger test probe tip and/or greater tolerance on test probe tip alignment during testing operations.
US09217750B2
The present invention is to present a sample processing apparatus, comprising: a sample processing mechanism which comprises a flow channel to be used for processing a sample, and performs a sample processing operation for processing the sample using the flow channel and a cleaning operation for cleaning the flow channel; and a controller for controlling the cleaning operation by the sample processing mechanism, based on an elapsed time since a previous cleaning operation by the sample processing mechanism.
US09217739B2
A probe device for use in a tissue inspection system is presented. The probe device comprises a probe body and a control unit at least partially incorporated in the probe body. The probe body carries at least a tissue characterization unit operable for providing sensing data indicative of at least one tissue property at measurement locations in the tissue portion being held by the probe. The control unit comprises: a processor utility for receiving and processing the sensing data and generating measured data indicative of a spatial profile of said at least one tissue property distribution within the tissue portion, and comprises at least one of the following: an imaging utility for receiving said measured data and generating and displaying an image indicative thereof thereby enabling a user to select a region of said tissue portion for further analysis; and a pattern generator module configured for receiving and analyzing said measured data and determining a pattern indicative of an arrangement of regions in said tissue portion, thereby enabling selection of at least one of the regions for further analysis.
US09217734B2
In an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a thin layer chromatography (“TLC”) plate is disclosed. The method includes forming a layer of elongated nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes), and at least partially coating the elongated nanostructures with a coating. The coating includes a stationary phase and/or precursor of a stationary phase for use in chromatography. Embodiments for TLC plates and related methods are also disclosed.
US09217732B2
A nanoflow detector cell comprises a nanoflow detection cell template defining a sample channel transverse template and a reference channel transverse template, generally parallel to the sample channel, and spaced apart from the sample channel. Clear capillary tubing extends through the sample channel, defining a sample chamber, a portion of the capillary tubing extends out of each end of the sample channel, and is shaped to the template.
US09217731B2
A welding inspection method has steps of: generating transmission laser light for generating an ultrasonic wave and transmitting the transmission laser light to an object to be inspected during or after welding operation for irradiation; generating reception laser light for detecting an ultrasonic wave and transmitting the reception laser light to the object to be inspected for irradiation; collecting laser light scattered and reflected at surface of the object to be inspected; performing interference measurement of the laser light and obtaining an ultrasonic signal; and analyzing the ultrasonic signal obtained by the interference measurement. At least one of the transmission laser light generated in the transmission laser light irradiation step and the reception laser light generated in the reception laser light irradiation step is irradiated onto a welded metal part or a groove side surface.
US09217716B2
A method is provided for testing a charge generation layer disposed directly on an undercoat layer disposed directly on an aluminum-based cylindrical support member formed by extrusion and drawing having a periphery not subjected to cutting work. The method includes testing the charge generation layer for a defect or a suspected defect by irradiating the charge generation layer with light, and receiving reflected light from the charge generation layer with a light receiving device. The light emitted to the charge generation layer has a wavelength within the range of the absorption wavelengths of the charge generation layer, and whose transmittance to the undercoat layer is 0.3% or less.
US09217709B2
An estimation apparatus using reflected light of infrared light reflected on an object, the estimation apparatus including: a single input unit including a first pixel having first spectral sensitivity characteristics in a wavelength range of the infrared light and a second pixel having second spectral sensitivity characteristics different from the first spectral sensitivity characteristics in the wavelength range of the infrared light; and an estimator that estimates at least either one of a color or a material of the object based on a first output value that is an output value of the reflected light from the first pixel and based on a second output value that is an output value of the reflected light from the second pixel.
US09217708B2
Disclosed are equipment and method for diagnosing the sliding condition of a rotating electrical machine that make it possible to achieve early detection of abnormal sliding with a simple configuration containing flexibly arranged elements and reduce the downtime and maintenance cost of the rotating electrical machine. The equipment for diagnosing the sliding condition of a rotating electrical machine includes a light source that emits light onto the sliding surface of a collecting brush relative to the surface of a rotating body of the rotating electrical machine, a light-receiving section that receives the light reflected from the sliding surface, and a determination section that processes a signal from the light-receiving section. The determination section detects an increase in a specific wavelength component of the reflected light to determine whether the sliding condition of the rotating body surface of the rotating electrical machine is abnormal.
US09217705B1
The binding state of ionic materials, including metal ions, in a fluid phase can be determined using an integrated computational element. Methods for determining the binding state of an ionic material in a fluid phase can comprise optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with an ionic material and one or more integrated computational elements, the ionic material being located in a fluid phase while being optically interacted with the electromagnetic radiation; and determining one or more binding states of the ionic material in the fluid phase, using the one or more integrated computational elements.
US09217702B2
A fluid sample is measured with a tear film measuring system that includes a processing device that receives a sample chip comprising a sample region configured to contain an aliquot volume of sample fluid, the processing device configured to perform analyzes of osmolarity and of one or more biomarkers within the sample fluid, wherein the analysis of biomarkers includes normalization of biomarker concentration values.
US09217698B2
A device and method for simulating a blast shock wave of the type produced by explosive devices such as bombs. A pneumatic charge releases a blast shock wave along a conduit which terminates in a first outlet that communicates with the atmosphere and a second outlet that is sealed to a specimen chamber. The first outlet has a quick release valve that prevents venting of the pneumatic charge to the atmosphere until the pressure at the valve reaches a predetermined level that opens the valve. The pneumatic charge therefore initially flows through the second outlet to direct the blast into the specimen chamber, until subsequent opening of the quick release valve redirects the gas flow out of the first outlet and rapidly reduces pressure in the chamber. The blast wave closely simulates the Friedlander curve, and its effects are viewed during instead of only after the blast is completed.
US09217695B2
Systems and methods analyzing body fluids such as blood and bone marrow are disclosed. The systems and methods may utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide to generate a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and methods for utilizing multi color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.
US09217681B2
A superstructure fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) by laser-assisted direct writing of on-fiber metallic films. A laser direct write method is used to fabricate periodic films of silver nanoparticles on the non-planar surface of as-fabricated FBGs. Silver films with a thickness of about 9 μm are fabricated around a Bragg grating optical fiber. The performance of the superstructure FBG is studied by applying temperature and tensile stress on the fiber. An opto-mechanical model is also developed to predict the optical response of the synthesized superstructure FBG under thermal and structural loadings. The reflectivity of sidebands in the reflection spectrum can be tuned up to 20% and 37% under thermal and structural loadings, respectively. In addition, the developed superstructure FBG is used for simultaneous measurement of multiple criteria such as force and temperature to eliminate the inherent limitation of regular FBGs in multi-parameter sensing.
US09217680B2
A sensor device includes a package, a sensor element that is disposed in the package, and a lid that seals the package, in which the sensor element includes a contacting surface that comes in contact with the lid, the package includes a joint surface which is joined to the lid, and the contacting surface and the joint surface are not on the same flat surface.
US09217679B2
A foreign matter detection sensor includes a sensor section, power supply members, a sealing member, and includes an elastic elongated hollow insulating body with separated electrode wires inside the insulating body. The sensor section includes a first end and a second end and detects foreign matter by receiving external force from the foreign matter and being elastically deformed. The power supply members are electrically connected to the electrode wires at the second end of the sensor section via electrode connecting portions. Each power supply member includes a direction changing section, extending from an associated electrode connecting portion in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the sensor section and further extends in a direction toward the first end of the sensor section. The sealing member on the second end of the sensor section seals the electrode connecting portions, the direction changing sections, and one end of the hollow body.
US09217678B2
A touch sensing element is provided comprising an insulating substrate and a conductive layer located on a surface of the insulating substrate. The conductive layer comprises: a plurality of first conductive traces arranged at intervals along a first direction, each first conductive trace extending along a second direction; and a plurality of second conductive traces arranged to form second conductive trace columns, each second conductive trace column comprises a plurality of second conductive traces arranged at intervals along the second direction, each second conductive trace column is correspondingly located corresponding to a lateral direction of the first conductive trace. Each second conductive trace of each conductive trace column is spaced from and forms a mutual inductance with a corresponding first conductive trace. The conductive layer is formed on a surface of the insulating substrate. A touch panel having the touch sensing element is also provided.
US09217674B2
A terahertz detection device comprises at least one terahertz antenna, a detection microbridge suspended above a substrate comprising a resistive load coupled to the antenna and a resistive bolometric element coupled to the resistive load, a bias circuit for biasing the bolometric element. The device further comprises a skimming microbridge suspended above the substrate, comprising a resistive bolometric element, and substantially identical to the detection microbridge, a reflective metal layer opposite to the skimming microbridge to obtain a destructive interference at the level of the skimming microbridge for a terahertz wavelength, a bias circuit to electrically bias the bolometric element of the skimming microbridge and a read circuit for measuring a difference between the electric signals of the microbridges.
US09217666B2
Provided is a photoelectric sensor that enables intuitive sensitivity adjustment while ensuring a wide dynamic range, and ease grasp of an adjustment state. The photoelectric sensor includes: an adjusting device having a variable resistor embedded in at least one of a driving circuit and a light receiving circuit, and configured to change a resistance value of the variable resistor according to a rotational position of a rotatable adjusting element; an evaluator configured to generate a determination signal based on a comparison result between a light receiving signal superimposed on a reference level and a threshold value; a ratio calculator configured to calculate a ratio of an amount of a light receiving signal in the light receiving signal superimposed on the reference level and a difference between the threshold value and the reference level as a margin ratio to be displayed.
US09217664B2
A vibrating meter is provided. The vibrating meter includes one or more conduits formed from a first material. The vibrating meter further includes a driver coupled to a conduit of the one or more conduits and configured to vibrate at least a portion of the conduit at one or more drive frequencies and one or more pick-offs coupled to a conduit of the one or more conduits and configured to detect a motion of the vibrating portion of the conduit. The vibrating meter further includes a case enclosing at least a portion of the one or more conduits, the driver and the one or more pick-offs. The case is formed from a second material comprising a higher vibrational damping characteristic than the first material.
US09217659B2
A probe defining a transmission line for use with a measurement instrument includes a pulse circuit connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving reflected pulses on the transmission line. The probe comprises a conductive outer sleeve for mounting to a process vessel. A center conductor is coaxial with the outer sleeve for conducting the pulses. A primary seal element between the outer sleeve and the center conductor is spaced a select distance from a near end of the outer sleeve. A secondary seal element between the outer sleeve and the center conductor is spaced proximate the near end of the outer sleeve, to define a generally tubular space between the primary seal element and the secondary seal element. A dielectric insert fills a portion of the tubular space proximate the secondary seal element. A leak detection tube is in the tubular space between the dielectric insert and the primary seal element. The leak detection tube has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the center conductor to define a void. The dielectric insert and the leak detection tube provide a substantially continuous uniform impedance under dry conditions.
US09217658B2
A vaporizer including a reservoir for storing an anesthetic liquid agent and a vaporizing element configured to vaporize the anesthetic liquid agent. A level detector is located outside of and adjacent to the exterior of the reservoir. The level detector includes at least one electrical field sensor configured to provide an output voltage signal based upon the capacitance of material within the reservoir proximate the electrical field sensor. The vaporizer includes a display providing a visual indication of the amount of liquid anesthetic agent in the reservoir.
US09217656B2
Provided is an Internet telematics service providing system and method that may provide driving information for mileage enhancement. In interaction with a telematics system of a vehicle and a communication terminal of a user, the Internet telematics service providing system may include a data receiver to receive driving data associated with a mileage of the vehicle from the telematics system, a data storage unit to store the driving data in a webpage associated with the user, a data providing unit to provide the stored driving data to the telematics system and/or the communication terminal using a Web service, a guide generator to generate driving guide information of the vehicle based on the driving data, and a guide providing unit to provide the driving guide information to the user using the telematics system and/or the communication terminal.
US09217644B2
Natural navigational guidance, provides enhanced guidance instructions that take advantage of unique geographic features along a navigated route to specify maneuver points. Guidance points are clearly visible, unambiguous, and locally unique features in the geography of the maneuver area that can be used to aid the user in discovering the place where the maneuver point is. Within a guidance point selection area, a specific guidance point type has a more strict area within which it can be used. A natural guidance point selection area for an upcoming maneuver to be navigated is determined, and a unique geographic feature within the determined natural guidance point selection area is selected as a natural guidance point for navigation of the upcoming maneuver. A turn-type natural guidance point for an upcoming maneuver to be navigated is generated when the user device is within the natural guidance point selection area.
US09217641B2
A microelectromechanical gyroscope that includes a first mass oscillatable according to a first axis; an inertial sensor, including a second mass, drawn along by the first mass and constrained so as to oscillate according to a second axis, in response to a rotation of the gyroscope; a driving device coupled to the first mass so as to form a feedback control loop and configured to maintain the first mass in oscillation at a resonance frequency; and an open-loop reading device coupled to the inertial sensor for detecting displacements of the second mass according to the second axis. The driving device includes a read signal generator for supplying to the inertial sensor at least one read signal having the form of a square-wave signal of amplitude that sinusoidally varies with the resonance frequency.
US09217638B2
Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises operating a laser ignition device in an engine cylinder and identifying engine position in response thereto; and igniting an air and fuel mixture in the cylinder with the laser ignition device.
US09217636B2
A pattern light projection unit which stores information on pattern light including information on line patterns projects pattern light including line patterns having at least two lines and at least one reference line pattern serving as a reference of the line patterns on an object in accordance with the information on pattern light. An image pickup unit captures an image of the object to which the pattern light is projected.An information processing apparatus detects the reference line pattern and the line patterns from the captured image, and establishes correspondence between the information on the line patterns stored in the pattern light projection unit and the line patterns detected from the captured image in accordance with the topological positional relationship between the detected reference line pattern and the line patterns so as to identify the line patterns.
US09217623B2
The present invention provides a releasable clamp assembly for supporting one or more bullet deflecting plates, comprising: a first plate holder having a channel for receiving an outer lateral edge of a first deflecting plate; a second plate holder having a channel for receiving an outer lateral edge of a second deflecting plate; and a bridge comprising a bridge connecting the first plate holder and the second plate holder and one or more releasable clamp integral with the bridge, wherein the one or more releasable clamp is adapted to apply a clamping force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plate holder channel and second plate holder channel. The releasable clamp assembly, when disposed over the outer lateral edges of the first and second deflecting plate, positions the releasable clamp over the first and second deflecting plate to apply a clamping force to the one or more deflecting plate, thereby holding the releasable clamp assembly in secure engagement with the first and second deflecting plate.
US09217622B2
Improved 5xxx aluminum alloys and products made therefrom are disclosed. The new 5xxx aluminum alloy products may achieve an improved combination of properties due to, for example, the presence of copper. In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are able to achieve an improved combination of properties by solution heat treatment.
US09217619B2
According to one aspect, a composite gun barrel comprises an inner rifled liner tube having an outer surface, and an outer sleeve comprising a shape memory alloy and having an inner surface disposed against the outer surface of the inner rifled liner tube. The inner rifled liner tube is configured for guiding projectiles and the outer sleeve is configured for dampening the firing vibrations encountered by the inner rifled liner tube. A method for forming a composite gun barrel comprises providing an inner rifled liner tube having an outer surface. A sleeve made from a shape memory alloy and having an inner surface is provided. The outer sleeve is disposed about the inner rifled liner tube so that the inner surface of the outer sleeve substantially engages the outer surface of the inner rifled liner tube.
US09217614B2
An improved firearm having an Pivotally Articulated Bolt Train assembly consisting of a series of linked carriages, containing firing mechanisms, placed inside a compact ergonomic jaw articulated receiver, holding all the sub assemblies in the convenient location, synchronizing the movements of all the components, and controlling its alternating motion by displacing along divergent and converging paths and tracks, where the Bolt Train, moving through tracks, displaces to align, entirely horizontally, with the barrel axis, rapidly shifting into a curved and transverse path. Such motion forces the cocking, the partial displacement into a Handle Tunnel, and modifies the bearing of the recoil force, conveying a unique dynamic behavior. When displacing rearwards it generates a dual transient angular momentum vector helping to compensate the “barrel Torque” phenomenon caused by the bullet rifling when fired. The interaction of several components delays the breech opening, decelerating the rearwards motion to assist the recoil damping.
US09217606B2
A hatch and valve arrangement for a charging installation for a shaft furnace, such as a blast furnace, said arrangement comprising a housing (1), inside which is located at least one hatch (21) and/or a valve (31), caused to pivot by an actuator (25, 35) located outside the housing and connected to the hatch or valve by a linking shaft guided in a bearing that is fixed with respect to the housing. The bearing (24, 34) and the actuator (25, 35) are mounted on a detachable door (26, 36) that seals an opening (13, 15) made in the wall of the housing (1) and whose dimensions are determined such that the hatch or the valve can be withdrawn transversely to the axis of the housing through said opening.
US09217605B2
A drying furnace including: a heating portion which heats a coating target having been subjected to electrodeposition coating, wherein (i) the heating portion sets an inner furnace temperature of an upstream of the drying furnace to be lower than a temperature at which moisture in electrodeposition paint boils, (ii) the heating portion sets an inner furnace temperature of a downstream of the drying furnace to be higher than or equal to a glass transition point, (iii) the heating portion locally heats a gap position formed at a member bonding portion of the coating target at the upstream of the drying furnace, and (iv) the heating portion sequentially changes a heated portion from an upper side to a lower side of the coating target when the gap position is locally heated.
US09217593B2
A cooling system includes a refrigerator and a thermal load application unit applying a thermal load to the refrigerator. A detector detects, when the thermal load is applied to the refrigerator by the thermal load application unit, a change in a physical quantity generated in the refrigerator or a refrigerator-mounting portion where the refrigerator is mounted. A determiner determines a maintenance timing of the refrigerator based on the change in the physical quantity detected by the detector.
US09217591B2
A refrigeration system includes an expansion valve and a compressor, the expansion valve, the evaporator and the compressor being arranged in a refrigerant flow path having refrigerant flowing therein. A method for controlling a flow of refrigerant to an evaporator includes steps of increasing an opening degree of the expansion valve, thereby increasing a flow of refrigerant to the evaporator sufficiently to substantially eliminate a dry zone of the evaporator, decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve, and repeating the steps of increasing and decreasing. This causes the superheat value of refrigerant leaving the evaporator to ‘toggle’ between a zero level and a low, but positive, level. Thereby the refrigeration capacity is utilized more efficiently. Additionally, sufficiently low amount of liquid refrigerant is allowed to pass through the evaporator to prevent damage to the compressor.
US09217587B2
There is disclosed an air conditioner including a compressor to compress refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger to cool or heat a room, using the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger to heat-exchange the refrigerant with outdoor air, the outdoor heat exchanger comprising a front heat exchange member and a rear heat exchange member, and a defrosting module to adjust an opening degree of a passage of the refrigerant drawn into the front heat exchange member and the rear heat exchange member, wherein the defrosting module includes a first expansion valve to adjust an opening of a passage of the refrigerant introduced into the front heat exchange member and a defrosting unit to adjust an opening degree of a passage of the refrigerant between the front heat exchange member and the rear heat exchange member.
US09217584B2
The present invention relates generally to roofing products. The present invention relates more particularly to roofing products for use with photovoltaic elements, and to photovoltaic systems that include one or more photovoltaic elements joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, a roofing product includes a flexible roofing substrate having a top surface, the top surface having one or more granule-coated zones thereon capable of acting as a receptor zone or an exposure zone, each zone being adapted to receive one or more photovoltaic elements; and an adhesive suitable for securing photovoltaic elements to one or more of the granule-coated zones, the adhesive capable of forming a bond to the granules and the top surface of the flexible roofing substrate and to the bottom surface of the photovoltaic elements.
US09217579B2
A programmable HVAC controller, a method of automatically programming HVAC system temperature adjustment times and an HVAC system incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the programmable HVAC controller includes: (1) a memory subsystem, (2) a communication subsystem configured to receive a wake-up alarm time and (3) a processing subsystem coupled to the memory and communication subsystems and configured to: (3a) set a “sleep” temperature adjustment time based on a time the wake-up alarm time is received and (3b) set a “wake” temperature adjustment time based on the wake-up alarm time.
US09217577B2
An access device for installation to a condensation drainage system, such as a drain line of an HVAC unit, includes a main body with at least one connecting port for sealed, fluid receiving connection to the drainage system and an open top communicating with an interior cavity. A top cover releasably secures to the main body to completely cover the open top. An overflow safety switch is removably held in operable position within the interior cavity and below the top cover. The switch senses the level of condensate liquid accumulating with the interior cavity and sends an electronic signal to disable the condensation producing equipment if the liquid reaches a predetermined level.
US09217573B2
Provided is a cook top unit of a cooker. The cook top unit for a cooker includes a top frame, a bracket, and at least one heating source. The top frame includes a top surface part and a rear surface part extending at a predetermined angle with respect to the top surface part. The bracket is fixed to a rear end of each lateral side of the top frame. The heating source is disposed at the top frame. At least a portion of the rear surface part is inserted in the bracket. Therefore, when the cooker is installed or used, the top frame may not be deformed, and an enamel coating layer on the top frame may not be damaged.
US09217566B2
An apparatus and method for commissioning steam turbine generator power plants to advance the cleanliness of the complete steam cycle by the conditioned discharge of steam to the plant surface condenser.
US09217561B2
A compact passively-cooled solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for photocuring applications. The solid state illumination system utilizes LED modules to generate high intensity light output suitable for photocuring. The light output is continuous in the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 530 nm and is suitable for photocuring using a wide range of photoinitiators. A touchscreen interface allows programming of spectral output, intensity and duration. Output can be initiated using the touchscreen interface and/or a foot pedal.
US09217553B2
A lighting system may include a substrate and a light emitting device (LED) on the substrate, and the light emitting device may be configured to transmit light having a first wavelength along a path away from the substrate. A remote reflector may be spaced apart from the light emitting device, and the light emitting device may be between the substrate and the remote reflector. The remote reflector may also be in the path of the light having the first wavelength transmitted by light emitting device. A luminescent layer may be on a surface of the remote reflector, and the luminescent layer may be configured to convert a portion of the light having the first wavelength to light having a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. Moreover, the remote reflector may be configured to reflect light having the first and second wavelengths.
US09217548B2
A battery powered portable illumination device especially suitable for camping use is disclosed having three modes of use. The first mode is with left and right light units positioned back to back shining in opposite directions defining a closed position. The second mode uses a hinge to allow the light units to be rotated about the hinge until the left and right light units are pointed in the same direction defining an open position. A hook is provided for suspending the lamp on a support when it is in this open position. The third mode is an auxiliary illumination assembly or flashlight that is stored in and removable from the interior of the lamp and can be used independently of the left and right light units. The light units typically are LEDs.
US09217546B2
An LED bulb laterally installed and projecting light beams onto the ground includes a bulb holder assembly, a lamp carrier assembly, a luminosity module, a lampshade, a collar, and a clasper. The bulb holder assembly includes a bulb holder base and a bulb holder. The lamp carrier assembly includes a tubular column and a shell body formed on an end of the tubular column. The luminosity module is installed in the shell body and includes at least an LED. The collar is securely connected to the bulb holder base and mounted around the tubular column for development of an accommodating space between the collar and the tubular column. The clasper is closely engaged in the accommodating space and securely connected to the tubular column. The lamp carrier assembly is omni-directionally adjusted relative to the bulb holder base to make the LEDs' projecting plane face the ground surface.
US09217542B2
A lamp comprising a solid state light emitter, the lamp being an A lamp and providing a wall plug efficiency of at least 90 lumens per watt. Also, a lamp comprising a solid state light emitter and a power supply, the emitter being mounted on a heat dissipation element, the dissipation element being spaced from the power supply. Also, a lamp, comprising a solid state light emitter and a heat dissipation element that has a heat dissipation chamber, whereby an ambient medium can enter the chamber, pass through the chamber, and exit. Also, a lamp, comprising a light emissive housing at least one solid state lighting emitter and a first heat dissipation element. Also, a lamp comprising a heat sink comprising a heat dissipation chamber. Also, a lamp comprising first and second heat dissipation elements. Also, a lamp comprising means for creating flow of ambient fluid.
US09217532B2
A retention system includes a base supporting a wing spar and a post extending through the base from a first side of the base to a second side of the base. The post inserts through an aperture in the spar. A stop is selectively securable to the post over the second side of the base. A locking member engages the post on the first side of the base. The locking member is configured to selectively move the post from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the post is withdrawn toward the first side relative to the unlocked position. A biasing member encircles the post and is positioned between the stop and the second side. When the locking member is in a closed position the biasing member expands to engage the aperture and resist movement of the wing spar. A plurality of cradles may support the wing.
US09217529B2
A push fitting joint packaging arrangement allows the re-use and repair of push-to-connect fittings and valves without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe, and without coining, gluing or threaded engagement of parts. In one embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement comprises a split fastening ring and a split O-ring support member.
US09217516B2
The present disclosure describes a weighting device for a longitudinally extending conduit. The weighting device is made from a flexible material, preferably woven, and has a top loading main body for receiving ballast material. The main body has a pair of legs forming a conduit accepting space between them. The legs are adapted to be positioned in straddling relation over a conduit with said conduit being embraced in said conduit accepting space between the legs. The main body has at least one inner panel extending between the inner and outer sidewalls of each of the leg sections to prevent excessive bulging of the leg section when filled with ballast material. The panel divides the legs into compartments. Ballast introduced into the main body will flow into the compartments of the legs. The weighting device may also include filling and hoisting loops.
US09217512B2
A combined faucet handle and control valve assembly has a faucet handle, a plurality of connecting joints and a control valve. The faucet handle provided with a chamber, with an engaging space formed by a dividing member and a base in the chamber, an assembly aperture disposed in the base and passing through the faucet handle. The assembly aperture is engaged with a corresponding first securing member. Each connecting joint has a rod, an end of the rod provided with a connecting portion having an engaging aperture, the engaging aperture having a shape corresponding to a valve rod of the control valve, another end of the rod provided with a first section and a second section, the first section provided with a through aperture disposed axially through the rod and the connecting portion and engaging with a second securing member, and the second section is provided with a positioning aperture.
US09217507B2
A multi-part piston ring, containing an at least single-part spring support which is provided with a piston ring joint region and an at least single-part spring element, which is positioned in a groove provided in the region of the inner circumferential face of the spring support, wherein the wall thickness of the spring support is essentially equal in the region of the ends of the spring support facing the piston ring joint and in the rear region of the spring support, and a pocket which extends over a circumferential range of at least 60° and is created by local reduction of the wall thickness of the spring support is provided in each case between the rear region and the piston ring joint ends.
US09217504B2
A shift control method for an automated transmission of a motor vehicle. The transmission has an input shaft that is connectable, via a separator clutch, to an engine driveshaft. An output shaft is connected with the axle transmission of a drive axle or with a transfer box, and starting gears are engagable by gear clutches. When tooth-on-tooth positions occurs at the associated gear clutch, during engagement of a starting gear while the vehicle is stationary, such tooth-on-tooth positioning is resolved with maximum comfort. The method provides that when a tooth-on-tooth position exists at the gear clutch of the starting gear, engagement of the gear clutch is first interrupted, then drive torque is applied to the input shaft or a transmission shaft in driving connection therewith to rotate the input-side clutch half of the gear clutch, and the drive torque is then eliminated before the engagement of the gear clutch continues.
US09217493B2
A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces at least nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations. Each disclosed transmission includes four planetary gear sets, three brakes, and either three or four clutches. One embodiment produces twelve forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios. Another embodiment produces thirteen forward speed ratios.
US09217481B2
A hydraulically-operated actuator for a braking mechanism on a cable drawworks is provided. The actuator can have an enclosed tubular main body capable of being connected to an external hydraulic system. The main body can further contain a spring-opposed hydraulic piston connected to an actuator rod. The actuator rod can extend out of the main body and can connect to a braking system for the drawworks. In operation, the springs can push on the hydraulic piston and hold the actuator rod in a fully extended position to engage the braking system. When pressure from the external hydraulic system is applied to the hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston can compress the springs and retract the actuator rod into the main body, which can disengage the braking system.
US09217478B2
In a release mechanism for a friction clutch that includes a cylinder portion formed by an inner body and an outer body, a piston that moves in a front-back direction in accordance with a fluid pressure supplied to the cylinder portion, and a plate that is formed on the piston and receives an elastic force from elastic members provided on an outer peripheral side of the cylinder portion in a circumferential direction at a predetermined interval, a fastening member that fixes flanges of the inner body and the outer body so as to clamp a sealing member therebetween in an axial direction is provided, and a region in the radial direction in which the fastening member is arranged and a region in the radial direction in which the elastic members are arranged overlap each other at least in part, in the flanges.
US09217476B2
A friction clutch assembly, preferably for a hybrid cooling pump. The friction clutch assembly includes a friction lining carrier member, a friction lining member, a compression spring member, a clutch carrier member and a flux plate member. A solenoid can be utilized to control the compression of the spring member. The friction clutch assembly has a preferred use in a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation, and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. The friction clutch assembly can be positioned inside a motor housing. The softening compression spring can minimize parasitic clutch power consumption.
US09217473B2
A cylinder assembly includes a housing defining first and second outer cylindrical surfaces having a longitudinal axis and a shim having a retaining ring fitted over the first outer cylindrical surface. The shim includes a plurality of connector spokes extending from the retaining ring, and a corresponding plurality of shim elements configured at the ends of the plurality of connector spokes. The connector spokes extend radially from the retaining ring relative to the longitudinal axis when the shim is in a pre-installation configuration. The connector spokes are bendable such that the shim elements extend longitudinally and are positioned next to the second outer cylindrical surface when the shim is in an installation configuration. Shims, methods of assembly, bicycles and other components are also provided.
US09217470B2
A bearing cage for a rolling-element bearing includes a plurality of bearing cage segments configured to receive rolling elements in rolling-element pockets. Also included is at least one assembly wire, and each of the cage segments includes a coupling arrangement configured to thread the bearing cage segment onto the at least one assembly wire such that at least one rolling-element pocket is formed by two of the plurality of bearing cage segments adjacent in the circumferential direction that are threaded on the assembly wire. The bearing cage also includes an assembly device configured to convey an end of the assembly wire from an installation position to an axially far-side coupling arrangement of a bearing cage segment, through the axially far-side coupling arrangement of all bearing cage segments located on a bearing inner ring, and back again towards the installation position.
US09217464B2
The invention relates to a radial bearing, comprising a housing, a housing bore extending along a bearing axis, several tilting segments that are arranged around the bearing axis in order to support a shaft and each have a radially outer bearing surface, by means of which the tilting segments are supported on a supporting surface on the housing. The radially outer bearing surface of each tilting segment and the supporting surface are arranged facing each other. Each tilting segment is movably arranged relative to the housing. The invention is characterized by the following features: a first one of the surfaces forms a first section curve with a first section plane perpendicular to the bearing axis; the first section curve is convexly curved and has a first main radius of curvature, and the second surface forms a second section curve with the section plane perpendicular to the bearing axis; the second section curve is correspondingly concavely curved and has a second main radius of curvature, wherein the magnitude of the first main radius of curvature of the first surface is smaller than the magnitude of the second main radius of curvature of the second surface; the first surface forms a third section curve with a second section plane parallel to the bearing axis; the third section curve is convexly curved and has a first secondary radius of curvature, and the second surface forms a fourth section curve with the second section plane parallel to the bearing axis; and the fourth section curve is correspondingly concavely curved or not curved and has a second secondary radius of curvature or correspondingly has no curvature, the two secondary radii of curvature being different from each other.
US09217462B2
An improved transmission is provided including a splitter shaft having a concentric cavity defined in a distal end thereof and an outer wall surrounding the cavity. The outer wall has an increased thickness in order to reduce failure and fracturing in the outer wall area. A bearing hub adapted for supporting a larger bearing is also provided. The improved transmission may include a system for utilizing existing lubrication lines in order to lubricate a center section of the transmission. The components of the present invention may be provided as part of a kit for retrofitting an existing transmission in order to reduce failures and increase lifespan.
US09217454B2
A fastener (2) for securing a workpiece comprising a plurality of workpiece members, said fastener comprising a shank (4) and a radially enlarged head (6), wherein the fastener further comprises axial voids (40) and splines (18) provided on the internal wall of the bore of the fastener, such that when the fastener is installed into a workpiece by a mandrel, breakstem or pin, once the shank of the fastener has contacted with the walls of the workpiece apertures, the crests of the splines are deformed by the mandrel, breakstem or pin, and material of the crests is displaced into the voids.
US09217452B1
A blind fastener assembly utilizes flexible legs extending from a cylindrical section of a spring pin. Gripping elements extend radially outwardly from the ends of the flexible legs. When the flexible legs and gripping elements are extended through an opening in the wall, a center pin can be pushed into the cylindrical portion to expand the flexible legs so that the gripping elements can engage the back of the wall. In one embodiment, removal of the center pin causes the flexible legs to contract whereupon the assembly can be removed from the wall.
US09217451B2
A scaffolding connector. A first part includes a first plate, a first rod portion extending downwardly therefrom then upwardly to define a cradle, and a second rod portion extending upwardly therefrom then downwardly into close proximity therewith. A second part includes a second plate inseparable from the second rod portion. The first and second plates are positionable to together overlie an opening in a panel with an underlying cable received in the cradle. The terminal end portion is receivable in an aperture in the second plate so that a nut can be applied thereto for connecting the cable to the panel to define an attached state between the first and second parts and wherein a detached state between the first and second parts is defined when the terminal end portion is not received in the aperture. The first and second parts are inseparable in each of the attached and detached states.
US09217443B2
An energy saving fan comprising a pellet (1), a hub (2) connected with the pellet (1) and a plurality of curve shaped blades (3) extended radially outward from the hub (2). The roots (31) of the adjacent blades (3) are connected by a curved shaped connecting part (32) extending from the trailing edge (33) of a previous blade to the leading edge (34) of a subsequent blade. A first reinforcing rib (41) is formed on a windward surface (35) of each blade (3) from a trailing edge corner (331) to the hub (2), a second reinforcing rib (42) is formed on a leeward surface (36) of each blade (3) from a leading edge corner (341) to the hub (2), and a third reinforcing rib (43) is formed on the leeward surface (36) of each blade (3) from the hub (2) to the trailing edge (33). These reinforcing ribs improve the strength of the blade roots and prolong the service life of the blades.
US09217436B2
An impeller fan assembly that includes a housing, a stator, a rotor having a hub and an annular array of non-stationary blades extending from the hub, at least two spaced apart bearings mounted to the stator, and a pump in fluid communication with the bearings to provide fluid to the bearings.
US09217431B2
A vane cell pump having an over vane pump associated with a first consumer and an under vane pump including an under vane pressure area and an under vane suction area which is connected to the over vane pump. The under vane pressure area is separated from the under vane suction area and is associated with a second consumer.
US09217428B2
A tubing pump capable of improving flow rate accuracy which is required, particularly, in infusion pumps for medical use is developed. In a tubing pump that delivers a liquid in a tube which is separately loaded, a pump mechanism includes a valve mechanism unit that occludes and releases occlusion to the loaded tube and a tube pressing mechanism unit that repeatedly presses the tube, and the tube squeezing mechanism unit includes a pump block which has its movement guided by at least two guide shafts.
US09217424B2
Hydraulic pump applications sometimes require the pump to be able to provide relatively low pressure with larger amounts of fluid moved, while other applications call for relatively higher pressures but less fluid moved. The multi-speed hydraulic pump can operate at multiple speeds so as to provide multiple outputs of pressure and flow. In a two-mode version, the pump has one mode of operation that provides for lower pressure/more fluid moved and another mode of operation that provides for higher pressure/less fluid moved. Having multiple modes of operation in the pump allows for a single pump to provide greater movement or greater pressure while working within the limits of the force or speed at which the pump is actuated.
US09217422B2
Systems, methods and apparatus for subjecting high-pressure fluids to a fluid flow assembly that generates or extracts work/energy using a work producing machine. Kinetic energy from the work producing machine is converted to electricity using a generator or similar apparatus.
US09217419B2
A system and method for controlling voltage at a point of common coupling of a wind farm including a plurality of wind turbines is provided. The method includes: calculating a first voltage error value, which is a difference between a reference voltage value of the point of common coupling and an actual voltage value of the point of common coupling; calculating a compensation reference voltage value based on the first voltage error value; calculating a second voltage error value by subtracting a voltage value of an output terminal of a wind turbine from a sum of a reference voltage value of the wind turbine and the compensation reference voltage value; calculating a reactive power compensation value corresponding to the second voltage error value; and injecting a reactive current corresponding to the reactive current compensation value into a power grid.
US09217401B2
A fuel supply device for an internal combustion engine including a throttle valve and an airbox is provided with a main injector disposed at a downstream side of the throttle valve, an auxiliary injector disposed at an upstream side of the throttle valve and in the airbox, and a delivery pipe disposed inside the airbox and adopted to supply and distribute a fuel to the auxiliary injector. The delivery pipe has both ends which are supported on two side walls of the airbox.
US09217391B2
An open rotor type aircraft turbine engine including a contrarotating propeller receiver and a dual-body gas generator having a low-pressure compressor and a high-pressure compressor separated by an intermediate housing, in which the gas generator is arranged upstream from the receiver is provided. The turbine engine includes a structural casing for supporting the receiver, surrounding the gas generator and having a downstream end attached to the receiver and an upstream end attached to the intermediate housing; and a connection device between the structural supporting casing and the gas generator, arranged between the upstream and downstream ends of the casing.
US09217380B2
A vehicle monitoring system for turning off an idling engine comprises a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a lack of motion, or “stationary status” of a vehicle and emit a parameter correlated to the motion status of the vehicle, a transmission status detector configured to detect a transmission status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of warning other drivers of a stationary status of the vehicle and a control device. The control device is coupled to the vehicle speed sensor, the transmission status detector and the alerting device, wherein the vehicle speed sensor and the transmission status detector send a signal to the control device and the control device operates in a manner dependent on the motion status of the vehicle and the transmission status of the vehicle.
US09217379B2
A method comprising in response to coolant loss in a turbocharged engine, deactivating one or more engine cylinders while limiting engine load of one or more active cylinders based on an engine speed, and a cylinder head temperature.
US09217378B2
A controller for internal combustion engine has an intake cam for low-load operation and an intake cam for high-load operation. The controller switches the intake cam used to open/close an intake valve and changes the phase angle of each intake cam according to load on the internal combustion engine. The controller changes the phase angle at start of opening of intake valve by the intake cam for low-load operation in lag angle direction within a predetermined range as load on the internal combustion engine increases, and changes the phase angle at start of opening of intake valve by the intake cam for high-load operation in lead angle direction within the predetermined range as load on the internal combustion engine increases. Switching between the two intake cams is performed where the phase angles of the intake cams are controlled to predetermined phase angles on a lag angle side.
US09217376B2
A gas turbine engine control system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an automatic control operable to control a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine control system further comprises a module operable to fail-fix the gas turbine engine to one of a multiple of pre-determined modes in response to failure of the automatic control. The exemplary gas turbine engine control system may further comprise a fuel flow meter to sense a fuel flow to the engine, a fuel control to control the fuel flow to the engine, and the module in electrical communication with the fuel flow meter to fix the fuel control in response to one of the multiple of pre-determined modes.
US09217373B2
A fuel nozzle includes a center body that extends axially along an axial centerline for a length. A shroud circumferentially surrounds the center body for at least a portion of the length of the center body. A plurality of helical passages circumferentially surround the center body along at least a portion of the length of the center body, and a fuel port in each helical passage has a different convective time.
US09217368B2
A method of modifying a gas turbine plant which is provided with a one-shaft gas turbine having a compressor for compressing air, a combustor for generating a combustion gas from the air compressed by the compressor and a fuel, and a one-shaft turbine driven by the combustion gas generated by the combustor and supported by a rotational axis common to the compressor, and an electric generator for generating electric power by driving force of the one-shaft turbine, wherein: the one-shaft turbine is replaced with a two-shaft gas turbine including a compressor for compressing air, a combustor for generating a combustion gas from the air compressed by the compressor and a fuel, and a high-pressure turbine driven by the combustion gas generated by the combustor and supported by a first rotational axis common to the compressor, and a low-pressure turbine driven by the combustion gas used to drive the high-pressure turbine and supported by a second rotational axis, which is different from the axis for the high-pressure turbine.
US09217361B2
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining a cylinder and a cylinder head mounted to the block. The cylinder head supplies air and fuel to the cylinder for combustion therein. The engine also includes an exhaust manifold operatively connected to the cylinder head and having a first outlet and a second outlet configured to exhaust post-combustion gasses from the cylinder. The engine also includes a turbocharging system configured to pressurize an airflow for delivery thereof to the cylinder. The turbocharging system includes a low-flow turbocharger driven by the post-combustion gasses from the first outlet to pressurize the airflow and a high-flow turbocharger driven by the post-combustion gasses from the second outlet to pressurize the airflow. The turbocharging system additionally includes a flow control device for selectively directing the post-combustion gasses to the low-flow and high-flow turbochargers. A vehicle employing such an engine is also disclosed.
US09217354B2
A method for regulating an ionization device in an exhaust gas after-treatment device of an internal combustion engine, includes placing at least one cathode at a distance from an anode in the exhaust gas after-treatment device, applying a high voltage between the at least one cathode and the anode, predefining a first value for the high voltage, detecting a current generated by the high voltage between the at least one cathode and the anode and predefining a second value for the high voltage if the detected current exceeds a predefinable first current intensity for a predefinable number of times. A motor vehicle in which the method is carried out is also provided.
US09217347B2
A method for treating exhaust gas condensates of an internal combustion engine, in which the exhaust gas condensates containing nitrogen oxides are delivered to an exhaust gas recirculation system and are cooled therein. The nitrogen oxides of the cooled exhaust gas condensates are converted to ammonia through electrolysis.
US09217343B2
A dual flow check valve includes a valve body having an inner valve cavity, a first valve opening, and a second valve opening. The dual flow check valve further includes a seal disposed within the valve body. The seal is operatively coupled within the valve body such that the seal is configured to move relative to the valve body between an open position, in which the seal allows the gas to flow between the first and second valve openings through the inner valve cavity, and a closed position, in which the seal inhibits the gas and the liquid from flowing through the inner valve cavity from the first valve opening to the second valve opening.
US09217333B2
A composite material turbomachine vane comprising a blade is provided, wherein the vane comprises a first resin reinforced with long fibers and a second resin reinforced with short fibers, the first and second resins being chemically compatible or identical, the long fibers serving to stiffen the vane and the short fibers dispersed in the second resin serving to fill in the parts of the vane that are not reinforced by the long fibers and giving the vane its substantially final shape.
US09217332B2
A uni-directional axial turbine blade assembly comprises a central disc member coupled to an elongated shaft of a motor or generator, a rotational support member mounted on outer circumference of the central disc member, an outer ring mounted on outer circumference of the rotational support member and a plurality of blade members spaced equidistantly, extending radially outward from the outer ring. Each blade member includes a straight leading edge, a curved trailing edge, an exterior surface including a first region having a curved surface, a second region having a flat surface and a convex surface extending from the flat surface and terminating to a radially inward portion and an interior surface including a third region having a concave surface. The preferred embodiment renders the formation of a unique blade configuration that facilitates uni-directional rotation of the blade assembly irrespective of changes in flow direction of fluid.
US09217330B1
A product for balancing a shaft and wheel assembly of a turbocharger is disclosed. A fixture may have an exterior surface, with an aperture extending through the exterior surface. A first conduit may extend through the fixture and may exit from the first conduit through the exterior surface. A second conduit may extend through the fixture and may exit into the aperture. A pressurized gas source may be connected to the first and second conduits. An electromagnet may be positioned in the fixture and may extend around the aperture. The pressurized gas source may be operated to apply pressurized gas through the first and second conduits and the electromagnet may be operated to apply a magnetic field to the aperture.
US09217327B2
The invention relates to a transmission system for transmitting signals between an inner and an outer unit separated by an annular pipe section wall, wherein said inner unit is provided with a first antenna and the second unit is provided with a second antenna, the antennas preferably constituted by coils, being adapted to be brought into essentially the same positions along the pipe section, wherein said pipe section is made from a material having low magnetic permeability and wherein at least one of the antennas is provided magnetic shield having high magnetic permeability, the corresponding antenna being positioned between the pipe wall and the magnetic shield and the magnetic shield extending along the length of the antenna.
US09217324B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a caliper and method for mapping the dimensions and topography of a formation such as the sidewall of a borehole. Examples of formations in which embodiments of the invention can be used include, but are not limited to, an oil, gas, pile borehole or barrette that has been drilled or excavated into the earth.
US09217320B2
Systems and methods for magnetically autonomously clamping a downhole component in a select direction of a borehole casing. The systems can include a sensor package that obtains a downhole measurement in a position in a cased borehole. The systems can include an integral magnetic clamp that removably clamps the downhole component (e.g., a downhole seismic shuttle) to the cased borehole. The systems can include a directional detector that outputs a select direction of the cased borehole relative to the downhole component. The systems can include a downhole controller that activates a portion of the integral magnetic clamp of the downhole component closest to the select direction output by the directional detector.
US09217303B2
An apparatus for connecting or disconnecting a threaded coupling between two riser joints, comprising: —a frame (11) provided with a space (12) for receiving the coupling; —a first drive wheel set (20) carried by the frame and comprising one or more drive wheels (21, 22) driven by a first drive motor (23) for rotating a main nut of the coupling; and —a second drive wheel set (40) carried by the frame and comprising one or more drive wheels (41, 42) driven by a second drive motor (43) for rotating a locking nut of the coupling. The drive wheels of the second drive wheel set are located on a level above the drive wheels of the first drive wheel set to allow them to engage with and rotate the locking nut when the drive wheels of the first drive wheel set are in engagement with the main nut.
US09217302B2
A triple activity drilling ship may be provided with two separate drilling centers, each including drilling apparatus. In addition, a trolley that is capable of supporting tubulars may be positioned between a first position within one of said drilling centers and a second position outside that drilling center. As a result, the trolley may be used to hold assembled tubulars while other activities are ongoing in one or more of the drilling centers.
US09217295B2
Earth-boring tools include one or more cutting elements having at least one grading feature positioned a known distance from an initial working surface of the cutting element. Methods of grading cutting element loss on earth-boring tools include comparing locations of wear surfaces on cutting elements to locations of one or more grading features in or on the cutting elements. In some embodiments, a cutting element may comprise an insert having a generally cylindrical body, a substantially planar cutting face surface, a substantially arcuate side surface, and at least one grading feature. In additional embodiments, a cutting element may comprise a tooth having one or more grading features.
US09217294B2
A hard composite composition comprises a binder, and a polymodal blend of matrix powder In an embodiment, the polymodal blend of matrix powder has at least one local maxima at a particle size of 30 μm or less, at least one local maxima at a particle size of 200 μm or more, and at least one local minima between a particle size of about 30 μm to about 200 μm that has a value that is less than the local maxima at a particle size of 30 μm or less.
US09217293B1
An auger assembly designed for creation of bores at sites where solid earth has a layer of loose overburden comprising an elongated auger shaft presenting a working end, with outwardly extending, helical flighting along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. Apparatus proximal to the working end is operable to compress the loose material as the auger assembly is rotated in a first direction, and preferably is in the form of arcuate rake structure above the working end; the auger serves to compress the loose material during rotation in the first direction until the solid earth is encountered, whereupon the auger assembly is rotated in the opposite direction to form the bore within the solid earth. The auger assembly preferably includes an upper auger section and a detachably secured lower auger bit assembly. The auger assembly is particularly useful in the formation of cast-in-place cementious piles.
US09217292B2
A percussion mole for inserting a ground-loop for a geothermal heat-pump apparatus. The ground-loop includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The mole comprises: a percussive drive mechanism; a first passage connectable to the first pipe, for receiving a driving fluid via the first pipe and delivering it to the drive mechanism, during insertion of the ground-loop; a second passage connectable to the second pipe, for exhausting the driving fluid from the drive mechanism via the second pipe, during insertion of the ground-loop; and a connection connecting the first passage with the second passage. The connection includes a non-return valve arranged to restrict flow of the driving fluid from the first passage to the second passage during insertion of the ground-loop but permit flow in the opposite direction, whereby after insertion, when the heat pump apparatus is in use, the ground-loop comprises the first and second pipes; the first and second passages; and the connection.
US09217282B2
A window covering includes a head rail that supports a panel by lift cords such that one end of the panel may be raised and lowered relative to the head rail. An operating system controls movement of the panel and includes spools coupled to the lift cords such that rotation of the spools retracts and extends the lift cords. A shaft is connected to a spool of the lift spool assembly and to a brake and a spring motor. The spring motor applies a motor force to the shaft and the brake applies a brake force to the shaft such that the forces generated by the spring motor and brake hold the panel in the desired position.
US09217268B2
A furniture hinge includes a carrier arm and a door fitting having a recessed cup that is rotatably disposed at one end of the carrier arm. A fastening plate is adjustably connected to another end of the carrier arm. A mounting plate is longitudinally adjustably attached to the fastening plate and is attachable to a furniture body. Either the fastening plate or the mounting plate includes a guide wall having a guide slot where the guide wall is bent perpendicularly to a plane of the respective plate. The other of the fastening plate or the mounting plate includes a guide tongue extending into the guide slot where the guide tongue is parallel to a plane of the other respective plate.
US09217258B2
The present invention is a method and chamber for exposure of human subjects to non-allergic rhinitis (“NAR”) trigger environments. The method occurs in a NAR chamber and involves tests that expose subjects to environmental triggers known to induce NAR symptoms. The chamber may be an enclosure capable of housing multiple subjects, constructed to facilitate the NAR tests and/or challenges and operable to create one or more NAR environments within the chamber. A different NAR environment may be required for each test. The chamber may facilitate the creation and containment of a specific NAR environment relating to a NAR test and/or challenge within the chamber for a particular period of time and achieve air-flow therein whereby subjects positioned within the chamber may be exposed to a NAR trigger environment in a virtually consistent manner. NAR tests and challenges may be assessed and the results thereof may be stored, compiled and/or reported.
US09217256B2
An edge lift anchor for a concrete product, the anchor having a head portion for coupling to lifting equipment and an anchoring portion, and a separate member mounted on the anchor and having integral legs extending to each side of the anchoring portion to increase the lifting capacity of the anchor. Alternatively or in addition, the separate member may provide a mounting for a tension bar to increase the lifting capacity. The invention also provides a support chair for retaining the edge lift anchor, together with an associated shear bar and tension bar if present.
US09217248B2
A column assembly for use in a building foundation system is described herein. The column assembly includes a height adjustment assembly for use in adjusting an overall length of the column assembly. The height adjustment assembly includes an access tube assembly and a rod assembly. The access tube assembly includes a tube cavity that extends along a longitudinal axis. The rod assembly is rotatably coupled to the access tube assembly and extends outwardly from the access tube assembly along the longitudinal axis. A reinforcement assembly is coupled to the height adjustment assembly. A column connector assembly is coupled to the reinforcement assembly and includes a baseplate that is coupled to the access tube assembly. The baseplate includes an access opening extending therethrough that provides access to the tube cavity through the access opening.
US09217243B2
The tool for cleaning a drain includes a handle, a strip member, and an end piece. The handle inserts and removes the tool from the drain. The strip member has an elongated and undulated shape and is formed by segments. Each segment has a curvature with a concave side and convex side, which alternate from adjacent segments. Each segment also has barbs on each concave side. The barbs are shielded by an adjacent convex side of an adjacent segment. The end piece connects to a bottom segment of the strip member and has a collar and tip. The collar has a protective shoulder to shield barbs of the bottom segment and an actuatable spike to collect debris when bent. The tip has a distal point with prongs and a distal shoulder, which shields the prongs. The tip may also include a shaft with shaft barbs protected by a shaft shoulder.
US09217224B2
A system for depositing a substance onto a substrate comprises continuously transporting the substrate in a transport direction while traversing a deposition arrangement across the substrate to deposit the substance in a number of swathes. During such movement the positions of the deposition arrangement and the substrate are controlled with respect to one another such that the swathes complement one another to provide substantially uniform coverage of the substrate. As a result of the defined arrangement, improved substrate speeds can be achieved since there is no need for the substrate to stop at each traverse.
US09217223B2
The present invention is directed towards a method for preparing and/or treating a fluid and/or moister absorbing basic material (1), illustrated as a textile soft material, to form an allergen or allergens impregnated material (2). It is here suggested a first processing step (S1), for the production of said absorbing basic material (a1), one or more intermediate processing steps (S2), for a sequential treatment of said basic absorbing material (1), including a first step (S2a) of adding one or more diluted antigen or antigens (5) to said dried absorbing basic material (1) in an extent to be fully absorbed by said material (1) and a second step (S2b) where said diluted antigen or antigens, within said absorbing basic material (1), and said material (1) is treated during an under-pressure sequence followed by an over-pressure sequence, or vice versa and, a final processing step (S3), where said treated absorbing material “a2”, with diluted antigen or antigens (5), is dried (S3a) in order to form an allergen or allergens impregnated soft material (2).
US09217206B2
Forming a porous layer on a silicon substrate. Forming the porous layer can include placing a first silicon substrate in a solution, where a first electrode is within a threshold distance to an edge of the silicon substrate. It can further include conducting a first current through the silicon substrate, where the first electrode can be positioned relative to the edge allowing for substantially uniform porosification along the edge of the first silicon substrate.
US09217197B2
Methods for depositing layers on substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of forming a layer on a substrate having at least one feature disposed therein includes forming a conformal layer on an upper surface of the substrate and within the at least one feature by sputtering a target material using a first plasma that reduces the surface energy of the target material such that the sputtered target material wets the upper surface of the substrate and the at least one feature to form the conformal layer; and filling at least a portion of the at least one feature by sputtering the target material using a second plasma different from the first plasma to increase the surface energy of the sputtered target material and the conformal layer such that at least portions of the conformal layer are pulled into the at least one feature by capillary action.
US09217193B2
With regard to an Al—Cr—Zr based alloy having annealing temper, a high temperature strength at 180 to 200 degrees C. is ensured. An aluminum alloy for a plain bearing having improved fatigue resistance is to be provided. An aluminum alloy for a plain bearing solving the problems has a composition of 3 to 7 mass % Mg, 0.1 to 0.3 mass % Cr, and 0.1 to 0.3 mass % Zr, with the balance being Al and inevitable impurities. A principal structure of the aluminum alloy consist of an Al matrix containing solute Mg, minute particles of Cr, and Zr.
US09217190B2
An improved sterling silver alloy. Like all sterlings, the improved alloy is at least 92.5 percent silver by weight. It has less copper than traditional sterlings: 3.0 percent versus the traditional 7.5 percent. Additionally, the improved alloy includes about 2.75 percent palladium, about 1.0 percent tin, and about 0.75 percent zinc, all by weight. A grain refiner, such as ruthenium, may also be provided. The components of the preferred alloy are melted, degassed, remelted, and then formed into casting grains, wire, and etc. The resulting alloy is significantly harder, as cast, than traditional sterlings: 95-120 Vickers versus 65 Vickers for traditional sterlings. The improved alloy also exhibits improved corrosion resistance. Other than a slightly higher (<200° F.) liquidus temperature, the improved alloy may be worked in substantially the same manner as traditional sterlings. Pieces cast from the improved alloy may be age hardened to about 160 Vickers, if desired.
US09217183B2
Isopropanol is produced with good productivity via fermentation processes. Specifically, isopropanol is produced at a high level in a medium by culturing recombinant yeast into which an acetoacetyl CoA synthase gene and a group of genes (isopropanol synthesis-related gene group) encoding a group of enzymes for synthesis of isopropanol from acetoacetyl CoA have been introduced.
US09217176B2
There is a need for improved methods for determining the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with conditions, including autoimmune disease and cancer. Provided herein are methods for using DNA sequencing to identify personalized biomarkers in patients with autoimmune disease and other conditions. Identified biomarkers can be used to determine the disease state for a subject with an autoimmune disease or other condition.
US09217174B2
A method for lysing cells is disclosed. The method includes stirring cells with a magnetic stir element in the presence of a plurality of cell lysis beads at a speed sufficient to lyse the cells. Also disclosed is a device for lysing cells. The device includes a container having a magnetic stir element and a plurality of cell lysis beads disposed therein. The container is dimensioned to allow rotation of the magnetic stir element inside the container.
US09217173B2
This invention relates to a process for synthesis of a cDNA in a sample, in an enzymatic reaction, wherein the process comprises the steps: simultaneous preparation of a first enzyme with polyadenylation activity, a second enzyme with reverse transcriptase activity, a buffer, at least one ribonucleotide, at least one deoxyribonucleotide, an anchor oligonucleotide; addition of a sample that comprises a ribonucleic acid; and incubation of the agents of the previous steps in one or more temperature steps, which are selected such that the first enzyme and the second enzyme show activity. The invention further relates to a reaction mixture that comprises a first enzyme with polyadenylation activity, a second enzyme with reverse transcriptase activity, optionally a buffer, optionally at least one ribonucleotide, optionally at least one deoxyribonucleotide, and optionally an anchor oligonucleotide. Moreover, the invention relates to a kit that comprises a corresponding reaction mixture.
US09217168B2
Polypeptide preparations having target levels of glycans, and methods of producing such polypeptide preparations using putrescine, are described.
US09217164B2
The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
US09217158B2
This invention provides replication-defective flavivirus vaccines and vaccine vectors, and corresponding compositions and methods.
US09217155B2
The invention in some aspects relates to isolated nucleic acids, compositions, and kits useful for identifying adeno-associated viruses in cells. In some aspects, the invention provides kits and methods for producing somatic transgenic animal models using recombinant AAV (rAAV) to an animal having at least one transgene that expresses a small interfering nucleic acid or at least one binding site for a miRNA.
US09217146B2
The present invention is based, at least in part, upon discovery of a process for identifying phase changing peptides. Such phase changing peptides are capable of enhancing in vitro and in vivo delivery of oligonucleotides (e.g., dsRNAs) in lipidic, vesicular, micellar and/or naked oligonucleotide formulations.
US09217144B2
Methods and apparatus relate to the synthesis of high fidelity polynucleotides and to the reduction of sequence errors generated during synthesis of nucleic acids on a solid support. Specifically, design of support-bound template oligonucleotides is disclosed. Assembly methods include cycles of annealing, stringent wash and extension of polynucleotides comprising a sequence region complementary to immobilized template oligonucleotides. The error free synthetic nucleic acids generated therefrom can be used for a variety of applications, including synthesis of biofuels and value-added pharmaceutical products.
US09217141B2
Disclosed is a transglutaminase having excellent stability. Also disclosed is a process for producing the transglutaminase. Specifically disclosed is a stabilized transglutaminase, which has such a structure in which a pro-sequence peptide of transglutaminase is bound to a mature transglutaminase. Also specifically disclosed is a process for producing stabilized transglutaminase, which includes the steps of: culturing a microorganism capable of producing transglutaminase under the conditions where transglutaminase can be produced; and separating and collecting matured transglutaminase having a pro-sequence peptide bound thereto from a culture medium.
US09217136B2
Described herein are chimeric Newcastle disease viruses engineered to express a heterologous interferon antagonist and compositions comprising such viruses. The chimeric Newcastle disease viruses and compositions are useful in the treatment of cancer.
US09217132B2
Provided herein are apparatuses and methods for fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells. For example, some embodiments provide a disposable microfluidic device designed to position a sample to be in direct contact with a high frequency vibrating element that emits an ultrasonic frequency into the sample such that the vibrational energy transduced into the sample results in fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells.
US09217128B2
A composition is provided which is suitable for use in a cleaning or washing process. The composition is contained in an aqueous sensitive device and includes at least one aqueous sensitive component and a non-aqueous carrier component for stabilizing said aqueous sensitive component. The non-aqueous carrier component includes a mineral oil and a gelling agent.
US09217117B2
A non-aqueous lubricating composition containing a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity and a minor amount, in the range of 0.02% to 5% by weight, of at least one compound represented by the structural formula (I): wherein R4 represents H or a C1 to C9 hydrocarbyl group or x, y and z are independently integers in the range 1 to 6; and R1, R2 and R3 each independently represent a C1 to C10 hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl group.
US09217115B2
The use of tetrahydrobenzoxazines I where R1 is a hydrocarbyl radical and R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups or hydrocarbyl radicals, and where R2 to R5 may also form a second and a third tetrahydrooxazine ring, with the proviso that at least one of the substituents has from 4 to 3000 carbon atoms and the remaining substituents, when they are hydrocarbyl radicals, each have from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, as stabilizers for stabilizing inanimate organic material, especially turbine fuels, against the action of light, oxygen and heat.
US09217114B2
Processes and reactor systems are provided for the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons, ketones and alcohols useful as liquid fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel or diesel fuel, and industrial chemicals. The process involves the conversion of mono-oxygenated hydrocarbons to aromatics and gasonline range hydrocarbons where the oxygenated hydrocarbons are derived from biomass.
US09217111B2
A process for converting a solid biomass material by contacting the solid biomass material with a catalytic cracking catalyst at a temperature of more than 400° C. in a riser reactor to produce one or more cracked products is provided, wherein the riser reactor is an internal riser reactor.
US09217107B2
The present invention relates to an improved amine based additive composition for control and inhibition of polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene comprising one or more of the quinone methide or derivatives thereof, one or more of nitroxide compounds and further comprising one or more of aliphatic tertiary amines. In one embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of use of presently provided composition. In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of controlling and inhibiting polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers, particularly of styrene by employing presently provided composition. In still another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of preparation of presently provided composition.
US09217103B2
A well servicing fluid is formulated with ingredients comprising a viscosifying polymer that is a crosslinked copolymer of an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydride and an alkyl vinyl ether, or the di-acid thereof; a pH adjuster capable of maintaining a pH of 5.5 or greater; and a solvent. Methods include treating a well formation with the wellbore servicing fluid and methods also include making the wellbore servicing fluid.
US09217094B2
The present invention relates to a stable dispersion comprising at least, but not limited to, three key elements that, when combined accordingly, can achieve the desired superhydrophobic results; the at least three elements being a hydrophobic component, nano-structured particles and water.
US09217085B2
A method for coating a metallic or inorganic substrate is described, such as metal or glass supports, with an organic layer comprising conjugated diene phosphinate or phosphonate compounds.
US09217075B2
Provided are a rubber composition for a tire which makes it possible to improve the handling stability and fuel economy in a well-balanced manner by a simple method without requiring any chemical reaction process for surface treatment of microfibrillated plant fibers; and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The rubber composition for a tire contains: a rubber component; microfibrillated plant fibers; a phenol resin; and a curing agent. It is preferable that the rubber component should include at least one selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, modified natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and modified synthetic rubber, and it is preferable that the microfibrillated plant fibers should be cellulose microfibrils.
US09217071B2
The present invention provides a fluorescent compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 to R4 each independently represent a substituent selected from a linear, branched or cyclic monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, aryloxy group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, halogen atom, hydrogen atom, amino group, cyano group, amine-containing group, and siloxane-containing group; with the proviso that when an amine-containing group as the substituent is not included, at least one of R1 to R4 is a siloxane-containing group represented by Sx-A-, and that when an amine-containing group as the substituent is included, at least one of R1 to R4 and a substituent of the amine-containing group is a siloxane-containing group represented by Sx-A-; a method of producing the same; and a fluorescent resin composition containing the same.
US09217068B2
High surface area alkaline earth aluminate spinel materials are disclosed, together with methods for the preparation thereof from one or more alkaline earth metal salts and a water soluble non-ionic polymer. A nanocrystalline alkaline earth metal aluminate spinel prepared according to the method is also provided.
US09217064B2
A reactive, non-hydrolyzable silane. The silane comprises a quaternary silicon atom and first and second terminal groups. Each of the first and second terminal groups is chemically bonded to the quaternary silicon atom and is selected from a group consisting of cyanate ester, epoxide, episulfide, acrylate, alkene, styrenic, maleimide, phthalonitrile, acetylene, aryl ethynylene, benzoxazine, anthracene, aniline, trifluorovinyl ether, and perfluorocyclobutyl.
US09217061B2
A series of novel phosphorus-containing compounds having the formula: is provided in which R1-R4, A, Q and m are as defined in the specification. A process for the preparation of the compound of formula (I) is also provided. A polymer of formula (PA), and preparation process and use thereof, as well as a polymer of formula (PI), and preparation process and use thereof are also provided.
US09217042B2
This invention relates to the use of dual variable domain antibodies to locate naturally-occurring beneficial agents or therapeutic agents at a region of stent implantation in diabetic patients who have undergone stent implantation.
US09217036B2
The invention provides methods of inhibiting suppression of long term potentiation, improving acute memory retention and spatial memory performance and treating Alzheimer's disease by administration of a PrPc antagonist or combinations thereof. Additionally, this invention provides pharmaceutical kits comprising, and methods for making and using, such combinations, as well as methods of identifying molecules that could function as PrPc antagonists.
US09217029B2
Antibodies that specifically bind to toxins of C. difficile, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using the antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof are provided herein.
US09217028B2
The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies and antibody fragments having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for a combination of hCMV proteins UL130 and UL131A, or for a combination of hCMV proteins UL128, UL130 and UL131A. The invention relates also to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis and therapy of disease.
US09217026B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivation of the human glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene by targeted cleavage of genomic DNA encoding the GR. Such methods and compositions are useful, for example, in therapeutic applications which require retention of immune function during glucocorticoid treatment.
US09217022B2
The disclosure provides GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds having stabilized regions corresponding to alpha-helical regions of the natural peptide compounds. The disclosure also provides benzamide-containing exendin-4 analogs and alkene-constrained exendin-4 analogs, both of which have stabilized regions corresponding to alpha-helical regions of exendin-4.
US09217018B2
The present invention relates to novel therapies that utilize HSP70 fusion proteins for the treatment of disorders or conditions regulated by HSP70.
US09217011B2
The present invention is related to a non-natural, thermodynamically stable, proteinaceous scaffold consisting of three non-covalently associated peptides, wherein each peptide sequence comprises less than fifty amino acid residues and wherein at least 50% of the said residues are substitutable amino acids into at least ten different amino acid residue types. The present invention is further related to a non-natural, triple-stranded, parallel alpha-helical coiled coil scaffold wherein each of the three constituting peptide sequences comprise between 2 and 7 consecutive heptad repeats of the formula cxxcxxx (SEQ ID NO: 10), wherein at least 70% of the core c-residues are isoleucines, wherein all non-core x-residues are alanines, and wherein the constituting peptide sequences remain associated under physical conditions that are significantly different from physiological conditions.
US09216997B2
The present invention relates to a tri-heterocyclic derivatives, preparation process and uses thereof, specifically relates to a tri-heterocyclic derivatives of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preparation process, and further relates to a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising compounds of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and their pharmaceutical use as inhibitors of kinase.
US09216996B2
Compounds for use in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are disclosed. The compounds have the following Formula (I): including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, X, W, Y1, Y2, Z1, and Z4are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US09216991B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) for the treatment of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.
US09216986B1
The present invention provides quinoline derivatives of formula I that are PDE10A enzyme inhibitors, and as such are useful to treat neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Especially, the invention provides compounds that are highly selective for PDE10 over other PDE subtypes. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of the invention and methods of treating disorders using the compounds of the invention.
US09216984B2
The present invention relates to the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors 3-[4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]octanenitrile or 3-[4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]heptanenitrile, as well as its compositions and methods of use, which is useful in the treatment of JAK-associated diseases including, for example, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, skin disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
US09216975B2
The invention discloses compounds of formula I wherein Y is a group of formula A, B, C, D, or E: and W, Q, n, R1, R2, R3, U1-U5, J and K have the meanings given in the description. The compounds of formula I are TRPV1 antagonists and are useful as active ingredients of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of pain and other conditions ameliorated by the inhibition of the vanilloid receptor TRPV1.
US09216972B2
Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) or stereoisomers or salts thereof, wherein: X1, X2, X3, W, Q1, Q2, and G2 are defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds as selective agonists for G protein-coupled receptor S1P1, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. These compounds are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases or disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas, such as autoimmune diseases and vascular disease.
US09216958B2
2,6-Dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-substituted-pyrimidines, 2,6-dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-pyrimdine carbaldehydes, and derivatives of each are useful intermediates in forming potent herbicides that demonstrate a broad spectrum of weed control. These compounds are disclosed, as are methods of forming and using these compounds.
US09216955B2
The present invention relates to a novel polymorphic form of Fexofenadine hydrochloride, to a process for preparing it, to pharmaceutical compositions containing it, as well as its use. The invention also relates to intermediates useful for the preparation of Fexofenadine hydrochloride, antihistamine drug used in the treatment of allergy symptoms.
US09216938B2
A method of extracting (meth)acrylic acid from an aqueous reaction medium into an organic phase in contact therewith is described. The aqueous reaction medium is formed from at least one base catalyst and at least one dicarboxylic acid selected from maleic, fumaric, malic, itaconic, citraconic, mesaconic, and citramalic acid or mixtures thereof in aqueous solution and contains the base catalysed decarboxylation products of the base catalysed reaction. The method includes either the addition of at least one of the said dicarboxylic acids and/or a pre-cursor thereof to the aqueous reaction medium to enhance the solvent extraction of the (meth)acrylic acid into the organic solvent or maintaining the level of base catalyst to dicarboxylic acid and/or pre-cursor at a sub-stoichiometric level during the extraction process. The method extends to a process of producing (meth)acrylic acid, its esters and polymers and copolymers thereof.
US09216937B2
The present disclosure relates generally to water concentration reduction processes within an adipic acid process. The present invention also includes process for converting a glucose-containing feed derived from a carbohydrate source to an adipic acid product wherein the process includes the steps of: converting glucose in the feed to a reaction product including a hydrodeoxygenation substrate and a first concentration of water; reducing the concentration of water in the reaction product to produce a feedstock including the hydrodeoxygenation substrate and second concentration of water, wherein the second concentration of water is less than the first concentration of water; and converting at least a portion of the hydrodeoxygenation substrate in the feedstock to an adipic acid product. Processes are also disclosed for producing hexamethylene diamine and caprolactam from the adipic acid product.
US09216936B2
This invention relates to processes for producing acetic acid and, in particular, to improved processes for recovering C2+ alkyl halides and removing permanganate reducing compounds formed during the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid.
US09216931B1
A process for recovering unreacted olefin in a polyolefin manufacturing process comprising the treatment of a purge bin vent gas. The process involves cooling and condensing the vent gas (purge stream), which contains at least an olefin, a paraffin, and hydrogen, to produce a liquid condensate and an uncondensed (residual) gas stream. Both streams are then passed through membrane separation steps. The membrane separation of the uncondensed gas stream results in a residue stream containing mostly nitrogen and/or paraffin and a permeate stream enriched in either C2+ hydrocarbons or olefin, depending on the type of separation. The permeate from this step is recirculated within the process prior to the condensation step. The membrane separation of the condensate results in a residue stream containing paraffin and a permeate stream enriched in olefin, which may be recycled to the polymerization reactor.
US09216925B2
A method for producing aggregates from fresh cement compositions, included concrete and residual concrete is disclosed, comprising the addition of a) flash setting accelerators and b) super-absorbent polymers to fresh unset cement compositions and blending this mixture until granular materials are formed.
US09216920B2
An apparatus and method for controlled ventilation and aeration of liquid medium includes a dome supported by a flotation device, a lower housing supported by the flotation device, the lower housing connected to the dome, wherein a sealed space is defined under the dome and above the flotation liquid, one or more orifices, the orifices configured in the dome, and an aeration apparatus positioned within the sealed space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid, wherein the aeration apparatus comprises one or more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially on one of the shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein the second disc is interleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein a surface of the first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of the second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween.
US09216915B2
A method for removing a contaminant from a fluid system comprises contacting the fluid system with an inversely fluidized material, for example a particulate aerogel, thereby removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the fluid system. The method can be used to remove oil or other organic materials from wastewater streams. It can be conducted in a fluidized bed, which includes nanoporous particles and a fluidizing medium, wherein the nanoporous particles have a density lower than that of the fluidizing medium.
US09216903B2
A process for the conversion of a hydrocarbon to CO2 and electrical power is described which includes subjecting a gas mixture of a hydrocarbon feed stream and steam to an integrated reforming process including stages of steam reforming in a gas-heated reformer and secondary reforming to generate a reformed gas mixture, increasing the hydrogen content of the reformed gas mixture by subjecting it to one or more water-gas-shift stages, cooling the resulting hydrogen-enriched reformed gas and separating condensed water therefrom, passing the resulting de-watered hydrogen-enriched reformed gas to one or more stages of carbon dioxide separation to recover carbon dioxide, combusting the remaining hydrogen-containing fuel stream with an oxygen containing gas in a gas turbine to generate electrical power and passing the exhaust gas mixture from the gas turbine to a heat recovery steam generation system that feeds one or more steam turbines to generate additional electrical power.
US09216902B2
The present invention relates to a method for the production of ethene, CO, and hydrogen in a reactor with a circulating fluidized bed with two independent sections, from feedstocks that contain hydrocarbons with at least 11 carbon atoms or from feedstocks with a high oxygen content, using a catalyst in particulate form. The method teaches that in one of the sections of the reactor, in the absence of oxygen, a catalyst containing a dehydrogenation metal promotes the cracking of the said feedstocks, facilitating the subsequent endothermic reactions. In the other section, the coke is burned with air and the heating of the catalyst is controlled, for the adjustment of the appropriate amount of energy that the heated catalyst will convey to the section in which the endothermic reactions take place. The total ethene yield of the process according to the present invention is approximately 20% by weight in relation to the feedstock.
US09216900B2
A method for synthesizing nitrogen-doped carbon tubes involves preparing a solution of cyanamide and a suitable transition metal-containing salt in a solvent, evaporating the solvent to form a solid, and pyrolyzing the solid under an inert atmosphere under conditions suitable for the production of nitrogen-doped carbon tubes from the solid. Pyrolyzing for a shorter period of time followed by rapid cooling resulted in a tubes with a narrower average diameter.
US09216896B1
A halter for positioning on the heads of animals with a nose band, a poll band, and cheek straps and a chin strap connected between them. The nose band formed from a nose strap and a jaw strap connected at opposed ends to a slot halter link. The poll band formed from a poll strap and a throat strap connected at opposed ends to a strap ring. One end of the jaw strap inserted through a halter link slot and attached to a slide buckle on the jaw strap. One end of the throat strap inserted through a strap ring and attached to a slide buckle on the throat strap. One end of the poll strap inserted through a strap ring and attached to a slide buckle on the poll strap. The poll strap may have two strap elements with a fastener to connect and disconnect the two strap elements.
US09216892B2
A fuel quality monitoring system and method to automatically and/or continuously monitor quality of fuel dispensed and control the operation of the fuel dispenser. The control system monitors fuel quality to prevent unsafe refuelings when the fuel quality is unacceptable. In one embodiment, a combination of a differential pressure sensor and a fuel quality monitoring device. If fuel quality is at an acceptable level although not ideal, the control system can allow fueling with the generation of reports and alarms. If the fuel quality is unacceptable, fuel flow can be stopped. If the differential pressure across the filter indicates a high degree of debris and/or water retention, the control system can automatically lower the flow rate to reduce the risk of filter breakdown without completely preventing fueling until the filter can be replaced.
US09216891B2
A refueling assembly of an engine is provided. The refueling assembly includes a housing, a door positioned within the housing and a flow guide positioned within the housing and downstream of the door including an inlet in fluidic communication with the door, an outlet to flow fuel into a downstream filler pipe in fluidic communication with a fuel tank during a refueling operation, a planar nozzle seating section receiving a fuel nozzle during the refueling operation, and a contraction section positioned downstream of the planar nozzle seating section.
US09216889B2
A tap for dispensing flowable materials. The tap includes a body and a plunger positioned within a channel in the body. The plunger is movable between first, second, and third positions. The plunger and the body form a first seal when the plunger is in the first position, and a second seal when the plunger is in the second position. Flowable material may pass through the channel when the plunger is the third position. The tap also includes a connector to sealingly engage the body with a flowable material source and establish fluid communication between the flowable material source and the channel.
US09216885B1
An apparatus and method for collection and containment of collected materials is provided. The apparatus can include a vacuum truck with at least one vacuum tank disposed thereon, the vacuum tank having a hollow interior region. A flexible bladder can be disposed within the hollow interior region of the vacuum tank. The bladder can be impermeable to and compatible with the collected material and capable of containing the material therewithin.
US09216884B2
A material handling vehicle includes a vehicle body with a vertically extendible mast fixed to the vehicle body. A fork support is fixed relative to the mast and has a first side and a second side. The first side faces away from the second side. A first fork is mounted to the fork support and is movable between a first fork stored position and a first fork working position. In the first fork working position, the first fork extends substantially perpendicularly from the first side of the fork support. A second fork is mounted to the fork support and is movable between a second fork stored position and a second fork working position. In the second fork working position, the second fork extends substantially perpendicularly from the second side of the fork support.
US09216883B2
A clamp-on fork lift attachment having spaced tines which may be temporarily secured to the blade portion of a loader bucket used on equipment such as backhoe loaders and front end loaders includes a lifting plate, a leveling indicator, tie-down elements and a stabilizer bar connected between the spaced tines.
US09216865B2
An equipment for unloading a bulk carrier comprises a plurality of structures fastened to a fixed platform, the plurality of structures is fastened to the fixed platform mutually parallel, each structure comprising a mobile element having fastening elements which are associated to a projection of at least a removable hold of a bulk carrier, the mobile element being displaced from a first position (A) to a second position (B) so as to tilt at least a removable hold onto an apron feeder and then to a system of conveyor belts. Also, a bulk carrier comprises at least a removable hold including a compartment for transporting bulk products having a plurality of projections disposed in a longitudinal line and mutually parallel at a first end of the removable hold and an articulation mechanism disposed along a second end of the removable hold parallel to and opposite the first end.
US09216861B2
A conveyor is provided with a conveyor section, a controller, a confirming part and a detecting part. The conveyor section conveys a belt-shaped work having a plurality of reference points arrayed discontinuously on a surface. The controller selectively operates the conveyor section for intermittently conveying the work for each prescribed interval as a first conveying mode and continuously conveying the work as a second conveying mode. The controller further operates continues the first conveying mode when the reference points are confirmed by a confirming part during the first conveying mode and switching to the second conveying mode when the reference points are not confirmed by the confirming part. The controller further continues the second conveying mode until the reference points are detected by the detecting part during the second conveying mode and switching to the first conveying mode when the reference points are detected by the detecting part.
US09216858B2
An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.
US09216845B2
The present disclosure relates to a leak-resistant slider zipper. The zipper typically includes end seals at the opening and closing ends of the zipper, an upper and a lower set of interlocking elements, first and second upper flanges above the upper interlocking elements having no gaps or cut-outs therein, and first and second lower flanges below the lower interlocking elements, one of the lower flanges being folded back on itself, and a slider.
US09216843B2
A stackable container system may comprise a beverage container, a beverage container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality of smaller container lids. The smaller containers and smaller container lids are configured to allow any of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the smaller containers. The bottom of the beverage container and the bottom of each smaller container is also configured to allow the beverage container or smaller container to be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller container lids. In addition to storing beverage ingredients, the stackable container system can also be used to store other edible and inedible ingredients.
US09216841B1
A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform (for example, oil and gas well drilling or production platform) provides a frame having a base, a front, a rear, upper and lower end portions and side walls. The lower end of the frame has a floor. Openings in the base align with forklift tine tubes or sockets. The frame includes a pair of fixed side walls extending upwardly from the base that include at least left and right side walls. A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame including a gate at least at the front and at least at the rear of the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions. The gates enable a forklift to place loads on the floor by accessing either the front of the frame or the rear of the frame. Each gate can be pivotally attached to a corner column.
US09216838B2
A selectively frangible shipping carton for storing and shipping goods comprises at least one side wall joining a top wall and a bottom wall. A path of weakness extends around a periphery of the carton through at least a portion of the side wall. The path of weakness enables a user to manually separate the carton into at least two portions: an upper portion including the top wall and a lower portion including the bottom wall. A pair of lines of weakness extends upwardly relative to the path of weakness and terminates at or adjacent the top wall. A grip flap defined in the side wall between the pair of lines of weakness, the grip flap being graspable by the user when separating the carton into the at least two portions.
US09216836B1
Plastic containers are described herein that are injection molded with an high density polyethylene (HDPE) blow molding grade resin having a density of about 0.960 to about 0.965 g/cc and a melt index of about 0.7 to about 1.0 g/10 min. at injection temperatures of about 570° F. to about 670° F. and mold cavity pressures of about 20,000 psig to about 27,000 psig. Relatively thin walled, rigid, containers, such as livestock feed containers, may be manufactured as described using about 20% to 50% less material while retaining strength and durability comparable to containers molded of HDPE injection molding grade resins.
US09216835B2
A method and computing device for translating application labels are included herein in which a selection of an application label for translation may be detected. A customized label to replace the application label may also be received. The application label may be replaced with the customized label. Also, the selection of the customized label may be sent to data storage comprising customized labels.
US09216834B2
The method for inserting cotton wads into containers uses a wad transport unit, which comprises two star wheels, each having three wad holders. The two star wheels are mounted rotatably on the same rotational axis but with an offset from each other, and each star wheel is driven by its own separate drive means. During rotation of the star wheels, one of the three wad holders of each star wheel is horizontally shifted in such a way that the three wad holders of each star wheel are arranged in a straight line and are thus located above three containers to be filled with the wads.
US09216833B2
A hanging and parallel pushing lining-up device for a tubular material package which is a automatic packaging machine used for the pillow-type tubular material, comprises a hang-rail (10), a front propeller (40), a queuing means (20), a back propeller (42), a hang-rail (30) prepared for packaging, a hang-rail (21) for queuing and a hang-rail (33) for storage and waiting; a queuing means (20), comprising the hang-rail (21) for queuing and a movement synchronization module (24), the inlet section (22) of the hang-rail for queuing connects to the hang-rail (30) for storage and waiting, the outlet section (23) of the hang-rail for queuing connects to the exit end of the hang-rail (33) for storage and waiting; the front propeller (40) and the back propeller (42) both have a controlled pushing forward head (41, 43) which is able to extend out or shrink back horizontally. The hang-rail for storage and waiting comprises parallel hails, each width of which is the same as the length of the baffle grid (29). The whole width of rails at the inlet end of the hang-rail for storage and waiting is the same as the length of the outlet section. The number of rails is the same as that of the baffle grids of the outlet section.
US09216830B2
Methods and devices for detecting oscillatory faults in a positional servocontrol arrangement for an aircraft control surface are provided. The detection device estimates a reference position of the control surface and, with the aid of a model in which at each iteration a residual value of the previous iteration, multiplied by a dynamic gain, is injected, detects an oscillatory fault with the aid of this reference position.
US09216820B2
A piloting assistance device for a hybrid helicopter is provided with a rotary wing, two half-wings (8′, 8″) provided respectively with first and second propellers (6′, 6″), and an engine installation continuously driving the rotary wing (100) and the propellers by meshing with a mechanical interconnection system. Furthermore, the device is provided with computer element (40) for determining maximum mean pitch (max) applicable to the first and second propellers without exceeding the power available for the propellers, the computer element determining the maximum mean pitch (max) as a function of the current mean pitch of the blades of the first and second propellers as measured in real time, of a maximum power that can be delivered by the engine installation, of a current power being delivered by the engine installation, and of a relationship determining a power gradient (GRD) as a function of pitch for the first and second propellers.
US09216815B2
The invention relates to a device (4) for actuating a control surface (2) of an aircraft, comprising: —a frame intended to be mounted fixed in relation to a structure of an aircraft, —a bell crank part (7) mobile in rotation in relation to the frame around an axis of rotation (X, X′) and adapted in order to be connected to a mechanical unit (1) for displacement of the control surface (2), —a slider (6) intended to be connected to a drive member (5), the slider (6) being mobile in translation in relation to the frame according to a direction of translation, parallel to the axis of rotation (X, X′) of the bell crank part (7), —first connecting means (61) between the slider (6) and the bell crank part (7) in order to convert a displacement in translation of the slider (6) generated by the drive member (5) into a displacement in rotation of the bell crank part (7), in order to actuate the mechanical unit (1) for displacement of the control surface (2), an input part (53, 16) able to be driven in rotation by the motor, —a control rod mounted fixed in relation to the frame and extending parallel to the axis of rotation (X) of the input part and at a distance from the latter, in order to block in rotation the slider in relation to the frame and authorize a translation of the slider in relation to the frame, the control rod extends through the slider (6). Application specific to the actuating of control surfaces incorporated into a thin airfoil.
US09216813B2
The present invention provides novel inflatable and rigidizable support elements, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In particular, the present invention provides inflatable and rigidizable support elements rapidly inflated and rigidized using an acrylic adhesive and UV light generated by combustion, which find use, for example, in rapidly deploying and supporting the wing of an aerial vehicle and wind turbine towers.
US09216812B2
An aircraft lifting surface with a torsion box of a composite material including an upper skin, a lower skin, a front spar, a rear spar, one or more intermediate spars and transverse ribs arranged between the rear spar and an adjacent intermediate spar and/or between the front spar and the adjacent intermediate spar.
US09216801B2
Described herein are floatation devices, surfboards, surfboard blanks and methods of manufacture. The board or device design is altered by removal of a traditional stringer or stringers and instead form a composite of different foams to produce a board or device with improved strength and durability along with similar or even better board dynamics.
US09216799B2
A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of transporting includes providing multiple vessels each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination and one or more of the vessels are disconnected from the ship.
US09216794B2
A front derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a chain guide, a link mechanism and a cable guiding structure. The base member is fixedly coupled to a bicycle. The chain guide is configured to guide a chain. The link mechanism movably couples the chain guide to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position in response to movement of an operation cable. The link mechanism includes a cable attachment portion that is configured to be attached to the operation cable. The cable guiding structure guides the operation cable from the cable attachment portion. The cable guiding structure is disposed on at least one of the base member and the link mechanism. The cable guiding structure has a cable exit that is arranged such that the operation cable exits forwardly from the cable guiding structure towards the front of the bicycle.
US09216791B2
A bicycle rear suspension system including a seat stay member pivotally mounted to the bicycle frame, a chain stay member to which the rear tire is mounted and to which the seat stay member is pivotally attached at a location above the wheel mount, a link pivotally connected to the frame and to a frame-ward end of the chain stay member, and a shock absorber device.
US09216788B1
A bicycle saddle includes a leather cushion, a rail, and an adjusting assembly. The rail has a front end provided with an upward-extending portion, and has a rear end fixed to a rear end of the leather cushion. The adjusting assembly has a bolt holder, an adjusting bolt, and an adjusting seat. The bolt holder is fixed to a front end of the leather cushion and has a through hole. The adjusting bolt is rotatably received in the through hole of the bolt holder. The adjusting seat is fixed to the upward-extending portion of the rail and is screwed and engaged with the threaded trunk of the adjusting bolt. Thereby, the saddle is unlikely to sway and remains structurally stable during cycling, and noise can be effectively reduced.
US09216783B2
A machine tread including a first and second pair of plates. The plates have corresponding first ends and second ends, and the second ends of the first pair include outer bores. The first ends of the second pair include aligned bushing bores. The first ends of the second pair fit between the second ends of the first pair, aligning the outer and bushing bores. Ends of a bushing including an inner bore engage the bushing bores forming a pin bore through the inner and outer bores. A retention pin fits in the segmented pin bore. A head end abuts an external surface of the first pair of plates and a locking end extends past the pin bore. A retention cap engages the locking end. A dowel pin fits through a dowel pin bore in the retention cap and the locking end to limit movement of the retention pin.
US09216777B2
A work vehicle includes a vehicle body, a seat section and a load-carrying platform disposed rearwardly of the seat section. A storage space is disposed rearwardly of the seat section and downwardly of the load-carrying platform, the storage space extending in a lateral width direction of the vehicle body, and the storage space opening toward a lateral side of the vehicle body.
US09216768B1
Some embodiments are directed to a vehicular energy management apparatus that includes a lower frame that defines a raised portion disposed longitudinally between a vehicular power source and fuel system components. The raised portion can include an inclined portion defining an acute angle relative to the longitudinal direction, and disposed to guide movement of the power source upwardly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and away from the components of the fuel system upon movement of the power source in the longitudinal direction. A mount assembly that mounts the power source to the lower frame is configured to fail and thereby detach the power source from the lower frame upon application of a predetermined threshold impact energy being transmitted to the power source, thereby enabling the power source to move in the longitudinal direction and resulting in dissipation of at least a portion of the impact energy.
US09216760B2
A steering gear having a gearwheel, having a pinion which meshes with said gearwheel and having a pinion shaft which comprises the pinion and winch is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pinion shaft wherein the radial spacing between the pivot axis and the location of toothed engagement between the gearwheel and pinion is smaller than the core radius of the pinion.
US09216753B2
A utility cart having individually rotatable shelves on each corner post, whereby each shelf is constructed and arranged to adjoin together to form a center interior shelf in horizontal disposition between pairs of corner posts, is disclosed herein. The utility cart includes a top shelf and a bottom shelf supported in a separated state by four corner posts. A center shelf is provided in the form of four individual shelves each rotatably secured to one of the corner posts to be rotatable thereabout. The center shelves may be rotated to fit within the confines of the cart to function as a single shelf similar to the upper and lower shelves, or they may be positioned in pairs adjacent each other and extending beyond the end(s) of the cart or individually anywhere in between.
US09216745B2
A method for providing shared control over movement of a vehicle within a space. The method includes receiving user input related to a velocity and a direction for the vehicle within the space. The method includes processing the user input to selectively adjust the velocity and the direction desired by the user based on a set of predefined constraints to generate a trajectory for the vehicle for an upcoming time period. The method includes operating drive mechanisms in the vehicle based on the trajectory to move the vehicle from a first position to a second position within the space during the upcoming time period. A grid map defining locations of obstacles in the space may be used to define the trajectory to avoid collisions, and a guidance trajectory may be used to further control movement to achieve a desired throughput and control vehicle movement within particular portions of the space.
US09216741B2
An engine control system is provided where the engine control system includes a torque converter, an engine connected to the torque converter, a transmission connected to the torque converter, a lock-up clutch housed in the torque converter wherein the lock-up clutch is configured to mechanically connect the engine and the transmission when the lock-up clutch is engaged, an engine speed sensor configured to obtain a prior engine speed which is measured prior to engagement of the lock-up clutch, a transmission speed sensor configured to obtain a prior transmission speed which is measured prior to the engagement of the lock-up clutch, and an engine control module configured to determine a desired engine speed at a speed lower than the prior engine speed and adjust a speed of the engine to the desired engine speed just prior to the movement of the lock-up clutch for the engagement or as the lock-up clutch moves toward the engagement.
US09216739B2
A vehicle travel control apparatus that can stop a subject vehicle at an optimum position, and at a subsequent restart time, suitably avoid an obstacle without imposing a burden on a driver is provided.The vehicle travel control apparatus allows a subject vehicle to travel on the basis of a predetermined set speed, controls the travel of the subject vehicle according to a situation around the subject vehicle, calculates a subject vehicle travel side virtual lane on which the subject vehicle can travel on a subject vehicle travel side, an oncoming vehicle travel side virtual lane on which the subject vehicle can travel on an oncoming vehicle travel side, and a residual road width of a subject vehicle travel road on the basis of a road width, the subject vehicle travel side virtual lane, and the oncoming vehicle travel side virtual lane, and stops, when a point at which the calculated residual road width is smaller than a given value is present, the travel of the subject vehicle at a position in front of the point.
US09216733B2
A control device for a hybrid vehicle is equipped with an engine, an electric motor, and a damper that is interposed in a motive power transmission path between the engine and the electric motor. The control device is equipped with a hysteresis mechanism and a controller. The hysteresis mechanism is provided in the damper, is configured to have a characteristic that a hysteresis torque that is generated due to a twist of the damper, which transmits a driving force from the electric motor toward the engine, in a negative direction is larger than a hysteresis torque that is generated due to a twist of the damper, which transmits a driving force from the engine toward the electric motor, in a positive direction, and is configured to reduce an engine rotational speed by the electric motor in stopping the engine. The controller is configured to cause a torque, of the electric motor to be output such that the damper assumes a state of being twisted in the negative direction when a torque in such a direction as to drive the engine is applied from the electric motor in stopping the engine.
US09216731B2
Provided is a control system for a hybrid vehicle capable of achieving engine startup while minimizing shock. In the control system for a hybrid vehicle, in response to an engine startup request, upon engagement of a clutch between a motor generator and a drive wheel and startup of the engine by the motor generator, engine startup is allowed when the engine startup request is present and the absolute value of the motor/generator output torque assumes a predetermined value or less.
US09216726B2
An ECU executes a program including the steps of: executing fuel-cut control when an IG OFF operation has been performed and when a vehicle is traveling; executing deceleration control when vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a threshold value; ending the deceleration control and permitting restart of an engine when the vehicle speed has become lower than the threshold value; and controlling a first MG and the engine when an IG ON operation has been performed.
US09216725B2
A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an exhaust gas purification catalyst, a first motor-generator, an output section, a differential mechanism, a second motor-generator, and a controller. The output section is configured to transfer torque to driving wheels of the hybrid vehicle. The differential mechanism is configured to distribute the torque from the engine to the first motor-generator and the output section. The second motor-generator is connected to the output section through gears. The controller is configured to: (a) execute a temporarily changing the air-fuel ratio of the engine to a rich side as a rich spike operation when a specified condition is satisfied, and (b) set the specified condition so that the rich spike operation is easily executed as a motor torque of the second motor-generator increases.
US09216721B2
In a method for controlling the brakes of a vehicle combination having a tractor equipped with an electronically controlled brake system, at least one front axle and one rear axle, and a trailer having at least one trailer axle, in the event of a brake actuation, a deceleration setpoint value is ascertained and compared to a deceleration actual value, and a current brake-application energy reference value is ascertained therefrom. Brake-application energy setpoint values for the tractor and trailer are ascertained from the current brake-application energy reference value and brake-application energy levels for the tractor and trailer while using stored characteristic maps, which illustrate the dependencies of the brake-application energy levels on the brake-application energy reference value or on the axle load distribution of the tractor. The characteristic maps are obtained as a function of at least one pre-definable influencing factor. For this, a loading state of the tractor and/or of the trailer and/or the vehicle combination is ascertained.
US09216717B2
A wiper control device controls a drive section for driving a wiper to operate at a target speed, thereby causing the wiper to perform wiping operation. The wiper control device includes a voltage monitoring section, which monitors a power source voltage supplied to the drive section, and a target speed setting section, which sets the target speed. When the power source voltage is lower than or equal to a threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed in accordance with the power source voltage. When the power source voltage is higher than the threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed at a constant value.
US09216714B2
A belt presenter system for a seat belt system of a vehicle includes an arm (22) mounted on a vehicle pillar, wherein the arm (22) can adopt a feeding position (A) and a parking position (P). An end portion (40) of the arm (22) is connected to a fixed arm portion (36) via a hinge (42) so that the end portion (40) is bendable about a pivot axis relative to the fixed arm portion (36).
US09216710B2
Methods, apparatus, and systems for coupling an airbag inflator with a housing, such as an airbag module housing or an adapter housing configured to be coupled with an airbag module housing. In some implementations, a housing comprising an opening may be provided. An inflator comprising a collar may be positioned in the housing such that the collar of the inflator extends into, or in some cases through, the opening of the housing. The inflator may be fixedly coupled with the housing by engaging an exterior surface of the inflator collar with at least one engagement structure, such as a retainer clip or crimp formed in a collar sleeve of the housing.
US09216707B2
A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission connected to the engine, an auxiliary electrical load, and an electrical system. The electrical system includes a high-voltage energy storage system (HV-ESS), an auxiliary/low-voltage energy storage system (LV-ESS) connected to the load, a full-bridge active rectifier/inverter, a semi-active auxiliary rectifier, and a motor generator unit (MGU) connected to the HV-ESS via the active rectifier/inverter, and to the LV-ESS via the semi-active auxiliary rectifier. A controller establishes a first operating mode in which the MGU is operated as a motor for restarting or assisting the engine via the active rectifier/inverter, and second operating mode in which the MGU operates as a generator and the semi-active rectifier provides an auxiliary DC output voltage to the LV-ESS and the load. Another vehicle has first and second switches in lieu of the semi-active rectifier, with the active rectifier connected to the HV-ESS and LV-ESS via different switches.
US09216704B2
In one aspect, an elastic averaging strap system for securing an object to a component having an aperture is provided. The system includes a strap having a first end and a second end. The strap second end couples to the strap first end such that the strap forms a loop around the object to retain the object therein. An alignment member extends from the first end, and the alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the component aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate positioning the object in a desired orientation relative to the component.
US09216702B1
A locking seam alignment guide may be utilized for attaching a fabric cover to a substrate to form an interior trim component in a vehicle passenger compartment. An elongate ribbon-like member has a longitudinal stitching flange and a longitudinal locking key depending from the stitching flange along a midline thereof. The longitudinal locking key has one of a cylindrical shape, and a triangular shape. The longitudinal stitching flange is one of a flange extending along one side of the midline, and a flange extending along both sides of the midline. The locking seam alignment guide can be stitched to a fabric cover and seated in a complementary keyway to hold the fabric cover to the substrate.
US09216691B2
A rearview mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element having a principal mirror and an auxiliary wide angle spotter mirror. A curved recess is established at a spotter portion of a rear surface of a glass substrate of the mirror reflective element. A spotter mirror reflector coating is established at at least a portion of the curved recess to establish the auxiliary wide angle spotter mirror. A principal mirror reflector coating is established at a surface of the mirror reflective element to establish the principal mirror. A portion of the curved recess is substantially not coated with the spotter mirror reflector coating or a portion of the spotter mirror reflector coating is at least partially hidden from view of a person viewing the front of the mirror reflective element by a coating of the mirror reflective element.
US09216685B2
There are provided a power supply unit control device for an internal combustion engine driven vehicle provided with a lamp driving switch for turning lamp-driving current supplied to a vehicle headlamp from a battery charged by the output of an AC generator driven by an internal combustion engine and with a conducting control unit for controlling the lamp driving switch. The conducting control unit normally performs on/off control of the lamp driving switch at a normal duty ratio, the normal duty ratio being an on/off duty ratio for the lamp driving switch at which lamp-driving current can be kept at a value not impeding the charging of the battery, and, when the internal combustion engine decelerates, performs engine deceleration lamp conducting control, in which on/off control of the lamp driving switch at the normal duty ratio is interrupted and the lamp driving switch is controlled so that lamp-driving current necessary to suppress reductions in the brightness of the headlamp is sent to the headlamp, only for a limited length of time.
US09216684B2
A display apparatus for a vehicle includes a virtual image display device, a detection device, and a picture control device. The virtual image display device emits predetermined light to permit a windshield or a combiner to reflect the predetermined light towards an eye of a driver. The emitted predetermined light is to display a picture. The virtual image display device displays the picture in a displayed area as a virtual image; the picture appears ahead of the vehicle. The detection device detects a target that is an obstacle or an intersection. The picture control device displays the picture to appear below the target in the displayed area, and then moves the picture to a position corresponding to the target apparently while decreasing at least a width of the picture.
US09216680B2
A truck body designed for transporting hard rock mined ore. The truck body includes a body floor having a first material forming a floor structure and a liner structure including a second material covering at least a portion of the floor structure. The second material has a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the first material and prevents wear of the truck body floor by the hard rock ore. The truck body includes a front wall and two opposing body sidewalls that taper outwardly from front to rear of the truck body such that a width between the body sidewalls at a rear of the truck body is at least 10% greater than a width at the front of the truck body. The outward tapering of the body sidewalls promotes movement of the load away from the body sidewalls as the load is released from the truck body.
US09216677B2
A quick-connect assembly for a vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback structure. A suspension assembly includes a plurality of outwardly extending flex members. A removable trim carrier is disposed over upper and lower components and is removably coupled to distal ends of the plurality of outwardly extending flex members by a friction-fit connection. A cushion is operably coupled with the trim carrier. An external peripheral gap is defined between the passenger support and the seatback structure.
US09216676B1
A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a seat body having a seating surface and a storage cavity. A headrest is carried on the seat body. Further a neckrest is pivotally attached to the seat body. The neckrest is selectively displaceable between the storage position in a cavity of the seat body and a deployed position above the seating surface. In one possible embodiment the seat assembly also includes a neck support that may be displayed with the neckrest between storage and deployed positions.
US09216672B2
An indicator apparatus for signaling that a foldable backrest of a seat in a motor vehicle is not locked includes a handle pivoted between a locked position and an unlocked position about a pivot axis, a locking apparatus having a catch that, by working of the handle can be moved between a blocked position and an unblocked position, and an indicator element guided between a non-indication position and an indication position and movable by a transition element. The transmission element comprises a spring element that is fixedly connected both to the handle and to the indicator element. The spring element is resistant to deformation as the indicator element is moved by the handle, but can be deformed in an elastic manner when the handle is located in the unlocked position and the indicator element is moved out of the indication position into the non-indication position.
US09216671B2
Provided is a vehicle seat flip-up mechanism that may be stably fixed to a vehicle body floor and may stably support an occupant load. In a vehicle seat flip-up mechanism that is provided to switch a posture of a seat cushion between a normal sitting posture and a stowed posture where the seat cushion is stowed while being inclined forward, the vehicle seat flip-up mechanism includes: links that extend in the front to back direction while being separated from each other in the seat width direction; a mounting bracket that is attached to the ends of the links and supports a seat cushion; a connection member that is installed in the mounting bracket; a support mechanism that rotatably supports the links; and mounting plates that are disposed below the support mechanism and are locked to the vehicle body floor, in which the mounting plate extends rearward relative to the link.
US09216667B1
In a vehicle seat, a positional deviation of a height device for moving a seat main body up and down is suppressed. The vehicle seat includes a cushion frame serving as a frame of a seating portion; the height device for moving the cushion frame up and down; and a side cover that covers the cushion frame and the height device from outside in a seat width direction. An operation lever is positioned in a state of being engaged with a positioning member contained in an outer side surface of the side cover, and an engagement protrusion of the operation lever moves in an engagement hole of the positioning member and abuts on a first stepped portion and a second stepped portion provided around the engagement hole when the operation lever rotates.
US09216663B2
A road surface self-adapting anti-slip anti-lock control method for an electrically driven mine vehicle comprises the following steps: if the vehicle is in drive mode, judging whether the speed of a designated driving wheel and the slip ratio of said wheel are greater than the corresponding preset value; exiting, if any of the two judging results is negative; if the speed of the vehicle is more than a first preset value, adjusting the torque of the designated driving wheel according to a high speed anti-slip policy, if not, according to a low speed anti-slip policy; judging whether the speed of the vehicle and the slip ratio of the designated drive wheel are more than the corresponding preset value in brake mode, thereby determining whether the anti-lock strategy is carried out. The control method is simple, is low in cost, and is convenient to debug on the mine vehicle.
US09216660B2
An electrically driven vehicle includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a first power drive device, a second power drive device, a first heat sink, a second heat sink, a baffle member, a first air guide passage, and a second air guide passage. The baffle member closes a space defined between the first power drive device and the second power drive device at a first end and a second end of the space. The first air guide passage houses the first heat sink. The first air guide passage is provided between a first partition wall and the first power drive device. The second air guide passage houses the second heat sink. The second air guide passage is provided between the first partition wall and the second power drive device.
US09216655B2
A vehicle includes a charging unit receiving electric power supplied from an external power supply through a power feeding cable connected to an inlet for charging a power storage device; a discharging unit for supplying electric power from the power storage device to the power feeding cable through the inlet; a discharge relay; and a charge relay. When ending a discharging operation, an ECU outputs an opening instruction to the discharge relay and determines based on the state of a power line during output of the opening instruction whether the discharge relay is welded or not. When starting the discharging operation, the ECU outputs a closing instruction to the discharge relay and does not determine during output of the closing instruction whether the discharge relay is welded or not.
US09216652B2
A redox flow battery includes a positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode electrolyte, each of which includes a metal-ligand coordination complex, in which a metal of a metal-ligand coordination complex of the positive electrode electrolyte is different from a metal of a metal-ligand coordination complex of the negative electrode electrolyte. Due to use of different metals in the positive and negative electrode electrolytes, the redox flow battery has high energy density and high charge and discharge efficiency.
US09216651B2
An electric vehicle control device includes a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer and a reset process device. The first and second microcomputers share a power source, have separate control functions, and allow for independent rewriting of their respective control programs. The reset process device monitors mutual microcomputer operation and performs a reset process that turns off power relays belonging to an onboard power system when a microcomputer operation error is identified. The reset process device includes a power shut-off reset process unit for performing a reset process that shuts off the flow of power through the onboard power system and turns off the power relays in this powered-off state when resetting due to a microcomputer operation error not caused by a microcomputer error being identified.
US09216648B2
Provided is a wheel driving device which drives a wheel by output rotation of a reduction device disposed on an inside in a radial direction of the wheel. The reduction device includes an output member connected to the wheel, and a pair of bearings supporting the output member. In the pair of bearings, the bearing on a side opposite to a vehicle body has a smaller outer diameter than that of the bearing on a vehicle body side. An injection passage member of a medium injected into the wheel may be disposed on an outside in a diameter direction of the bearing on the side opposite to the vehicle body.
US09216639B2
If the accelerator is on upon restarting a driving force source in travel mode by the time when the vehicle comes to a standstill after the driving force source is manually operated to stop while the vehicle is traveling, a control device for the vehicle implements first control in which the driving force output to the drive wheels is gradually increased. If the accelerator is on upon switching to the travel mode following restarting of the driving force source in the neutral mode and by the time the vehicle comes to a standstill after the driving force source is manually operated to stop while the vehicle is traveling, the control device implements second control in which the driving force output to the drive wheels is increased. The first control increases the driving force not as much as the second control increases the driving force.
US09216631B2
A roof system for a motor vehicle with a roof opening and a movable roof part for opening up and closing the roof opening, the roof part being assigned a web guide on opposite sides, the web guide permitting a longitudinal displacement and a vertical shifting of the roof part. Each web guide is assigned a respective slider unit which has a carrier structure which is tiltable in the manner of a rocker and on both sides of a rocker axis, as seen in the longitudinal direction, has sliding sections which receive the web guide.The two sliding sections are formed by a common sliding body which extends in the longitudinal direction beyond the rocker axis and is of elastically flexible design.
US09216624B1
A front suspension assembly and a front suspension system for a vehicle are disclosed. A tire includes an outer surface having a contact patch center point being a point on a tire center axis. A first handling link and a first ride link are coupled to a wheel carrier above a first plane. A second handling link and a second ride link are coupled to the wheel carrier below the first plane. A handling axis intersects both of a first and second distal end of the first and second handling links respectively. A ride axis intersects both of a third and fourth distal end of the first and second ride links respectively. At least one of the first and second ride links is disposed offset from respective first and second handling links to minimize a lateral distance between the handling and ride axes along the ground plane.
US09216621B2
In an apparatus for angular positioning of an operating arm of a tire changing machine, the arm has a first or proximal end hinged to a column extending vertically from the base of the tire changing machine. The arm is hinged to the column for swinging in a horizontal plane in a first direction of rotation toward a work position or in an opposite direction of rotation toward a rest position. The arm has an opposite, distal end having a support element for supporting work tools associated therewith. An adjustable lock or stop is provided for locking rotation of the operating arm in the first direction of rotation, the apparatus comprising a second lock or stop for locking rotation of the operating arm in the second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation.
US09216617B2
In an anti-skid device having lengths of chain which can be thrown under a vehicle wheel by means of a rotary plate which is arranged at the end of a pivotable extension arm (5), a drive unit having a piston (16) which is arranged in a cylinder (11) and whose movements are transmitted by a thrust chain (22) which assumes the function of the piston rod, to a drive pinion (29) whose shaft bears the extension arm (5) is used to apply the pivoting movement to the extension arm (5).
US09216614B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a rim for a pneumatic tire that can suppress local deformation of the sidewall portion of a mounted tire and thus suppress the occurrence of damage to the sidewall portion. The rim for a pneumatic tire according to the present invention is provided with a pair of bead seat portions separated from each other in a rim width direction and a flange portion extending outwards in a rim radial direction from a rim width direction outer end of each bead seat portion. A rim radial direction outer end of the flange portion is recurved outwards in the rim width direction. A radius of curvature of a surface of the flange portion at a rim width direction outer end portion of the flange portion is at least 0.4 times and at most 1.0 times a radius of curvature of the surface of the flange portion at a rim width direction central portion of the flange portion.
US09216608B1
A greeting card having a jointed or articulated character attached to a surface thereof, the articulated character being movable by user interaction with the greeting card. The articulated character contains various segments which are attached together at various pivot or hinge points making the character capable of bending and moving various aspects of the character body in various ways or directions which simulate the character dancing to audio playing in the background.
US09216591B1
This disclosure provides a method and system to promote the reduction of an environmental impact by one or more users of a printing system. According to an exemplary embodiment, a printing system includes a motivational platform and an operatively associated printer driver, the motivational platform recording the historical print activity of a plurality of users associated with a group and communicating the historical print activity to the print driver which is configured to provide an active user recommended selectable printer settings for a print job, prior to being submitted, which are based on best practices within the group.
US09216589B2
An image processing device has an image forming portion, a heating portion and a supplying portion. The image forming portion forms an image on a sheet. The heating portion heats the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming portion at a predetermined temperature, to thereby fix the image on the sheet. The supplying portion supplies the sheet on which an image is fixed previously. Further, the heating portion heats the sheet on which the image is fixed and which is supplied from the supplying portion at a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature to thereby remove the image.
US09216581B2
In a system and method for using a wiper to clean a nozzle plate of an inkjet head, a spring is disposed between the wiper and a mounting body, and the mounting body has a top portion and a bottom portion. The wiper is disposed proximate the top portion of the mounting body relative to the bottom portion of the mounting body. In addition, the wiper blade is transported across the face of a nozzle plate for wiping portions of the nozzle plate. A distance between the wiper blade and the bottom end of the mounting body is varied in accordance with variations in distances between the portions of the nozzle plate and the bottom portion of the mounting body.
US09216579B2
A waste liquid recovery apparatus includes a container body; a liquid absorbing body which is accommodated in the container body and absorbs liquid discharged as a waste liquid; and a sealing member which seals the container body, wherein a first space into which liquid is discharged from a liquid ejecting head and a second space which links with the outside through a ventilation hole formed in the sealing member are formed in a space closed by the container body and the sealing body, and the first space and the second space are connected with each other at the ventilation hole side.
US09216576B2
An inkjet head includes pressure chambers arranged in 2 or more rows and a common ink chamber connected to all the pressure chambers, wherein each of the pressure chambers includes a damper member inside of the common ink chamber of the inkjet head for commonly supplying an ink from the common ink chamber via an ink inlet which faces the common ink chamber, and the shortest distance between the damper member and the ink inlet is made shorter than the distance between ink inlets in adjacent rows of pressure chambers.
US09216574B2
In an ink jet printer (2), where there is relative movement between a print carriage (4) and a print table (6) to print on to a substrate mounted on the table (6), the gradient of the print table at each position of the print carriage (4) is used to produce a compensated position of the print carriage (4), and printing data is sent to the print head according to the compensated position instead of the actual position. This delays or advances the release of ink, to compensate for the difference in the time taken for the ink to reach a substrate mounted on the print table (6) when the print gap between print heads and print table (6) is not constant.
US09216573B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling droplet motion in an electric field by reducing volume of a single droplet to a very small volume using a strong electric field and controlling a position of a droplet using a repulsive force of the same polarity, and a method of the same. The apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode, an insulator disposed above the first electrode, a discharge tip disposed above the insulator by a predetermined distance and dividing a transferred fluid into a small volume of a droplet, and a second electrode contacting the fluid supplied through the discharge tip. The first electrode and the second electrode may form an electric field at an end of the discharge tip by forming a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US09216571B2
A liquid discharge apparatus is provided, comprising a channel structure; a piezoelectric actuator which has a plurality of individual electrodes, a common electrode, and a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between the individual electrodes and the common electrode; and a driving device which drives the piezoelectric actuator. The driving device outputs an individual driving signal which causes a change of an electric potential of the individual electrode, to the individual electrode corresponding to the nozzle for discharging the liquid. Further, the driving device outputs a common driving signal which causes a change of an electric potential of the common electrode in synchronization with the change of the electric potential of the individual electrode into which the individual driving signal is inputted, to the common electrode.
US09216563B2
A lead anchor includes an anchor body having an outer surface, a top end, a front side, a first end, and a second end disposed opposite to the first end. The anchor body defines a longitudinal lead lumen extending from the first end of the anchor body to the second end of the anchor body. The lead lumen is configured and arranged to receive a portion of a lead. A transverse lumen extends from the top end of the anchor body and perpendicularly intersects the lead lumen. An adhesive is disposed within a shell. The adhesive and shell are disposed in the transverse lumen of the anchor body and are configured and arranged for fastening the received lead to the lead anchor by piercing the shell to release the adhesive so that the adhesive passes through the transverse lumen into the lead lumen and into contact with the received lead.
US09216561B2
The present disclosure is directed to a method of welding a gasket to a spigot portion of a pipe section. The method includes supporting the gasket in a recess on the spigot portion of the pipe section. The gasket includes a seating portion and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion. A first bonding portion extends from the first shoulder portion and a second bonding portion extends from the second shoulder portion. The first bonding portion and the second bonding portion are provided to bond the gasket to the spigot portion. The method further includes heating a portion of the gasket and an adjacent surface of the spigot portion and applying a force onto the portion of the gasket following the application of heat to fuse the gasket onto the spigot portion.
US09216560B2
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a reflective insulation product is provided. The product includes a first outer layer having reflective material, a second outer layer, and an inner layer. The inner layer includes fiberglass and urethane, the urethane being present in an amount of at least about 5% by weight. The inner layer is positioned between the first outer layer and second outer layer such that the first outer layer is adhered to a first side of the inner layer by the urethane and the second outer layer is adhered to a second side of the inner layer by the urethane.
US09216558B2
The invention relates to a process for bonding a silicone or silicone based material to a polyurethane and use of the bonded silicone-polyurethane in the manufacture of biomaterials, devices, articles or implants, in particular long term implantable medical devices in the fields of cardiology, orthopaedics, plastic surgery and gastroenterology. The process involves the steps of (a) flame treating a surface of the silicone or silicone based material and (b) bonding the polyurethane to the flame treated surface of the silicone or silicone based material.
US09216551B2
A plurality of strip-like elements is applied onto a forming drum externally having a substantially cylindrical laying surface. The strip-like elements are disposed in mutually approached relationship to form at least one first annular reinforcing layer on the forming drum itself set to a first work diameter at which each of the applied strip-like elements on the laying surface subtends an arc of a circumference of a width as large as a submultiple integer of the overall circumferential extension of the laying surface itself. Adjustment devices operating on the forming drum subsequently carry out expansion of the latter to a second work diameter larger than the first work diameter, while maintaining its laying surface substantially cylindrical.
US09216547B2
The invention relates to a method for making an object, the method comprising forming a plurality of sections of the object, wherein the formation of each of the plurality of sections comprises applying at least two substances within an area having the shape of the section being formed, the at least two substances being able to chemically react upon contact with each other to form the section. The invention also relates to an apparatus for making an object, the apparatus comprising: an applicator arranged to apply at least two substances within an area having a shape of a section of the object being made, the at least two substances being able to chemically react upon contact with each other to form the section.
US09216546B2
A method of forming a three-dimensional object, is carried out by (a) providing a carrier and a build plate, the build plate comprising a semipermeable member, the semipermeable member comprising a build surface with the build surface and the carrier defining a build region therebetween, and with the build surface in fluid communication by way of the semipermeable member with a source of polymerization inhibitor; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid contacting the build surface; (c) irradiating the build region through the build plate to produce a solid polymerized region in the build region, while forming or maintaining a liquid film release layer comprised of the polymerizable liquid formed between the solid polymerized region and the build surface, the polymerization of which liquid film is inhibited by the polymerization inhibitor; and (d) advancing the carrier with the polymerized region adhered thereto away from the build surface on the build plate to create a subsequent build region between the polymerized region and the build surface; (e) wherein the carrier has at least one channel formed therein, and the filling step is carried out by passing or forcing the polymerizable liquid into the build region through the at least one channel. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.
US09216545B2
A printing head module includes a bracket, a locking mechanism disposed on the bracket and a printing head. The bracket includes a containing cavity and a supporter. The locking mechanism includes a pressing component fixed to the supporter, a locking component and an elastic component. The locking component pivoted to the pressing component such that the elastic component leans therebetween. The locking component has a first positioning portion. The printing head detachably disposed in the containing cavity includes a second positioning component. The first positioning portion is engaged with the second positioning component, so the elastic component is pressed to provide the locking component a restoring force away from the pressing component to confine the printing head between the locking component and the bracket.
US09216535B2
A method of controlling a slot die comprises positioning actuators of the slot die with a controller according to a first set of discrete settings, operating the slot die by passing an extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot with the actuators positioned according to the first set of discrete settings, and while passing the extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot, changing the positions of the actuators with the controller to create patterned features in the extrudate.
US09216508B2
Methods, systems, and devices are described for evaluating signal quality metrics at one or more locations on one or more available paths to a target location by a robotic device, and determining a path to a target location and an access point switching plan for the robotic device based, at least in part, on evaluated metrics. In some examples, evaluating signal quality metrics may include comparing signal quality metrics associated with one or more locations to multiple signal quality thresholds, where one or more of these signal quality thresholds may include a minimum bandwidth threshold. In some examples, the access point switching plan comprises one or more switching events between multiple radio access technologies (RATs) at one or more boundaries. In some examples, determining a path or determining an access point switching plan is based, at least in part, on comparing the costs associated with usage of multiple RATs.
US09216506B2
A handle barrier is configured to manipulate a handle while keeping a human hand separated from the handle. The handle barrier includes a body portion attached to a rear end having a left rear double arcuate portion, a right rear double arcuate portion, a front end having a left front arcuate portion and a right front arcuate portion. The left front arcuate portion and the right front arcuate portion are configured perpendicular to the body portion and further configured to accommodate the handle. The left front arcuate portion, the right front arcuate portion, the left rear double arcuate portion and the right rear double arcuate portion are further configured to be concave forming a central channel that is configured to accommodate the handle.
US09216505B2
A hand tool module having an interconnection device, which has an interface. The interconnection device has, in addition to the interface, at least one auxiliary interface, which is provided to bidirectionally exchange at least power at least with one additional hand tool module and/or a hand tool.
US09216501B2
An electro-hydraulic pressing device, which is particularly suitable for producing pipe joints by means of press fittings, has a pressure piston, which acts on pressing jaws. The pressure piston divides a pressure piston chamber into a pressure chamber and a rear chamber. A hydraulic pump for feeding hydraulic fluid from a reservoir is connected to the pressure chamber. A balance piston is arranged in the piston in addition to an overpressure valve. Up until a switch-off pressure is reached, i.e. throughout the pressing process, the balance piston closes a connection opening and a return flow channel.
US09216484B2
An adjustable work holding system can quickly adjust for different sized work pieces and can grip components with a small, about 0.100 inch, grip on the material, eliminating wasted material. Adjustable jaws can be mounted on a base plate and tightened into a desired position. Grippers are attached to the jaws and extend only about 0.100 inch over the jaws to provide a gripping surface. The grippers can be resiliently held open by a resilient member, such as an O-ring. A drive bolt for each gripper can be tightened to move the grippers closer together and grip material. The grippers provide strong holding forces and pulls the work piece down, which allows for more aggressive machining operations as compared to conventional work holding systems.
US09216478B2
A solder includes zinc as a main component and the solder contains 6 to 8 mass percent of indium. A solder includes zinc as a main component, wherein the solder contains only indium. In a die-bonding structure in which a semiconductor chip is connected to a bonded member by a solder, the solder made of zinc as a main component and contains indium.
US09216475B2
A method and apparatus to perform laser ablation in the vicinity of a charged particle beam while simultaneously protecting the light optical components of the apparatus utilized to perform the ablation from being coated with debris resulting from the ablation process. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, a protective transparent screen is used to shield the laser optical components. A preferred screen could be replaced or repositioned without breaking vacuum in the sample chamber and would not be particularly susceptible to undesirable charging effects.
US09216470B2
A twin wire welding apparatus including a first contact tube for guiding a first consumable electrode toward a weld puddle and transferring welding current to the first consumable electrode, a second contact tube for guiding a second consumable electrode toward said weld puddle and transferring welding current to the second consumable electrode, and a single power source connected to said first and second contact tubes for providing the same potential to said two consumable electrodes, and a method for operating such an apparatus.
US09216467B2
An aluminum alloy extruded tube product for a heat exchanger assembly and made from an 1xxx-series aluminum alloys and including furthermore a purposive addition of one or more wetting elements selected from the group of: Bi 0.03% to 0.5%, Pb 0.03% to 0.5%, Sb 0.03% to 0.5%, Li 0.03% to 0.5%, Se 0.03% to 0.5%, Y 0.03% to 0.05%, Th 0.03% to 0.05%, and the sum of these elements being 0.5% or less.
US09216463B2
In a cutting tool having an indexable cutting insert with three cutting portions, the cutting insert is removably securable to an insert holder by means of a fastener. The cutting insert has two opposing end surfaces with a peripheral side surface extending therebetween. At least one end surface has a central boss protruding therefrom with a raised support surface, and the peripheral side surface has three abutment recesses. In an end view of the cutting insert, each of the three abutment recesses is visible and located inside a first imaginary circle circumscribing the visible central boss. A holding portion of the insert holder has a seating surface with at least one protuberance protruding therefrom. The support surface is in clamping contact with the seating surface, and exactly two of the three abutment recesses are engaged with the at least one protuberance.
US09216459B2
The invention discloses a drilling machine, in particular a hand-held core drilling machine, having a drive with a motor that can be coupled to a tool spindle in order to drive the latter, wherein the drive allows at least a first transmission stage and a second transmission stage, having a center mount for mounting a pilot drill and having a tool mount for mounting a drill bit, wherein the drill bit and the pilot drill can be mounted substantially concentrically with one another, wherein the pilot drill, in particular in order to drill a pilot hole, can be driven in a first rotational speed range by means of the first transmission stage and wherein the drill bit, in particular in order to drill a core hole, can be driven in a second rotational speed range by means of the second transmission stage.
US09216457B2
A holder assembly for a cutting tool insert for machining operations. The holder assembly has first and second spaced apart clamping members, each having respective inner seating surfaces facing one another and defining an intermediate gap to receive the cutting tool. The clamping members are movable towards each other by a clamping mechanism to clamp and secure the cutting tool insert between the seating surfaces. The clamping mechanism includes a drawbar that is received in a cavity formed in each of the clamping members and are aligned with each other and extends in a transverse direction in relation to the intermediate gap. The clamping mechanism also includes a compression spring member, which presses the clamping members towards each other to secure clamping of the cutting tool insert. The clamping mechanism is released by a releasing member that overcomes the spring force acting to move the clamping members towards each other.
US09216455B2
Methods for producing silver nanoparticles are described. In one aspect, a liquid solution is prepared that contains phenazine-1-carboxylic acid. Silver metal salt is added to the solution to produce multiple silver nanoparticles.
US09216448B2
The invention relates to a drawing press (10) having a first ram (17) and a second ram (18). The first ram (17) is moved in a working direction (A) by an electromotive first ram drive (25) and the second ram (18) by an electromotive second ram drive. The drawing press (10) also has a coupling means (35) which can be switched between an uncoupling state and a coupling state. In the uncoupling state, the two rams (17), (18) can move independently of one another in the working direction (A). In the coupling state, the coupling means (35) ensures that a relative movement between the two rams (17, 18) is prevented. The drawing press (10) can therefore be operated as a single-acting or double -acting press.
US09216443B2
A drive system (100) for a cleaning device for cleaning a tank (1) including a brake arrangement (7, 8, 13) for regulating the speed of the magnetic hysteresis coupling, and where the brake arrangement is arranged in the vicinity of a second coupling part (5) of the magnetic hysteresis coupling, and where brake arrangement includes brake parts (7, 8, 13) that interacts with the second coupling part of the magnetic hysteresis coupling to adjust the rotation of the second coupling part of the magnetic hysteresis coupling.
US09216434B2
Preparation methods of an anisotropic conductive adhesive film are provided. One of the preparation methods includes heating a solid-state light-curing resin, a solid-state thermosetting resin and a solid-state elastomer to form a mixture. A liquid-state light curing active monomer and plasticizer are added to the mixture. A leveling agent, antioxidant and insulating nanoparticles are added separately to the mixture. Conductive particles are added to the mixture. A light curing agent, latent heat curing agent and coupling agent are added to the mixture to produce a light-beat dual curing anisotropic conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive is coated on a plastic film base material to form a semi-finished product. The semi-finished product is cured and dried to form a cured conductive adhesive layer, so that an anisotropic conductive adhesive film is produced. The anisotropic conductive adhesive layer is cut, and the anisotropic conductive adhesive film is rolled.
US09216433B2
A powder coating system which is provided with a rotating stage which makes a metal cylindrical member rotate while holding its internal circumferential surface, a first booth which covers part of the metal cylindrical member which is held by the rotating stage, and a second booth which holds the first booth. A powder coating introduction nozzle which is provided with a filling port of powder coating and a plurality of powder coating spray ports is provided so that a filling port is positioned at the outside of the second booth and so that the plurality of spray ports can be changed in position in the first booth to face surface parts of the metal cylindrical member. The sprayed powder coating is collected inside the second booth by a flow of air from a blow device and is removed by being sucked up by a powder collector.
US09216427B2
A system for deflecting and distributing liquid from a liquid source is provided. The system comprises a deflector turbine element incorporated at one end of a cylindrical rotor which encloses at least a portion of the nozzle and is guided coaxially along the nozzle by at least one guide ring. The turbine element fixed to the rotor cylinder further comprises at least one diagonal groove configured to receive and deflect the liquid. The rotor or spindle element is configured to spin relatively freely around the nozzle (hollow shaft) and is allowed to reposition up or down along the nozzle shaft limited by the force of the water jet in one direction and a repelling magnetic force in the opposite direction.
US09216421B2
There is disclosed a device for determination of a sample from a dielectric fluid medium for a bio-specific assay device, comprising: a sampling device and a biosensor, wherein the sampling device concentrates a sample from dielectric medium by electrically focusing the sample on to a capture element and wherein said biosensor is fluidically linked to said capture element thus providing sampling and determination in a unitary device.
US09216414B2
Certain aspects of the present invention provide devices and methods for preparing oligonucleotides and for assembling nucleic acid molecules using microfluidic devices.
US09216412B2
Series of bio-detection elements, shown as short hollow transparent reaction vessels (32), batch-surface-coated with capture-agent, are placed in channel of larger width (a3; c8; 15; 28; 44), and fixed by flexible or elastomeric over-lying sheet (a1; c7; 13; 38). Portions of sheet form pneumatically-activated pistons (22; 36) and valves (23-27; 54) to produce and control channel flow. Overlying sheet is of reflectively-coated Mylar (b4) or PDMS, bonded with channel-defining structure. PDMS sheet is surface-activated for molecular-bond with PDMS channel-defining structure, molecular-bond with PDMS-valve-seat-forming portions (34) defeated by repeated make-and-break contact during cure. Pick-and-place of detection elements in channel employs electrostatic attraction to seize elements, enabling tool removal. Rigidly-backed parts are brought together to channel-fix detection elements. Active capture-agent on batch-coated bio-elements defeated by shear-force removal or laser-scanning deactivation, so, e.g. inside surface only of hollow elements carries capture-agent. Sample may flow through hollow elements and by-pass outside without assay disturbance.
US09216409B2
Variations of bulk powder catalyst material including Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems for ZPGM TWC applications are disclosed. The disclosed bulk powder catalyst samples include stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinels on Pr6O11—ZrO2 support oxide, prepared using incipient wetness method. Activity measurements under isothermal steady state sweep test condition may be performed under rich to lean condition. Catalytic activity of samples may be compared to analyze the influence that different binary spinel system bulk powders may have on TWC performance of ZPGM materials for a plurality of TWC applications. Stoichiometric Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems exhibit higher catalytic activity than non-stoichiometric Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems. The influence of prepared Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems may lead into cost effective manufacturing solutions for ZPGM TWC systems.
US09216407B2
Catalyst supports, supported catalysts, and a method of preparing and using the catalysts for the demetallation of metal-containing heavy oil feedstocks are disclosed. The catalyst supports comprise precipitated alumina prepared by a low temperature pH swing process. A large portion of the pore volume of the catalyst supports has pores with a diameter in the range of about 200 Å to about 500 Å. Catalysts prepared from the supports of the invention exhibit improved catalytic activity and stability to remove metals from heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks during a hydroconversion process. The catalysts also exhibit increased sulfur and MCR conversion during the hydroconversion process.
US09216402B2
Herein disclosed is a reactor comprising a housing; an inlet tube having a section with perforations along its length, wherein the inlet tube section is within the reactor housing; an outlet tube having a section with perforations along its length, wherein the outlet tube section is within the reactor housing; and at least one cylinder made of sintered metal contained within the reactor housing, wherein the sintered metal is catalytically active. In some cases, the sintered metal in the reactor comprises a porous metallic multifunctional (PMM) catalyst. Other reactor designs and the method of use are also described herein.
US09216394B2
A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.
US09216393B2
We provide a process and apparatus for preparing a used ionic liquid catalyst for safe disposal, comprising hydrolyzing the used ionic liquid catalyst comprising an anhydrous metal halide with a basic solution at a temperature from −20° C. to 90° C. to produce a hydrolyzed product, evolve a hydrogen halide gas, and dissolve the hydrogen halide gas into the basic solution.
US09216391B2
Membranes for fluid separation are disclosed. These membranes have a matrix layer sandwiched between an active layer and a porous support layer. The matrix layer includes 1-D nanoparticles that are vertically aligned in a porous polymer matrix, and which substantially extend through the matrix layer. The active layer provides species-specific transport, while the support layer provides mechanical support. A matrix layer of this type has favorable surface morphology for forming the active layer. Furthermore, the pores that form in the matrix layer tend to be smaller and more evenly distributed as a result of the presence of aligned 1-D nanoparticles. Improved performance of separation membranes of this type is attributed to these effects.
US09216389B2
The present disclosure provides a porous polymer membrane having a covalent network structure and a method for producing the same. The method includes: polymerizing a first monomer having four first functional groups oriented in a tetrahedral arrangement with a second monomer having at least two second functional groups to prepare porous organic framework nanoparticles; mixing the solution of the porous organic framework nanoparticles with a polymer; and applying the mixed solution to a substrate, followed by heating to form a polymer matrix containing the nanoparticles. According to the method, a polymer membrane with excellent chemical stability, heat resistance, durability and permeability can be produced through simple processes. Advantageously, the porous structure of the polymer membrane can be easily modified depending on intended applications of the polymer membrane.
US09216381B2
Thermally stable, solid alumina-based compositions useful for the trapping of nitrogen oxides that are contained in gaseous fluids, notably in vehicular exhaust gases, are formed of alumina, cerium and a divalent metal M selected from among barium, strontium or an association of these two elements and which include at least 10% of the weight of element M expressed by weight of oxide in contrast to the total weight of the composition and also wherein the aluminate compound of the metal element M, i.e., MAl2O4, is absent and not detectable by X-ray diffraction of the composition, after calcination thereof with air at 700° C. for two hours.
US09216375B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a gas scrubber, in which a feed gas (1) containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide and/or hydrogen sulfide is scrubbed in a scrubbing apparatus (A1) using a scrubbing agent (3, 4) preladen with carbon dioxide in order largely selectively to separate the sulfur components from the feed gas and to produce a desulfurized gas stream (5, 9). The invention is distinguished in that a sulfur-free scrubbing agent (3, 4) is used which, on introduction thereof into the scrubbing apparatus (A1), has a carbon dioxide partial pressure which is greater than or equal to the carbon dioxide partial pressure in the feed gas (1) to be desulfurized.
US09216368B1
An apparatus for filtering and/or purifying water flowing through a water distribution system has a water filtration/purification cartridge mounted inside a housing. The apparatus provides for water boiler expansion pressure relief, while guarding against any water contaminated downstream of the apparatus backflowing into contact with the outlet side of the filtering and/or purifying matrix of the cartridge to prevent possible contamination of the outlet side of the matrix from such backflow and thereby cause water exiting the outlet port apparatus to be contaminated.
US09216357B2
A game machine uses a center unit that utilizes a physical operation of a ball to select at least one pocket by a drawing, and includes: cameras that are placed to be able to take images of the pockets; a center monitor that can display a video picture taken by the camera; and, sensors that detects the pocket decided by the drawing. And, the game machine specifies a predetermined video picture range from the video picture taken by the cameras, based on a detection result of the sensors, so as to include the video picture of the selected pocket at a time when the selected pocket is selected, and, displays a predetermined video picture on the center monitor based on the video picture in the predetermined video picture range specified.
US09216355B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a controller to identify a programming layer of a gaming accessory, to establish communications with a computing device communicatively coupled to a gaming software application, to establish communications with the gaming accessory, to receive from the gaming accessory a gaming accessory stimulation, to detect a match between the association and the received stimulation, to retrieve the substitute accessory stimulation, and to transmit the substitute accessory stimulation to the gaming software application. The detecting of the match between the gaming accessory stimulation and the substitute accessory stimulation for the programmable layer is by way of a predetermined association of the stimulation with the substitute accessory stimulation recorded in a user profile associated with a user account. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US09216353B2
Apparatus and methods are described for operating an online interactive simulation/game environment, where an object's motion is controlled by a player along a path. A player's skill level is quickly quantified as they control the object traversing the path, so that they can be properly placed in games with those of like skill, and do so without having competed with others. An optimal path is established for the object's travel during a portion of a game, and at each increment of travel, an optimum velocity or time delta is established. The path of the object being controlled by a player being rated is then tracked over the same path. At each distance increment its position and velocity or time delta are recorded and compared with the optimum. Deviations therebetween are calculated on an incremental basis, and the aggregate determines the player's skill level for a set of equivalent conditions.
US09216351B2
The disclosed implementations describe techniques and workflows for a computer graphics (CG) animation system. In some implementations, systems and methods are disclosed for representing scene composition and performing underlying computations within a unified generalized expression graph with cycles. Disclosed are natural mechanisms for level-of-detail control, adaptive caching, minimal re-compute, lazy evaluation, predictive computation and progressive refinement. The disclosed implementations provide real-time guarantees for minimum graphics frame rates and support automatic tradeoffs between rendering quality, accuracy and speed. The disclosed implementations also support new workflow paradigms, including layered animation and motion-path manipulation of articulated bodies.
US09216347B2
A portable device includes a viewing direction sensor configured to determine the viewing direction of a user of the portable device in the real world and a position determiner configured to determine a position of the user in the real world. Furthermore, the portable device includes a processing unit configured to generate—based on the viewing direction of the user and the position of the user in the real world—a virtual world in which a change of the viewing direction in a 3D coordinate system of the real world leads to a change of the viewing direction in a 3D coordinate system of the virtual world. The portable device further includes a display configured to display the generated virtual world to the user while blocking a view of the real world.
US09216341B2
A wearable device for monitoring and providing real-time feedback about a swimmer's body motion and performance, in particular, body orientation and forward speed, is provided. The device comprises a three-axis accelerometer, optionally a three-axis gyroscope, a memory, and a microcontroller configured to process the sensor input, calculate a swimmer's performance and provide feedback to the swimmer through an output. The output can be an earpiece or a swimming goggle with a digital display.
US09216337B2
A golf tee has a stake made of a first material and a crown made of a second material more flexible than the first material, in which the crown is overmolded over the stake. The crown and the stake can have corresponding projections. The stake can have projections to allow the crown and the stake to hold together better.
US09216332B1
A golf club head comprising a plurality of center of gravity adjustment assemblies and a flat panel that attenuates sound and, in certain embodiments, connects the center of gravity adjustment assemblies, is disclosed herein.
US09216331B2
Described herein are embodiments of golf club heads, such as fairway wood heads, having an adjustable sole. In some embodiments, a club head includes a body, a sole plate, and a platform. The body has a front portion comprising a striking plate, a rear end, a toe, a heel, a crown, and a lower portion opposite the crown. The sole plate is coupled to the lower portion of the body and is pivotably adjustable relative to the body about a pivot location adjacent to the front portion of the body. The platform is positioned between the sole plate and the lower portion of the body and is adjustable, such as frontwardly and rearwardly, to plural positions along the lower portion of the body to change a pivot angle between the sole plate and the body.
US09216330B2
A computer program is disclosed for reconfiguring a property-adjustable golf club. The program receives data input corresponding to a current configuration of an adjustable feature of the golf club, and data input corresponding to trajectory adjustment information. Based on the data input, reconfiguration information is generated, and outputted, that corresponds to one of a plurality of configurations of the adjustable feature of the golf club.
US09216329B2
A golf club head, and a method of making the golf club head, with an improved striking surface. The grooves are formed in the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, and a portion having a v-shape.
US09216327B2
A golf club head including a club face constructed from a low modulus material for maximizing driving distance potential and a perimeter flange having a mass reducing configuration for preventing adverse influences to the center of gravity and the moment of inertia of a golf club head including the club face.
US09216317B2
Stair climber apparatuses have a frame having an inclined support that extends from a bottom portion to a top portion; a plurality of stairs that are connected together in series and travel in a loop around the inclined support; an electric motor; and a control circuit that controls a speed of the electric motor and an output direction of the electric motor. The electric motor is operatively connected to the plurality of stairs so as to move the plurality of stairs in an upward direction along the inclined support and so as to alternatively move the plurality of stairs in an opposite, downward direction along the inclined support. An operator input device at the bottom portion of the inclined support inputs a boarding command to the control circuit. Based on the boarding command, the control circuit controls the electric motor so as to move the plurality of stairs along the inclined support. Methods are for operating the stair climber apparatuses.
US09216314B2
A hanging stand for a barbell is provided. The stand has two pole stands and two adjustable holding seats. The two pole stands are longitudinally spaced, and the top of each pole stand has a hook hanging component which can be hanged on a cross rack to enable the pole stands to hang longitudinally. There are four sides of each pole stand, and at least two linked sides have positioning holes which are spaced at intervals. Each adjustable holding seat has a positioning plunger which is capable of being inserted into any of the positioning holes, and provides the body of the barbell to be placed on a holding sheet having an anti-run limitation edge at the end thereof. The hanging stand is easy to construct, flexible to set up, provided at a reduced cost, and the height of barbell is adjustable and progressive.
US09216302B2
According to one embodiment, a radiotherapy apparatus generates counting data as a count value of photons included in a preset energy region based on an output signal from an observation detector. The radiotherapy apparatus generates medical image data based on the counting data.
US09216295B2
In some examples, an IMD provides CRT data that indicates an amount of time that CRT was not delivered by the IMD, such as the % CRT. In some examples, a CRT loss diagnosis module apportions the amount of time that CRT was not delivered amongst predetermined reasons for loss of CRT based on the CRT data and sensed cardiac data from the IMD. An external computing device may present a representation of the apportionment to a user, e.g., a clinician. The external computing device may also analyze the apportionment, and recommend programming changes for the delivery of CRT by the IMD based on the analysis.
US09216292B2
Methods and systems for performing capture threshold tests are described. During an initialization procedure a capture detection interval and capture detection threshold are determined based on peak values of cardiac signals sensed following the supracapture threshold initialization pulses. Following initialization, a plurality of pacing pulses to the atrium are delivered and the peak values of the cardiac signals sensed following each of the plurality of pacing pulses are determined. The peak values are compared to the pacing artifact threshold and the capture detection threshold. A timing of each of the peak values is compared to the capture detection interval. For each pacing pulse, discrimination between a captured response, a noncaptured response, and a fusion response is based on the peak value and timing comparisons.
US09216288B2
The present application discloses systems and methods for operating a stimulation prosthesis that contains a command module and a stimulator module that communicate by a data link. The stimulation prosthesis has at least two operating states: a configuration state and a stimulation state. In one embodiment, the stimulation prosthesis may use a communication protocol that is suitable for the current operating state. The risk of unintended transitions between the operating states due to data transmission errors is substantially eliminated. And in accordance with another embodiment, in addition to switching stimulation strategies, the stimulation prosthesis may also switch stimulation data formats to a format that is optimized for the new stimulation strategy.
US09216285B1
A leadless implantable medical device (IMD) may include an electrode, a housing, and an energy transfer component. The housing retains a pulse generator configured to provide stimulation energy for delivery to a tissue of interest, a power supply, a memory storing programmable instructions, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is responsive to the programmable instructions to control operation of the leadless IMD. The electrode is securely affixed to the tissue of interest. The housing includes first and second body portions mated to one another at a detachable interface. The electrode is coupled to the second body portion. The energy transfer component is distributed between the first and second body portions and is configured to convey at least one of stimulation energy or sensed signals across the detachable interface when the first and second body portions are mated to one another.
US09216281B2
An electrical implantable lead includes an elongated lead body having a plurality of lumens therein, including at least one linear lumen and at least one planar, non-linear lumen and a plurality of conductor cables disposed within the plurality of lumens. The electrical implantable lead further includes a terminal connector coupled to a proximal end of the lead body, the terminal connector being in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of conductor cables. Further, the electrical implantable lead includes at least one electrode coupled to the lead body, the at least one electrode in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of conductor cables. In accordance with various embodiments, the at least one non-linear lumen extends longitudinally along a portion of the lead body and includes a plurality or crests and a plurality of troughs.
US09216280B1
An electrical lead system includes a shaft to which a series of expandable ring electrodes are attached that follows the contour of the vascular or muscular structures of the heart, such as cardiac veins, arteries, atrial appendages and trabeculae, and provides sensing of electrical cardiac impulses, pacing and high voltage shock or defibrillation. The lead system uses a variety of energy sources to stimulate the heart, such as ultrasound, electromagnetic and electric impulses.
US09216279B2
An infusion pump for metering fluid flow through an delivery tube of an infusion tubing set has an internal occlusion clamp which clamps the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid through the tube when access to the delivery tube in the infusion pump is possible. To release the delivery tube from the infusion pump, a slide clamp is manually used to release the occlusion clamp to an open, non-occluding position while simultaneously occluding the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid.
US09216248B2
A method for monitoring a state of a blood line in a circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, including the steps of: acquiring at least a first pressure value from a first sensor mounted at a first point of a circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a blood line in which the blood is subjected to a pulsating thrust; acquiring at least a second pressure value from a second sensor mounted at a second point, distinct from the first point of the blood line of the circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, and correlating at least a first value, correlated to the first pressure value, and at least a second value, correlated to the second pressure value, with at least a threshold value, in order to obtain a datum representing a state of the blood line.
US09216247B2
Acid concentrates, and dialysate compositions prepared therefrom, contain citric acid and an effective amount of a buffering agent selected from acetate and/or lactate. The buffering agent allows a physiologically acceptable amount of citrate to maintain the desired pH of the dialysate.
US09216240B2
A medical device includes a substrate having at least one surface. The surface has a central portion and a peripheral portion. At least one bioactive agent is disposed over at least a portion of the surface. The medical device having a concentration gradient of the at least one bioactive between the central and peripheral portions.
US09216235B2
A method of crosslinking a protein or peptide for use as a biomaterial, the method comprising the step of irradiating a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a crosslinking reaction to form a 3-dimensional matrix of the biomaterial.
US09216233B2
An apparatus 100 includes an air path housing 10, a charging-unit high-voltage electrode 2 to charge airborne microorganisms introduced in the air path housing 10, a charging-unit ground electrode 3 disposed so as to face the charging-unit high-voltage electrode 2, a hydrophilic filter 6 to capture the airborne microorganisms charged by the charging-unit high-voltage electrode 2, a capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode 5 to polarize the hydrophilic filter 6, and a capturing/inactivating-unit ground electrode 7 disposed so as to face the capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode 5.
US09216228B2
The present invention relates to a prodrug which comprises at least one pharmaceutically and/or diagnostically active compound bound by a cleavable linker, a receptor and/or antigen targeting moiety and a protein-binding moiety which is capable of binding to a carrier molecule.
US09216218B2
The present invention provides antibodies useful as therapeutics for treating and/or preventing diseases associated with cells expressing GT468, including tumor-related diseases such as breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, hepatocellular cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, head & neck cancer, kidney cancer, in particular renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, liver cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, myeloma, neuroblastoma, placental choriocarcinoma, cervical cancer, and thyroid cancer, and the metastatic forms thereof. In one embodiment, the tumor disease is metastatic cancer in the lung.
US09216211B2
This disclosure provides attenuated swine influenza strains, particularly those produced via a reverse genetics approach, compositions comprising same, and methods of production and use thereof. The attenuated strains are engineered to encode HA proteins having additional glycosylation sites, relative to the HA proteins encoded by the corresponding virulent parental viruses. Advantageously, the attenuated influenza strains may be administered.
US09216206B2
The invention provides for compositions and methods of treating or ameliorating menopausal symptoms and/or symptoms associated with hormonal variations by administering granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The invention also provides for compositions and methods of treating or ameliorating arthritis using G-CSF.
US09216197B2
Novel formulations of tellurium-containing compounds, which are suitable for topical application, are disclosed. The formulations are characterized by high chemical and physical stability and are easy to handle and use.
US09216195B2
The present disclosure relates to bone cement formulations that have an extended working time for use in vertebroplasty procedures and other osteoplasty procedures together with cement injectors that include energy delivery systems for on-demand control of cement viscosity and flow parameters. The bone cement formulations may include a liquid component having at least one monomer and a non-liquid component including polymer particles and benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The non-liquid component may be further configured to allow controlled exposure of the BPO to the liquid monomer so as to enable control of the viscosity of the bone cement composition.
US09216193B2
The present invention provides a crosslinked hyaluronic acid composition including self-crosslinking hyaluronic acid particles having an equilibrium swelling capacity of 3-fold to 10-fold, and an aqueous solvent, wherein a dry weight of the self-crosslinking hyaluronic acid particles based on the total volume of the crosslinked hyaluronic acid composition is 3 w/v % to 8 w/v %.The crosslinked hyaluronic acid composition of the invention uses self-crosslinking hyaluronic acid particles of which the equilibrium swelling capacity is within the above predetermined range. Accordingly, the viscosity does not sharply increase even if the concentration thereof is increased. Therefore, if the crosslinked hyaluronic acid composition is applied to an injection, it is possible to obtain a sufficient curative effect on knee osteoarthritis even with a small frequency of administration.
US09216192B2
The present invention is directed generally to stable formulations of a TLR agonist preferably a TLR7 or a TLR8 agonist, for use in the treatment of cancer, preferably solid tumors and lymphomas. Specifically, the present invention is directed to stable formulations of up to 50 mg/ml of a TLR agonist which comprise a cyclodextrin.
US09216180B2
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention is also directed to a method of treating a genetic disease caused by premature termination codons, or other conditions that render messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) susceptible to nonsense mediated RNA decay, in a subject. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting nonsense mediated RNA decay and/or induction of autophagy. The present invention also relates to a method of identifying inhibitors of nonsense mediated RNA decay and/or inducing autophagy. The present invention further relates to a method of inhibiting nonsense mediated RNA decay and/or induction of autophagy in a subject.
US09216175B2
The invention provides sublingual formulations containing buprenorphine, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a derivative thereof. The invention further provides sublingual formulations containing buprenorphine and naloxone, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or derivatives thereof. The invention further provides a method of treating pain or opioid dependence by administering sublingual formulations containing buprenorphine, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a derivative thereof to a patient in need thereof.
US09216163B2
A novel angiogenesis inhibitor, and a method for inhibiting angiogenesis are provided. Also provided are a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a disease accompanied by angiogenesis, and a method for preventing or treating a disease accompanied by angiogenesis. The angiogenesis inhibitor contains L-carbocisteine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
US09216158B2
A particle is disclosed. The particle comprising: (i) at least one inner core which comprises a solid matrix of nutrients for microorganism growth; (ii) an inner membrane being fabricated from a water-soluble polymer, the inner membrane surrounding the inner core and a population of dried microorganisms; and (iii) an outer porous membrane surrounding the inner membrane, the outer porous membrane being insoluble in water. Methods of generating same, propagating microorganisms within and uses of same are also disclosed.
US09216157B2
Disclosed are tablets having a sandwich-like structure comprising at least one inner layer of gum base containing one or more active pharmaceutical, dietetic or nutritional ingredients and two non-contigous outer layers comprising antiadhesion excipients and compression adjuvants preventing the adhesion to the punches of the tabletting machine and possibly active ingredients which are the same as or different from those present in the inner layer. Said tablets are obtainable by direct compression of mixtures or granulates of the various components of each layer.
US09216155B2
Articles, compositions, kits, and methods relating to nanostructures, including synthetic nanostructures, are provided. Certain embodiments described herein include structures having a core-shell type arrangement; for instance, a nanostructure core may be surrounded by a shell including a material, such as a lipid bilayer, and may include other components such as oligonucleotides. In some embodiments, the structures, when introduced into a subject, can be used to deliver nucleic acids and/or can regulate gene expression. Accordingly, the structures described herein may be used to diagnose, prevent, treat or manage certain diseases or bodily conditions. In some cases, the structures are both a therapeutic agent and a diagnostic agent.
US09216154B2
Supramolecular assemblies for delivering active agents to cancerous or precancerous tissues in a subject are provided. These supramolecular assemblies are also useful in assays for detecting and imaging of cancerous and precancerous cells. The assemblies are protease-sensitive and comprise a peptide linkage containing a protease consensus sequence. The assemblies can be selectively targeted to cancerous tissue where the protease enzymes degrade the peptide linkage thereby releasing the active agents which were physically or mechanically contained in or retained by the supramolecular assembly.
US09216153B2
Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions.
US09216140B2
A medical resin composition is produced by mixing a powder of a polymer (A) comprising repeating units having an ester group and a liquid of a vinyl ester monomer (B) having 6 or more carbon atoms to increase a viscosity and, according to demand, further performing a polymerization reaction. The thus produced resin composition inhibits leaching of irritative substances, reduces any adverse effects on the human body by endocrine disruptors, etc. and can be prepared with high operational efficiency. The resin composition is suitably used as a dental resin composition such as a tissue conditioner, a functional impression material, a lining material, a denture base material or a mouth piece material.
US09216135B2
A massage appliance capable of synchronous kneading and tapping includes: a power-driven vertically-moving device, including an outer portion having therein a sliding channel, and a vertically-moving rack disposed alongside the sliding channel; a device capable of synchronous kneading and tapping, including a housing portion having therein a power source for driving a first transmission device whereby a second transmission device is driven to drive a rotational inclined surface structure for driving an oscillating arm to oscillate laterally; an oscillating arm coupled to a massage head support, two infrared lamp plates and two massage heads, causing the massage heads to perform kneading-based massage, the first transmission device driving a third transmission device, whereas the third transmission device driving an eccentric cam, wherein an eccentric spindle is connected to a lever weight to pull the massage head support to perform tapping, thereby allowing the two massage heads to perform tapping-based massage.
US09216124B2
Described is a leg support for a surgical table, the leg support comprising a connector for connecting the leg support to a surgical table; an intermediate member mounted on the connector by a first pivot joint defining a first axis about which the intermediate member is displaceable relative to the connector; and a support for supporting a leg of a patient, the support mounted on the intermediate member by a second pivot joint defining a second axis about which the support is displaceable relative to the intermediate member independently of displacement of the intermediate member relative to the connector about the first axis, the second axis being parallel to the first axis, and a plane normal to the second axis passing through both the intermediate member and the support. Also described is a kit of parts for a leg support, a method of configuring a leg support, a surgical table comprising a leg support, and a kit of parts for a surgical table.
US09216116B2
The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet and comprising a core wrap enclosing an absorbent material. The core wrap comprises a first material and a second material. The first material forms a C-wrap at least partially around the second material. The absorbent material comprises at least 80% of superabsorbent polymers by weight of the absorbent material. The absorbent core comprises a channel substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and at least partially oriented in a longitudinal direction of the article. The channel has an arcuate portion facing a longitudinal axis of the article. An angle between a tangent line of the arcuate portion and the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 20 degrees.
US09216111B2
A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.
US09216108B2
Lacrimal implants and related methods providing secure retention within the lacrimal punctum of an eye are described. The lacrimal implants can comprise a implant body configured for at least partial insertion through the lacrimal punctum and into a lacrimal canaliculus. The implant body can include a deformable retention structure that can be configured to substantially encapsulate an expandable retention element. In some examples, the expandable retention element can include a fluid absorbing material, which can be exposed to fluid such as via a fluid permeable retainer or a fluid permeable aperture. As the fluid absorbing material retains fluid (i.e., upon acceptance of fluid into the retention structure), its size increases and its shape can change to urge one or more portions of the retention structure outward, such as against a wall of the lacrimal canaliculus, thereby securely retaining the lacrimal implant within the punctum.
US09216103B2
The present invention is a device for pre-surgical treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate. The device is extraoral thus reducing the risk associated with existing devices and technologies that are intraoral, such as, for example utilizing a Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) appliance. The adjustable extraoral nasal molding appliance of the present invention consists of an adjustable and securable head fastener, a front connector with a forehead rest pad, a rod support having an aperture through which a rod is slidably connected, a fastener for locking a rod in a set position, the rod, a spring and at least one nasal bulb. Different shaped springs can be attached for treating unilateral as well as bilateral cleft lip and palate patients. Different nasal bulbs can be attached for treating unilateral as well as bilateral cleft lip and palate patients.
US09216100B2
A medical device includes yarns made of a shape memory material and polymer yarns, wherein the yarns made of said shape memory material include polymer sheathing.
US09216099B2
A gel liner made by starting initially with a one-piece knitted tubular sock-shaped fabric having a closed distal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and an open proximal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and being a gel permeable loosely knitted fabric. Molding the liner to have a gel cushion layer on its interior surface with the gel passing through and partially embedding the yarns of the proximal fabric section with the outermost portions of the yarns free of gel to form at least one annular seal whereby the proximal end section forming a seal not inhibited in deformation and/or elongation by the fabric when the liner is worn thereby reducing or eliminating any twisting or discomfort of the liner during ambulation caused by the annular seal.
US09216098B2
A method and apparatus for making a size measurement within an intervertebral space by placing an expandable and contractible device into the intervertebral space, expanding the device, measuring a size characteristic of the space, contracting the device and then removing it. The measurement may be accomplished by an external x-ray or other imaging device imaging the expanded device in situ or by mechanically operated devices. An expansion and contraction mechanism such as fluid containing bladder or mechanically shifted members expands the device which later contracts in a controlled manner to the contracted size. An apparatus and method is provided for the measuring of the intervertebral space at a controlled distraction force. The apparatus includes an expandable device for providing a measurement within the intervertebral space and facilitating the measurement of the angulations of the lordotic curve of the intervertebral space.
US09216091B2
A glenoid implant has an anatomically formed body including of metal and/or plastic materials. It further has a contact surface adapted to extend the surface of a glenoid and to bear a humerus. In the implant body, there is at least one hole with a screw head seating area for holding the head of a screw, which may be screwed into a glenoid for fixedly attaching the glenoid implant.
US09216087B2
The present disclosure provides a femoral prosthesis for use during a revision procedure. The femoral prosthesis includes a body, a neck, a stem, and a sleeve. The sleeve facilitates reattachment of an osteotomized proximal femur, specifically the greater trochanter, following a revision femoral prosthesis surgery involving an extended trochanteric osteotomy. Additionally, the sleeve promotes ingrowth of the osteotomized proximal femur with the sleeve.
US09216076B2
Expandable sealing means for endoluminal devices have been developed for controlled activation. The devices have the benefits of a low profile mechanism (for both self-expanding and balloon-expanding prostheses), contained, not open, release of the material, active conformation to the “leak sites” such that leakage areas are filled without disrupting the physical and functional integrity of the prosthesis, and on-demand, controlled activation, that may not be pressure activated.
US09216073B2
A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front, rear and base inner walls of the device and the front and rear inner walls each include a plurality of openings, the devices further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port.
US09216068B2
A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
US09216065B2
Apparatus and methods are described including acquiring a plurality of image frames of a portion of a subject's body. At least one of the image frames is designated as a baseline image frame, a shape of the portion in the first baseline image frame being designated as a baseline shape. A non-baseline-shape image frame is deformed, such that the shape of the portion becomes more similar to the baseline shape of the portion than when the portion in the non-baseline-shape image frame is not deformed. A composite image is formed that is of higher clarity with respect to anatomy of the portion, relative to each of the acquired image frames, by averaging at least the deformed non-baseline-shape image frame with the baseline image frame. The composite image is displayed on a display. Other applications are also described.
