US09284996B2

A clutch assembly of a vehicle includes a shaft configured to rotate around a rotation axis inside the shaft, a connection arm connected to the shaft, to a pilot-controlled mechanism, and to a mechanical servo that controls a movement of the vehicle, and at least two electromechanical actuators. The electromechanical actuators are configured to be selectively engaged with the shaft via an electromechanical clutch, such that the electromechanical actuators are disconnected from controlling a movement of the shaft and the connection arm when the electromechanical clutch is disengaged, and the electromechanical actuators are configured to control movement of the shaft and the connection arm when the electromechanical clutch is engaged.
US09284993B1

A clutch assembly includes a fluid-actuated piston that allows clutch usage in both high pressure and low pressure applications. The configuration of the clutch assembly allows the piston to be used with different seal arrangements. These different seal configurations create differently sized piston surface areas against which the inlet pressure will act to drive the piston. The ability to change the size of the affected piston surface areas allows for the piston to receive essentially the same driving force under both high pressure and low pressure applications. Thus, the clutch assembly enables use of high hydraulic pressure (e.g., 320 psi) in combination with a seal arrangement that creates a small piston-driving surface area, and also use of low pneumatic pressure (e.g., 120 psi) with a seal arrangement that creates a large piston-driving surface area.
US09284992B2

A wet clutch arrangement, particularly starting clutch for a vehicle, including a housing arrangement which is filled or fillable with fluid, a friction coupling region having a first friction surface formation rotating with the housing arrangement around an axis of rotation and a second friction surface formation that rotates with a driven element around the axis of rotation and which can be brought into frictional engagement with the first friction surface formation, a fluid coupling region with an impeller rotating with the housing arrangement around the axis of rotation and with a turbine that rotates with the driven element around the axis of rotation and which, along with the impeller, defines a toroidal fluid circulation space. The fluid coupling region is arranged radially outside the friction coupling region.
US09284991B2

A journal cross of a universal joint includes a base body from which four journals extend outwardly, each journal of the four journals having a cylindrical section and an outer diameter and a length in an axial direction of the journal. The four journals are formed as tubular structures, an inner diameter of each of the tubular structures is at least 67% of the outer diameter of each of the tubular structures, the journal cross is formed as a one-piece component from which the four journals as well as the transitions between the four journals are also formed, and the four journals merge in a common cavity which is formed in an interior of the journal cross.
US09284982B2

A cage is made of a magnesium alloy such as AZ91D, and is molded by means of injection molding. In this cage, a confluence region is brought away to outside the cage during the injection molding. The confluence region is a region including a void formed by merging of flows of the magnesium alloy. When observing a cross sectional surface of the cage, a ratio of an α phase having a grain size of 20 μm or greater is less than 15% in the magnesium alloy constituting the cage.
US09284978B2

An oil film bearing for supporting a roll neck in a rolling mill, suitable in particular for transmitting high bearing forces when the bearing partners are slightly and slowly moved with respect to each other, has a bearing surface into which are incorporated rods made of a friction-reducing material (e.g., low friction compounds), which extend in a substantially perpendicular direction to the bearing surface. The rods are deformed during heat processing to define a bearing surface. The bearing partner, such as a roll sleeve, rests on the free face of the deformed rods.
US09284970B2

A connector assembly formed by attaching two stamped housing sections to form a connector housing having a housing groove with a groove bottom and two side walls. The connector housings with spring can be used as a mechanical connector and/or as an electrical connector for numerous applications and across numerous industries. The groove geometries can easily be altered using different stamping dies.
US09284952B2

The disclosure describes trench-confirmable geothermal reservoirs that can snugly abut trench walls (that may be of virgin, compacted earth) for facilitating heat exchange and flow liquid from one lower end to an opposing top end, and vice versa, depending on desired heat exchange. The direction can be reversed for summer and winter heat/cooling configurations. A series of the reservoirs may be used for appropriate heat transfer. The water volume of the reservoirs is relatively large and slow moving for good earth heat conduction.
US09284948B2

A blade for a partial pitch wind turbine is described, wherein the blade has a truncated aerodynamic profile provided at the pitch junction of the blade. The truncated trailing edge acts to prevent the formation of a trailing edge gap during pitching between the trailing edges of the inner and outer blade sections of a partial pitch blade, thereby reducing the negative impact of air leakage, etc., when pitching a partial pitch blade.
US09284940B2

A system and method for converting wave energy into electric energy in an intelligent, practical, and efficient manner. The system utilizes a power input shaft coupled with a vertically reciprocating buoy to rotate a crank gear and a ratchet gear meshing therewith. When the gears rotate, a plurality of generators coupled therewith produce electric energy. A flexible pivot device connects the power input shaft and the crank gear for absorbing impacts against the system from irregular and variable passing waves. The power input shaft is adjusted in response to water level fluctuations for maximum efficiency. A counterbalancing and maintenance device is coupled with the buoy to improve energy conversion efficiency and to uplift the buoy to a safe position in extreme conditions. An intelligent control system is included to monitor, control, and optimize the operations of the system.
US09284923B2

A fuel vapor recovery apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle having a fuel tank has an adsorbent canister capable of adsorbing and desorbing fuel vapor vaporized in the fuel tank, a vapor path providing communication between the fuel tank and the adsorbent canister, a purge path providing communication between the adsorbent canister and an intake path of an internal combustion engine, a purge valve configured to open and close the purge path, a blocking valve configured to open and close the vapor path and having a valve body, and a regulator for controlling the purge valve and the blocking valve. The fuel tank is sealed when the blocking valve is closed. The fuel tank is configured to be depressurized by opening the blocking valve. The blocking valve is composed of a motor valve that has a driving motor and can adjust an opening amount by controlling a stroke of the valve body.
US09284920B2

Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including a DEGR system during start-stop and DFSO conditions. In one example, the DEGR cylinder may be deactivated prior to deactivating the non-DEGR cylinder group and stopping the engine, to purge EGR from the intake system.
US09284919B2

A fluid temperature stabilization system may employ an exterior casing defining an internal cavity, one or more phase change material may be located within the internal cavity. A fluid inlet may be located at a first end of the casing providing access into the internal cavity, and an outlet may be located at a second end of the casing providing fluid access from the internal cavity.
US09284918B2

A hybrid exhaust gas turbocharger is provided, which is capable of preventing the supercharger from being damaged due to a rotary shaft being moved to a large extent in an axial direction by vibration generated from the internal combustion engine and a rotary portion in contact with a stationary portion in the supercharger when the supercharger is mounted on an internal combustion engine. A restraint mechanism (35) including a thrust collar (41) attached to a shaft end of a rotary shaft (19a) of a generator positioned on a side opposite to a flexible coupling and two thrust bearings (42) disposed to oppose both end surfaces forming a flange portion (44) of the thrust collar (41) is accommodated in a recess (51) formed on a front surface side of a shell housing positioned on a side opposite to the casing.
US09284917B2

The invention relates to a gas distribution manifold (3) in the cylinder head (4) of a heat engine of a motor vehicle, said manifold (3) comprising a manifold housing (31) provided with an inflow face for the inflow of an admission gas (G) and an outflow face (3B) entering the cylinder head of the engine, in such a way as to enable the circulation of the admission gas flow in the downstream direction in the manifold housing (31); and means for injecting a recirculated exhaust gas flow (H) of the engine into the admission gas flow (G). Said injection means are formed in the manifold in such a way that the recirculated exhaust gas flow is injected in a counter-flow to the admission gas flow.
US09284914B2

A variable geometry (2) structure comprising: an flexural element (4); a tensioning element (6) connected to the flexural element (8); and an actuator (12) for adjusting the tensioning element (6) to change the load placed on the flexural element (4), thereby changing the geometry of the structure (2).
US09284911B2

Provided is an engine combustion chamber structure. Also provided is an inner wall structure for a through channel, through which exhaust gas or intake gas of the engine passes. An engine combustion engine structure is provided with a heat-insulating member on the inner wall of an engine constituent member which constitutes an engine combustion chamber, the heat-insulating member containing a heat-insulating porous layer formed from ceramics, and a surface dense layer formed on the surface of the heat-insulating porous layer and formed from ceramics. The surface dense layer of the heat-insulating member has an open porosity of 5% or less, and preferably the heat-insulating porous layer has a larger open porosity than the open porosity of the surface dense layer.
US09284907B2

By driving a fuel pump suitably to an amount of fuel according to an amount of fuel consumed by an engine and by monitoring an actual motor speed of the fuel pump, F/B control is carried out according to a target motor speed and the actual motor speed of the fuel pump. Meanwhile, by learning and storing a duty value comparable to a deviation between the target and actual motor speeds, duty driving of the fuel pump is corrected to suit an engine condition. It thus becomes possible to provide a fuel pump control apparatus of an engine capable of promoting power saving by suppressing a wasteful energy loss including a current consumption and making an internal circuit of an ECU simpler by enhancing fuel supply accuracy.
US09284904B2

A method for monitoring a fuel pressure in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine. A setpoint fuel pressure is initially set in the fuel injection system. Next, a first fuel injection and a subsequent second fuel injection are executed at a time interval shorter than a decay time of a pressure wave in the fuel injection system, triggerable by the first fuel injection. In an additional step, a monitored fuel injection quantity, which is injected via the second fuel injection, is ascertained. An action is executed if the monitored fuel injection quantity differs from a setpoint fuel injection quantity, which is predefinable for the setpoint fuel pressure, by more than a limiting value. The invention also relates to a computer program product for executing the method and to a device for monitoring a fuel pressure in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine.
US09284903B2

A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a vibration level module and an engine operation control module. The vibration level module estimates a first level of vibration in a vehicle due to contact between tires of the vehicle and a road surface as the vehicle travels over the road surface. The vibration level module estimates a second level of vibration in the vehicle due to an engine in the vehicle. The engine operation control module selectively adjusts at least one of a speed of the engine and a load on the engine when the second vibration level is less than the first vibration level.
US09284898B2

Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
US09284895B2

Methods and systems for detecting a leak in a compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery system of a vehicle are disclosed. According to some embodiments the method includes determining a first amount of CNG in a CNG tank of the vehicle, the first amount corresponding to a first time, and determining a second amount of CNG in the CNG tank at a second time, the second time being subsequent to the first time. The method further includes determining an expected CNG consumption of the vehicle during a period of time, the period of time beginning at the first time and ending at the second time. The method also includes determining an actual CNG consumption during the period of time based on the first amount of CNG and the second amount of CNG, and comparing the actual CNG consumption and the expected CNG consumption to determine whether a leak has occurred.
US09284887B2

One embodiment of the present invention is a unique gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique frame for a gas turbine engine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines and gas turbine engine frames. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US09284886B2

A gas turbine is configured to operate with a high temperature combustion gas stream. The gas turbine may include a combustor that provides a combustion gas stream including charged particles and at least one turbine stage including at least one high temperature surface that may be driven with a voltage selected to repel the charged particles. The at least one high temperature surface may output a film-cooling layer including cool air, the film-cooling layer being stabilized by Coulombic forces between the voltage and the charged particles.
US09284885B2

A method of optimizing the use of an aircraft power plant having at least one engine operating within a performance envelope covering at least a first rating and a second rating, the first rating presenting a first power (P1) usable over a predetermined first time interval (D1), the second rating presenting a second power (P2) greater than said first power (P1), the second power (P2) being usable continuously over a predetermined second time interval (D2). Thus, while the engine is developing a third power (P3) that is both greater than the first power (P1) and less than or equal to the second power (P2), a potential first duration of utilization (ΔT) of continuous use of the second power (P2) is determined and displayed, the first duration of utilization (ΔT) elapsing at a speed that is variable and that depends on said third power (P3).
US09284884B2

A trapped burned gas fraction is controlled in a two-stroke cycle opposed-piston engine with uniflow scavenging by adjusting an external EGR setpoint in real time. The adjusted setpoint is used to control EGR flow in the engine's air handling system.
US09284881B2

A method for operating a compressor, which supplies an internal combustion engine that is assigned to the compressor at its output end with air compressed to a boost pressure, in which the boost pressure is reducible by releasing the compressed air at least partially via a pressure release valve. The air released via the pressure release valve is used for driving a compressor wheel of the compressor.
US09284880B2

Methods and systems are provided for purging condensate from a charge air cooler to an engine intake. During an engine deceleration event, the vehicle is downshifted into a lower gear to increase RPM and airflow through a charge air cooler to purge stored condensate to the engine intake. By delivering condensate while an engine is not fueled, misfire events resulting from ingestion of water are reduced.
US09284875B2

Systems are provided to providing water to the bore bridges of a cylinder block that contains an oil cooling system. An oil-cooled cylinder block may be desirable to aid in rapidly increasing engine temperature during engine warm-up, but high local temperatures may exist in the bore bridges in between adjacent cylinders, thereby leading to adverse performance. To control the high local temperatures while maintaining rapid engine warm-up, systems are proposed to provide water coolant from the cylinder head into cross-drilled passages located in the bore bridges of the cylinder block while cooling the rest of the cylinder block with oil or a different coolant.
US09284866B2

A lube system is provided and includes an air-oil tank including a deaerator configured to remove a first quantity of oil from a first air-oil supply to generate a second air-oil supply having a second quantity of oil, which is smaller than the first quantity of oil, the air oil tank being configured to output the second air-oil supply to an air vent line, a de-oiler disposed along the air vent line and configured to remove from the second air-oil supply oil mist including oil droplets of a minimum size and a system disposed between the deaerator and the de-oiler, which is configured to encourage formation of the oil droplets of at least the minimum size.
US09284862B2

The invention relates to a camshaft adjusting device (1) for an internal combustion engine and to a method for producing a camshaft adjusting device having a stator wheel (10) and a rotor wheel (11), wherein the rotor wheel (11) has a first body part (19) and a second body part (20), wherein a joining surface (19a) of the first body part (19) and a joining surface (20a) of the second body part (20) are joined to one another, and wherein depressions (21, 22) are formed in at least one of the joining surfaces (19a, 20a) in order to form the fluid ducts (17, 18) at least in sections. In order to provide a camshaft adjusting device (1) with an improved rotor wheel (11), which is formed from two body parts (19, 20), which can be joined to one another in an improved manner, a provision according to the invention is that at least one sealing means (25, 26) be provided in or on at least one joining surface (19a, 20a) with the sealing means being designed such that the fluid ducts (17, 18) are sealed off and that defined contact is obtained between the joining surfaces (19a, 20a), which are placed on top of one another.
US09284837B2

Apparatus and methods for downhole formation testing including use of a probe having inner and outer channels adapted to collect or inject injecting fluids from or to a formation accessed by a borehole. The probe straddles one or more layers in laminated or fractured formations and uses the inner channels to collect fluid.
US09284832B2

In one aspect, a method of estimating one of inclination and orientation of a downhole device is provided that includes the features of taking pressure measurements at a plurality of locations on the downhole device in the wellbore, wherein at least one location in the plurality of locations is vertically displaced from at least one other location, and estimating the one of the inclination and orientation of the downhole device from the plurality of pressure measurements. In another aspect, a downhole tool is disclosed that in one configuration includes a device for estimating inclination and/or orientation of the downhole tool that further includes a body containing a liquid therein and a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in the body configured to provide pressure measurements of the liquid in the body, wherein a pressure sensor in the plurality of pressure sensors is vertically disposed from at least one other sensor in the plurality of sensors.
US09284827B2

A process for hydrocarbon recovery performs a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operation by injecting steam in a steam injection well of a SAGD well pair and continuing to inject steam to establish fluid communication between the steam injection well and an oxidizing gas injection well that includes an oxidizing gas injection well segment that is spaced generally above the steam injection well segment, and producing hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon production well of the SAGD well pair, the hydrocarbon production well including a generally horizontal production well segment disposed generally parallel to and vertically below a generally horizontal steam injection well segment of the steam injection well such that the steam injection well segment is disposed generally vertically between the production well segment and the oxidizing gas injection well segment. In response to determining that the steam injected in the steam injection well reaches the oxidizing gas injection well or is near a top of the oil sands reservoir, SAGD is discontinued and oxidizing gas is injected through an injection well. The oxidizing gas supports in situ combustion (ISC) in the reservoir. During ISC, combustion gases are produced through the steam injection well of the steam assisted gravity drainage well pair; and the mobilized hydrocarbons are recovered from the reservoir through the hydrocarbon production well of the steam assisted gravity drainage well pair.
US09284824B2

Methods and apparatus are presented for a “disappearing” perforator gun assembly. In a preferred method of perforating a well casing, inserted into the well casing is a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance. An inner structure is positioned within the outer tubular and holds one or more explosive charges. Upon detonating the explosive charges, the outer tubular is fragmented. The inner structure is preferably also substantially destroyed upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges. For example, the inner structure can be made from a combustible material, corrodible, dissolvable, etc., material. A disintegration-enhancing material is optionally positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure. Additional embodiments are presented having gun housings which dematerialize upon detonation of the charges.
US09284822B2

A method for injecting treatment chemical into a well includes selecting times at which to operate a chemical dispenser to inject a selected amount of treatment chemical into a well. At each selected time whether a wellbore pump is operating is determined. If the pump is operating the selected amount of treatment chemical is dispensed into the well. If the pump is not operating, no chemical is dispensed and a counter is incremented. At each subsequent selected time, the determining whether the well pump is operating is repeated. When a subsequent selected time coincides with a time at which the well pump is determined to be operating, the chemical dispenser is operated to inject a product of the number in the counter plus one, and the selected amount of treatment chemical into the well.
US09284803B2

A one-way flowable anchoring system includes a plurality of same anchors that are sealedly fixedly engagable within a structure and each of the plurality of same anchors has a flow bore longitudinally therethrough with a first seat and a second seat on opposing ends thereof The system also has a plug positionable within the structure between two of the plurality of same anchors positioned longitudinally adjacent one another. The plug is sealedly engagable to substantially block flow through the flow bore of a first of the plurality of same anchors when sealingly engaged with the first seat thereof and the plug is seatingly engagable to allow flow around the plug and into the flow bore of the second of the plurality of same anchors through an area at least equal to that of the flow bore when the plug is seated at the second seat thereof
US09284802B2

A method includes introducing a bullnose assembly into a main bore of a wellbore, the bullnose assembly including a body and a bullnose tip arranged at a distal end of the body and being configured to move between a default configuration, where the bullnose tip exhibits a first diameter, and an actuated configuration, where the bullnose tip exhibits a second diameter different than the first diameter. The bullnose assembly is advanced to a deflector arranged within the main bore and defining a first channel that exhibits a predetermined diameter and communicates with a lower portion of the main bore, and a second channel that communicates with a lateral bore. The bullnose assembly is then directed into either the lower portion of the main bore or the lateral bore based on a diameter of the bullnose tip as compared to the predetermined diameter.
US09284786B2

A downhole cutting tool for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation may include a tool body having a tool axis and a direction of rotation about the tool axis; at least two blades attached to the tool body, the at least two blades having a leading face facing the direction of rotation of the tool body about the tool axis, a trailing face facing away from the direction of rotation of the tool body about the tool axis, and a formation facing surface extending between the leading face and the trailing face; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least two blades, each cutting element having a radial distance from the tool axis; wherein at least one blade, at its formation facing surface, comprises, between two radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade, a raised depth of cut feature for each cutting element on the other of the at least two blades that are at radial distances from the tool axis intermediate the radial distances from the tool axis of the radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade.
US09284780B2

A drilling apparatus comprised of a multiplicity of subassemblies for drilling an open-hole extension from within an existing cased borehole located in a geological formation for the production of oil and gas. In one embodiment, one subassembly includes a motor located within a cased section of the borehole that rotates a drill pipe segment attached to a rotary drill bit in the open-hole to drill the open-hole extension of the well. In another embodiment, a shroud encloses the motor located within the cased portion of the well that is used to control the mud flow to and from the bit in the open-hole during the drilling process.
US09284778B2

A method to horizontally support substantially parallel railed ladder (3) with box (4) against vertical surface (17), with ladder footed (5) on horizontal ground (6). Box substantially has front side (32) open, facing ladder. Ladder top end (2) supports against box uppermost portions (36), ladder lower upper portion (94) supports against box bottom wall front portions (13), and box back side (11b) supports substantially flat against the vertical surface. Box top wall (10) and bottom wall (12) are both substantially perpendicular to the box back side. Ladder leans at a substantial angle, substantially at 4-up-to-to-1-out angle (U to O angle). Box on ladder can: provide two platforms to place supplies laddertop; distance ladder from the vertical surface; and improve ladder utility and user safety.
US09284777B1

A fall restraint system having a retractor assembly including a housing assembly that is mounted onto an aerial apparatus. A base pulley assembly is also mounted onto the aerial apparatus. A cable having first and second ends is partially stored within the housing assembly, whereby the first end is fixed within the housing assembly. The second end is threaded around the base pulley assembly and is also fixed onto the aerial apparatus. Tensioning means keep a predetermined tension on the cable while the aerial apparatus extends from a retracted position to an extended position and vice-versa.
US09284773B1

A pet door system for allowing pets to enter and exit a building is provided. The pet door system comprises a pet door having a top edge, a pair of side edges, and a bottom edge with the pet door pivotally mounted within the opening. An aperture is formed in the top edge only of the pet door. A groove extends from along each side of the aperture. A plunger is moveable into and out of the aperture with the plunger riding in the groove. A solenoid moves the plunger into and out of the aperture with an activation mechanism activating the solenoid. Upon the activation mechanism being positioned within a predetermined distance from the pet door, the solenoid causes the plunger to automatically unlock the pet door. Upon the activation means being positioned outside the predetermined distance from the pet door, the solenoid causing the plunger to automatically lock the pet door.
US09284770B2

An adjustable screen re don system is presented. The present invention screen retention system comprises a mesh Of perforate screen retained within a frame composed of frame members have channel cross sections. The screen is formed with a rolled or U-shaped edge hem. The edge hem having a free edge that folds inwardly over the inner face of the screen and is parallel to, and spaced above, the inner face of the screen. The framing members are channel section extrusions which contain features for retaining, tensioning and locking the screen. The adjustable screen retention system herein presented improves upon the prior art by providing a more secure attachment of the screen within the channel of the frame members thereby providing increased resistance to screen impact loading. The new system also provides for a broader range of screen of tensioning adjustment than has heretofore been available and further electrically isolates the screen from the walls of the channel.
US09284767B2

A side spoiler arrangement for a motor-driven tailgate of a motor vehicle is provided. The side spoiler arrangement case includes at least one spoiler element arranged along a lateral edge of a rear window. The spoiler element provides a function for improving the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle. An obstruction sensor device is fastened to the spoiler element and coupled to a drive of the tailgate.
US09284763B2

Various implementations of a hinge-mounted door stop are disclosed. In some implementations, the door stop is fashioned to be unobtrusive when installed on a door hinge assembly in order to reduce a possibility of being noticed in plain sight. Moreover, the door stop has a simple construction that allows quick and easy installation on a door hinge assembly relative to other configurations.
US09284762B2

The present disclosure provides an adapter configured to be secured to an edge of a container. The adapter may include a top portion configured to conform to a top surface of the edge of the container. The adapter may also include a bottom portion coupled to the top portion. The bottom portion may include a raised portion configured to conform to a bottom surface of the edge of the container. Further, a bottom surface of the bottom portion may include a substantially planar slot configured to receive a mounting clip. In one example, the mounting clip may be connected to a food guard configured to cover an opening in the container.
US09284757B2

An emergency release device for a trunk of a vehicle includes an arrestor device for limiting an opening movement of the trunk, a trunk lock and a coupling module including first and second coupling elements, each shiftably supported in the coupling housing, wherein the first and second coupling elements respectively operatively couple an emergency actuation device of the vehicle to the arrestor device, and an actuation device of the vehicle to the trunk lock, and are detachably coupled to each other during a first stroke of the first coupling element caused by an actuation of the emergency actuation device, wherein the first stroke causes the second coupling element to open the locking device and causes the first coupling element to perform an idle stroke relative to the arrestor device, and wherein the coupling between the first and second coupling elements is released in response to a second stroke advancing past the first stroke and is caused by the actuation of the emergency actuation device.
US09284753B1

A method of protecting a lock on the latch of a shipping container or trailer door without modifying the door latch includes a ring having a bar that is connected at both ends to the inside of the ring. The bar has an aperture dimensioned similarly to the bore on the retainer and handle elements of the door latch. The ring has a rim on one side including a saddle at each end of the bar so that when the rim is placed over the latch the saddles straddle the handle and the bores on the bar, the handle and the retainer are aligned. A shackle of a lock is placed through the bores on the handle, bar and retainer. The ring prevents cutting tools from directly accessing the shackle thereby protecting the lock.
US09284752B2

Anti-overturn locking system for furniture drawers, with electronic blocking module, where: the locking system consists of: strip (7), support (6), mobile blocking device (9) and punch (5) which moves linearly guided on a cover (8) on being operated by the blocking module or by an associated punch spring (10); the mobile blocking device (9) may or may not move on the strip (7) according to the position of the punch (5); and the electronic blocking module consists of: tab (2) that can move linearly on casing (1) by the action of a motor (3) that transfers the movement to a cam (4) the shaft of which (4a) continuously supports it due to the force exerted by a tab spring (11); and electronic plate (12) equipped with a first sensor (12a) and a second sensor (12b) on which an arm (2a) of the tab (2) is positioned.
US09284747B2

A door hardware locating tool includes a first side wall having a first side, a second side opposite, and a cavity defined between the first and second sides. The door hardware locating tool further includes a second side wall coupled to the first side wall and extending substantially parallel to the first side wall, a center wall disposed between the first and second side walls, a clamping mechanism operable to clamp a door between the first and second side walls, and an insert at least partially located within the cavity and translatable along the first side wall between a first position and a second position. The insert includes an aperture sized to receive a cutting tool. In the first position, the aperture is located a first backset distance from the center wall, and in the second position, the third aperture is located a second backset distance from the center wall.
US09284744B2

A pole base provides a secure mounting structure that can easily be adapted for use with multiple configurations of poles. The pole base may include a body having an upper portion and a pole attachment device disposed on or within the upper portion of the body. The pole attachment device may be a plate configured to removeably receive a plurality of fasteners such that each of the plurality of fasteners may be received in the separate plate in a plurality of locations. Alternatively, the pole attachment device may be a plurality of recesses formed within the upper portion of the body.
US09284741B2

A cover apparatus includes a frame, a cover assembly at least partially supported by the frame, and a drive mechanism. The cover assembly includes a generally planar main portion, and at least one edge portion adjoining a side edge of the main portion. The drive mechanism engages the edge portion and moves the cover assembly relative to the frame to advance or retract the cover assembly. The drive mechanism may include first engagement elements, and the edge portion may include second engagement elements that interengage with the first engagement elements. The cover apparatus may be used for covering a pool.
US09284725B2

The present invention relates to a foamed or non-foamed stable composition for use as a building material, for example as coverings, for plastering and insulating walls, floor slabs and ceilings. Such compositions can also be used for producing insulating structural elements, casting light and insulating ferro-cement structural systems, insulating piping, ducts, filling spaces (i.e. as fillers), stabilizing floors and producing cements floors, or for other uses in the constructions industry. One exemplary composition comprises the following components: 30 to 90% anhydrite, 0 to 40% Portland cement, 0 to 70% light and/or heavy fillers, 1 to 10% activator additives, 1 to 20% setting and strength regulator additives and 1 to 12% thickening additives.
US09284723B2

A faucet includes a spout and a sprayhead movable between a docked position, in which the sprayhead is in contact with the spout, and an undocked position, in which the sprayhead is spaced apart from the spout. The faucet also includes a hose that includes a tubular portion having an inlet end and an outlet end and configured to provide fluid through the spout to the sprayhead and a magnetically responsive end portion coupled to the outlet end and configured to be freely and rotatably received within a portion of the sprayhead. A magnet is located in the spout such that when the sprayhead is in the docked position, the magnet magnetically attracts the magnetically responsive end portion of the hose so as to retain the sprayhead against the spout.
US09284719B2

The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic system for a construction machine having an electronic hydraulic pump, and more particularly, to a hydraulic system which temporarily drives the construction machine when an operation of an electronic control unit controlling an electronic hydraulic pump is abnormal, particularly, when the electronic control unit is not able to perform a control because an operative amount of a joystick input to the electronic control unit is not normally transmitted to the electronic control unit.
US09284717B2

A swivel control apparatus for swiveling a swivel body that supports an attachment including a boom, an arm, and an end attachment by a motor, wherein a swivel drive command to the motor is changed in conformation with a posture of the attachment.
US09284716B2

A box section of a cab is detachable in a motor grader. The motor grader is provided with a bracket and a first controller. The bracket is attachable to a floor section. The first controller is attachable in a selective manner to the box section and the bracket and controls equipment required for travel.
US09284714B2

There is provided a hydraulic excavator in which invasion of a design surface by a work implement can be suppressed. A boom-lowering proportional solenoid valve is provided in a boom-lowering pilot conduit connected to a boom-lowering pilot port. A first pressure sensor detects a pressure generated in the boom-lowering pilot conduit between a control lever and the boom-lowering proportional solenoid valve. A controller controls an opening degree of the boom-lowering proportional solenoid valve based on the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor. The controller gently increases, from zero, a current value outputted to the boom-lowering proportional solenoid valve.
US09284711B2

A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a plastic reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The plastic reinforcement structure includes one or more plastic sidewalls that protect the edges of the lid from damage. The upper and lower surfaces of the lid are exposed concrete (with the exception of the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls). The one or more plastic sidewalls laterally surround a plastic reinforcement grid, which is centrally located between the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls. The one or more plastic sidewalls can be integrally formed with the plastic reinforcement grid. The plastic reinforcement grid reinforces the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material. Support struts can be used to support the plastic reinforcement grid while wet concrete is being poured into the plastic reinforcing structure.
US09284697B2

A working device for ground compaction comprises an upper mass, a guide device coupled to the upper mass and intended to guide the working device, a lower mass which can move relative to the upper mass, which is movably coupled to the upper mass via a spring device, and which has a ground contact plate, and a vibration-generating device for producing a relative movement between the upper mass and the lower mass. Furthermore, a drive for driving the vibrating-generating device is provided, wherein the drive comprises an electric motor. The electric motor is supplied with electrical energy via an electrical energy store arranged on the guide device.
US09284694B2

Provided herein are roadways containing polyurethane materials. A roadway includes a base layer of a compacted in situ material and/or a wear layer disposed on the base layer. One or both of these layers may include the polyurethane material to bind other components in the layers and to form more robust and durable roadway structures capable of withstanding operating loads of the roadway. In some embodiments, the polyurethane material is added to the wear layer by mixing in situ soil and/or foreign aggregate with polyurethane material or by dispensing the polyurethane material over the existing partially formed wear layer. The base layer may or may not include a polyurethane material. The type, concentration, distribution, and processing of the polyurethane material in the wear layer may be the same or different than that in the base layer.
US09284676B2

Disclosed herein is a drum type washing machine including a body, a tub arranged in the body, and a drum rotatably installed in the tub, and an inner surface of a rear wall of the has a flat portion along a rotating direction of the drum.
US09284669B2

Methods of preparing polymeric webs include hot melt blending of thermoplastic resins and processing aids. The process aids include hindered amine N-substituted succinimide oligomers. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media. Among the polymeric webs produced are electret webs. The processing aids also function as charge-enhancing additives for the electret webs.
US09284666B2

A network layer is provided that contains at least one thermoplastic biodegradable substance. The network layer contains at least one colored first material in a first direction, the first colored material exhibiting a first absorption coefficient, and at least one colored second material in a second direction, the second colored material exhibiting a second absorption coefficient. The colored first material and the colored second material are in contact with each other, a coloration of the first material is different from a coloration of the second material, and the second absorption coefficient is different from the first absorption coefficient.
US09284664B2

Disclosed are polymeric additives for concrete formed of a polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer, POM copolymers can be utilized to form fibrous additives for concrete, i.e., microfibers and/or macrofibers. The POM copolymers can include one or more chemical groups, e.g., end groups and/or pendant groups that can increase the polarity of the POM and increase the hydrophilicity of the formed fibers, which can improve miscibility of the fibers in wet concrete. Chemical groups of the POM copolymers can bond with components of the concrete or can hydrolyze to form groups that can bond with components of the concrete, e.g., form covalent or noncovalent (e.g., electrostatic or ionic) bonds with one or more components of the concrete binder.
US09284661B2

A process for the production of multicrystalline silicon ingots by the induction method comprises charging a silicon raw material into the melting chamber of a cooled crucible enveloped by an inductor, forming a melt surface, and melting, wherein the mass rate of charging the silicon raw material and the speed of pulling the ingot are set such that provide for the melt surface position below the upper plane of the inductor but not lower than ⅓ of the height thereof and the melt surface is kept at the same level. In doing this the melt surface position is kept at the same level by maintaining one of the output parameters of the inductor feed within a predetermined range. The process provides for casting multicrystalline silicon ingots suitable for solar cell fabrication and it is notable for higher efficiency and lower specific energy consumption.
US09284660B2

An apparatus of producing a silicon single crystal including: an imaging device; a heat shield that has a circular opening; a first operation unit that operates the imaging device and takes a real image of the heat shield and a mirror image of the heat shield reflected on a surface of the silicon melt, measures a spacing between the real image and the mirror image, and calculates a position of a melt-surface; a second operating unit that operates the imaging device and takes an image of a bright-zone in the vicinity of the solid-liquid interface, and calculates a position of the melt-surface based on the image of the bright zone; and a controlling unit that refers a data of the position of the silicon melt obtained by the first operation unit and the second operation unit, and controls the position of the silicon melt.
US09284649B2

The embodiments disclose a method of fabricating a stack, including replacing a metal layer of a stack imprint structure with an oxide layer, patterning the oxide layer stack using chemical etch processes to transfer the pattern image and cleaning etch residue from the stack imprint structure to substantially prevent contamination of the metal layers.
US09284645B2

A method of metallizing the surface of a substrate electrolessly, by spraying one or more oxidation-reduction solutions thereonto. The steps of this method include: a) physical or chemical treatment to reduce the surface tension of the substrate before metallization; b) electroless metallization of the surface of the substrate treated in step a), by spraying one or more oxidation-reduction solutions in the form of one or more aerosols thereonto; and c) formation of a top coat on the metallized surface. Compact devices for implementing this method and the products obtained are also disclosed.
US09284637B2

The present invention relates to an implantable endoluminal graft having a microporous thin-film covering with a plurality of openings and a structural support element underlying and physically attached to the microporous thin-film covering, the microporous thin-film covering having shape memory properties.
US09284630B2

A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the negative active material have a negative active material including either Si or Sn active metal grains and a metal matrix composed of at least two metal elements that surrounds the active metal grains but does not react therewith.
US09284621B2

A process is provided for stabilizing a sulfate and/or sulfide-rich waste material, comprising metal sulfide minerals, and sequestering CO2 comprises exposing the material to a CO2-enriched gas mixture, reacting the CO2-enriched gas mixture with the metal sulfide minerals and forming a CO2-depleted gas mixture and a carbon-containing compound and at least one product selected from the group consisting of a purified metal or a metal-rich compound suitable for smelting or refining, sulfuric acid, sulfur and sulfurous acid, and system and apparatus therefor.
US09284612B2

Methods for the fermentative production of isobutanol is provided by the fermentative growth of a recombinant microorganism expressing a highly active ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzyme in addition to other enzymes required for conversion of glucose to isobutanol.
US09284605B2

The invention provides methods and devices for detecting, enumerating or identifying target nucleic acid molecules using immobilized capture probes and single molecule sequencing techniques.
US09284598B2

Methods and kits for enzymes involved in post-translational modifications are provided. The methods employ elemental analysis, including ICP-MS. The methods allow for the convenient and accurate analysis of post-translation modifications of substrates by enzymes involved in post-translational modifications, including kinase and phosphatase enyzmes.
US09284594B2

The present invention provides fusion proteins as biomarkers specific for chromosomal translocation-based conditions (e.g., cancer), related methods for detecting fusion protein biomarkers associated with chromosomal translocation-based conditions, related methods for quantifying amount of fusion protein expression, and related methods for diagnosing chromosomal translocation-based conditions through detection of such fusion protein biomarkers. Such fusion protein biomarkers and related methods additionally find use in research settings.
US09284593B2

The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.
US09284587B2

The present disclosure relates to CBH I chimera fusion polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, and host cells for producing the polypeptides.
US09284583B2

One aspect of the present invention is a polyoxyalkylene ester composition comprising the reaction product of a polyoxyalkylated alcohol or polyol reactant and an acyl donor wherein the ester has greater than about 85 weight percent of a fully acylated polyoxyalkylene ester, less than about 15 percent of a partially acylated polyoxyalkylene ester, less than about 5 parts per million 1,4-dioxane and an acid number of less than about 20. Another aspect of the invention is a process for making the polyoxyalkylene ester composition that includes the steps of contacting a reaction mixture of an polyoxyalkylated alcohol or polyol reactant and an acyl donor reactant in a reactor and in the presence of an enzymatic catalyst under esterification conditions and recovering the polyoxyalkylene ester.
US09284574B2

This invention relates to methods of improving resistance to aphids in soybean plants, as well as methods for identifying and/or selecting soybean plants or germplasm that display improved resistance to one or more biotypes of soybean aphid. In certain examples, the method comprises selecting a first and second soybean plant or germplasm, each of which has a different favorable Rag1, Rag2, or Rag3, allele, haplotype, or marker profile, and crossing those first and second soybean plants to produce a progeny plant with improved soybean aphid resistance. This invention further relates to markers, primers, probes, kits, systems, etc., useful for carrying out the methods described herein.
US09284567B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of gene introduction, which can transform a Hordeum plant at a higher efficiency compared to that in known Agrobacterium methods, and a method of producing a transformed Hordeum plant. The method of the invention includes a step of subjecting an immature embryo tissue of a Hordeum plant to centrifugation treatment and/or pressurization treatment before the inoculation with Agrobacterium, during the coculture step, and/or after the coculture step, and is characterized in that the coculture medium satisfies at least one of a) containing an antiauxin; b) containing a cytokinin; and c) containing a phenoxy auxin in an amount of less than 2 μM and/or a benzoic auxin in an amount of less than 5 μM, or not containing any phenoxy auxin and/or benzoic auxin.
US09284564B2

A stereospecific enzyme in C. autoethanogenum permits the conversion of racemic propanediol to acetone and/or propionaldehyde. Entantiomeric starting materials lead to different products. If desired, the products may be reduced to form alcohols. The reaction can be performed in various host cells, so that various materials may be used as carbon and/or energy sources.
US09284559B2

A compound of the formula A-B-C, is provided, wherein: A is a first nucleic acid that specifically binds to an extracellular surface protein expressed by a cell of interest, B is an alkyl linker; and C is a second nucleic acid that hybridizes to a complementary nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid is an aptamer. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises an active compound, particularly cytotoxic nucleotides such as poly-FdUMP. Compositions and methods of using such compounds for treating and/or detecting cancer are also described.
US09284556B2

It is disclosed a method for the treatment of hepatitis B (HBV) infection or HBV/hepatitis D (HDV) co-infection, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment a first pharmaceutically acceptable agent that removes the hepatitis B surface antigen from the blood and a second pharmaceutically acceptable agent which stimulates immune function.
US09284546B2

Human cystathionine β-synthase variants are disclosed, as well as a method to produce recombinant human cystathionine β-synthase and variants thereof. More particularly, the role of both the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of human CBS has been studied, and a variety of truncation mutants and modified CBS homologues are described. In addition, a method to express and purify recombinant human cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and variants thereof which have only one or two additional amino acid residues at the N-terminus are described.
US09284545B2

The specification discloses Clostridial toxins or Clostridial toxin chimeras comprising an inactivation cleavage site, polynucleotide molecules encoding such toxins or chimeras, compositions comprising such toxins or chimeras, and method of producing such toxins or chimeras.
US09284539B2

Reaction solutions are disclosed herein comprising water, sucrose and a glucosyltransferase enzyme that synthesizes poly alpha-1,3-glucan. The glucosyltransferase enzyme can synthesize insoluble glucan polymer having at least 50% alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages and a number average degree of polymerization of at least 100. Further disclosed are methods of using such glucosyltransferase enzymes to produce insoluble poly alpha-1,3-glucan.
US09284537B2

Two novel cytochrome P450 genes are isolated from sorghum, each gene encoding a protein having pentadecatrienyl resorcinol hydroxylase activity. Expression vectors containing these sequences are made and used to elevate levels of pentadecatrienyl resorcinol hydroxylase in transgenic cells and organisms.
US09284533B2

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to mutant viruses, and in particular, mutant influenza viruses. The mutant viruses disclosed herein include a mutant M2 sequence, and are useful in immunogenic compositions, e.g., as vaccines. Also disclosed herein are methods, compositions and cells for propagating the viral mutants, and methods, devices and compositions related to vaccination.
US09284530B2

Various embodiments provide methods and related compositions for increasing the population size of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in patients that may benefit from reconstitution of stem cells and/or differentiated cells of the blood lineage. The present methods enable the production of HSCs ex vivo and in vivo by reducing latexin expression and/or latexin activity within HSC exposed to various antagonists. Inhibition of latexin expression and/or latexin activity by various antagonists can promote HSC proliferation and/or inhibit HSC apoptosis. Antagonists that can reduce latexin expression and/or latexin activity can be utilized to regenerate endogenous HSCs within patients affected with disorders, diseases, cancers, or therapies for such conditions, that result in the depletion or reduction in HSCs.
US09284527B2

A use of a stem cell conditioned medium to inhibit melanin formation for skin whitening is revealed. First, mesenchymal stem cells are cultured in a cell culture dish containing complete growth media. After mesenchymal stem cells are sub-cultured in a complete growth media for three times, a conditioned medium can be acquired from the basal media.
US09284525B2

The invention relates to a method for the application of at least one voltage pulse to at least two containers fitted with electrodes, by means of which at least one voltage pulse is applied to at least one container, while at least one other container is subjected to a preparation or a post-processing. According to the invention the method comprises mutual exchange of the respective positions of the container to which a voltage pulse has already been applied and the further container. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device (1) for making electrical contact with at least one container fitted with electrodes, with at least one receptacle (3, 7) upon which at least one container can be set, and with at least one contact appliance (8) for making contact with the electrodes of the container. According to the invention at least two receptacles (3, 7) are provided, wherein one receptacle (7) is located at or inside the contact appliance (8), and wherein both receptacles (3, 7) and/or the contact appliance (8) can be moved such that after completion of the movement the other receptacle (3) is located at or inside the contact appliance (8).
US09284522B2

A Petri dish includes a receptacle and a matching lid, which both have a shape of revolution and are each delimited by a bottom wall and at least one peripheral rim. This also includes fingers and complementary locking elements. The receptacle and the lid, when rotated relative to each other, are able to occupy three or four different positions, including at least a “first position” and an “intermediate position”. This dish is distinguished by the fact that the locking elements carry at least one blocking member which blocks the fingers in the “intermediate position” and which opposes the return to the “first position”.
US09284521B2

Pressurized hermetically sealed bags disposed inside a cylindrical support and containing a septum with variable density of porosity and dividing the bag into two chambers are used to provide optimal mixing and gasification of nutrient media to grow a variety of biological cultures, particularly the cell cultures to produce a multitude of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in a disposable system.
US09284519B2

Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention.
US09284511B2

The present invention is directed to processes for preparing oil compositions having a high concentration of poly-unsaturated fatty acids and oil compositions having a low concentration of α-linolenic acid. In addition, the present invention is directed to processes for preparing oil compositions having advantageous stability characteristics.
US09284508B2

The present disclosure describes compositions and a method for forming such compositions. More specifically, inorganic microparticles and surface modified silica nanoparticles are mixed to form a composition. The surface modified silica nanoparticles are present in the composition in an amount sufficient to decrease the coefficient of friction relative to a comparable composition that is free of surface modified silica nanoparticles.
US09284504B2

This invention provides a system and method for pyrolyzing and/or gasifying material such as organically coated waste and organic materials including biomass, industrial waste, municipal solid waste and sludge. In a first mode of operation the method/system heats the material in a processing chamber (10) by passing hot gas therethrough. This pyrolyzes and/or gasifies the organic content it to produce syngas and, invariably, soot. In a second mode of operation the method/system increases the oxygen content of the hot gas such that the oxygen within the hot gas reacts with the heated soot to form carbon monoxide.
US09284501B2

An integrated slurry hydroprocessing and steam pyrolosyis process for the production of olefins and aromatic petrochemicals from a crude oil feedstock is provided. Crude oil, a steam pyrolysis residual liquid fraction and slurry reside are combined and treated in a hydroprocessing zone in the presence of hydrogen under conditions effective to produce an effluent having an increased hydrogen content. The effluent is thermally cracked with steam under conditions effective to produce a mixed product stream and steam pyrolysis residual liquid fraction. The mixed product stream is separated and olefins and aromatics are recovered and hydrogen is purified and recycled.
US09284500B2

Methods are provided for producing lubricant base oils from petrolatum. After solvent dewaxing of a brightstock raffinate to form a brightstock base oil, petrolatum is generated as a side product. The petrolatum can be hydroprocessed to form base oils in high yield. The base oils formed from hydroprocessing of petrolatum have an unexpected pour point relationship. For a typical lubricant oil feedstock, the pour point of the base oils generated from the feedstock increases with the viscosity of the base oil. By contrast, lubricant base oils formed from hydroprocessing of petrolatum have a relatively flat pour point relationship, and some of the higher viscosity base oils unexpectedly have lower pour points than lower viscosity base oils generated from the same petrolatum feed. The base oils from petrolatum are also unusual in yielding both high viscosity and high viscosity index and can be generated while maintaining a high yield.
US09284497B2

A process is provided that is directed to a steam pyrolysis zone integrated with a solvent deasphalting zone to permit direct processing of crude oil feedstocks to produce petrochemicals including olefins and aromatics. The integrated solvent deasphalting and steam pyrolysis process for the direct processing of a crude oil to produce olefinic and aromatic petrochemicals comprises charging the crude oil to a solvent deasphalting zone with an effective amount of solvent to produce a deasphalted and demetalized oil stream and a bottom asphalt phase; thermally cracking the deasphalted and demetalized oil stream in the presence of steam to produce a mixed product stream; separating the mixed product stream; recovering olefins and aromatics from the separated mixed product stream; and recovering pyrolysis fuel oil from the separated mixed product stream.
US09284496B2

The improved system relates to desalting hydrocarbon feeds using a separator with a stacked disk centrifuge to separate an emulsified oil and water rag layer. This system is effective for desalting heavy, high ionic, and non-traditional crude oils.
US09284493B2

One exemplary embodiment can be a process for treating a liquid hydrocarbon stream. The process can include passing the liquid hydrocarbon stream previously contacted with a solvent having an alkanolamine consisting of diethanolamine, a methyl diethanolamine, or a mixture thereof, and an alkali to a vessel. Generally, the vessel contains a coalescing zone for removing at least one of hydrogen sulfide and carbonyl sulfide.
US09284489B2

A method of manufacturing polymer dispersed liquid crystal includes: mixing liquid crystal, a first photopolymerizable material, a first photoinitiator, a second photopolymerizable material and a second photoinitiator to form a mixture, in which the first photoinitiator is capable to initiate polymerization of the first photopolymerizable material by irradiating a first ultraviolet light, and the second photoinitiator is capable to initiate polymerization of the second photopolymerizable material by irradiating a second ultraviolet light, and the first ultraviolet light has a wavelength different from that of the second ultraviolet light. The first photopolymerizable material is polymerized by irradiating the first ultraviolet light to form a plurality of first liquid crystal droplets. The second photopolymerizable material is polymerized by irradiating the second ultraviolet light to form a plurality of second liquid crystal droplets dispersed between the first liquid crystal droplets.
US09284488B2

The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display device including a first substrate including a first base substrate and a first alignment layer provided on the first base substrate, a second substrate including a second base substrate facing the first base substrate and a second alignment layer provided on the second base substrate. The device further includes a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and including a liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal layer may include a bicyclohexane liquid crystal compound and an alkenyl liquid crystal compound.
US09284486B2

A blue fluorescent compound includes a host material being capable of transporting an electron or a hole; and a dopant material represented by following Formula 1: [Formula 1] wherein each of the R1, the R2, the R3, the R4, and the R5 is selected from hydrogen, fluorine, C1-C6 substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, C6-C30 substituted or non-substituted aromatic group, and C6-C30 substituted or non-substituted heterocyclic group, and two of the R1, the R2, the R3, the R4 and the R5 are fluorine and wherein the R6 is selected from the C6-C30 substituted or non-substituted aromatic group, and the C6-C30 substituted or non-substituted heterocyclic group.
US09284484B2

A process of synthesizing nanocrystals, the process including: obtaining a metal precursor, a non-metal precursor, a ligand compound, and an ionic liquid; and contacting the metal precursor, the non-metal precursor, the ligand compound, and the ionic liquid to form a mixture and synthesize a first semiconductor nanocrystal.
US09284458B2

Embodiments of the invention provide for coatings that include the reaction product of at least a sodium silicate solution, at least one isocyanate reactive component having at least one of a hydroxyl and an amine functionality of between about 2 and about 4, at least one intumescent filler, at least one filler, optionally a suspension agent and at least one prepolymer having isocyanate functional groups. The prepolymer includes the reaction product of a prepolymer reaction mixture. The prepolymer reaction mixture includes at least one isocyanate, at least one polyol having an hydroxyl functionality of between about 2 and about 6, and at least one silicone surfactant having at least one isocyanate reactive moiety.
US09284455B2

An organic-inorganic composition, which has a backbone containing —Si—O— units with chromophore groups attached directly to at least a part of the silicon atoms. The film forming composition and resulting coating properties can be tailored to suit the specific exposure wavelength and device fabrication and design requirements. By using two different chromophores the refractive index and the absorption co-efficient can be efficiently tuned and a desired Si-content of the anti-reflective coating composition can be obtained—a high Si-content will give good mechanical and thermal properties and also the required wet etch and dry etch properties.
US09284454B2

By preparing a one part silicone RTV composition with a high initial uncured plasticity, specifically a Williams plasticity of from 80 to 900 mm, formulations can be prepared that are easy and convenient for consumers to mold into a variety of shapes, which, once molded, will hold their shape exactly during cure without slump or flow.
US09284451B2

A resin composition includes a polylactic acid resin, an alloy resin of a polycarbonate resin and an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber-styrene resin, surface-coated red phosphorus whose surface is coated with a hydrophobic resin, and a glycerol fatty acid ester plasticizer, wherein an average coating thickness of the polylactic acid resin and the alloy resin that cover the surface-coated red phosphorus, which is obtained by observing a structure inside a molded article with a TEM in the case of forming the molded article, is 100 nm or more.
US09284450B2

The polycarbonate resin composition includes: a polycarbonate component, which includes an aromatic polycarbonate resin and a copolymerized polycarbonate resin including a repeat unit represented by Formula 1 and a repeat unit represented by Formula 2; and a flame retardant, and has a scratch width of about 310 μm or less as measured by Ball-type Scratch Profile (BSP) test; a pencil hardness rating of F or higher; a flame retardancy level of V-0 or higher as measured on a 2.0 mm thick specimen according to UL94; and a transmittance of about 80% or more as measured in accordance with ASTM D1003. The polycarbonate resin composition can exhibit excellent properties in terms of scratch resistance, flame retardancy and transparency. wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and are each independently substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkyl, and a and b are the same or different and are each independently an integer from 1 to 4.
US09284448B2

Polymer compositions are described containing a poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) polymer in combination with a white pigment and optionally one or more reinforcing fillers. In accordance with the present disclosure, the composition also contains one or more reactive viscosity stabilizers. In order to prevent against yellowing, the composition is free of various aromatic epoxy resins, such as novolac epoxy resins. The polymer composition has excellent reflectance properties making the composition well suited for producing reflectors for light sources, such as LED assemblies.
US09284442B2

The present invention relates to caps and closures comprising a specific propylene random copolymer, obtained by polymerization with a metallocene-based polymerization catalyst.
US09284432B2

A method for degrading a readily degradable resin composition comprising an aliphatic polyester (A) which is biodegradable, and an aliphatic polyester (B′) which releases an acid upon hydrolysis and which is biodegradable at a higher degradation rate than that of the aliphatic polyester (A), the method comprising degrading the readily degradable resin composition in an enzyme reaction liquid containing a degradation enzyme, and an acid neutralizing agent incompatible with the enzyme reaction liquid.
US09284427B2

Provided is a polypropylene-based resin composition which gives uniform and fine cells and from which a foamed sheet and thermoform excellent in appearance, thermoformability, impact resistance, lightness, stiffness, heat resistance, heat insulating properties, oil resistance and the like can be produced. A polypropylene-based resin composition comprising (X) 5 to 99% by weight of a polypropylene resin having a structure with long chain branches, and (Y) 1 to 95% by weight of a propylene-based block copolymer produced by sequential polymerization, which block copolymer comprises (Y-1) a propylene (co)polymer and (Y-2) a propylene-ethylene copolymer.
US09284420B2

Preparation of a masterbatch of diene elastomer and silica including preparing at least one silica dispersion in water; bringing into contact and mixing an elastomer latex and the aqueous silica dispersion in the presence of a metal salt in order to obtain a coagulum; and recovering the coagulum and drying the recovered coagulum in order to obtain the masterbatch. The molar content of zinc cations, defined as the number of moles of zinc cations of the zinc salt per BET unit area of the silica, is between 1.19*10−6 and 5.62*10−6 mol/m2.
US09284416B2

The present invention provides a process for converting a solid (meth)acrylate copolymer into a dispersed form by preparing an aqueous dispersion comprising the components (a) a (meth)acrylate copolymer which is composed of free-radical polymerized methyl methacrylate, ethylacrylate and a salt of 2-trimethylammoniumethyl methacrylate, present in solid form as a powder or as a granulate, (b) up to 50% by weight calculated on the (meth)acrylate copolymer (a) of a dispersing agent selected from the groups of (b) i) plasticizers in combination with emulsifiers and/or (b) ii) pharmaceutically acceptable carbohydrates having 6 to 18 carbon atoms with a functional group and (c) water by mixing the components (a), (b) and (c) to give a suspension which becomes an aqueous dispersion during the conversion of the solid (meth)acrylate copolymer into the dispersed form, characterized in that, the (meth)acrylate copolymer is converted into the dispersed form by means of the presence of the dispersing agent at a temperature of less than 50° C.
US09284412B2

Disclosed and claimed herein are hybrid aerogels which are compositions of tetraalkoxysilanes and bis-(trialkoxysilyl) imides that exhibit low thermal conductivities and high compressive strengths. Methods for their preparation are also provided.
US09284403B2

This invention provides a method for synthesizing semi-crystalline polylactides (PLA) even from a lactide mixture including meso-LA and rac-LA. According to the invention, when a mixture of racemic lactide and meso-lactide ispolymerized using a catalyst capable of iso-selectively polymerizing L-lactide and D-lactide, an amorphous poly (meso-lactide) block is formed from meso-lactide and a semi-crystalline poly (racemic lactide) block is formed from racemic lactide by separately polymerizing racemic lactide and meso-lactide by taking advantage of a difference in physicochemical properties between racemic lactide and meso-lactide, whereby polylactide which is semi-crystalline as a whole is produced.
US09284390B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing a high-molecular-weight copolymer of polar group-containing allyl monomers including monomer units represented by formulae (3) and (4) (in the formulae, R1 represents a hydrogen atom (H) or hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 represents —OH, —OCOR3 (R3 represents hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms), —N(R4)2 (R4 represents a hydrogen atom or hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms); and n and m are a value representing the molar ratio of each of the monomer units), which has few branches and unsaturated group at the molecular end, by copolymerizing olefin and an allyl compound using a metal complex of group 10 elements in the periodic system represented by formula (I) as a catalyst
US09284386B2

This disclosure relates to an ansa-metallocene compound of a novel structure that can provide various selectivities and activities to polyolefin copolymers, a preparation method thereof, and a method for preparing polyolefins using the ansa-metallocene compound.
US09284376B2

The present invention relates to the use of VEGF antagonists and a novel anti-α5β1 antibody for treating cancer and inhibiting angiogenesis and/or vascular permeability, including inhibiting abnormal angiogenesis in diseases. The present invention also relates to compositions and kits comprising novel anti-α5β1 antibodies and methods of making and using them.
US09284374B2

The present invention provides a method capable of producing a natural or recombinant protein in high yield. The present invention relates to a method of producing a polypeptide, comprising culturing a cell which strongly expresses alanine aminotransferase and has a transferred DNA encoding a desired polypeptide and thereby allowing the cell to produce the polypeptide.
US09284369B2

The present invention relates generally to the inhibition of inflammatory cell-mediated angiogenesis. In particular, the invention concerns the prevention or treatment of tumor angiogenesis, and the inhibition of tumor development, using Bv8 antagonists, such as anti-Bv8 antibodies.
US09284363B2

A light-sensitive G-protein coupled receptor includes a light sensitive extracellular domain and a heterologous intracellular domain capable of modulating an intracellular signaling pathway.
US09284362B2

Described are α/β-peptide mimics of Z-domain scaffold peptides, methods of making them, and methods of using them. The α/β-peptide mimics include β-amino acid residues and, optionally, disulfide bonds to stabilize the conformation of the mimics. The compounds may be truncated as compared to conventional Z-domain scaffold peptides and are resistant to proteolytic degradation due to the presence of β-amino acid residues. The mimics can be made so as to bind selectively to a desired target.
US09284342B2

Disclosed herein are nucleoside phosphoramidates and their use as agents for treating viral diseases. These compounds are inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA viral replication and are useful as inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase, as inhibitors of HCV replication and for treatment of hepatitis C infection in mammals.
US09284320B2

The present invention relates to amorphous adducts of ticagrelor with divalent metal salts useful in the treatment or prevention of arterial thrombotic complications in patients with coronary artery, cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular disease.
US09284314B2

The present invention relates to compounds and processes for preparing compounds of Formula (I), including compounds such as trans-7-oxo-6-(sulphooxy)-1,6-diazabicyclo[3,2,1]octane-2-carboxamide and salts thereof (e.g., NXL-104).
US09284307B2

Provided herein are macrocyclic serine protease inhibitor compounds, for example, of Formula Ia or Ib, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and processes of preparation thereof. Also provided are methods of their use for the treatment of an HCV infection in a host in need thereof.
US09284304B2

This invention relates to alkylpyrimidine derivatives, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions, and their use in therapy.
US09284277B2

The present invention generally relates to a series of compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and to use of the compounds and compositions as therapeutic agents. More specifically, compounds of the present invention are benzazepine compounds. These compounds are serotonin receptor (5-HT2c) ligands and are useful for treating diseases, disorders, and conditions wherein modulation of the activity of serotonin receptors (5-HT2c) is desired (e.g. addiction, anxiety, depression, obesity, and others).
US09284276B2

The subject invention provides a pharmaceutical composition containing laquinimod or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a compound of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-4,5-di-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxamide or a salt thereof.
US09284275B2

A synergistically effective combination of an anti-cancer agent and a therapeutic compound, such as an mTOR-Rictor complex inhibitor, a Serine 473 phosphorylation inhibitor, an AKT2 inhibitor, or a combination thereof, for use in the treatment of cancer, and methods and uses thereof. Also included are methods and uses of a thiosemicarbazone for treating a cancer in a mammal in need thereof characterized by over-expression of RAS, by an EGFR mutation, and/or by over-expression of AKT2.
US09284274B2

The present invention relates to novel jasmonate derivatives, methods for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds, and methods of using these compounds and compositions, especially as chemotherapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of cancers.
US09284268B2

The invention provides a method for producing fluorotrifluoromethylsulfonyl imide (FTFSI) by reacting non-fluorohalogenated trihalomethylsulfonyl imide (XTXSI) with hydrogen fluoride, where each X is independently a nonfluoro-halide, such as Cl, Br, or I.
US09284257B2

Proposed is a separation method in a toluene to dinitrotoluene process, wherein said method with a first process step comprising feeding a toluene comprising first stream (1) and a nitric acid comprising second stream (2) into a first reactor (R1), reacting of the toluene comprising first stream (1) and the nitric acid comprising second stream (2) within the first reactor (R1) to a first reaction mixture (3), said first reaction mixture (3) comprising a first liquid/liquid mixed phase of an acid phase and an organic phase comprising mononitrotoluene, feeding the first reaction mixture (3) into a first separation device (S1), separating the first reaction mixture (3) within the first separation device (S1) into a first forward stream (4) having a flow direction to a second process step and a first backward stream (5) having a flow direction back to the first reactor (R1), said method having a second process step comprising feeding the first forward stream (4) into a second reactor (R2), feeding a nitric acid comprising third stream (6) and a sulfuric acid comprising fourth stream (7) into the second reactor (R2), reacting of the first forward stream (4), the nitric acid comprising third stream (6) and the sulfuric acid comprising fourth stream (7) within the second reactor (R2) to a second reaction mixture (8), said second reaction mixture (8) comprising a second liquid/liquid mixed acid phase and an organic phase comprising mononitrotoluene and dinitrotoluene, feeding the second reaction mixture (8) into a second separation device (S2), separating the second reaction mixture (8) within the second separation device (S2) into a second forward stream (9) having a flow direction to a process output and a second backward stream (10) having a flow direction back to the first reactor (R1), wherein fine separating of at least one of the streams (4, 5, 9, 10) after the first separation step (S1) and/or the second separation step (S2) in a coalescer is carried out.
US09284250B2

The present invention concerns a pharmaceutical compound having the Formula (1): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the prevention or treatment of a cognitive, neurodegenerative or neuronal disorder or disease such as the Alzheimer Disease, a pharmaceutical composition and a method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition.
US09284249B2

The present invention provides a method of extracting an asymmetric β-diketone compound from a β-diketone compound containing at least one symmetric β-diketone compound mixed in the asymmetric β-diketone compound, and the method includes the step (A) of adjusting a pH of a mixed solution of the β-diketone compound and water at 11.5 or more and dissolving the β-diketone compound into water to form a β-diketone compound solution and the step (B) of subsequently adjusting the pH of the β-diketone compound solution at 9.5 or less and recovering the asymmetric β-diketone compound of Chemical Formula 1 separated from the β-diketone compound solution. The present invention further includes at least either (a) a step of setting the upper limit of the pH of the mixed solution to 12.5 to form a β-diketone compound solution in the step (A) and bringing the β-diketone compound solution into contact with a hydrophobic solvent or (b) a step of setting the lower limit of the pH of the β-diketone compound solution to 8.0 in the step (B).
US09284247B2

The invention relates to a method for producing at least one alkoxy-hydroxybenzaldehyde (AHBA) from at least one hydroxyphenol (HP), said method being characterized in that it comprises the formation of at least one alkoxyphenol (AP) and alkyl-alkoxyphenol (AAP) and the separation (S) of AP from AAP, said separation (S) being carried out prior to obtaining AHBA.
US09284245B2

A monomer for a hardmask composition represented by the following Chemical Formula 1,
US09284244B2

A method and system for precipitation and separation of carboxylic acid salts from a hydrate inhibitor solution is disclosed. The method comprises lowering the solubility of the carboxylic acid salts to force precipitation of carboxylic acid salts and separation of the precipitated carboxylic acid salts from the hydrate inhibitor solution.
US09284240B2

The present invention provides a process of catalytic fluorination in gas phase of product 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane or/and 1,1,2,2,3-pentachloropropane into product 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene in presence of a catalyst and oxygen.
US09284238B2

The present invention relates to a method for purification of a hydrocarbon stream containing linear alpha olefins, isomers thereof and at least one organic amine, the linear alpha olefins, isomers and the amine having boiling points under atmospheric pressure which differ by at most 5° C., comprising the step of removing a major amount of the organic amine from the hydrocarbon stream by distillation, wherein the distillation is carried out to that, together with the amine, between 5% and 95 wt % of the isomers, based on the total amount of the isomers in the hydrocarbon stream, are removed from the hydrocarbon stream in an amine/isomer-rich fraction.
US09284234B2

Provided is a gasoline production device capable of effectively using heat of reaction generated in the synthesis of gasoline and also capable of readily cooling heat generated by synthesizing gasoline. A device 30 for producing gasoline from methanol includes a plurality of reaction tubes 34 configured to synthesize gasoline from methanol and a duct 36 configured to allow air to flow outside the reaction tubes, and heat exchange is carried out between synthesis heat generated within the reaction tubes 34 and the air which flows through the duct 36.
US09284233B2

A method for manufacturing a pelletized fertilizer includes the following steps. A water-soluble manure and a colloidal solution are mixed, to form an aqueous solution of a fertilizer, wherein the water-soluble manure is selected from the group consisting of monopotassium phosphate, epsomite, manganous sulfite, boric acid, borax, copper sulfate pentahydrate, white vitriol, ammonium molybdate, urea, ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and potassium nitrate, the colloidal solution is selected from the group consisting of agar, xanthan gum, shellac, guar gum, natto gum, pectin, synthetic hydrogel and PLGA, and the weight percentage of the colloidal solution in the aqueous solution of the fertilizer is between 1.5 and 15%. The aqueous solution of the fertilizer is added into a water within a temperature range between 0 and 4° C., whereby the aqueous solution of the fertilizer is solidified to the pelletized fertilizer.
US09284226B2

The invention provides a cementitious composition comprising a cement component comprising (i) an accelerant, (ii) a calcium sulphate source and (iii) an ettringite forming cement; an aggregate; and optionally water; wherein the cement has a minimum unconfined compressive strength of 1500 psi when tested in accordance with ASTM C1140 and/or C1604 at 15 minutes after placement; methods for its use and concrete formed from it.
US09284224B2

Cement compositions may comprise an aluminosilicate; a sodium aluminate, a calcium aluminate, a potassium aluminate, or a combination thereof; and water. In some cases, the cement does not include Portland cement. The cement may be used in a subterranean formation having corrosive components therein, wherein the set cement sheath is resistant to degradation from the corrosive components within the subterranean formation.
US09284221B2

Hydraulically setting compositions containing mineral binders exhibit improved adhesion when polymer powders produced by drying a silica sol and a redispersible polymer powder emulsion are added.
US09284217B2

Provided are: a low-emissivity transparent laminated body having a multilayer structure comprising a substrate and a coated layer, wherein the coated layer comprises, sequentially from the substrate, a low-emissivity electrically-conductive layer, a dielectric layer, and a light-absorbing metal layer; and a building material in which same is used.
US09284216B2

An optical glass is provided. The optical glass is suitable for use in optical elements including lenses, prisms, light guide rods, arrays, optical fibers, gradient components and optical windows in the fields of imaging, sensor technology, microscopy, medical technology, digital projection, telecommunication, optical messaging technology/information transmission, optics/illumination in the automotive sector, for solar technology, photolithography, steppers, excimer lasers, wafers, computer chips and/or integrated circuits and electronic instruments which contain such circuits and chips. The optical glass contains the components La2O3, B2O3, GeO2, HfO2 and In2O3 and in which the following components are present in the following proportions, in % by weight on an oxide basis: SiO2O2 1-8; Sb2O3 0-<2; SiO2+B2O3 1-<20; and SiO2+B2O3+GeO2+HfO2+In2O3 15-25.
US09284194B2

An agent for reducing graphene oxide and a method for preparing reduced graphene oxide or graphene are provided. An agent for reducing graphene oxide include a mixture of a reducing agent containing a halogen element with trifluoroacetic acid (CF3COOH).
US09284190B2

A non-activated, majority non-graphitic amorphous carbon material may be produced by supplying a carbonized precursor material, heating the carbonized precursor material in a first heating step at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to produce a heat-treated carbon material that has a specific surface area less than about 500 m2/g and is less than about 20% graphitic by mass, purifying the heat-treated carbon material, and heating the purified heat-treated carbon material in a second heating step at a temperature and for a duration to produce a non-activated, majority non-graphitic amorphous carbon material that has a specific surface area less than about 500 m2/g and is less than about 20% graphitic by mass.
US09284180B2

A container and an attachment configured to couple an accessory to the container are provided. The container includes a projection. The attachment defines a slot including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to allow rotation of the attachment relative to the projection with a top portion of the projection in the first portion of the slot. The attachment is configured to retain the projection in a second portion of the slot.
US09284175B2

A funnel having a collection area disposed at one end of the funnel. A base surface of the collection area is flat. A flange surrounding an inlet opening is positioned spaced from the collection area. When the funnel is placed in a vertical orientation with the base surface of the collection area contacting a horizontal surface, a lowermost edge of the flange surrounding the inlet opening is aligned with the base surface of the collection area. The funnel is thereby supported in a vertical orientation on the horizontal surface by two contact points. In this position, the residual fluid in the funnel is transferred by gravity to collect within the collection area. No residual fluid is allowed to escape from the interior of the funnel.
US09284168B2

A service or workover rig (50) that does not require guy lines is disclosed. Components of the rig (50) include a carrier (52) and a mast (120) that is movable between transport and deployed positions. Two rear outriggers (160) are pivotally mounted to a bumper (64) of the carrier (52). In their transport position, the rear outriggers (160) are positioned along respective sides (58) of the carrier (52), for instance in cutouts (60) in the bed or decking (56) of the carrier (52). In their deployed position, the rear outriggers (160) extend rearwardly of the carrier (52) and also away from their respective carrier side (58). Each rear outrigger (160) may be in the form of a hollow beam.
US09284167B2

A dynamic jack reference control system may include a tilt sensor operatively associated with the vehicle so that the tilt sensor senses a tilt angle of the vehicle. A processor operatively connected to the tilt sensor produces a jack reference value based on the tilt angle of the vehicle. A speed controller operatively associated with the processor extends the at least one jack on the vehicle at a speed that is related to the jack reference value.
US09284166B2

A self-propelled work machine, in particular a mobile crane, comprises an undercarriage configured for moving the work machine, a superstructure which is rotatably mounted on the undercarriage, and a drive device comprising a drive motor. The drive device comprises a moment transmission which is formed between the superstructure and the undercarriage and configured to transmit power outputted by the drive motor between the superstructure and the undercarriage in the form of a moment. At least one and, in particular, all of the elements to be driven receive a moment about an axis which extends in the region of a rotary bearing of the superstructure and the undercarriage, in particular about the rotational axis of the superstructure.
US09284162B2

A lifting hook includes a hook body with a hook stem and a hook tip; a safety latch with a fastening end and a free latch end, the fastening end of the safety latch being pivotally fastened close to the stem so as to be moved between an open position and a closed position, the safety latch being in its open position substantially against the inside of the hook body in a position that leaves a hook jaw free while in the closed position the latch end extends across the hook jaw to the hook tip, closing the jaw on the inside thereof; and an actuator for actuating the safety latch, the actuator including a spring arranged between the safety latch and the hook body and forcing the latch end into the closed position, a locking pawl structure and a cam surface arrangement for locking the safety latch into the open position, and a release extending across the jaw for releasing the safety latch from the open position. A safety latch for a lifting hook is also disclosed.
US09284158B2

The present invention is directed towards a method and a system for allocating elevators on the basis of advance calls. According to the invention an advance call is registered, address data is connected to the advance call, an elevator is allocated when the activation condition of the advance call is fulfilled, and information about the allocation of the elevator is sent to the passenger by sending a notification to the address indicated by the address data.
US09284157B2

A duplex-printable image forming apparatus which is capable of increasing a speed of duplex printing. The image forming apparatus includes: a developing unit which forms a visible image, which is formed of a developer, on a printing medium; a fixing unit which fixes the visible image formed on the printing medium onto the printing medium; a discharging roller unit which can be regularly/reversely rotated such that the printing medium passed through the fixing unit is conveyed to the developing unit along a duplex printing path or is discharged out of the apparatus; and an intermediate conveying unit which is interposed between the fixing unit and the discharging roller unit and selectively holds the printing medium.
US09284145B2

A duplex printing method performed by a printing apparatus comprises the steps of feeding in a first sheet; transporting the first sheet along a sheet-circulating path; forming an image on a front side of the first sheet when the first sheet is transported past an image forming system of the printing apparatus at a first time; feeding in a second sheet; detecting a sheet-feeding error; inhibiting an entry of the second sheet into the sheet-circulating path; forming an image on a back side of the first sheet when the first sheet is transported past the image forming system at a second time; and ejecting the first sheet.
US09284143B2

Provided is a sheet transport device including a device main body on which one of a first transport roller pair that transports sheets is provided, an opening and closing door that is movably and rotatably supported between a closing position where a part of a sheet transport path formed on a side surface of the device main body is covered and an opening position where a part of the sheet transport path is open, and on which one of a second transport roller pair provided on the sheet transport path is provided, and a transport unit that includes another one of the first transport roller pair and another one of the second transport roller pair, and is swingably supported by the opening and closing door.
US09284126B2

A chain tensioning apparatus for tensioning a chain of an agricultural barn cleaner. The barn cleaner chain is moved by a motor-driven drive sprocket mounted in a drive tower after contacting a first idler rotatably mounted to the drive tower. A second idler is mounted to the frame and positioned further away from the drive tower than the first idler such that, as the chain moves toward the drive tower, the chain contacts the second idler before contacting the first idler. A chain tensioning idler contacts the chain between the first idler and the second idler and is capable of movement in a direction transverse to the movement of the chain. A biasing member biases the chain tensioning idler toward a take-up position and away from a chain-taut position.
US09284120B2

A novel method and system for storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern is provided. Particularly, the storage process involves storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern without seepage or leakage of the stored hydrogen through the salt cavern walls, by creating a substantially impermeable permeation barrier along the salt cavern walls. The cavern pressure is monitored and controlled to ensure formation and maintenance of the substantially impermeable permeation barrier. Optional temperature treatments may also be incorporated as desired.
US09284119B2

A logistics system includes a transport device and a controller and stores inventory data of objects. The logistics system stores the inventory data in a storage unit, data on objects being transported by the transport device in a transport data storage unit, and recovery procedures for the transport device in a recovery procedure storage unit. When an abnormality detector detects an abnormality relating to the transport device, the recovery procedure for the detected abnormality is read out from the recovery procedure storage unit, and input is received for a recovery procedure to be carried out. Instructions are outputted to the transport device in accordance with the inputted recovery procedure, and storage of the inventory data is updated according to the received recovery procedure and data on objects being transported in the transport data storage.
US09284115B2

Methods, systems, and device are provided for utilizing a sliding wall hopper. A sliding wall hopper may include one or more sliding walls that may slide with respect to one or more outer supports of the hopper. The one or more sliding walls may make contact with at least a portion of the material moving through the hopper. The material may be discharged to at least a hopper discharge or a conveyor device. Some embodiments may be configured for use with biomass as the material, but other materials may also be utilized.
US09284113B2

A fluid containment system comprises a plurality of curved panels having a front face a rear face, a top end, a bottom end and two side ends, wherein the plurality of curved panels are positioned serially adjacent one another in a generally upright or vertical manner so as to comprise a generally circular arrangement, with each of the plurality of curved panels further comprising at least one fastening member on its front face and wherein the fastening member is suitable to generally abut to a similar fastening member of an adjacent curved panel. Once fastened, the plurality of curved panels may be lined with a liner and used for fluid storage. In another aspect a fluid handling and containment apparatus comprises a tank suitable to hold a volume of fluid, the tank having a main compartment with a plurality of outlets exiting from the main compartment.
US09284112B2

An aerosol spray device comprising a pressurized or pressurizable container and a spray discharge assembly mounted on the container. The spray discharge assembly comprises a valve stem moveable from a first limit position to a second limit position to effect spray discharge from the device, a spray outlet region having an outlet orifice from which fluid from the container is discharged, and a flow conduit for supplying fluid from the container to the spray outlet region. The flow conduit has at least one first inlet for liquid from the container and at least one second inlet at the same distance along the conduit as the first inlet(s) or downstream of the first inlet(s) for propellant gas from a headspace of the container. A valving arrangement is adapted such that movement of the valve stem from its first to second limit position opens the first and the second inlets to cause a bubble laden flow to be created in the flow conduit and movement of the valve stem back to its first limit position closes the first and the second inlets.
US09284099B2

A child-resistant package includes a seal for sealing a package and a latch for securing the package in a closed position. According to embodiments, the package includes a first shell portion having a first closed lip and a second shell portion having a second closed lip. According to embodiments, the seal may be formed by the engagement of an angled outer wall of the first closed lip with a bent or deformed thin wall of the second closed lip. The package may also incorporate one or more elastomeric ancillary face and/or side seals. The first and second shell portions may be joined by a hinge, such as a double hinge. Additionally, the insert may include a dispenser assembly that controls the dispensing of product from a product containing space to a dispenser receptacle. A spring may bias the latch in a locked or rest position.
US09284097B2

A reclosable zipper pouch includes a zipper-operable section and a zipper-non-operable section to provide difficulty to a child to open the pouch, and remain easy for an adult or senior citizen to open the pouch.
US09284093B2

Embodiments of this disclosure include a rigid tray container and methods and equipment for using the rigid tray container in batched process operations. In one embodiment, a mass container is sized and dimensioned to receive one or several rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to lid/unlid, secure, stack, load/unload, and buffer rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to stack and stage mass containers. In some embodiments, methods are provided for batch processing items.
US09284091B2

A container (100 and 600) has a sealed top formed from adhered sealing panels at a top of the container that keeps contents of the container sealed until ready for use. A top of the container is provided with a day of opening reminder (131 and 631). The day of opening reminder includes tabs (163, 563 and 663) made of a same material as the container. Each tab includes a different symbol that corresponds to a name of a day of the week. The day of opening reminder includes perforations (134 and 634) or cuts between each tab thereby allowing one of the tabs to be moved into a different position relative to the other tabs, thereby conveying information about the day of week that the container was first opened.
US09284087B2

A die-cutting blade can form smooth die-cut lines in case-forming blanks which are less likely to injure hands when touched. A strip-plate-shaped steel blade plate has a pair of chamfers formed on opposite side surfaces of the blade plate, respectively, so as to extend from one side edge of the blade plate at substantially equal inclination angles. The chamfers define a cutting edge along the one side edge. The cutting edge has a composite wave pattern formed from a small wave pattern bent to have a wave shape within the range of the thickness of the blade plate, and a large wave pattern formed by a large undulation in the small wavy edge toward opposite side surfaces of the blade plate over its entire length within the range of the thickness of the blade plate, in order to provide smooth die-cut lines.
US09284086B2

The invention comprises a gluing unit, in particular for a labeling apparatus, comprising a glue roller (1) and a motor (2) for driving the glue roller (1), where the motor (2) is positioned above the glue roller (1), where the motor (2) is with respect to a support structure (3) of the motor mounted in a height-adjustable manner, and where the height of the motor (2) is adjustable using a lever, in particular using an elbow lever (23) or a rocker lever.
US09284083B2

An arrangement of several machine assemblies (34, 38). The machine assemblies are arranged in a way that the material flow between the machine assemblies (34, 38) is at least technically mutually coupled. The machine assemblies are subsequently arranged to form treatment stations and/or processing stations of a machine (10) for processing, treatment and/or filling of containers. A method for coupling several machine assemblies (34, 38). The assemblies are subsequently arranged to form treatment stations and/or processing stations of a machine (10) for processing, treatment and/or filling of containers.
US09284082B2

A method for preparing a piping bag for pre-filling, the set comprising, a thin walled polymer tube, and at least one severance mark extending across the entire width of the polymer tube, partitioning the set into two separable piping bags having a respective openable portion, said openable portions pointing in substantially opposite directions, as seen in a longitudinal direction of the set. The method comprises gripping the set at or near the respective openable portion, positioning the openable portions to point in substantially the same direction, and separating the piping bags from each other along the severance mark.
US09284069B2

A solar generator tug is disclosed. The tug can dock with spacecraft to provide power for the spacecraft. Further, the tug may dock with other specialty tugs to form a custom transport system.
US09284053B2

The invention relates to a mounting post that can be selectively installed in a helicopter or other aircraft in order to support a tactical weapon or other equipment and removed when not required so as to free up additional passenger and/or cargo space. Preferably the mounting post can be quickly installed and removed without requiring the use of any tools. An elongated post having one or more T-track along its length is slid through an opening in an aircraft panel, such as the floor, and slid into a bracket with corresponding T-rails. A stop is used to limit further movement of the post through the bracket and a latch is used to selectively allow the post to be removed.
US09284052B1

Systems, devices, and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a transformable aerial vehicle includes: a central body and at least two transformable frames assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly mounted on the central body and configured to pivot the at least two frame assemblies to a plurality of different vertical angles relative to the central body; and a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies and operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle.
US09284049B1

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.
US09284046B2

An aircraft (10) with improved aerodynamic performances is adapted to keep the directional stability and a very good aerodynamic behavior at medium-high incidence. The aircraft (10) includes a fuselage (12) to which shaped wings (18, 20) are associated, and a nose (52). The aircraft (10) also includes a vortex control device (72) of the extension of the leading edge of the wing at the root (LERX), shaped in order to symmetrize the bursting of the vortices generated by such LERX with a medium-high incidence. Said aircraft comprises removable equipment with at least one dissipation device of incident radar waves, on at least one hot portion of the aircraft.
US09284024B2

A shallow-water anchor comprises a parallelogram design which is relatively low cost to manufacture. It is electrically powered, eliminating cumbersome hydraulic components. The anchor moves down and out of the way when in operation. Two such anchors can be installed at an angle such that their outer ends and vertical rods are far apart to provide maximal holding power to prevent the boat from weather-vaning. Its electrical power source is located on top of the boat and is never under water, making the installation of the anchor very easy.
US09284013B2

An upright three-wheeled vehicle. A footboard part is disposed between and connected to a pair of rear wheel parts, and has a space section therein. A frame connects a front section of the footboard part to a front wheel part. A handlebar part extends upward from the frame. A suspension includes a first link perpendicularly connected to a drive shaft of a corresponding rear wheel part to initially reduce delivery of shocks by rotating and reciprocating in a lateral direction when the rear wheel part moves up and down, a second link perpendicularly bent from the first link and accommodated within the space section in a rear frame of the footboard part to secondarily reduce the shocks, and an elastic member disposed on the second link to absorb the shocks depending on a direction of the shocks applied to the rear wheel part.
US09284010B2

An inverted tube bike frame with bottle opener gusset system is a bicycle frame with the top tube and down tube having a heightened profile with concave sidewalls and a bottle opener gusset strengthening the joint between the seat tube and the top tube. The top tube has a downwardly curved design for added mechanical strength. Other tube-members of the frame have an elongated elliptical cross-section for increased strength and impact damage resistance. The wheel base is wider than that of a standard bicycle adding to forward movement stability and rider comfort. The design of the frame provides added strength and increased frame life with rugged service.
US09284009B2

An unmotorized sand-rideable bicycle utilizes oversized balloon tires that have an enlarged footprint to permit the bicycle to ride up over even loose sand to provide ease of pedaling, as well as enhanced steering and stability over that associated with standard bicycles. A positive traction gear assembly may be employed to switch between single and dual rear wheel drive.
US09284005B2

A front cowl for use with a saddle-ride type vehicle includes headlights as well as an air introduction passage configured to introduce a flow of air rearwardly. The air introduction passage is opened in a forward direction to enable the headlights to be cooled by the flow of air that flow through the air introduction passage. Headlights using LEDs as their respective sources of light are placed inside an air introduction passage while supported by a duct that forms the air introduction passage.
US09283997B2

A semitrailer comprising a main frame having a hitch, an axle assembly connected to the main frame, the axle assembly including at least two wheels for rotation relative to the main frame, a fairing connected to an underside of the semitrailer intermediate the hitch and the axle assembly, the fairing including a pair of lateral surfaces, a bottom surface spaced from the underside of the semitrailer, and a leading surface, wherein the leading surface includes an intake opening, and wherein at least one of the bottom surface or the lateral surfaces includes an exit opening, and a flow path fluidly connects the intake opening and the exit opening.
US09283993B2

A pair of front couplings and a pair of rear air spring over shocks couple the cab to the vehicle frame. A motion control link includes a central base and pair of arms extending longitudinally from the central base. A base coupling directly couples the base to the vehicle frame. A rear arm coupling for each arm directly couples the arm to the rear of the cab. The rear base coupling and the rear arm coupling essentially restrict lateral movement of the motion control link and permit tuned lateral movement of the frame relative to the rear of the cab to provide lateral motion control at the rear of the cab. The motion control link defines an arc that intersects the front coupling arc. The rear arm couplings include a rear elastomeric bushing member including voids to accommodate for the intersecting arcs.
US09283992B2

A vehicle includes a left front wheel and a right front wheel, a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel, and a frame that rotatably supports the wheels. The frame includes a left frame portion and a right frame portion each extending in a front-back direction, a left protruded portion that protrudes to the left from the left frame portion, forward of the left rear wheel, and a right protruded portion that protrudes to the right from right frame portion, forward of the right rear wheel. In a front view, from outside to inside, the left rear wheel, the left protruded portion, and the left front wheel are arranged in this order. In the front view, from outside to inside, the right rear wheel, the right protruded portion, and the right front wheel are disposed in this order.
US09283991B2

A front-end structure includes at least one lower longitudinal member and an absorber which is arranged on an outer side of a vehicle on the at least one lower longitudinal member and, in the event of an impact with a small overlap, provides an energy-absorbing load path into the at least one lower longitudinal member, wherein at least one deformation element is provided which is arranged at least between the absorber and a suspension strut dome and is connected to both thereof in a in a positive, non-positive and/or integrally bonded manner.
US09283982B2

Disclosed herein is a steering column, including: an inner tube; an outer tube formed in a hollow shape into which the inner tube is inserted and including a pair of telescope guides protruding to an outer circumferential surface thereof, a first slit cut in an axial direction between the pair of telescope guides, and a second slit cut toward both sides of a circumferential direction at one end of the first slit; and a control lever installed on the telescope guides, wherein the telescope guides have a taper that is formed obliquely along a lengthwise direction, and the operating force of the lever is uniformly maintained according to the position of the control lever in the lengthwise direction by means of the taper.
US09283978B2

A stroller (10) includes: a front leg (31); a middle leg (34) located rearward of the front leg; a rear leg (37) located rearward of the middle leg; a front-wheel holding mechanism (21) provided on the front leg; a middle-wheel holding mechanism (24) provided on the middle leg; and a rear-wheel holding mechanism (27) provided on the rear leg. The front-wheel holding mechanism is configured to rotatably and turnably hold a front wheel (22). The middle-wheel holding mechanism is configured to rotatably and unturnably hold a middle wheel (25). The rear-wheel holding mechanism is configured to rotatably and turnably hold a rear wheel (28).
US09283975B2

A modular cart includes a cart frame with a top and a bottom. A platform is secured to the top of the cart frame. Wheels are secured to the bottom of the cart frame. Receiver assemblies are secured to the cart frame. A cart module includes at least one handle with a lower end and an upper end. A shank is located at the lower end. The shank is removably secured within a receiver assembly secured to the cart frame.
US09283960B1

An automatic park-out system is provided for a vehicle to assist in automatically exiting a parking space. The vehicle is equipped with various sensors configured to sense the location of external objects, such as vehicles surrounding the parking space and vehicle in the adjacent lane of traffic. At least one controller receives signals from these sensors and commands the vehicle to automatically move and align itself for exiting the parking space. The operator of the vehicle can depress the accelerator pedal to signal a desire to move out of the parking space. Even if the driver increasingly depresses the accelerator pedal, the at least one controller is programmed to limit an actual speed of the vehicle based on a distance between the vehicle and the external objects. This constraint placed on the actual speed be removed or reduced based on the distance increasing.
US09283956B2

Provided is a hybrid vehicle in which a motor/generator 5 is positioned between an engine 1 and an automatic transmission 3, the engine 1 and the motor/generator 5 are connected through a first clutch 6 and a second clutch 7 is provided between the motor/generator 5 and a drive road wheel 2. In an HEV mode in which the first clutch 6 is engaged, when deceleration of a vehicle is determined to be rapid deceleration of a threshold value or greater, the first clutch 6 is released and at the same time fuel supply to the engine 1 is stopped through an engine controller 21. Even when, due to rapid decelerating, the engine speed Ne drops to an idling speed or lower due to delay in the release of the first clutch 6, there is no combustion or explosion and thus floor vibration does not occur.
US09283955B2

A control system including a method and apparatus for operating a hybrid vehicle. A disconnect clutch selectively separates an electric machine from a combustion engine. If a wide open throttle or high torque command is requested and the combustion engine is shut down, a 12 volt starter may be used to start the combustion engine while disconnected from the electric machine and all of the electric machine torque available may be used for traction.
US09283936B2

An electronic control unit of a braking force control apparatus for a vehicle activates, as a first state, in-wheel motors in a regeneration state, thereby generating motor braking torques, and causes friction brake mechanisms to generate friction braking forces. Moreover, the unit activates, as a second state, the motors in a power running state, thereby generating motor driving torques, and causes the mechanisms to generate friction braking forces. Then, when the state is caused to transition between the first state and the second state, the unit changes magnitudes of the braking torques or the driving torques generated by the motors to one of increase and decrease, and changes magnitudes of the friction braking forces generated by the mechanisms to one of increase and decrease.
US09283935B2

In a rail guided vehicle system, unnecessary slowing down and stopping of a vehicle passing through a divergence point and a merge point is avoided. The rail guided vehicle system comprises a rail 100 including a guidepath wire 600 in a predetermined area including the divergence point and the merge point, and a plurality of vehicles 200 that travel while being supported and guided by the rail. Each of the plurality of vehicles 200 includes a generating unit 910, 920 configured to generate each of a plurality of signals each having different frequencies from the others, a transmitting unit 810, 820 configured to send each of the plurality of signals generated by the generating unit to the guidepath wire, a receiving unit 710, 720 configured to receive each of the plurality of signals transmitted via the guidepath wire, a determining unit 955 configured to determine, based on the kind of the signal received by the receiving unit, whether the vehicle is slowed down, stopped, or kept travelling, and a controlling unit 960 configured to control the vehicle in accordance with a result of a determination determined by the determining unit.
US09283926B2

A buckle presenter for moving a seat belt buckle with a vehicle seat of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle seat has a seat frame connected to a seat adjustment mechanism that moves the vehicle seat. The buckle presenter includes an anchor strap and a buckle strap. The anchor strap is anchored with respect to the vehicle seat such that it is substantially restricted from moving when the vehicle seat is being adjusted vertically. The buckle is attachable to the buckle strap, which is connectable to the vehicle seat such that it moves with the vehicle seat when it is being adjusted vertically. The buckle strap is configured to move along the anchor strap. When a load is applied to the seat belt buckle, the buckle strap and the anchor strap are configured to interlock such that the buckle strap is substantially restricted from moving vertically.
US09283919B2

Elongate woven pulling means (10) for an airbag module comprises plural longitudinal portions (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) that have different warp densities. An airbag module for a vehicle safety system comprises an airbag, pulling means (10) coupled to the airbag and an activation unit coupled to the pulling means for releasing the pulling means upon actuation of the activation unit. The pulling means (10) is an elongate woven pulling means having different warp densities which is fastened to the airbag by a first end portion (12) of low warp density, preferably by stitching, and is coupled to the activation unit by a longitudinal portion (16) of high warp density. A method of manufacturing such pulling means (10) comprises the steps of: weaving a longitudinal portion (12; 20) on a loom of low warp density; and weaving a further longitudinal portion (16; 14, 18) on the loom having high or increasing warp density in the same working step. For weaving an adjustable reed having different widths is employed.
US09283910B2

Provided is an object detection apparatus and an object detecting method for, with respect to an object detected by a radar, determining whether the object is an automobile and performing an appropriate collision determination based on a determination result. The apparatus comprises a radar device 1 which detects a target in a surrounding area of an own vehicle VM; a target processing section 21 which calculates, with respect to the detected target, information containing at least two of information indicating a position of presence, information indicating a moving direction, and information indicating a moving speed, of the target as target information; and a target determination section 23 which determines, based on the calculated target information, whether a target object is a bicycle depending on whether the target satisfies a predetermined condition, and which determines a risk of collision between the vehicle VM and the target object.
US09283904B2

A security attachment device can be used to securely attach a license plate to an automobile. A cap covers a screw used to attach a license plate to an automobile. An anchor anchors a container and the license plate to the automobile so that the container can freely rotate while anchored to the automobile. A ring is sized to fit over the container so that when the cap is attached to the container, the ring covers portions of the container not covered by the cap. The ring contains a first pin and the container contains a second pin hole. The first pin hole is located on the ring and the second pin hole is located on the container at locations that allow the first pin hole and the second pin hole to be aligned to receive a pin that when placed through the first pin hole into the second pin hole allows anchoring of the ring to the container when the cap is being screwed onto the container.
US09283902B2

A tether clip includes: a seat portion; a tether portion standing on the seat portion; an anchor portion connecting to one end portion of the tether portion that is opposite to the other end portion thereof; an engagement retention portion located at each of both sides of the tether portion and standing on the seat portion on the same side as the tether portion; and an independence facilitation structure provided between the tether portion and each of the engagement retention portions and the tether portion when the tether clip received load in a first direction parallel to the seat portion and orthogonal to a direction of a line that connects the engagement retention portions provided at the both sides of the tether portion and is parallel to the seat portion.
US09283897B2

The present disclosure pertains to a seat for an aircraft or spacecraft, including a receiving device which is integrated inside the seat and is configured to receive, in an exchangeable manner, an electronic gadget fitted with a screen, and including a safety screen which is arranged in the seat such that the screen is inaccessible from outside but is visible through the safety screen, wherein the receiving device is configured to receive an electronic gadget in the form of a tablet PC or a PDA. The present disclosure furthermore pertains to a corresponding aircraft or spacecraft.
US09283893B2

A display system is disclosed, including data spectacles which have a spectacles frame and a display which is mounted at the spectacles frame such that it is situated in the field of vision of the wearer of the spectacles frame. The display system further includes an image-taking unit, particularly at least one camera set up for providing an image of an eye of the wearer of the data spectacles; a processing unit configured to: receive the image; determine the viewing direction of the eye in the image; determine the display area in the display in which an activating element is displayed; determine whether the viewing direction of the eye is directed at the display area of the activating element; and in response to a meeting of a condition: display assigned contents on the display, which are assigned to the activating element, on a display area that is larger than the display area of the activating element The condition is that the viewing direction of the eye is aimed at the display area of the activating element.
US09283888B2

A status display for the state of an operationally-relevant component (1) of a motor vehicle, in which an illuminating structure (4) supplied by at least two light sources (5, 6) is arranged in a position of the vehicle which is visible from the outside and a control circuit (3) which is associated with the light sources is designed to control the light sources in accordance with a state signal (sz) representing the state of the operationally-relevant component (1), such that the luminance and/or the color indicates, along the illuminating structure and in a scaled manner, the state of the component.
US09283887B1

An emergency vehicle control system includes, among other things, one or more functional warning units positioned in various positions in an emergency vehicle. A central controller is configured to generate a desired state of the functional warning units and encode the desired state into a packet. Each of multiple remote controllers is functionally connected to at least one of the functional warning units. A functional connection between the central controller and the multiple remote controllers is configured to transmit the encoded packet from the central controller to each of the remote controllers. The remote controllers are configured to parse the desired state of each of the functional warning units in the encoded packet and set the state of each of the functional warning units based on the parsed encoded packet.
US09283884B2

Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar.Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.
US09283881B2

A fitting part for a vehicle seat includes a flap element that is rotatably secured to a backrest of the vehicle seat and can be pivoted between a substantially horizontal use position and a non-use position, as well as a retainer element (11) for locking the flap element in the use position. A first region (10) of the retainer element is rotatably secured to the backrest and a second region (13) of the retainer element is rotatably secured to a slide (7) that is mounted so as to be displaceable in a rail (6) of the flap element and that can be fixed relative to the rail by a securing element. The fitting part includes a plurality of securing elements for locking the flap element in a plurality of use positions.
US09283880B2

Embodiments of the present invention may include a vehicle seat having a cushion pad, a seat skin, webbing, and a retaining structure. The cushion pad is configured to cover a seat frame and to be attached to the seat frame. The seat skin is configured to cover the cushion pad. The seat skin is provided with a developing portion to be developed by a developing force of an airbag. The webbing is connected to the seat skin so as to transmit the developing force of the airbag to the developing portion. A fastener is provided at a fixation portion of the webbing. The fastener is fastened to the seat frame. The retaining structure retains the fastener at a predetermined position with respect to a back surface of the cushion pad in a state prior to the fastening the fastener to the seat frame.
US09283870B2

A seat sliding device for a vehicle includes a first rail, which is adapted to be fixed to one of a vehicle floor and a seat and a second rail, which is adapted to be fixed to the other one of the vehicle floor and the seat and coupled to the first rail to make relative movement with respect to the first rail. An urging member is provided with a latch part, which is latched to a second coupling wall part and a latch end part, which is latched to a lock lever. The urging member generates in association with bending deformation an urging force which urges the lock lever in a vertical direction toward a direction in which the lock lever engages with the first rail. The urging member has a coil part wound about a rotating shaft between the latch part and the latch end part.
US09283869B2

Provided is a power seat device in which an operator can intuitively recognize an operation of a movable member. Operation units are provided in movable members in a power seat body. Each of the operation units includes a pair of electrodes and a dielectric layer formed between the pair of electrodes so as to be compressively deformable, and compressively deforms the dielectric layer by an operator's push operation. Driving devices are controlled so that the movable members move in the push direction of the operator based on the capacitance between the pair of electrodes changing with the compressive deformation of the dielectric layer.
US09283866B2

A vehicle is provided that connects to an power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.
US09283861B2

An on-board battery charger is provided that senses a voltage value of power input from a charging facility when the charging facility is connected to charge the batteries and receives a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of a current value of the power from the charging facility. In addition, the charger calculates an output voltage value to be output to the batteries using the sensed voltage value of the input power and an output current value to be output to the batteries using a duty value of the received PWM signal. The charger transmits the calculated output voltage and current values to a cooperating battery management system (BMS). The BMS calculates an estimated charging time using the transmitted output voltage and current values, and information regarding the calculated estimated charging time is transmitted to an external charging facility.
US09283859B2

A power supply system includes: a power transmitting device that includes a power transmitting unit; and a vehicle that includes a power receiving unit, and contactlessly transfers electric power between the power transmitting device and the vehicle through electromagnetic resonance. When there is an abnormality that a power receiving mechanism of the vehicle cannot receive electric power, a vehicle ECU causes the power transmitting device to stop power transmission, opens a relay and further discharges remaining electric power by the discharging unit.
US09283854B2

A vehicle includes a power storage unit, a regenerative generator, and an electronic control unit. The regenerative generator is connected to the power storage unit and is configured to perform regenerative power generation. The electronic control unit is configured to perform regeneration amount enlargement control in which positions of stopping and deceleration of the vehicle by input of driver's operations are predicted or set based on route information, regenerative power generation by the regenerative generator is controlled, and a regeneration power amount charged into the power storage unit is enlarged. The electronic control unit is configured to restrict the regeneration amount enlargement control when executing a predetermined vehicle speed adjustment mode by comparison with when the predetermined vehicle speed adjustment mode is not selected, the vehicle running with automatic adjustment of vehicle speed in the predetermined vehicle speed adjustment mode selected by intentional input from the driver.
US09283848B2

Ultralight tricycle with electric engine including a base frame (15) fitted with two front wheels and one driving back wheel (9), an electric engine propelling the driving wheel, and one steering wheel (3) including a steering wheel (4) maneuvered by the user in order to control the steering and/or speed of the tricycle, the tricycle being designed to switch from the unfolded configuration allowing the user positioned on the base frame to ride the tricycle into a folded configuration enabling the user to seize the steering wheel in order to have the tricycle rolling on its two front wheels while keeping the back wheel away from the ground. The tricycle includes a tachymeter that measures the speed of the tricycle and one slowing down/braking command unit connected to the tachymeter and suited to command the transformation of the engine into a generator of electric current provided to a battery when the speed of the engine exceeds a preset speed ranging between 20 km/h and 30 km/h so that the tricycle slows down as a result of the engine being turned into a generator acts as a brake.
US09283846B2

A vehicular warning system includes an image information generating module for generating image information associated with a driver and a position of a vehicle, an operation information generating module for generating operation information associated with operation of the vehicle, and a processing module determining first and second risk values respectively with reference to the image information and the operation information, determining a risk index with reference to the first and second risk values, and generating an alert-triggering signal to be received by an alert module that generates an alert signal of one of sound, light and pictures in response to the alert-triggering signal when the risk index reaches a predetermined index threshold.
US09283833B2

A top for a convertible vehicle having at least one roof element, which is displaceable in relation to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof, is guided slidably in the longitudinal direction of the roof on both sides at one guide rail, respectively, said guide rail being arranged at a respective lateral roof beam, a rear roof cassette being displaceable between an erected position for adjoining, in the rear, to the lateral roof beams in the longitudinal direction of the roof and a storage position that is lowered with respect to the former position and the roof cassette accommodating the roof element in the uncovering position thereof, as well as a sealing arrangement that is arranged in the region of the roof opening and seals a vehicle interior off with respect to a vehicle environment in the closed position of the roof element.
US09283824B2

A method for controlling a torque of a roll stabilizing system which acts on a wheel suspension system of a chassis for a vehicle in order to correct a rolling inclination of the bodywork of a vehicle, wherein a spring travel value of at least two wheels of the vehicle is detected. The torque is determined as a function of a difference between the spring travel values of the two wheels, and the determined torque is applied to the wheel suspension system. An actual torque which acts on the wheel suspension system is preferably determined on the basis of the differences between the spring travel values. The actual torque is used to calculate a setpoint torque for a roll stabilizing system.
US09283818B2

A tire inflation system for a vehicle. The tire inflation system may include a gas supply subsystem that may supply pressurized gas to a tire via first conduit that may be connected to an axle shaft.
US09283815B2

A bicycle wheel includes a rim, a tire and a tire retainer. The rim has an annular bridge and a pair of annular flanges with tire retaining ridges. The annular flanges extend outward from the annular bridge to define an annular space. The tire has a pair of annular bead portions that are engaged with the tire retaining ridges of the rim, respectively. The tire retainer is disposed within the annular space. The tire retainer has a support body that is disposed between the bead portions of the bicycle tire. The support body has an axial width that is dimensioned such that the bead portions of the bicycle tire are prevented from disengaging from the tire retaining ridges of the wheel rim, respectively, while the bicycle tire is disposed in the annular space.
US09283804B2

A vehicle wheel, comprising: a rim; a hub; a plurality of spokes with a span portion extending between the rim and hub; a bracing element including a hole with a central axis, and an engagement surface; and a connector connected to the bracing element, including an overhang. The bracing element comprises a portion of the rim and/or hub. The connector may be laterally displaced relative to the bracing element between a first lateral position and a second lateral position, where the connector may pass within the hole in the first lateral position and the overhang is engaged to the engagement surface in the second lateral position to limit displacement of the connector. The spoke simultaneously contacts the hole and the connector to maintain the connector in the second lateral position. With the connector in the second lateral position, the spoke is engaged to at least one of the bracing element and the connector to support spoke tension forces.
US09283802B2

A writing instrument (1) having a writing instrument housing (3), with a writing nib (8) protruding beyond one end of said writing instrument housing, wherein the writing instrument (1) has a machine-readable data memory. The invention provides a functional element (5) at that end of the writing instrument housing (3) which is remote from the writing nib (8) and attaching at least one subregion of the functional element (5) to the writing instrument (1) in a detachable manner, and allowing the functional element (5) or its detachably attached subregion to contain the machine-readable data memory.
US09283797B2

A sheet processing apparatus includes: a sheet conveying unit that conveys a sheet; a sheet stacking member on a placing surface of which the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying unit is stacked; an edge aligning unit that aligns edges of sheets in a sheet conveying direction on the sheet stacking member; a first binding unit that binds the sheets aligned by the edge aligning unit using a binding member; and a second binding unit that binds the sheets aligned by the edge aligning unit without using a binding member. The sheet processing apparatus selects either of the first binding unit and the second binding unit and performs binding processing on the sheets. The first binding unit and the second binding unit are integrally constructed.
US09283785B2

In an image forming apparatus, a carriage mounts a recording head for discharging droplets, and moves in a main scan direction. A guide member slidably guides the carriage. An encoder scale is arranged along the main scan direction. An encoder sensor reads the encoder scale. The carriage includes a head mounting part for mounting the recording head, and a sensor attaching part for attaching the encoder sensor. The sensor attaching part is provided so as to be extended from the head mounting part. The encoder scale is arranged at a location which the encoder sensor can read. A partition member is provided to separate the head mounting part from the sensor attaching part in the carriage. The head mounting part is arranged in a first space, and the sensor attaching part and the encoder scale are arranged in a second space separated from the first space by the partition member.
US09283775B2

An image recording device is provided with a plurality of color ink heads, first irradiation units which are disposed between the color ink heads which are adjacent, a second irradiation unit which is disposed more to the downstream side in the transport direction than the plurality of color ink heads and which irradiates light which is stronger than the light which is irradiated by the first irradiation units, and a transparent ink head which is disposed more to the downstream side in the transport direction than the second irradiation unit and which discharges transparent ink onto the image, wherein an interval, where a furthermost downstream color ink head and the transparent ink head are lined up, is wider than an interval where the plurality of color ink heads are lined up.
US09283774B2

A print apparatus includes a print part configured to discharge a liquid onto a recording medium being conveyed, an irradiation part configured irradiate the recording medium, onto which the liquid has been discharged, with light, and a backup part provided to an opposite side of the irradiation part relative to the recording medium and having a regulating surface where a surface oriented toward the recording medium regulates movement of the recording medium in a direction of drawing away from the irradiation part, the regulating surface has an opening, and an irradiation area for the light irradiated from the irradiation part fits inside the opening as viewed in a plan view.
US09283772B2

A drying assembly is disclosed. The drying assembly has at least 2 fan units where each fan unit has a fan. The fan speed of each fan is adjusted independently to control the air temperature from the fan. The airflow through all of the fans is maintained at a constant value.
US09283765B2

A liquid containing body 110 arranged inside the liquid ejecting apparatus main body 2; and a liquid supply tube 120 arranged between the liquid containing body 110 and the carriage, in which an inner space S is provided which is formed from the liquid ejecting head and a discharge port including a region where the recording medium is discharged, and the liquid containing body 110 is arranged in the inner space S.
US09283762B2

A droplet ejecting apparatus which includes a control unit which controls a recording operation in which dots are recorded on a medium by performing multipass recording in which recording of dots which are located in one main scanning line which goes along a main scanning direction is completed in a recording operation in the main scanning direction of N times (N is integer of 2 or greater), and a maintenance operation in which maintenance with respect to an ejecting unit is performed, in which the control unit performs a control so that at least recording operations in the main scanning direction of (N−1) times is performed between the previous maintenance operation and the subsequent maintenance operation when performing maintenance operations of a plurality of times.
US09283754B2

A recording apparatus includes a carriage configured to perform scanning and to detachably hold a recording head for performing recording on a recording material, a fixation member configured to fix the recording head to the carriage, a moving member arranged to be movable in a moving direction parallel to a conveyance direction of the recording material and configured to move to a first position to cause the fixation member to press-contact the recording head and to a second position to cause the fixation member to retract from the recording head, and a guide portion provided on the moving member and configured to guide the recording head when the recording head is being attached to the carriage.
US09283749B2

Provided are a liquid ejecting method, a liquid ejecting device, and a liquid ejecting system which can avoid damage of an electro-thermal conversion element caused by cavitation and can prolong a life thereof even in a case that handling with a configuration of an ejecting port is difficult. For that purpose, ejection is performed for a low-duty region by controlling such that variation in an ejection speed is made smaller, and ejection is performed for a high-duty region by controlling such that variation in the ejection speed is made larger.
US09283743B2

There is described a sheet-fed or web-fed printing press for numbering and varnishing of security documents, including banknotes, comprising: —a numbering group (02) comprising at least one numbering unit (21, 22) for numbering printed material in the form of individual sheets or successive portions of a continuous web carrying multiple security imprints; and—a varnishing group (03; 03*) located downstream of the numbering group (02) for applying varnish onto recto and verso sides of the printed material, the varnishing group (03; 03*) comprising at least a first varnishing unit (31) disposed above a path of the printed material to apply varnish on the recto side of the printed material and at least a second varnishing unit (32) disposed below the path of the printed material to apply varnish on the verso side of the printed material.
US09283740B2

A method of sequentially laminating a carrier film-attached optical film laminate to a rectangular-shaped panel having a long side and a short side, is provided. The optical film laminate includes an optical film including a thin polarizing film, and a carrier film attached to the optical film through an adhesive layer. The method includes the steps: forming a plurality of slits in the carrier film-attached optical film laminate in a width direction thereof at lengthwise given intervals to extend from a surface of the optical film on a side opposite to the carrier film to a depth reaching a surface of the carrier film adjacent to the optical film to thereby form an optical film sheet supported by the carrier film, between lengthwisely adjacent two of the slits; and laminating each of the optical film sheets to a respective one of the panels through the adhesive layer.
US09283732B2

Gypsum plaster board, containing a gypsum matrix and 0.1 to 10% by weight carbon particles, wherein the particle size (d50) of the carbon particles ranges from 0.5 to 4 mm.
US09283728B2

A removal device for removal of labels, a label and a method for applying glue to a label are provided. The removal device comprises a reception face for receiving glue. The reception face comprises a first region in which at least a first portion is arranged at at least a second portion for ensuring a sufficient glue application for a face of a label, to which face glue is applied. The first and second portions are configured so that glue can adhere to the first portion considerably easier than to the second portion, and at least a second region in which a third portion is arranged at a fourth portion for information purposes as regards the face of the label, to which face glue is applied. The third and fourth portions are configured so that glue can adhere to the third portion considerably easier than to the fourth portion.
US09283718B2

A mold assembly for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses which comprises an anti-tilt feature that prevent relative movement of one half of the mold assembly relative to the other half of the mold assembly. The anti-tilt feature ensures that the edges of the ophthalmic lenses are symmetric around their periphery.
US09283715B2

A fixing device for fixating a segment of a wind turbine blade to a mold in which the blade segment is manufactured, wherein the blade segment has a fixating portion. The fixing device comprises: a first portion for removably fixating the blade segment at its fixating portion to the mold; and a second portion for fixating the fixing device to the mold.
US09283702B2

A door for a motor car includes a door support with at least one metal carrier element at least partially provided with plastic. The at least one metal carrier element is formed as an internal high pressure formed part. At least one metal reinforcement part and/or support part is/are attached to the metal carrier element.
US09283691B2

A koozie and method of making a same. A suitable log is first selected. The size of the log can vary depending upon the size of the desired koozie. The log is cut into at least one segment. The segments are secured to a table. Next, the segments are hollowed leaving a bottom plane and a stem extending from the bottom plane. Thereafter the stem is removed. This provides a koozie made from a log.
US09283685B2

Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and an elastomeric element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems.
US09283682B2

A robot system capable of effectively transmitting acceleration data from a wireless acceleration sensor to a robot controller. The acceleration sensor has a time series number adding part which adds a number representing time series of the acceleration data of the robot, a data set generating part which generates a data set including acceleration data in a plurality of periods of time, and a first wireless communication part which transmits the data set to the robot controller by radio. The robot controller has an acceleration data judging part which checks the time series number added to the acceleration data contained in the data set received by a second wireless communication part and judges as to whether the time series is correctly received, and a vibration suppression controlling part which carries out vibration suppression control for the robot based on the time series of the acceleration data.
US09283675B2

A semi-automatic, interactive robotic system for performing and/or simulating a multi-step task includes a user interface system, a recognition system adapted to communicate with the user interface system, a control system adapted to communicate with the recognition system, and a sensor-actuator system adapted to communicate with the control system. The recognition system is configured to recognize actions taken by a user while the user operates the user interface system and to selectively instruct the control system to cause the sensor-actuator system to perform, and/or simulate, one of an automatic step, a semi-automatic step or direct step of the multi-step task based on the recognized actions and a task model of the multi-step task.
US09283669B2

A toolbag having a bag enclosure, a selectively-removable tray, and a cushion. The tray is selectively-fastenable to the enclosure for ease of transport. The tray may be unfastened and the cushion removed for use as a kneeling pad at a work site. The tray may then be used to hold small parts and tools.
US09283668B2

An implement includes a shaft, a plug, and a tool portion. The plug is received and retained at one end of the shaft, and the plug and the tool portion are adapted to engage with one another. In addition, an implement for use with a slide hammer includes a shaft which has a receiving portion at one end thereof for receiving an implement head and an aperture at the opposite end thereof forming a guiding portion for the slide hammer, a plug having first and second sections (wherein the first section is received and retained at one end of the shaft and the second portion is not received by the shaft and includes an aperture therein for receiving a tool portion), a tool portion, which includes a slot or aperture therein for engagement with both said second section of said plug and the said shaft, or part thereof.
US09283665B2

A hammer structure includes a hammer head and a handle is connected to the head. The handle has multiple parallel resilient sticks received therein. Each of the resilient sticks has a first threaded section and a second threaded sections formed on two ends thereof. A first locking member and a second locking member are respectively connected to the first and second threaded sections. The first threaded sections of the resilient sticks extend through multiple through holes in the hammer head and are connected with multiple third locking members. The second threaded sections of the resilient sticks are fixed to the handle. The handle includes multiple coats. The resilient sticks absorb vibrations when using the hammer.
US09283662B2

A method of a hand held torque delivering power tool for tightening a screw joint up to a predetermined target torque level, the method including applying a tightening torque to the screw joint during a tightening phase via a snug torque level, indicating during the tightening phase a torque growth characteristic, interrupting the torque application on the screw joint upon arrival at a target torque level to prevent further rotation of the screw joint, and resuming the torque application via a declination ramp at a declining rate after the target torque level is reached. The resumed torque application is declined at a rate corresponding to the indicated torque growth characteristic to obtain an ergonomically favorable torque reaction characteristic in the power tool.
US09283661B2

An impact socket includes a socket body having a first end configured to mount to a drive shaft of an impact wrench and an opposing second end, the socket body defining at least one socket body fastener driving structure at the second end. The impact socket includes a collar assembly carried by the socket body, the collar assembly defining at least one collar assembly fastener driving structure. The collar assembly is configured to move linearly between (i) a first position relative to the socket body where a distal end of the collar assembly extends beyond a distal end of the socket body and (ii) a second position where the distal end is disposed at least equidistant to the second end of the socket body.
US09283660B1

The present invention relates to standardizing the manufacture above-the-knee (AK) and below-the-knee (BK) prosthetic sockets and attached hardware using specially designs alignment jigs that can record position of components, with micro-encoders embedded in the jig, to quantify various degrees of freedom (rotations and translations) during integration of a temporary check socket or prosthesis. These records, together with a digital record of the shape of the truncated limb, in the form of a CAD file, can provide a complete digital record or “prescription” of the prosthesis. The digital record is then transferable to a central fabrication facility which uses a jig augmented with motors, drives systems, and encoders to robotically position and align fixtures and clamps to streamline integration and production of the prosthesis in a standardized manner.
US09283655B2

The liquid diffuser adapter is intended to be attached to the arbor wheel of a center fed, wet stone fabrication machine to facilitate dust elimination. The adapter contains a fastener, a plurality of diffusing channels, and a protective coating. The fastener includes a main body, a flange, and a receptive cavity. The flange is concentrically and adjacently connected to the main body. The receptive cavity traverses through the flange and partially into the main body. The receptive cavity contains an opening, a threaded portion, and a hub portion. The threaded portion is used to attach the adapter to the arbor wheel through the opening; the hub portion allows for water to flow into the device and be redirected into the plurality of diffusing channels; the plurality of diffusing channels is radially positioned about the receptive cavity, connecting the hub portion to the exterior environment and thus the cutting disk.
US09283650B2

A method for providing a surface treatment along the surface of a work piece, using a burnishing tool having a tool head comprising a bearing for supporting a rolling element and an encasement for supporting the bearing. The bearing is formed from a polymer or polymer resin such as, but not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene based resin, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene based resin.
US09283644B2

Disclosed is a heating apparatus for manufacturing a display device, which prevents damage or breakage even though a heating member is deformed by heat, and extends a period for replacement of the heating member, wherein the heating apparatus comprises the heating member for emitting heat so as to heat a material to be deposited on a substrate prepared for manufacturing the display device, a first installing device for supporting the heating member, and a second installing device provided with a passing hole for passing the other end of the heating member therethrough.
US09283643B2

A method of removing liquid from the surface of an airfoil of equipment that handles a wet gas mixture. The airfoil has at least one interior passage, such as a bore, for travel of air or other gas through the interior of the airfoil. A series of holes are cross drilled from one or both exterior surfaces of the airfoil to the passage. Forced air or other gas is introduced into the passage such that the air or other gas is expelled to the surface of the airfoil via the holes, thereby removing the surface liquid.
US09283641B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards flux materials for heated solder placement and associated techniques and configurations. In one embodiment, a method includes depositing a flux material on one or more pads of a package substrate, the flux material including a rosin material and a thixotropic agent and depositing one or more solder balls on the flux material disposed on the one or more pads, wherein depositing the one or more solder balls on the flux material is performed at a temperature greater than 80° C., and wherein the rosin material and the thixotropic agent are configured to resist softening at the temperature greater than 80° C. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09283638B2

A device forms grooves or slits in a material web as it moves in a longitudinal direction. The grooves or slits, which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, are formed by a laser beam. A laser beam source generates a continuous laser beam and a deflection mirror directs the laser beam onto the material web. The mirror rotates about an axis of rotation and it is displaceable along the axis. The mirror has a first mirror face, the line of intersection of which with a sectional plane perpendicular with respect to the axis of rotation forms a circular arc which varies depending on the axial position of the sectional plane. A second mirror face deflects the laser beam towards an absorber. Focusing optics focus the laser beam, after reflection from the first mirror face, onto the moving material web.
US09283636B2

There is described a joining device (1) comprising a stamp which can be moved up and down between a lower working position and an upper loading position. For example a hot embossing film (14) and a substrate (13) arranged under the hot embossing film (14) can be arranged between the stamp and the support table (12). The support table (12) is mounted pivotably about two pivot axes which are perpendicular to each other and which are perpendicular to the axis of movement of the stamp (11) and is pivotable by means of adjusting devices (18) about the two pivot axes, wherein the stamp (11) forms a rigid support in the working position. Alternatively the stamp (11) is mounted pivotably about two pivot axes which are perpendicular to each other and which are perpendicular to the axis of movement of the stamp (11) and is pivotable by means of adjusting devices (18) about the two pivot axes, wherein the support table (12) forms a rigid support in the working position.
US09283631B2

A cutting insert for a gear milling tool comprises an under side, an opposite upper side that forms a chip surface and is parallel to an extension plane (p), a circumferential edge side that connects the upper side and the under side. A centre axis (A) extends through the under side. A symmetry line (S) is perpendicular to the centre axis. A first cutting edge comprises a primary main cutting edge, a secondary main cutting edge—which are symmetrical in respect of the symmetry line—and a transverse end cutting edge between the primary and the secondary main cutting edge. A normal to the extension plane (p) forms an acute clearance angle with the edge side at least along the first cutting edge so that the cutting insert obtains a positive cutting geometry.
US09283629B2

The handheld power saw includes a drive mechanism with a lifting rod; a saw blade with an elongated recess in a guide region thereof and a retaining region with a T-shaped extension; a coupling device for retaining and driving the saw blade located on the lifting rod, which includes a clamping sleeve configured to receive the T-shaped extension to connect the saw blade to the lifting rod; a guide assembly for guiding oscillatory motion of the saw blade, which includes two lateral bracing devices arranged on opposite sides of the saw blade that shield the coupling device from shear forces; a pressure roller supported on a bolt, which is arranged to bear on an edge of the saw blade and a pressure bolt arranged in the elongated recess to directly guide the saw blade.
US09283625B2

A chuck includes a chuck body extending along a longitudinal axis, the chuck body including a plurality of slots each arranged at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of jaws each includes a first engagement portion, a jaw end, and a drive end. Each of the jaws is disposed within one of the plurality of slots and is movable between a close position and an open position. A biasing member is coupled to the plurality of jaws and is operable to bias the plurality of jaws toward the close position and a rotating assembly is selectively engageable with the plurality of jaws such that when engaged, the plurality of jaws are movable in response to rotation of the rotating assembly.
US09283623B2

Nanowire preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed. Such methods which reduce metal ions to metal nanowires in the presence of aluminum or gallium ions, are capable of producing long, narrow, nanowires useful for electronics and optical applications.
US09283617B2

A screw and method for processing metal, metallic alloys, and metal matrix composites in a plastic injection molding machine is disclosed. The screw includes shank with a screw shaft extending from the shank. The screw shaft includes a rear portion proximate to the shank, a middle portion proximate the rear portion, and a front portion proximate the middle portion. Flights extend from the rear portion of the screw shaft for advancing material through the plastic injection molding machine into the middle portion of the screw shaft. Flights may optionally be included in the front portion of the screw.
US09283614B2

Four-die forging device for forging presses can be employed to forge ingots and billets in a variety of steels and alloys on forging presses and is intended to provide for a longer repair-free service life of the device, a higher reliability, an increased forging process output and a better quality of forged parts. The holders (3, 4) of the side dies (5, 7) have a shape approximating to that of a truncated pyramid with the center of mass (47) of the “side die holder-side die” system located within the longitudinal section of the side die holder. The apart-guiding ways (9-12) are arranged either on the side surfaces of the die holders (1, 2), or on the inclined planes (22-29) of the holders (1-4) of the dies (5-8) in the longitudinal symmetry plane of the device, or on both of them. Internal planes of the apart-guiding ways are formed to enclose the planes of adjacent die holders thus creating a clutch-type connection. Provided in the bottom part of each side die holder are ledges (48, 49) where against the antifriction plates (30-37) thrust. Working surface of each die at its cross-sectional area consists of a central working zone (52) and two side zones (53, 54). Maximum width of the die working surface (bmax) and the antifriction plate sliding surface length (1) are in a ratio of bmax/l≦1.5. The device is characterized by a longer repair-free service life, higher reliability, increased forging process output and better quality of forged parts.
US09283612B2

A clinching tool (20) for producing a load-bearing, supporting or stable connection of a first metal workpiece (11) with a second metal workpiece (12). The clinching tool (20) comprises a die tool (20) and a counter-tool (30) which together form and join, by local plastic reshaping or deformation of the metal workpieces (11, 12), a clinch connection (13) which connects or permanently joins the first metal workpiece (11) and the second metal workpiece (12). The die tool (20) comprises a die having a flank (25) arranged concentrically with respect to the rotational axis (24). The flank (25) has a front end surface (23) perpendicular to the rotational axis (24). The flank (25) is conically shaped at least in the lower transition region (21) to the front end surface (23) and has a flank angle (W, W1, W2) smaller than or equal to 10 degrees, preferably smaller than or equal to 5 degrees.
US09283603B2

A pivot link for interconnecting a locking bar and a pivoting arm of a sheet bending brake includes an arm portion and a locking bar portion. The arm portion defines a first threaded bore, and the locking bar portion defines a second threaded bore. A threaded stud extends between and interconnects the arm portion and the locking bar portion, and is disposed in threaded engagement with both the arm portion and the locking bar portion. The threaded stud includes a first thread portion in threaded engagement with the first threaded bore, and a second thread portion in threaded engagement with the second threaded bore. The first threaded bore and the first thread portion include one of a left hand thread or a right hand thread, and the second threaded bore and the second thread portion include the other of the left hand thread or the right hand thread.
US09283600B2

A plug for hot pipe making includes a plurality of plug pieces which is attachable to and detachable from one another, and a connection member which connects the plug pieces by a magnetic force. One of the plug pieces connected to each other includes a column-shaped portion which extends in an axis direction of the plug for hot pipe making, and the other includes a joining hole which extends in the axis direction of the plug for hot pipe making and into which the column-shaped portion is inserted. The connection member is a permanent magnet which is attached to at least one of the column-shaped portion and the joining hole.
US09283578B2

A dispensing device (10) capable of dispensing both frothed and non-frothed liquids, the dispensing device having in order a fluid transport medium (20) defining a flow channel (25), a trigger controlled liquid flow regulator (30) defining a flow channel (35) through which fluid may flow when the trigger (37) is in one position but not when the trigger is in another position, a flow block (50) defining a flow channel (55) in fluid communication with a gas channel (65) and removably attached to the flow regulator, a flow restriction orifice (40) between the flow block and the flow regulator (30), a mixing block (70) defining a flow channel (75) containing mixing elements and optionally stabilization (80) and extension blocks each containing a flow channel (85) wherein each flow channel is in fluid communication with one another.
US09283572B2

A centrifuge including a bowl, a bowl drive motor, a screw conveyor, a screw conveyor drive motor, a pump, a pump motor, a bowl VFD to drive the bowl drive motor, a conveyor VFD to drive the screw conveyor drive motor, a pump VFD to drive the pump drive motor, an analysis assembly and a computer electrically connected to the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD, the pump VFD, and the analysis assembly. The analysis assembly is configured to automatically sample slurry pumped into the bowl and automatically transmit data, characterizing the slurry, to the computer. The computer is configured to calculate control schemes for the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD, and the pump VFD using the data and, transmit control signals to the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD and the pump VFD to operate the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD and the pump VFD according to the control schemes.
US09283558B2

A fluid handling device includes a substrate, a film, and a conductive layer. The substrate includes a first through-hole, and a second through-hole. The conductive layer is disposed on one surface of the film to extend in a first area, a second area and a third area of the film. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The first area is bonded to the first surface of the substrate such that a housing part is formed by closing one opening of the first through-hole, and such that a part of the conductive layer is exposed to the inside of the housing part. The second area is disposed inside the second through-hole, and the third area is bonded to the second surface of the substrate such that a part of the conductive layer is exposed to the outside.
US09283544B2

A fabric phase sorptive extractor (FPSE) is a sampling device where a flexible fabric is coated with at least one sol-gel derived film that includes at least two of a metal oxide portion, a siloxy portion, and an organic portion, where the gel has at least some amorphous portions. The FPSE is flexible such that it can be used in an extended form or draped over a solid surface to contact a gaseous, liquid, or solid environment and can be manipulated for placement in a container where the absorbed analyte can be removed from the FPSE for instrumental analysis. The FPSE can have specific functionalities that bind to specific analytes or can provide a general sorbent medium for extraction of a wide range of analytes, such that the sampling device can be employed for sampling analytes with biological, environmental, food, pharmaceutical, bio-analytical, clinical, forensic, toxicological, national security, public health, and/or safety implications.
US09283543B2

Modified diamond particles for use in chromatography with a desired functional group at the diamond surface, formed from reaction of hydroxyl groups at diamond surfaces with a reactive molecule.
US09283539B2

Methods for preparing a composition containing amorphous iron oxide hydroxide. Methods for regeneration of the amorphous iron oxide hydroxide after it has been used as desulfurizer. Regenerable desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity containing amorphous iron oxide hydroxide, not less than 88% w/w, and organic binder not less than 7% w/w. The organic binder is sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sesbania powder, cellulose powder, or a mixture thereof A method for preparing the desulfurizer. A method for regenerating the waste agent produced after the desulfurizer and the composition containing the desulfurizer are used as desulfurizer. This method allows the desulfurizer and the composition containing the desulfurizer to be regenerated and reused avoiding the need for landfill disposal and environmental pollution.
US09283530B2

Methods and devices for generating gas from nitrous oxide are provided as well as downstream uses for the product gas. Reactor devices of the invention are compact and incorporate a novel heat-exchange/regenerative cooling system to optimize N2O decomposition and reactor durability.
US09283526B2

A beverage package includes a bottle including a base, a sidewall extending from the base, a shoulder extending from the sidewall, and a neck extending from the shoulder and including an interior, an interior surface, and a mouth having an end surface. The beverage package also includes an aerator separate from the bottle, extending across the interior of the bottle neck, and disposed entirely within the interior of the neck and spaced axially from the end surface of the bottle neck, and including an inlet end, an outlet end axially spaced from the inlet end, an outer wall in contact with the interior surface of the bottle neck, and a baffle disposed radially inwardly of the outer wall and axially between the inlet and outlet ends.
US09283525B2

The present invention aims to provide a porous polymer membrane that is excellent not only in water permeability and alkali resistance but also in mechanical strength. The porous polymer membrane of the present invention includes a fluoropolymer (A) that includes a vinylidene fluoride unit and a tetrafluoroethylene unit.
US09283523B2

A pervaporation membrane may be an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole (PBI) membrane. The acid-resistant PBI membrane may be a PBI membrane chemically modified by a process selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, phosphonation, cross-linking, N-substitution, and/or combinations thereof. The membrane may be thermally stabilized. A method for the dehydration of an acid material may include the steps of: contacting an acidic aqueous solution with a membrane of an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole; taking away a permeate stream rich in water; and taking away a concentrate steam rich in the acid material. The acidic aqueous solution may be acetic acid.
US09283522B2

The invention is directed to a process for separating liquid mixtures, which includes passing a liquid stream of the liquid mixture over a membrane, the membrane being selective for at least one of a first compound and a second compound, whereby at least part of the liquid stream passes through the membrane leaving the other side of the membrane as a vapor, with the remainder of the liquid stream forming a retentate stream, and condensing the vapor on a condenser surface having a lower temperature than the liquid stream to give a distillate stream, the condenser surface forming a non-permeable heat conducting separation wall between the distillate stream and a cooling stream which cooling stream is a) a feed stream, or b) the retentate stream.
US09283515B2

A carbon dioxide recovery device can perform a carbon dioxide adsorption treatment, a carbon dioxide separation treatment, a carbon dioxide adsorbing material repair treatment, and a carbon dioxide adsorbing material manufacture treatment. The carbon dioxide recovery device includes: a casing including a fluid treatment passage, a gas supply port through which a fluid is supplied to the fluid treatment passage, and a gas exhaust port through which the gas supplied to the fluid treatment passage is discharged; a plurality of housing tanks provided in a fluid treatment passage and each configured to house carbon dioxide adsorbing materials K; and an adsorbing liquid supplying portion configured to supply an adsorbing liquid to the housing tanks. Passage opening-closing mechanisms configured to store the adsorbing liquid in or discharge the adsorbing liquid from the housing tanks are respectively provided at bottom portions of the housing tanks.
US09283512B2

A carbon pyrolyzate adsorbent is described that is selective for carbon dioxide in contact with gas mixtures including carbon dioxide and methane. The adsorbent has a carbon dioxide adsorbent capacity at 1 bar pressure of greater than 50 cm3 carbon dioxide per gram of adsorbent at 273K, a methane adsorption capacity at 1 bar pressure of less than 35 cm3 methane per gram of adsorbent at 21° C., and a bulk density of greater than 0.55 gram per cubic centimeter of volume. Such adsorbent can be utilized, for example, for biogas upgrading, natural gas purification, coal bed methane purification, and refining operations.
US09283511B2

Composite materials for carbon dioxide (C02) capture that include: (1) a mesoporous carbon source; and (2) an in situ polymerized polymer that is associated with the mesoporous carbon source, where the in situ polymerized polymer is selected from the group consisting of thiol-based polymers, amine-based polymers, and combinations thereof. Methods of making the composite materials for C02 capture include: (1) associating a mesoporous carbon source with monomers, where the monomers are selected from the group consisting of thiol-based monomers, amine-based monomers, and combinations thereof; and (2) polymerizing the monomers in situ to form said composite materials. Further embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of capturing C02 from an environment by associating the environment with one or more of the aforementioned composite materials.
US09283506B2

An air filter including two opposing open ends, and a filter area circumferentially enclosing a cavity in between. The first open end frictionally and sealingly engages the filter housing including an air port, while the second end engages the housing to close the second end from passage of air. The filter area may be reinforced to provide a durable, reusable filter. The filter material may be selected to provide depth loading and increase the particulate capacity of the filter.
US09283504B2

A bag filter assembly for cleaning dust-laden gases has a housing, which is divided into a filtered-gas side and an unfiltered-gas side by a bag bottom formed with openings. Several filter bags with a flat cross-section and support baskets are arranged in the bag bottom openings. The filter bags have support baskets and injector nozzle at the open end for conducting and accelerating compressed-air pulses for dedusting. The injector nozzle protrudes at least partially into the openings of the bag bottom. Sealing elements are arranged on the outside of the injector nozzle at the level of the bag bottom in order to form a defined gap for a defined compression of the filter bag between the sealing elements and the jacket surface of the opening in the bag bottom and thus to independently seal the filter bag with respect to the opening of the bag bottom.
US09283503B2

A filter element includes a media pack and a gasket member. The gasket member includes first and second gasket regions separated by a channel. One or more filter elements are usable in a dust collector. One example dust collector includes a collector housing having a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and a tube sheet dividing the housing between an unfiltered air volume and a clean air volume. At least one filter element is removably mounted and sealed within the tube sheet. A gasket member secured to the element includes first and second gasket regions separated by a channel. At least one projection angled relative to a plane of the tube sheet extends into the channel of the gasket member. A method of servicing a dust collector includes removing a first filter element from the tube sheet in the housing, and then sealing a second filter element against the tube sheet by orienting at least one projection extending from a plane of the tube sheet into a channel defined by a gasket member secured to the second filter element. Next, an axial force is exerted against the gasket member to form a seal between the gasket member and the tube sheet.
US09283500B2

A spin-on filter that eliminates the use of a nut plate and reduces the number of separate components. Instead, the spin-on filter utilizes the end plate of the filter cartridge to perform a number of functions, including closing the open end of the filter shell, sealing between the dirty and clean fluid sides, sealing between the filter and the mounting head to prevent leakage outside the filter to environment, attaching the filter cartridge to the shell, and sealing the end of the filter media.
US09283499B2

A feedwell system for delivering a slurry (for example a bituminous slurry) to a separation vessel (for example a primary separation vessel) includes a feedwell barrel with an inlet for receiving the slurry, internal baffles, and a bottom outlet. A downpipe extends from the bottom of the barrel directing the existing slurry onto a deflector plate deflecting the slurry radially and outwardly. A protector plate located between the downpipe and the deflector plate improves the underwash layer stability. Ventilation openings in the protector plate induce inflow which reduces the discharge velocity, limits the formation of an adverse pressure gradient and encourages circumferential distribution.
US09283495B2

An apparatus for capillary ion chromatography comprising a suppressor comprising flow-through ion exchange packing in a housing and capillary tubing formed of a permselective ion exchange membrane, and at least partially disposed in said ion exchange packing. Also, a recycle conduit for aqueous liquid from the detector to the packing. Further, the capillary tubing may have weakly acidic or weakly basic functional groups. Also, a method for using the apparatus.
US09283483B2

An exemplary posted information sharing system includes: a game processing unit configured to execute a multiplayer game application through a plurality of users each using a terminal; a group formation unit configured to form a playgroup for playing the game application, wherein the game processing unit includes: a group formation request unit configured to output, to the group formation unit, a playgroup formation request that specifies a group, according to input of the terminals, wherein the group formation unit is configured to form the users of terminals that specify the same group into a playgroup, based on the specified group.
US09283481B2

A server device connected to a first player terminal used by a first player and a second player terminal used by a second player to communicate with each other, including: a storage unit that stores player information in which each of items owned by players is associated with each of the players; a reception unit that receives, from the first player terminal, an exchange request to exchange a first item owned by the first player for a second item different from the first item, and receives, from the second player terminal after the exchange request, an acquisition request that the second player acquire the first item in an exchange source from the first player; a judging unit that judges whether or not the second player owns the second item based on the player information when the reception unit receives the acquisition request; and an item exchange processing unit.
US09283480B2

Virtual competitive group management systems and methods are provided herein. Exemplary systems may execute methods via one or more processors, which are programmed to compare one or more skill levels of a player to skill levels of a plurality competitors, wherein a skill level is associated with player competitiveness within the interactive game, determine at least one of the plurality of competitors who have at least one skill level that is greater than the skill level of the player, and place the player and the at least one of the plurality of competitors into a competitive group such that the player is at a competitive disadvantage to at least one of the plurality of competitors.
US09283476B2

Systems and methods allow an on-line game to extract information relevant to a specific need of a game platform or service platform. The specific need relates to management and use of digital content, and is addressed by designing and playing an on-line collaborative game. The rules of the game intend to solve a specific task dictated by the specific need. Players' responses to the game generate a wealth of information related to a specific task objective, such as ranking, sorting, and evaluating a set of digital content items. To compel participation in a game, players can be rewarded with monetary value rewards. As a game illustration, an image selection game (ISG) that exploits human contextual inference is described in detail. The information extracted from ISG is a list of key-image associations, relevant for the task of image sorting and ranking.
US09283470B2

It is provided a game system which includes 36 indexed elements, and a pattern structure having six hexagonal patterns arranged in a cycle such that each pattern has two neighboring patterns. Each element has an index of six different indexes. Two or more indexed elements are associated with each index. Each pattern has two sites shared with each of the two neighboring patterns, and one non-shared site. The system includes a cube for selecting a sub-set of 24 indexed elements. In a number version, the different indexes constitute a single arithmetic series. In a two-party game version, 12 pattern sites are associated with a first site index and 12 pattern sites are associated with a second index, six of the sites having the first site index and six of the sites having the second site index are shared sites, and the other sites are non-shared sites. A computerized two party game includes means for prohibiting a player from disposing an indexed element on a pattern site already having that indexed element.
US09283468B2

The invention is an apparatus and method of biofeedback training for attaining a physiological state optimally consistent with the successful performance of a task, wherein the probability of successfully completing the task is made is inversely proportional to a physiological difference value, computed as the absolute value of the difference between at least one physiological signal optimally consistent with the successful performance of the task and at least one corresponding measured physiological signal of a trainee performing the task. The probability of successfully completing the task is made inversely proportional to the physiological difference value by making one or more measurable physical attributes of the environment in which the task is performed, and upon which completion of the task depends, vary in inverse proportion to the physiological difference value.
US09283459B2

The invention provided is directed to a soccer training device, module training system and method of use. The device is a deflection wall that may be portable or permanently affixed to a ground surface. The wall having a larger and smaller embodiment, mimicking the silhouette of a soccer goal or an average player of a given age range from a far distance at simulated closer range. The inventive features of the wall intended to enhance quantity, quality, speed, and accuracy of interaction and perception between the user, the ball and the wall according to professional quality and professional level training techniques. Multiple wall units may be combined to create individualized training modules wherein one person may train in a simulated multiplayer environment of varying levels of complexity. Two or more module units may be combined to create a soccer training system. The modules and systems may be staged in limited ground surface area both indoor and outdoor.
US09283443B1

A method for printing an image at multiple positions on a golf ball is disclosed herein. The plurality of locations for the image is preferably ten. The image is preferably a pentagon. The image is alternatively a hexagon or a circle.
US09283433B2

The present invention relates to a stand-alone therapeutical training device which is peculiar in that the stand-alone therapeutical training device comprising a shallow housing having at least a top surface and a bottom surface, said housing comprising at least one force sensor, said force sensor measuring the force applied to said top surface of said housing and generating a response signal, at least one user feedback unit, a controller placed inside said housing configured for controlling said user feedback unit and that the controller controls the user feedback unit proportionally to said response signal from said force sensor. Hereby can be archived a simple stand-alone therapeutically training device enabling the patient and/or the physiotherapist to evaluate the force or weight applied by the user on the upper surface of the device.
US09283429B2

Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured for monitoring a user performing an exercise and generating a avatar of the user and a virtual shadow, wherein the virtual shadow illustrates proper form of the exercise. The example embodiments may further be configured for determining an amount of overlap between the virtual avatar and the virtual shadow, and generating a feedback score based on the amount of overlap.
US09283427B2

An abdominal exercise device is disclosed. The exercise device can include a flexible substrate having a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end can be configured to move with respect to each other. The exercise device can also include a curved portion between the first end and the second end. The curved portion can be configured to flex upon application of a force to the flexible substrate.
US09283420B2

A pivotal vibration apparatus comprising a vibration platform, a displacement assembly having an eccentric shaft rotatable to provide a displacement force, a link connecting the displacement assembly to the vibration platform to transfer the displacement thereto and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the amplitude of the displacement force transmitted to the vibration platform in a continuous fashion.
US09283415B2

A method of fire suppression may include injecting a reactive agent into a reaction zone to produce a catalytically active species for fire suppression and conveying the catalytically active species to a fire to catalytically interfere with flame chemistry of the fire. Fire in a fuel tank may be suppressed by injecting the reactive agent into a convective flow of a mixture of fuel and oxidizer in a fuel tank, the reactive agent reacting in the fuel tank to release a species which catalytically interferes with flame chemistry to suppress fire in the fuel tank. Fire at an airplane crash may be suppressed by releasing the reactive agent from the container at the crash site to produce an active species to catalytically interfere with a fire at the crash site.
US09283414B2

A solid propellant gas generator releases a flowing mixture from a solid propellant, separated from a surrounding area, into the surrounding area. The solid propellant gas generator includes a cooling system for cooling the flowing mixture. The cooling system has at least one feed device for feeding a gas from the surrounding area to the flowing mixture in order to mix the flowing mixture prior to entering into the surrounding area with the gas from the surrounding area.
US09283408B2

A proton beam delivery system including a proton beam nozzle to emit a proton beam to a targeted region of a patient, a gantry wheel to support the proton beam nozzle, the gantry wheel being configured to rotate the proton beam nozzle about a rotation axis of the gantry wheel such that the proton beam nozzle emits the proton beam to an isocenter of the gantry wheel corresponding to the targeted region, a beamline deflector configured to be rotated by the gantry wheel to transport the proton beam along a curvilinear path from the rotation axis to the proton beam nozzle using a predetermined power setting of the beamline deflector, and a rigid support structure to support the beamline deflector when the gantry wheel is rotated such that the beam nozzle directs the proton beam to the isocenter from a plurality of radial directions using the same predetermined power setting.
US09283403B2

Described herein are systems and methods for positioning a radiation source with respect to one or more regions of interest in a coordinate system. Such systems and methods may be used in emission guided radiation therapy (EGRT) for the localized delivery of radiation to one or more patient tumor regions. These systems comprise a gantry movable about a patient area, where a plurality of positron emission detectors, a radiation source are arranged movably on the gantry, and a controller. The controller is configured to identify a coincident positron annihilation emission path and to position the radiation source to apply a radiation beam along the identified emission path. The systems and methods described herein can be used alone or in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or brachytherapy for the treatment of tumors.
US09283399B2

A wearable treatment device includes a cardiac sensing electrode, a treatment electrode, a user interface, and a sensor. The cardiac sensing electrode detects cardiac information, and the treatment electrode applies treatment to a subject. The user interface receives quality of life information from the subject, and the sensor detects subject activity and wellness information. A controller coupled with the cardiac sensing electrode, the treatment electrode, the user interface, and the sensor receives the detected cardiac information, the quality of life information, and the detected subject activity and wellness information, and determines that treatment is to be applied to the body of the subject based upon the detected cardiac to information. The controller can adjust the treatment based on at least one of the detected subject activity and wellness information and the quality of life information.
US09283386B2

Provided is a neural device including a nanowire and a support layer. Further, provided is a neural device including: a substrate, at least one nanowire which is fixed on the substrate at a lengthwise end thereof to extend vertically and inserted into nerves to obtain electrical signals from nerve fibers or apply electrical signals to the nerve fibers; and a support layer which is formed on the substrate and which surrounds and supports at least one portion of the nanowire.
US09283383B2

An implantable epicardial electrode assembly comprises electrode poles fixed on the heart having a large surface area and being multipolar and can at the same time be used as sensing and stimulating electrodes, wherein the electrode assembly has the shape of a tennis racket or is circular, elliptical, hexagonal, rectangular, oakleaf-shaped, star-shaped or cloverleaf-shaped and comprises at least two electrode poles which are arranged over a large surface area, and a further electrode arrangement which comprises at least one electrode pole and which is arranged between the large surface area electrode poles and further comprises a fixing element, wherein the defibrillation can take place between the mutually insulated poles of the electrodes, and wherein the stimulation of the heart can take place between one of the electrode poles and a pole of the electrode arrangement.
US09283380B2

An external pacemaker with at least one electrode temporarily connectable to the heart, and at the distal end of which is an active region, which makes contact with heart tissue, and at the proximal end is a contact plug. The electrode is for transmission of stimulation, defibrillation, and/or cardioversion pulses and is plugged into a pacemaker plug socket. The contact plug has first and second contact regions at its plug part. The plug socket matches the contact plug with two mating contacts, the first for transmitting stimulation pulses and the second for transmitting defibrillation and/or cardioversion pulses. In the plugged-in position, only the contact region on the plug part makes contact with the mating contact provided for transmitting the defibrillation and/or cardioversion pulses, such that no defibrillation and/or cardioversion pulse can be transmitted to electrodes which are unsuitable for defibrillation and/or cardioversion and have only a single-stage contact plug.
US09283378B2

A method for implanting an electrical stimulation lead into a patient includes inserting an elongated sheath into a patient. The sheath includes a sheath body with a proximal end and a distal tip. The sheath defines a lumen extending from the proximal end of the sheath to the distal tip. The distal tip of the sheath is advanced to the patient's epidural space. The distal tip of the sheath is positioned at a target implantation location. A lead is advanced along the lumen of the sheath from the proximal end of the sheath body to the distal tip. The lead includes a lead body and a plurality of electrodes disposed along a distal end of the lead body. The sheath is removed from the patient while leaving the distal end of the lead at the target implantation location.
US09283366B2

A medical port includes a disc-shaped valve 1 in which an insertion hole is formed in a central portion 1a, a base seat 7 that supports the valve from a lower surface side, and a cover 2 that has a fitting hole exposing an upper surface of the central portion of the valve and covers at least a peripheral edge of the valve from the upper surface side, the fitting hole being formed so that when an inserting body has been inserted into the insertion hole, a fit between the inserting body and the fitting hole can cause the inserting body to be locked against the cover. An annular protrusion 1d is formed in the valve 1, the annular protrusion being continuous in the circumferential direction, and formed in the valve 1 so that in the state in which the inserting body is locked against the cover, the annular protrusion is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of a leading end portion of the inserting body.
US09283357B2

A method for transferring a macromolecular complex to muscle cells by exsanguinating a region of the subject's microvasculature and delivering the complex to this region under high hydrostatic pressure. A balloon catheter having a balloon that extends substantially the full length of the cannula that is inserted into the subject is provided for use in the systemic delivery of macromolecular complex.
US09283354B2

In order to provide a catheter which can be operated even when it is deformed inside a bent blood vessel and whose movable part can be easily bent and the movable part thus bent is firmly kept in this shape, a catheter includes: a fluid-driven actuator including: a balloon; a restricting member for restricting inflation of the balloon in a short axis direction of the catheter; and a tube which is less stretchable in a long axis direction of the catheter than the balloon is, according to a cross-sectional view of the fluid-driven actuator taken along the short axis direction of the catheter, the tube being eccentrically provided with respect to the restricting member.
US09283343B2

A nasal cannula adapter. The nasal cannula adapter includes a chamber having cannula clips, and a connector having an opening and a connector lumen in communication with the chamber and the opening. Systems for administering a gas to a patient comprise the nasal cannula adapter, a nasal cannula, and an airway device. Methods for administering a gas to a patient comprise administering a gas through a nasal cannula operably connected to the nasal cannula adapter operably connected to an airway device inserted into the airway of the patient.
US09283341B2

Methods and apparatus for assessing the condition of and treating patients for heart failure by the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure are disclosed. Treatment of obstruction due to reflex vocal cord closure often experienced by heart failure patients is distinguished from treatment of upper airway obstruction typically associated with Obstructive Sleep Disorder. Treatment may also be implemented by delivering synchronized cardiac pressure oscillations superimposed on a respiratory pressure level to provide assistance for the heart. Heart treatment pressure dose indicator may be calculated for prescribing and monitoring the delivery of treatment. The apparatus may also generate data to track heart failure condition that may be indicative of the degree of severity of heart failure based upon breathing patterns to assist in the diagnosis and management of heart failure patients.
US09283340B2

A system for performing simultaneous ventilation and resuscitation of a patient includes an oxygen source, at least one inspiration control valve, a breathing apparatus, at least one expiration control valve, at least one indicator, and at least one timer. The breathing apparatus is configured to form an air seal with at least a portion of the patient's respiratory tract such that a gas including oxygen can flow from the oxygen source to the lungs. The at least one expiration control valve being configured to selectively actuate an exhalation valve. The at least one indicator for indicating when a rescuer should perform a chest compression. The at least one timer for synchronizing actuation of the at least one inspiration control valve, the at least one expiration control valve, and the indicator, thereby enabling continuous compressions to be provided to the patient while the patient undergoes inspiration and expiration.
US09283333B2

The invention relates to a medical hand-held device, in particular an atomizer (1), for dispensing a liquid pharmaceutical preparation from a container with a discharge nozzle for the pharmaceutical preparation and located upstream from the discharge nozzle there is a multiple-stage filter system.
US09283331B2

A hypodermic needle system and method for reducing the incidence of infections due to administering fluids by injection to humans or animals is provided. The hypodermic needle system may include a needle with an insert disposed within its hollow channel to substantially prevent bacteria, fungi and/or other organisms/contaminants, which may be present on the exterior surface to be penetrated, from adhering to the inner surfaces of the needle's channel or become trapped in the needle bore. The hypodermic needle system may include a film that covers at least one surface of the needle or insert, and/or have a bent or curved tip to reduce the ability of infectious agents to adhere to said surface/space within the needle. Additionally, the hypodermic needle system may include an anti-infection agent, such as an antibiotic or antiseptic to further reduce the incidence of infections, and may include an attachment member which reduces the risk of infection.
US09283329B2

An arterial syringe guide adapted for use with a common arterial syringe is provided for improving the safety of the arterial sampling procedure, for providing easy access to a syringe blood receptacle, and for facilitating the insertion of the needle of a syringe into a targeted artery. An integrated artery stabilizer holds the artery in place during use. A syringe holder retains the needle hub of a hypodermic needle. The blood receptacle component of the employed syringe may be separated from the device, leaving the needle component of the syringe locked on the device for safety.
US09283323B2

The present invention relates to a controller unit and methods for controlling an insulin pump. The controller unit includes a user input that receives a gain factor. The gain factor has been calculated based on historical data in relation to a patient. The controller unit includes a measurement input for receiving data representative of a measured blood glucose level for the patient. Processing logic of the controller unit is configured to apply the measured blood glucose level to a pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion computational model to predict an insulin output level, apply the gain factor to the predicted insulin output level to determine a patient insulin deficiency level, and calculate a control signal for controlling the insulin output level of the insulin pump based on the patient insulin deficiency level. Methods are provided for optimizing the gain factor based on the historical data in relation to the patient.
US09283322B2

In various embodiments, actuation of a drug-delivery pump is controlled based on a change in a condition of the pump.
US09283321B2

A system for recording the wasting of fluids includes a waste disposal unit and a sensor system, having a sensor. The sensor can have one or more sensor elements in fluid communication with a fluid as it is wasted from a container into the waste disposal unit. The sensor system is configured to identify one or more drugs within the fluid and record the identity of the one or more drugs in a computer-readable medium electrically coupled to the sensor system.
US09283317B2

Disclosed embodiments for assessing brown adipose tissue use imaging of metabolic contrast agents. For example, activated brown adipose tissue may be assessed by evaluating a difference in production of the hyperpolarized 13C metabolic contrast agent from a pre-polarized 13C metabolic contrast agent precursor before and after exposure of the subject to an activating event or agent. In one embodiment, the subject is given a dose of norepinephrine, and the production of the hyperpolarized 13C metabolic contrast agent before and after the dose is assessed.
US09283308B2

A suction tip for a surgical instrument includes a hollow housing having a top flat wall and a bottom flat wall and including a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a widened tip portion that is wider than the proximal end. The distal end may have a plurality of suction ports located at its front, top, right side and left side of the widened tip portion. Furthermore a ledge portion may protrude outwardly past a terminal end of the top flat wall to provide a clear space between the suction ports and tissue for evacuation of fluid in the clear space. Furthermore, the ledge portion which protrude outwardly may have bended tip in desire degrees and shapes.
US09283305B2

A method of a forming a hollow, drug-eluting medical device includes providing composite member having an outer member and a core member disposed within a lumen of the outer member. The composite member is shaped into a pattern. Openings are formed through the outer member of the composite member. The composite member is processed to remove the core member from the lumen of the outer member without harming the outer member, leaving a hollow tubular member already formed into the desired pattern. The lumen of the outer member is filled with a therapeutic substance.
US09283291B2

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a radiolabeled macromolecule, the method comprising contacting a macromolecule with a carbon encapsulated nanoparticle composite having a radioactive particulate core in an aqueous medium comprising a pH selected to promote short-range attractive forces between the nanoparticles and the macromolecule by attenuating repulsive electrostatic forces.
US09283285B2

A nanoparticulate composition is disclosed for the targeted therapeutic treatment of tumors. The stable self assembled nanocomposition according to the invention comprises (i) a carrier and targeting system comprising an optionally modified polyanion, and optionally a polycation, which may also be modified; at least one targeting agent which is linked to either the polycation/modified polycation or the polyanion/modified polyanion, or both or to the surface of the nanoparticle; (ii) an active compound selected from the group of docetaxel and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives especially its hydrates, especially docetaxel trihydrate and docetaxel trihydrate monohydrochloride; and optionally (iii) at least one complexing agent, a metal ion and a stabilizer/formulating agent, or a PEGylating agent. The present invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of the above-mentioned composition, the therapeutic uses thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the nanocomposition according to the invention.
US09283277B2

The invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of obesity. The methods and compositions relate to the use of an agent that reduces or prevents endoplasmic reticulum stress in conjunction with leptin.
US09283270B2

Thermostable polysaccharide based lyophilized vaccines are disclosed, particularly polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines and methods for preparation thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a stabilized vaccine composition consists essentially of at least one polysaccharide-protein conjugate, at least one amorphous excipient, and a buffer component.
US09283266B2

Disclosed are compositions and pharmaceutical preparations suitable for inhibiting metastasis of a malignant cancer in an animal. Methods for inhibiting and/or eliminating metastasis in an animal are also provided. In some embodiments, the preparations and compositions comprise a whole cell tumor preparation comprising tumor tissue cells and tumor connective tissue stroma. The disclosure also provides methods for preparing the preparations and pharmaceutical preparations. Inhibition of metastasis of malignant prostate cancer to the lung is shown in vivo.
US09283257B2

Embodiments herein relate to agents that mimic calorie restriction (CR) to extend life span, especially agents that lower the level of cytosolic NADH and increase the level of cytosolic NAD+ (relative to NADH) required to mimic calorie restriction that results in life span extension, at least in part by inhibition by NADH of SIR2, which is a key regulator of life span in both yeast and animals. NADH is a competitive inhibitor of SIR2, an NAD-requiring NAD-dependent histone deacetylase required for chromatin silencing and life-span extension. An overall reduction in NADH activates SIR2 and extends life span. The use of fluorescence measurements of NADH levels in a 96-well plate assay utilizing Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a model to screen for agents and supplements that lower NADH levels is disclosed herein. A caloric restriction mimetic contains 1 part Mg2+ malate, 1 part turmeric and 98 parts dehydrated potato skins.
US09283252B2

The present invention provides lactic acid bacteria having oxalic acid-degrading activity several times higher than those of conventionally known lactic acid bacteria having an oxalic acid-degrading activity, and uses thereof. Lactic acid bacteria capable of degrading a large amount of oxalic acid were screened from 132 strains of Lactobacillus lactic acid bacteria that have been independently isolated from feces and gastric juices of human adults. As a result, lactic acid bacteria having an oxalic acid degradation rate of 50% or more when cultured at 37° C. for 72 hours in a culture medium containing 10 mM oxalic acid at pH 6.5 at the start of culture were discovered.
US09283246B2

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing carboxylated starch derivatives as well a their use as osmotics in particular for use in the treatment of chronic renal failure by dialysis.
US09283242B2

The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a dihydro base described herein (e.g., compound DHdC). The dihydro base may show multiple tautomerism and may increase mutation of an RNA and/or DNA of a virus or cancer cell. The dihydro base may be used to reduce DNA methylation (e.g., in a cancer cell). The present invention also provides kits including the inventive pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating a viral infection (e.g., influenza, HIV infection, or hepatitis C) or cancer using the pharmaceutical compositions or kits.
US09283237B2

Described herein are methods of inhibiting or reversing the progression of presbyopia in an eye by administering a βL-crystallin electrostatic interaction inhibitor. Presbyopia is caused by aggregation of the soluble crystalline lens proteins called the crystallins, particularly βL-crystallin. It has been found that the aggregation of βL-crystallin is an electrostatic phenomenon and that electrostatic interaction inhibitors can be employed to prevent the formation of βL-crystallin aggregates as well as to deaggregate already formed aggregates.
US09283229B2

The present invention is directed to novel dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one compounds useful as S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of making and using the same.
US09283228B2

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a solid, orally administrable pharmaceutical composition, comprising 5-chloro-N-({(5S)-2-oxo-3-[4-(3-oxo-4-morpholinyl)-phenyl]-1,3-oxazolidin-5-yl}-methyl)-2-thiophenecarboxamide in hydrophilized form, and its use for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases.
US09283226B2

The invention provides compounds of the formula (I) having protein kinase B inhibiting activity: wherein A is a saturated hydrocarbon linker group containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, the linker group having a maximum chain length of 5 atoms extending between R1 and NR2R3 and a maximum chain length of 4 atoms extending between E and NR2R3, wherein one of the carbon atoms in the linker group may optionally be replaced by an oxygen or nitrogen atom; and wherein the carbon atoms of the linker group A may optionally bear one or more substituents selected from oxo, fluorine and hydroxy, provided that the hydroxy group when present is not located at a carbon atom α with respect to the NR2R3 group and provided that the oxo group when present is located at a carbon atom α with respect to the NR2R3 group; E is a monocyclic or bicyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic group; R1 is an aryl or heteroaryl group; and R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the claims. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, methods for preparing the compounds and their use as anticancer agents.
US09283224B2

The present invention relates to substituted pyrimidinyl-pyrrole compounds of formula (I) which modulate the activity of protein kinases and are therefore useful in treating diseases caused by dysregulated protein kinase activity, in particular Janus kinases. The present invention also provides methods for preparing these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of treating diseases utilizing such compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US09283223B2

A method for treating a pulmonary hypertension condition such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a subject comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of ambrisentan, wherein, at baseline, time from first diagnosis of the condition in the subject is not greater than about 2 years.
US09283222B2

Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, ways to make them and methods of treating patients using them are disclosed.
US09283221B2

Abuse-resistant, controlled release opioid tablets are a combination containing an opioid antagonist such as naloxone at a level above that needed to suppress the euphoric effect of the opioid, if the combination were crushed to break the controlled release properties causing the opioid and opioid antagonist to be released as a immediate release product as a single dose. The controlled release nature of the table prevents the accumulation of orally effective amounts of opioid antagonist when taken normally. The opioid antagonist is contained in a controlled-release matrix and released, over time, with the opioid.
US09283215B2

Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing cancer as well as and diseases and disorders associated with, or characterized by, undesired angiogenesis are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound alone or in combination with a second active ingredient. The invention further relates to methods of reducing or avoiding adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy which comprise the administration of an immunomodulatory compound. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US09283207B2

Stereomerically pure (+)-2-[1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione, substantially free of its (−) isomer, and prodrugs, metabolites, polymorphs, salts, solvates, hydrates, and clathrates thereof are discussed. Also discussed are methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the (+) enantiomer of 2-[1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating and/or preventing disorders ameliorated by the reduction of levels of TNF-α or the inhibition of PDE4.
US09283204B2

This invention relates to extracts and refined fractions of a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Alpinia officinarum (AO), components thereof, and the use of such compounds and compositions to treat neurodegenerative or neuropathological conditions or to inhibit aggregation of a-synuclein.
US09283203B2

This invention relates to compositions, and methods of use thereof, for (i) enhancing executive cognitive function(s) (for example, decision making, planning, working memory, multitasking, judgment, numerical problem-solving, reading comprehension), and/or (ii) increasing blood flow in brain vasculature, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, certain polyphenols such as flavanols, procyanidins, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives thereof.
US09283202B2

Methods have been developed for incorporation of peracid compounds and related compositions into a non-aqueous medium. The peracid incorporated into the non-aqueous medium is stable and keeps its chemical and antimicrobial activity for extended durations. The non-aqueous medium may be removed just prior to or during application of the peracid.
US09283195B2

The invention encompasses methods and kits used in the identification of invasive glioblastoma based upon the expression of TROY. The methods and kits also allow prediction of disease outcome as well as therapeutic outcome.
US09283190B2

A high-efficacy, long-acting, slow-release formulation of the poorly soluble drug, comprising solid dispersion of the poorly soluble drug, silica nanoparticles loaded with the poorly soluble drug, matrix material, and release enhancer, wherein the mass ratio of these components is solid dispersion of the poorly soluble drug: silica nanoparticles loaded with the poorly soluble drug: matrix material: release enhancer=1: 0.5˜1.25: 0.1˜0.3: 0.1˜0.3; the said solid dispersion of the poorly soluble drug contains povidone K30, soybean lecithin, and acrylic resin IV, wherein the mass ratio of the drug and the accessory materials is poorly soluble drug: povidone K30: soybean lecithin: acrylic resin IV=1: 1˜3: 0.3˜0.8: 0.2˜0.5. Compared with the existing formulations, the in vivo half life of the high-efficacy, long-acting formulation of the poorly soluble drug disclosed in this invention is 2.3˜14.8 times longer while the mean residence time (MRT) of which is 7.94˜4.52 times longer; when tested in vivo in Beagle dogs, this new formulation of the poorly soluble drug presents a smoother concentration-time curve and reaches a continuous release for 72 hours. This invention discloses its preparation method.
US09283189B2

Disclosed is a sustained-release preparation of ivabradine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The preparation contains ivabradine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and a sustained-release framework material, wherein the sustained-release framework material is selected from polyoxyethylene, or a mixture of polyoxyethylene and polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl pyrrolidone.
US09283185B2

The present invention provides a compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and melanoma, in a human patient. The methods and compositions of the present invention employ curcumin or a curcumin analogue encapsulated in a colloidal drug delivery system, preferably a liposomal drug delivery system. Suitable colloidal drug delivery systems also include nanoparticles, nanocapsules, microparticles or block copolymer micelles. The colloidal drug delivery system encapsulating curcumin or a curcumin analogue is administered parenterally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US09283180B2

A method and formulation for delivering an active compound in a vaporized state using low temperatures to vaporize the formulation. The formulation contains an inert non-reactive compound that lowers the heat of vaporization of the formulation, and the active compound. The formulation may optionally contain glycerin, alcohol, and/or water. Examples of inert non-reactive compounds that can sufficiently lower the heat of vaporization of the formulation include propylene glycol and polysorbate. The formulation can be vaporized using a hand-held low temperature vaporizer or atomizer.
US09283171B2

Disclosed is a topical skin cleanser comprising Silybum marianum fruit extract, Momordica grosvenorii fruit extract, and a cosmetic vehicle comprising at least 50% by weight of the composition of water and disodium EDTA, glycerin, phenoxyethanol, triethanolamine, 3-Iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate, and benzyl alcohol.
US09283169B2

The present invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsified skin cosmetic comprising the following ingredients (a) through (e): (a) Water: 5-50 wt % (b) Ethanol: 1-20 wt % (c) Volatile oil component: 2-50 wt % (d) Carboxy decyl trisiloxane represented by the following formula (1): 0.1-5 wt % (e) One, two or more selected from a group consisting of hydrophobized titanium dioxide, hydrophobized zinc oxide, and hydrophobized iron oxide: 2-50 wt %; wherein the object of the present invention is to provide a water-in-oil emulsified skin cosmetic containing the aforementioned powder (e) wherein powdery squeakiness over time after application on the skin is suppressed and at the same time absorption into the skin at the time of application and the absence of stickiness after application on the skin are improved.
US09283168B2

The present invention is directed to a series of polyesters that are made by the reaction of a diacid with a pre-formed mono-hydroxy, di-hydroxy and optionally a tri-hydroxy ester of polyols selected from pentaerythritol, di pentearythritol trimethylolpropane and mixtures thereof. When reacted in the sequence shown, that is pre-formation of the mono-ester, di-ester and tri-ester, selection of the proper ratio of one to the other and then and only then reacted with the diacid, do these polyesters remain free of a gel and form cosmetically elegant oil phases.
US09283163B2

Methods for preventing, ameliorating, or reducing dermatological signs of aging are provided which employ cosmetic composition comprising novel active agents that enhance collagen production in the skin.
US09283159B2

Provided are oral care compositions comprising a) at least one compound of formula (I)  wherein R is carbonyl attached at C-1 or C-4; and b) at least one mint flavor, for example, mint oil, menthol, l-carvone, l-limonene or menthone. The compositions possess an enhanced mint flavor character.
US09283156B2

A hair care composition containing inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, and/or relaxing hair, and a method for using the hair care composition a hair care composition containing an inorganic fluoride for straightening, smoothing, defrizzing, curling and/or relaxing of hair, and its method of use in a variety of hair care products, e.g., straightener solution, shampoo, conditioner, color binding treatment, volumizing treatment, a combination thereof, etc. The hair care composition is formaldehyde-free, even when heated.
US09283151B2

An enteral feeding device and methods of using such device to unclog a feeding tube are described herein, wherein the device includes a first tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The first tube defines a feeding lumen that extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the first tube. The first tube has at least one distal opening capable of allowing introduction of nutrients and/or medicaments from within the feeding lumen through the opening into a gastrointestinal area of a patient when the enteral feeding tube is implanted in a patient. The device also has a wall having a distal end and a proximal end, which extends longitudinally within at least a portion of the first tube. The wall has an exterior surface and an interior surface. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the wall contacts the feeding lumen. The interior surface of the wall and/or the first tube define an inflatable lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the inflatable lumen extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the feeding lumen, and wherein the wall is capable of changing a volume of the feeding lumen by allowing for deflation of the inflatable lumen through removal of a fluid from the inflatable lumen and/or inflation of the inflatable lumen through introduction of a fluid into the inflatable lumen.
US09283149B2

The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container. A counter can be provided for counting pills that exit the discharge chute or opening.
US09283148B2

A multi-purpose syringe that may be used both for gravity feeding and syringe pump assisted feeding of a neonate is disclosed. The multi-purpose syringe includes a cap and a plunger. The cap and plunger may be selectively engaged to the barrel depending on whether the neonate is fed by gravity or syringe pump. The cap seals the top of the barrel but allows gas to pass between the inside of the barrel and the environment and traps liquid within the barrel. To this end, the cap has an aperture covered by a hydrophobic member.
US09283145B2

This disclosure relates to drug vial spikes, fluid line sets, and related systems. In some aspects, a fluid line set includes a frame, multiple spikes extending from the frame, and multiple fluid lines connected to the frame. The frame is configured to hold the fluid lines in a spaced apart configuration.
US09283144B2

According to an exemplary embodiment, a bidet assembly for a toilet generally includes a sprayer, a water supply system, and an arm. The sprayer is configured to spray water. The water supply system is configured to selectively communicate water from one or more water sources to the sprayer. The arm is operationally coupled to the water sprayer and the water supply system. The arm is configured such that rotation of the arm acts to rotate the sprayer and the arm forger comprises a feature configured to allow control of the amount of water flow from the water supply to the sprayer.
US09283123B2

A system for monitoring incontinence in one or more subjects comprises display means; input means operable by a user; one or more transmitters, each transmitter being associated with one or more subjects being monitored; the one or more transmitters being configured to transmit signals containing continence-related data for the one or more subjects, wherein the continence-related data has been obtained over time from a continence sensor associated with an absorbent article worn by each respective subject; a receiver unit configured to receive signals from the one or more transmitters; and processing means in communication with at least the receiver unit, the processing means including a display processor configured to process the received signals and communicate display information to the display means for display of a visual representation of continence-related information derived from continence sensors in the absorbent articles worn by the one or more subjects being monitored. The system may include a volume estimator and means for communicating to a carer a ‘risk of wetness leakage’ based on e.g. an estimated volume of wetness and e.g. a pad type. Pad type may be communicated to the system automatically by way of a pad type indicator associated with the pad and/or pad/sensor combination.
US09283121B1

The present disclosure is directed to a transfer assembly for transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis. The frame comprises a track having a circumferential shape surrounding the rotation axis. The transfer assembly comprises transfer members movably engaged with the track, each having a transfer surface. The transfer assembly comprises a wheel engaged with the frame and configured to rotate about the rotation axis. The wheel is engaged with the transfer members. As the wheel rotates about the rotation axis, the transfer members circumnavigate about a path about the rotation axis in correspondence with the track. The shape of the track causes the transfer surfaces to move radially relative to the rotation axis while the transfer surfaces are maintained a substantially constant distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer.
US09283119B2

An absorbent sheet manufacturing apparatus has a cylinder part having a plurality of concave portions arranged in a circumferential direction, a particle filling part which is located above the cylinder part and which stores particles of high-absorbent resin, to sequentially fill the plurality of concave portions with particles by a particle filling opening in its lower end, and a communication part which is located adjacent to the particle filling opening. A concave portion facing a posterior edge of the particle filling opening is brought into communication with external space through the communication part. Therefore, when particles are filled into the concave portion from the particle filling part, air in the concave portion is forced out by particles entering the concave portion and is easily discharged to the external space through the communication part. As a result, it is possible to increase a density of particles filled in the concave portion.
US09283118B2

A dressing may be suitable for use with systems and methods for treating a tissue site. Embodiments of the dressing may include a base layer, an adhesive, a sealing member, a first wicking layer, a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a plurality of apertures and may be adapted to cover the tissue site. The adhesive may be positioned between the sealing member and the base layer such that the sealing member and the base layer define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09283114B2

An intraocular device for implantation in an eye of a patient is provided. The intraocular device includes an inlet tube, an outlet tube, and a microfluidic chamber. The microfluidic chamber includes a chamber inlet coupled to the inlet tube, a chamber outlet coupled to the outlet tube, and one or more fluidic barriers. Each fluidic barrier is configured such that, as a fluid is injected into the microfluidic chamber, a front of the fluid coincides with the fluidic barrier before any of the fluid passes beyond the fluidic barrier. Associated methods are also disclosed herein.
US09283111B2

An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.
US09283108B2

Apparatus for sterilization of a female mammal comprising at least one separation member for separation of a fallopian tube from a uterine cavity of the female mammal, a circulation assembly which is operatively connected to said at least one separation member, and at least one sterilization lumen which is operatively connected to said circulation assembly and debouching at a distal side of said at least one separation member, said at least one sterilization lumen being adapted for injection in use of a tissue necrotizing fluid capable of necrotizing a lining of at least a part of said fallopian tube, wherein said circulation assembly is adapted to circulate said tissue necrotizing fluid within said sterilization lumen and said fallopian tube. The apparatus allows quick, simple, safe and reliable sterilization.
US09283097B2

Methods of controlling the degradation profile of a biodegradable stent scaffolding are disclosed. A bioabsorbable scaffold having a plurality of particles incorporated into the scaffolding that accelerate the absorption of the scaffolding after an induction time during degradation is disclosed.
US09283096B2

Technologies are generally provided for a vascular reinforcement device for preventing compression of a blood vessel in the presence of applied external forces applied which may occur due to pregnancy and obesity. The vascular reinforcement device may include a first portion configured to be positioned over the aorta and a second portion coupled perpendicularly with the first portion, the second portion configured to be positioned over the left renal vein for preventing the left renal vein from being compressed against the rigid aorta. A reinforcement structure may be embedded into the second portion for providing further protection from compression of the vein passing through the second portion. The vascular reinforcement device may be configured in an initial reduced profile position for delivery to the abdominal area via a delivery tube, and may be deployed into an expanded position over the aorta and the left renal vein.
US09283095B2

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for magnetized stent having growth-promoting properties. A stent assembly comprising a tubular elongated body having a magnetized region and a tissue nidus area is inserted beneath the orifice of a vascular aneurysm. The magnetic region can serve to attract and position both residual red blood cells and magnetically nano-ireated growth-promoting cells to the orifice area of the aneurysm. The outer circumference of the tubular elongated body can act as a floor or scaffold for regenerated smooth vascular muscle cells. In embodiments, the tissue nidus area can be provided on the exterior stent, while the magnetized region is provided on the interior stent, of a stent-in-stent structure. In embodiments, the exterior stent is made of biodegradable material which gradually dissolves or dissipates in situ.
US09283094B2

Methods for preparing a polymer-based stent assembly comprising an inflatable balloon catheter and a polymer-based stent resistant to relaxation-related negative recoil are provided. The methods comprise heating a polymeric cylindrical device which is at a final predetermined shape and diameter to a temperature sufficiently above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer and for a time sufficient to erase any memory of previous processing of the polymeric cylindrical device and then quenching the polymeric cylindrical device to provide an educated polymeric cylindrical device having a memory of the final predetermined diameter and shape, mounting the educated cylindrical device on an inflatable balloon catheter, reducing the diameter of the educated cylindrical device by heating to a temperature at or slightly above the Tg of the polymer while evenly applying pressure on the exterior surface of the wall of the cylindrical device, and then cooling the cylindrical device below the Tg of the polymer to provide a stent assembly comprising an inflatable balloon catheter and an expandable, educated, polymeric stent snugly and stably disposed thereon. Assemblies comprising an inflatable balloon and a polymer based stent that is substantially resistant to relaxation related recoil mounted snugly on the balloon are also provided.
US09283073B2

An annuloplasty ring including a sheath, an arcuate stiffening element, and a tensioning member. The stiffening element is disposed within the sheath and defines discrete, first and second ends separated by a lateral spacing. The tensioning member extends between the stiffening element ends. The tensioning member is characterized as being more flexible than the stiffening element and is configured to provide a taut state in which the tensioning member is substantially non-extensible and impedes expansion of the lateral spacing. With this configuration, the stiffening element serves to remodel the valve annulus to a desired shape, while the tensioning member exhibits sufficient flexibility to allow for natural movement of the valve annulus while limiting (in the taut state) the extent of annular dilatation (e.g., overt lateral separation of the first and second ends of the stiffening member) due to in vivo forces.
US09283052B2

A method is provided for planning a position and/or a movement trajectory of a medical instrument in a heterogeneous body structure. The method includes providing at least one of a) body structure data corresponding to mechanical properties of the heterogeneous body structure, wherein said mechanical properties influence a movement of the instrument through the heterogeneous body structure due to the mechanical interaction between the instrument and the heterogeneous body structure, b) instrument data concerning mechanical and/or geometric properties of the instrument, or c) movement data concerning mechanical properties that are intended to cause and/or describe a movement of the instrument through the heterogeneous body structure. The position and/or movement trajectory-of the instrument or a probability that said position and/or movement trajectory will be achieved then is determined based on at least one of the movement data, the body structure data or the instrument data.
US09283041B2

A drape, such as but not limited to, a drape that can be used to cover a C arm of a medical device is provided. The drape includes material, at least one cuff and at least one adhesive strip. The material has a select property and has a select shape. The at least one cuff is formed along at least one edge of the material. The at least one cuff is configured to allow manipulation of the drape by a user. The at least one adhesive strip is configured to selectively adhere the drape to a surface to be covered by the drape.
US09283039B2

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a fiber optic guidewire having a hypotube with a plurality of openings that provide variable stiffness and tracking characteristics between at least one proximal segment and one distal segment of the guidewire. In some embodiments, the guidewire further comprises a mandrel disposed within the hypotube, the mandrel cooperating with the optical fibers to permit the distal end of the hypotube to be shaped as desired by a user. Methods of manufacturing and using the guidewire are also disclosed.
US09283035B2

Polymer insulators and methods of using polymer insulators are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes separating a first portion of a subject's tissue from a second portion of the subject's tissue so that there is a space between the first and second portions of tissue. Deionized water, a buffered saline solution, liquid polymers, gels, particles, foams, and/or gases are disposed between the first and second portions of tissue, and the first portion of tissue is exposed to energy to treat the first portion of tissue.
US09283023B2

A disposable cautery device and related methods for making and disassembling a disposable cautery device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the disposable cautery device comprises a housing having a first end and a second end. A cautery tip extends from the housing first end, and the housing second end is configured to receive a removable power source. An actuator is provided to selectively complete an electrical connection between the cautery tip and the removable power source. The actuator is disposed within a recess formed in the housing, and the recess is at least partially circumscribed by a raised rim. A top surface of the actuator is flush with or lower than the rim to inhibit inadvertent actuation of the disposable cautery device. In some embodiments, an end cap is coupled with the second end of the housing to retain the removable power source in the housing, and removal of the end cap from the housing causes the coupling between the end cap and the housing to fracture.
US09283019B2

The present invention relates generally to flexible guide wires, and, more particularly, to a flexible guide wire that can be attached to a surgical site and pulled taut to provide a guide for the introduction of instruments and implants to the surgical site, but cannot be pushed towards the surgical site without the wire bending so that there is no advancement of the tip of the flexible guide wire further into the surgical site or bony structure.
US09283018B1

The biodegradable kyphoplasty balloon system includes a biodegradable balloon catheter and a delivery system. The biodegradable balloon catheter includes an elastomeric tube and a biodegradable balloon. The elastomeric tube has opposed open and closed ends with a resealable slit being formed in a central portion thereof. The elastomeric tube is formed from an elastomer such that the resealable slit acts as a one-way inflation valve. The biodegradable balloon is mounted on the elastomeric tube such that the biodegradable balloon is sealed thereto about the resealable slit for selective inflation thereof. The delivery system includes a hollow push tube and an inflation tube. The hollow push tube has opposed first and second open ends. The inflation tube has opposed open and closed ends, with an aperture being formed through the inflation tube adjacent the closed end thereof. The hollow push tube slidably receives the inflation tube.
US09283010B2

A bone fixation plate for fixation of fractures having a small terminal bone fragment, such as fractures of the distal radius. The plate includes an elongated body, and two hook members extending from a first end of the elongated body. A contoured region is configured to approximate the surface contour of the distal radius proximate the volar rim, the dorsal rim, or the radial arm. Each hook member is configured to provide subchondral support to a distal bone fragment, without causing shortening of the fragment into the metaphyseal bone, and without providing a bending torque directed to the base of the plate. The tooth members of the hook plate are preferably sharpened at their tips and edges to facilitate their impaction. A holder/impactor for gripping the radial hook plate, and for further facilitating impacting of the hook plate without the need to pre-drill pilot holes, is also provided.
US09283009B2

A bendable polymer tissue fixation device suitable to be implanted into a living body, consisting of a highly porous body, made from a polymer, the porous body having a plurality of pores, such that the device is capable of being smoothly bent, wherein the bending collapses a portion of the pores to form a radius curve, and the polymer fixation device is rigid enough to protect a tissue from shifting. Preferably, the polymer fixation device may be capable of being gradually resorbed by said living body. In one embodiment, the polymer fixation device consists of a plurality of layers distinguishable by various characteristics, such as structural or chemical properties. In another embodiment, the polymer fixation device may feature additional materials which serve to reinforce or otherwise alter the structure or physical characteristics of the device, or alternatively the additional materials serve to deliver therapies to the living being.
US09282997B2

A growing rod for mounting between attachment mechanisms that are secured to anatomical structures of a patient having scoliosis. The growing rod includes a base rod having an attachment end, an extendable rod that is translatable relative to the base rod along a longitudinal axis and a housing enclosing at least a portion of the extendable rod therein. A magnet is rotatably mounted within the housing and is enclosed by a top magnet cover and a bottom magnet cover. The magnet includes a first pole and a second pole. A gear reduction mechanism is associated with the magnet and the extendable rod. The gear reduction mechanism reduces an output rotation to the extendable rod relative to an input rotation from the magnet.
US09282991B2

A device for treating a lesion in a body lumen to enlarge a passageway in the body lumen having at least one cutting member and a tracking member. The at least one cutting member has a cutting surface and a separate material associated therewith. The cutting member and tracking member are connected at a distal portion and insertable into the body lumen as a unit, the cutting member configured for movement in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tracking member to widen a gap between the cutting member and tracking member at least at a distal region and to apply the separate material to an interior of the lesion.
US09282978B2

A single use bone cutter comprised of two concentric cylinders and a series of insert blades or cutter disc is described. The cutter blades or cutter disc is preferably positioned at the distal end of the cutter. The bone cutter also comprises a guide rod that aids in the line of sight when using the cutter device.
US09282975B2

A method of preparing a bone to receive a fixation screw through a fixation device includes providing a drill bit sized and configured to pass through a bore in a fixation device positioned in the bone and drilling a passage into the bone and through the bore. At least a distal portion of the drill bit passes through the bore in the drilling step. At least an outer portion of the distal portion of the drill bit has a hardness that is less than a hardness of the fixation nail.
US09282959B2

A laparoscopic instrument includes a handle unit by which a user may hold the instrument, an elongated first tube attached to the handle unit, a second tube arranged slidable in relation to the first tube, that the second tube is provided with a thread gripping member capable of gripping suture threads, a locking member arranged to the tubes such that, when the second tube is moved in relation to the first tube, gripped suture threads are locked. The invention is characterized in that the device further includes storage elements for a number of rings, and a ring feeding member capable of, upon activation, moving the ring from the storage elements to a free position in which the suture threads run through the ring.
US09282956B2

A medical device and a method for manipulating bodily tissues are described. The medical device includes an elongated portion having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongated portion has a defined width referred to as first width. The medical device further includes a head portion extending from the distal end portion of the elongated portion. The head portion includes a first flat surface on a first side and a second flat surface on a second side opposite the first side. The head portion has a defined width referred to as second width. The second width is greater than the first width.
US09282953B2

A vascular closure device includes a main body and an expandable portion that can be selectively expanded and contracted. The vascular closure device may be used to close the hole in a wall of a vessel after a medical procedure. For example, the vascular closure device may be used to close the hole in an artery after a medical procedure that required access to the artery. In one embodiment, the expandable portion may be oriented at an oblique angle relative to the main body. This may be desirable in situations where the vessel puncture is oriented at an angle relative to the vessel. Orienting the expandable portion at an oblique angle relative to the main body may help the expandable portion to cover the hole in the wall of the vessel.
US09282951B2

In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device is narrow and pointed with a hybrid pear shaped diamond facet. Abrasive material can be adhered to the facet.
US09282949B2

A charging station for a battery powered biopsy apparatus includes a charging dock having a housing and a charging unit contained in the housing. The charging unit has a set of electrical contacts. The housing is received in a first cavity of a driver assembly with the electrical contacts being coupled in electrical communication with the driver assembly when the driver assembly is mounted on the charging dock for charging. The charging unit provides a signal to the driver assembly to reset the driver assembly to an initialized state when the driver assembly is mounted to the charging station.
US09282948B2

Total core biopsy devices and methods of use are provided for taking a total core biopsy sample and a means for using the devices that provide for an adequate sample size and quality while being light-weight, easy to use, small, inexpensive, and permitting one-handed operation and beveled edges to reduce trauma to the surrounding tissue and organs from which a total core biopsy sample may be taken.
US09282945B2

A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider.
US09282943B2

A radiographic imaging device including: a sensor portion that generates an output signal according to an irradiated amount of irradiated radiation; a detector that based on the output signal detects a radiation irradiation start of radiation irradiated from a radiation source during capture of a radiographic image; a noise data generation means that, based on an output signal from the sensor portion in a non-irradiation state of radiation from the radiation source, generates noise data relating to noise incorporated in the output signal; a controller that controls detection sensitivity to radiation irradiation start in the detector according to a degree of variation in noise level expressed by the noise data; and an imaging unit that captures the radiographic image after radiation irradiation start has been detected by the detector.
US09282942B2

In this device and the associated method, a connection unit that can be attached to an arm bearing an x-ray source and an x-ray receiver is fashioned such that said connection unit compensates for a pivot movement of the arm so that a compression unit arranged at the connection unit remains stationary during a pivot movement.
US09282941B2

A method for imaging with a radiotherapy device is provided. The radiotherapy device includes a movably mounted imaging apparatus with an X-ray source and an oppositely disposed X-ray detector. The method includes preparing a first image with the imaging apparatus from a first imaging direction. The imaging apparatus is moved to a position that permits the preparation of a second image from a second imaging direction extending at an angle to the first imaging direction. The method also includes preparing the second image with the imaging apparatus from the second imaging direction, and verifying the position of an object to be irradiated using the first image and the second image.
US09282940B2

A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generation unit, a boom member configured to hold and arrange the X-ray generation unit at an arbitrary position, a supporting column unit connected to the boom member and configured to elevate and pivot the X-ray generation unit, a display unit, including a display screen, coupled to the X-ray generation unit through a movable mechanism configured to enable the orientation of the display screen, with respect to the X-ray generating unit, to be altered.
US09282925B2

Systems and methods for detecting noise episodes and processing analyte sensor data responsive thereto. In some embodiments, processing analyte sensor data includes filtering the sensor data to reduce or eliminate the effects of the noise episode on the signal.
US09282924B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for controlling the temperature of light sources within physiological sensors in order to regulate the wavelengths emitted by the light sources. The sensors may include a temperature control element that is designed to provide heating and/or cooling to the light sources. The sensors also may include a temperature sensor designed to detect the temperature of the light sources. Based on the detected temperature, a controller can vary the amount of heating and/or cooling provided by the temperature control element to maintain the temperature of the light sources at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range.
US09282921B2

A measurement system and method for operating a measurement system is disclosed for an analyte determination. The system includes an analysis unit, which is configured to determine a measured analyte value for a body fluid specimen that is applied, a fingerprint sensor, which is configured to detect fingerprint sensor signals for one or various users, and a control unit, which is connected to the analysis unit and the fingerprint sensor unit for data transmission. The control unit is configured to perform a user identification using the detected fingerprint sensor signals and after successful user identification to enable a determination of a measured analyte value with the analysis unit for an identified user. The control unit is additionally configured to analyze the detected fingerprint sensor signals and optionally additional detected fingerprint sensor signals in addition to the user identification in order to provide control signals for performing additional measurement system functions.
US09282919B2

A lancet pricking device comprises a lancet, a launching spring, a trigger part and a holder housing the lancet, launching spring and trigger part. The lancet comprises a lancet body, lancet cap and pricking needle. The pricking needle is in both the lancet body and lancet cap. The trigger part has a pair of arms positioned inside the holder. The launching spring is attached to the lancet body. The lancet body is secured to the arms of the trigger part by an abutment of the lancet body on the arms such that the launching spring is compressed before a pricking operation. The trigger part cannot be pushed further into the holder before the lancet cap is removed, but can be pushed further into the holder after the cap is removed. The pair of arms warp when pressed to release the secured lancet body.
US09282917B2

The treatment of tinnitus may include a tinnitus therapy including generating a tinnitus therapy sound that is similar to a patient's perceived tinnitus sound. In one example, a method for generating a tinnitus adjusted sound may include presenting a plurality of different sound templates to a user from a series of tinnitus therapy sound templates, receiving a selection by the user of one or more of the templates, receiving an adjustment to one or more of the selected templates, and generating a therapy sound based on the adjusted selections.
US09282912B2

A measurement device with electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) functionalities includes a shell and a turning structure. The shell includes a first contact and a second contact located at a first side of the shell; and a third contact. The turning structure, disposed on the shell, is utilized for adjusting the third contact to be located at the first side when the measurement device is in an EEG mode, and adjusting the third contact to be located at a second side of the shell when the measurement device his in an ECG mode, wherein the second side is substantially opposite to the first side.
US09282910B2

A system and method to target a biological rhythm disorder, such as a heart rhythm disorder, include processing cardiac signals via a computing device to determine a shape in a region of tissue defined by a source associated with the biological rhythm disorder that migrates spatially on or within the shape, and identifying at least one portion of the tissue proximate to the shape to enable selective modification of the at least one portion of tissue in order to terminate or alter the heart rhythm disorder.
US09282906B2

A blood volume measuring method, apparatus and program for removing an artifact when used in an apparatus for analyzing respiratory variation of the stroke volume of a patient in order to determine the fluid response of the patient or adequately set artificial ventilation is provided.
US09282905B2

A method for imaging blood flow through target tissue is disclosed. An example method may include (a) directing a light beam at a blood-perfused target tissue, (b) reflecting the directed light beam off of static target tissue and flowing cells, (c) capturing a plurality of digital images of interference patterns of the reflected light in a plurality of successive frames, (d) measuring a light intensity of at least one pixel of each digital image, where the at least one pixel corresponds to an identical pair of coordinates in each successive frame, (e) comparing the measured light intensity of the at least one pixel of each digital image to the measured light intensity of the at least one pixel of an adjacent frame at the identical pair of coordinates and (f) determining a compiled light intensity for the at least one pixel for an aggregate motion contrast.
US09282901B2

Systems and methods for determining whether there is a correlation between arrhythmias and myocardial ischemic episodes are provided. An implantable system (e.g., a monitor, pacemaker or ICD) is used to monitor for arrhythmias and to monitor for myocardial ischemic episodes. When such events are detected by the implantable system, the implantable system stores (e.g., in its memory) data indicative of the detected arrhythmias and data indicative of the detected myocardial ischemic episodes. Then, for each detected arrhythmia, a determination is made based on the data, whether there was a myocardial ischemic episode detected within a specified temporal proximity of (e.g., within a specified amount of time of) the arrhythmia. Where a myocardial ischemic episode occurred within the specified temporal proximity of an arrhythmia, data for the two events can be linked. Additionally, when a log of arrhythmias is displayed, for each arrhythmia there is an indication of whether a myocardial ischemic episode was detected within the specified temporal proximity of the arrhythmia. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.
US09282898B2

A method of delivery of medical data via a trusted end-to-end communication link. The method comprises obtaining a measurement of a parameter of a human being by a first sensor, obtaining a biometric from the human being by a second sensor, receiving input from the first and second sensors by a secure application executing in a trusted security zone of a processor, whereby access to the input from the first and second sensors by applications executing in a normal partition of the processor is blocked, wherein the input from the first and second sensors comprises the measurement of the parameter and the biometric, and transmitting a message based on the input from the first and second sensors via a trusted end-to-end communication link to a medical data server, wherein an application that receives the message executes in a trusted security zone of the server.
US09282892B2

A method of displaying bio-information on a screen includes outputting basic bio-information of a plurality of bio-parameters indicating a condition of a patient on one display screen, determining an occurrence of an event related to the plurality of bio-parameters, converting the basic bio-information into detailed bio-information about one of the plurality of bio-parameters based on a result of the determining an occurrence of an event, and outputting the converted detailed bio-information on the one display screen.
US09282890B2

An optical device combination with a portable electronic device utilizes a user's autonomic response to truth/false or beneficial/non-beneficial stimulus and provides immediate feedback to the user in the context of an applied kinesiology exam. Through measurements of the pupils dilation or constriction and processing of the measurements by the portable electronic device, the response is obtained and feedback is provided that reflects the pupillary response. The device and method effectively eliminate the subjective components of prior art muscle testing response from the hands of the testing user as well as providing a simple convenient and portable attachment to a user's smart phone.
US09282886B2

A device (10) for determining a group of at least one vision aid apparatus suitable for the vision of an individual, includes computing elements programmed to: a) determine at least one characteristic of the vision of the individual, b) determine at least one use of the group of at least one vision aid apparatus, desired by the individual, c) determine the group of at least one vision aid apparatus as a function of the characteristic of the vision and of the use desired by the individual.
US09282885B2

The invention relates to a device for selecting contact lenses within a cabinet arranged to receive a plurality of contact lenses, the device including a storage data device, for storing data based on measurements from an auto refractometer; and a data processor device associated with a calculation module for identifying a contact lens on the basis firstly of data from the auto refractometer as previously stored in the storage device and secondly of additional data relating to the contact lens that is to be identified and that was previously input by the user, the data processor device associated with said calculation module also being arranged to identify the location of the lens within the cabinet. The invention also relates to an associated method.
US09282878B2

An illuminated medical system comprises a medical instrument and a light transmitting waveguide. The waveguide projects lights from a distal portion of the waveguide toward a target area. The waveguide is formed primarily of a cyclic olefin copolymer or a cyclic olefin polymer.
US09282870B2

A high efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper includes a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of independent regenerated cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a relative oil residue removal efficiency of at least 150% as compared with a like sheet without independent regenerated cellulosic microfibers.
US09282866B2

An upright vacuum cleaner (1) comprises a main body (2) having arranged therein a suction chamber (3), a fan unit (4), a first suction duct (5), a second suction duct (6) and a valve arrangement (7) operable to establish communication between each of the first and second suction ducts and the suction chamber. A floor nozzle arrangement (8) is provided at a first end (9) of the main body and in communication with said first suction duct. An auxiliary nozzle (10) for above-floor cleaning is provided, and an extensible and/or collapsible suction hose (12) connects the auxiliary nozzle to said second suction duct. The cleaner (1) has handle means (11) comprising an elongated recess (13) adapted to contain the greater part of the suction hose. The recess (13) may be open at one end or may be shaped as an open groove.
US09282860B2

Described is a vacuum cleaning device for charcoal grills. The present invention includes a portable vacuum cleaning device having a vacuum source used to draw air and debris through a collection hose and into a vacuum bag. The vacuum bag and the collection hose are composed of flame-retardant material that will not melt or burn from having hot ash and embers from a grill drawn therethrough. The end of the collection hose that is secured to the vacuum cleaning device includes a fan that is used to break-up and extinguish embers drawn through the collection hose. The vacuum bag is enclosed between a housing and a lid secured thereto, and the lid is removable to allow access to the vacuum bag. The vacuum cleaning device also includes one or more straps thereon that can be adjustably secured together such that a user can wear the device over the user's shoulder.
US09282854B2

A bathroom carrying device and a bathroom hanging assembly having the same is provided, including a metal shell member, a plastic member and a carrying member. The metal shell member is formed with an interior space and an open end, and a through hole is provided for communicating the interior space and outside. The open end is provided for mounting of a mounting assembly for being fixedly attached to a base. The plastic member is disposed in the interior space and has at least one inserting hole corresponding to the at least one through hole. The carrying member has at least one disposing end and a carrying portion, and the at least one disposing end is disposed through the at least one through hole and into the at least one inserting hole. The carrying portion is disposed outside of the metal shell member.
US09282839B2

In one embodiment a hanger has two interlocking regions, each located at the lower corners of the hanger arms. The interlocking regions have a hole that extends at least part way through the body of the hanger and an extruded lip that extends beyond the body of the hanger at the interlocking region. In one embodiment the outer surface of the interlocking region is narrower than the upper hanging arms of the hanger and the outer edge of the extruded lip is substantially co-planar with the outer surface of the upper hanging arms. This allows the upper hanging arms to be in direct contact with each other when the two hangers are locked together, creating a smooth upper surface.
US09282834B2

A pet protective bedding that includes a flat top, a flap, and a bed skirt. The flat top is sized to cover or approximately cover the top surface of a bed, i.e. the top surface of a mattress and conventional bedding. The flap is integrally attached to flap top at the top end, and is sized and configured for an upper portion of the flap to be folded over and on top of one or more pillows on the bed for encasing the pillows in order to protect the pillows from exposure to any production of pet soiling. The bed skirt is integrally attached at opposite sides and bottom end of the flat top, and is sized and configured to hang down from the flat top and adjacent to the bed mattress and box spring to the floor. A pocket at the bottom end of the flat top is sized and configured for engaged receipt of a pet or, in the alternative, a portion of a person's legs and feet.
US09282828B2

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.
US09282808B1

A hanger assembly includes a mount and an attachment assembly portion extending from a curved portion of the mount. The mount is configured to receive and slidingly retain one or more articles. The attachment assembly portion includes a base and a clamp and is configured to selectively attach to the fabric. The base is configured to receive a portion of the fabric and the clamp. The clamp is configured for removable captive engagement with the base for selectively securing the fabric to the base when engaged. The base is configured to selectively attach to the fabric by engagement of the clamp with a rear side of the base. At least one article is slidably mounted on the curved portion of the mount to retain the article in proximity to the fabric when the base and clamp are engaged.
US09282807B1

An exercise rest break stool provides a stool including a base with foldable legs that are released and locked into an extended position via a lock-release mechanism, an attachable backrest, and two attachable trays, along with a skirt magnetically attached to the base to shield the legs from view during use. The device also includes a backpack to transport the base, the legs, the backrest and the trays on walks and along for other exercise activities for availability of the stool wherever and whenever needed for a rest break.
US09282806B2

Backpacks and backpack systems which have at least a portion which is accessible from the front of a wearer. In one illustrative embodiment, a backpack system in accordance with the present invention includes a back portion with shoulder straps. A swing-around portion is formed as a storage compartment that is secured to the back portion in a carrying position. An articulated frame is secured to the back portion and the swing-around portion and allows a user wearing the backpack to pivot the swing around portion around the user's side and access the contents therein. A securing latch is used to secure the articulating frame to retain the swing-around portion in the carrying position. The entire storage compartment of the pack may be a swing-around portion, or the pack may include multiple storage compartments that are either fixed to the back portion or function as swing-around portions.
US09282802B2

A container for fluid products, in particular perfumes, deodorants, creams and the like, comprising: a holding body (2) for containing the fluid (6), preferably a perfume, deodorant or similar product; a dispensing member (3) associated with said holding body (2) and having a tube (4) to draw said fluid (6) from the holding body, and a spray head (5) to dispense the fluid drawn by said tube (4), said spray head (5) being at least partly inserted in said holding body (2). The container (1) also comprises a transponder device (8) of the near-field type.
US09282801B2

An artificial nail (1) has a member made of a material having electrical conductivity. The artificial nail (1) is given electrical conductivity by mixing an electrically conductive material into plastic serving as a base material. As the electrically conductive material, a carbon-based material, such as carbon black, carbon fiber, or black lead, or a metal-based material, such as a fine metal powder, a metal oxide, metal fiber, or a whisker, is used. Alternatively, the base material for the artificial nail (1) per se is an electrically conductive resin.
US09282797B1

A wheeled fishing cooler including a base, a cooler disposed within the base, a hinged lid attached to a rear side of the base, a U-shaped telescopic handle having a right end and a left end, an axel, a pair of wheels, a plurality of tubes, and a leg support. The leg support has a pair of horizontal supports, a pair of vertical supports, and a crossbeam. Each of the plurality of tubes is configured to hold a fishing rod and, alternately, a sun umbrella.
US09282794B2

A luggage case (100, 600, 700, 800, 900) may include opposing sidewalls forming minor faces (105, 106), opposing sidewalls forming major faces (101, 102), and opposing end walls (103, 104) together forming an article defining an enclosed space (109). A line of separation (150) may be formed in said minor faces (105, 160) and end walls (103, 104). A first portion of the line of separation (150) may extend along a first portion of opposing minor faces (105, 106) at a location proximate one of said opposing major faces (101, 102) and corresponding one of said opposing end walls (103, 104) positioned therebetween. A second portion of the line of separation (150) may extend along a second portion of said opposing minor faces (105, 106) in a direction away from said one of said opposing major faces (101, 102) and towards other of said opposing major faces (101, 102).
US09282784B2

Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include: (a) a lightweight foam midsole component for supporting the foot; and (b) a plurality of heavier and/or denser cage components covering selected areas of the midsole component. Spaces are provided between the cage components. These spaces may be sized, shaped, and oriented to define and/or correspond to flexion lines of the foot and/or to produce a more natural flex motion to the sole. The soles additionally may include one or more outsole components, e.g., on bottom surface(s) of the cage component(s) and/or the foam midsole. These sole structures may be engaged with an upper to form a shoe. The uppers may include one or more lace receiving openings supported by elongated wire or textile components. Methods of making footwear including such uppers and/or sole structures also are described.
US09282781B2

Footwear includes a shaft and a shell connected to the shaft. The shaft includes an expandable portion adapted to expand to facilitate ease of entry and exit of a heel of a foot into and out of the shell. The expandable portion is surrounded by a material forming the shaft.
US09282774B2

An undergarment is provided that does not show through an outer garment. The undergarment includes a flexible waistband. A front panel is coupled to a front portion of the waistband, the front panel having a right corner, an opposing left corner and a center corner disposed between the right corner and left corner, the right corner, left corner and center corner being distally spaced from the waistband. A flexible first strap is coupled between the right corner and the center corner. A flexible second strap is coupled between the right corner and the center corner.
US09282758B2

Nutritional compositions that mimic whole foods and methods of using the nutritional compositions are provided. The nutritional compositions may include an increased number and variety of fruits and vegetables, an increased variety of macronutrient sources and an increased amount of other components that are found in whole foods. The nutritional compositions may also include ethnicity-specific meals and organic ingredients and provide emotional appeal to the patient and/or the patient's caregiver. Methods of administering such nutritional compositions to patients in need of same are also provided.
US09282751B2

The invention relates to a method and installation for stunning poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) stunning the poultry via the suspended and positioned poultry head, and to obtainable debleeded poultry.
US09282736B2

This invention is based on unexpected effect of at least one thickener to maintain suspension or dispersion of solid particles in an oil medium. Such effect of thickener enables significant higher weight ratio of solid particles in such suspension composition as compared to previously known compositions. As a consequence, the suspension compositions provided herein enable more active ingredient in the solid particle to be present in a fixed volume or weight of such composition as compared to previously known compositions. One advantage of the suspension composition provided herein can be for aerial spraying of active ingredient such as herbicides, insecticides, or other growth regulating compounds.
US09282733B2

A trap-setting apparatus for use in setting a dog-proof trap that includes a continuous side wall, a spring member that is movable between a tripped configuration extending away from the side wall and a rigging configuration adjacent thereto. The trap-setting apparatus includes a cam member and an elongate handle having a proximal member coupled thereto and a distal end displaced therefrom, the handle being configured to rotate the cam member when moved. The trap-setting apparatus includes a pair of hook members each having a first end coupled to the cam member and a second end selectively coupled to the spring member of the dog-proof trap. In use, a user movement of the handle causes the cam member to rotate relative to the side wall of the trap and to move the spring member from the tripped configuration toward the rigging configuration.
US09282732B2

An improved fishing rod holder is provided that includes a base assembly, a rod holder assembly, and a connecting member that connects the base and rod holder assemblies. The connecting member is connected to the rod holder assembly with a first T-joint. The rod holder assembly is configured to hold two fishing poles. The first T-joint is removable from the connecting member such that the connecting member and base assembly may be filled with water or sand to weigh down the fishing rod holder. In a second embodiment the rod holder assembly and the connecting member are the same, but the base assembly is replaced with a triangular-shaped base assembly. In third embodiment stabilization in enhanced, in a fourth embodiment fewer components are required, and in a fifth embodiment a canoe embodiment is presented.
US09282726B2

A bird feeder comprising a feed container having a side wall and a plurality of feed openings therein, a shroud extending about the feed container, the shroud having feed openings therein, the feed openings being spaced from the top of the shroud by a distance equal to between 20% and 80% of the total height thereof, a cover, a base, a center tube and a center rod within the center tube, the center rod being secured to the base and the shroud resting on the base, a spring mounted about the center rod, the arrangement being such that the feed openings in the shroud and the feed openings in the side wall are either aligned or misaligned depending on the weight on the shroud.
US09282724B2

The invention is a pet toy with a noise making device secured therein and activated by at least one of a compression force, tension force, or combinations thereof applied to the pet toy. A preferred embodiment includes a flexible and resilient body with a noisemaking device disposed within the body and mounted to an elastic base secured to an interior surface of the body. The device includes a flexible or elastomeric bladder with a noisemaking element mounted within the bladder. Deformation of the bladder by applied forces allows air to pass through the noisemaking device, thereby producing sound. The invention also includes a method of activating a noise making device of the pet toy by a selected one, or a combination of forces applied to the toy.
US09282722B2

An animal training system for controlling the behavior of the animal includes a receiver configured to be worn by the animal, and a hand held transmitter. The hand held transmitter includes a case with an front face, a transmitter circuit within the case for transmitting a wireless signal to the receiver, and an actuator at the front face of the case. The actuator is coupled with the transmitter circuit, and is a non-depressible actuator which is manually movable relative to the case.
US09282720B2

A system includes a first milking box stall cluster comprising a first plurality of milking box stalls and a first robotic attacher associated with the first milking box stall cluster. The first robotic attacher is positioned to service each of the first plurality of milking box stalls. The system further includes a second milking box cluster comprising a second plurality of milking box stalls. It is positioned adjacent to the first milking box stall cluster. A second robotic attacher is associated with the second milking box stall cluster and is positioned to service each of the second plurality of milking box stalls.
US09282719B2

A covering for an animal crate is described. In accordance with one implementation, a covering is configured to prevent an amount of an animal's hair, dirt, or mess created by the animal from escaping through at least one aperture located on a lower portion of a wall of a crate. The covering comprises a panel operably attached to the lower portion of the wall of the crate. The panel is of a length and height sufficient to prevent an amount of the animal's hair, dirt, or mess created by the animal from escaping through the at least one aperture located on the lower portion of the wall of the crate.
US09282716B2

A novel witloof chicory cultivar, designated ‘BOBINE’, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of witloof chicory cultivar ‘BOBINE’, to the plants of witloof chicory cultivar ‘BOBINE’ and to methods for producing a witloof chicory plant by crossing the cultivar ‘BOBINE’ with itself or another witloof chicory line. The invention further relates to methods for producing other witloof chicory lines derived from the cultivar ‘BOBINE’.
US09282704B1

A novel maize variety designated PH1V7G and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1V7G with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1V7G through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1V7G or a locus conversion of PH1V7G with another maize variety.
US09282699B2

An irrigation system that includes a carriage may move along a predetermined path in a reciprocal manner. The carriage supports one or more exit ports that are fed plant growth material by a pressurized delivery arrangement. One or more plant stands are configured and arranged to straddle the carriage as it moves along the predetermined path. The one or more plant stands form a chamber into which plant roots may extend, and into which the one or more exit ports are able to discharge their plant growth material. The one or more plant stands may include side panels and a cap to reduce infiltration of light and contaminants, and to enhance the plant root-plant growth material interface and absorption rates. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may include friction reducing elements that facilitate transverse movement. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may be supported by a modular framework.
US09282698B2

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for providing light to grow a plant. An LED array comprises blue light in a band between about 350 nm and 550 nm, red light in a band at about 630 nm and dark red light in a band at about 660 nm. An input device is provided for interrupting the dark red band at 660 nm in order to continue to provide light the plant while the plant continues to flower.
US09282696B2

A processing system for a combine harvester having a rotor housing that receives a rotor. A cover directs crop material through the rotor housing. At least one adjustable vane guides the crop material. The vane has a cover-facing proximal edge adjacent the cover and an edge projecting toward the rotor. A leading end of the vane is connected with a first pivot connection and the vane is connected to the cover along its inner edge with a second pivot connection. A line drawn through the pivot connections intersects a plane perpendicular to an axis of the cover and forms an angle with the plane of between 5 and 15 degrees. The vane pivots with respect to the cover about an axis along the line to adjust a tilt angle of the vane. Also, tilting the vane adjusts an angle of the distal edge of the vane relative the plane.
US09282695B2

An electric wheeled apparatus comprises a main body, at least one wheel supported by the main body in a rotatable manner; an electric motor configured to apply torque to the at least one wheel, a battery interface configured to removably receive at least one battery pack which is originally designed as a power source of an electric power tool, and an electric circuit unit configured to electrically connect the at least one battery pack attached to the battery interface with the electric motor.
US09282687B2

A multi-piece cutting edge attachment for a circular shaft of a harrow tine features a mounting member formed of a material that is weldable to, and distinct from, a first material of the harrow tine. A cutting edge member is formed of a third material that is harder than the first and second materials and less weldable to harrow tine than the second material of the mounting member. The cutting edge member has a front face and an opposing rear face that is conformingly shaped for placement against a front face of the mounting member at a lower end thereof. The multi-piece arrangement forms a cutting edge of greater hardness than that which is achievable by a material directly attachable to the tine itself.
US09288936B2

The present invention relates to a shield case and an antenna set comprising the same, wherein the shield case includes a shield surface for shielding embedded electronic elements against electromagnetic wave, a fixing unit coupled with a substrate mounted with the electronic elements, signal receivers for receiving a signal of desired frequency, and two strip antennas connected to a border of the shield surface, each antenna facing the other across the shield surface.
US09288931B2

A cooling system comprising: an evaporator for evaporating a refrigerant by performing heat exchange with outside air; a condenser for condensing a gas refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant by making a refrigerant and a cooling medium perform heat exchange with each other; a gas refrigerant pipe and a liquid refrigerant pipe connecting the evaporator and the condenser; and the evaporator including: an upper part header provided in a highest position of the evaporator, and connected with the condenser by the gas refrigerant pipe, through the gas refrigerant pipe a gas refrigerant flowing; a lower part header provided in a lowest position of the evaporator, and connected with the condenser by the liquid refrigerant pipe, through the liquid refrigerant pipe a liquid refrigerant flowing; a middle header provided in an intermediate position between the upper part header and the lower part header, and connected with the condenser by the liquid refrigerant pipe, through the liquid refrigerant pipe the liquid refrigerant flowing; an upper part evaporator, arranged between the upper part header and the middle header, including an upper part steam generating tube having a first flow path for leading a refrigerant of the middle header to the upper part header while making the refrigerant of the middle header perform heat exchange with outside air and having a second flow path for leading a refrigerant of the lower part header to the upper part header while making the refrigerant of the lower part header perform heat exchange with outside air; and a lower part evaporator, arranged between the lower part header and the middle header, including a lower part steam generating tube having a third flow path inserted into the middle header while making a refrigerant of the lower part header perform heat exchange with outside air, the lower part steam generating tube communicated with the second flow path of the upper part steam generating tube.
US09288930B2

A thermal energy storage apparatus that absorbs thermal energy from a heat-generating device is described. In one aspect, the thermal energy storage apparatus comprises a non-metal container and a phase-change material. The non-metal container is configured to receive the heat-generating device thereon. The phase-change material is contained in the non-metal container and configured to absorb at least a portion of heat from the heat-generating device through the non-metal container.
US09288928B2

A bracket configured to be interposed between the housing of a mobile electronic device and an electrical receptacle that is disposed in the mobile electronic device. The bracket includes a bracket body, an elongated opening through the bracket and a sheath surrounding portions of the bracket body. The bracket body includes an elongated protrusion extending in a front direction from the front face of the bracket body and a pair of fastener accommodations extending through the bracket body, each fastener accommodation disposed on opposite sides of the elongated protrusion. The sheath includes a first portion surrounding a portion of the bracket body elongated protrusion and a second portion including a pair of fastener openings.
US09288926B2

A structure for holding an electric/electronic component with an electric wire includes a component holding portion provided in a housing to hold the electric/electronic component. The component holding portion includes: a holding arm portion including a moving-direction extending arm portion extending in a direction in which the electric/electronic component is moved to be installed in the housing through an attachment port defined on a side corresponding to one side surface of the electric/electronic component and on a front end side of the holding arm portion; and an electric wire pressing wall portion defining a gap between the electric wire pressing wall portion and the holding arm portion. In a state in which the electric/electronic component is installed in the housing, the electric wire is disposed to expand the gap to deform the holding arm such that the moving-direction extending arm portion presses the one side surface.
US09288924B2

A desktop receptacle assembly includes a box having a bottom surface, an electrical connection assembly held within the box, a first finger connected to the bottom surface that has a first portion connected to the bottom surface and a second portion connected to the first portion, the first portion having a first width and the second portion having a second width that is greater than the first width, and a mounting plate associated with the bottom surface that includes at least one bracket and a first finger opening associated with the first finger. The first finger opening has a first opening width corresponding to the first width of the first finger and a second opening width corresponding to the second width of the first finger.
US09288916B2

A structure includes a substrate on a surface of which a functional element and a first electrode are disposed, wherein the functional element provides a predetermined function by an operation based on an electrical signal and the first electrode is coupled to the functional element; an insulating member in a thin film that covers the surface of the substrate and extends from an end of the substrate; and a second electrode disposed on a substrate-side surface of the extending portion, which is extending from the end of the substrate, of the insulating member, wherein the second electrode is coupled to the first electrode. The second electrode is electrically coupled to a coaxial cable.
US09288901B2

A thin-film multi-layer micro-wire structure includes a substrate and a layer located on the substrate or forming a part of the substrate. One or more micro-channels are located in the layer. Each micro-channel has a width less than or equal to 20 microns. A cured electrically conductive micro-wire is located only within each micro-channel. The micro-wire has a thickness less than or equal to 20 microns, including silver nano-particles, and having a percent ratio of silver that is greater than or equal to 40% by weight. An electrolessly plated layer is located at least partially within each micro-channel between the micro-wire and the layer surface and in electrical contact with the micro-wire. The plated layer has a thickness less than a thickness of the micro-wire so that the micro-wire and plated layer form the thin-film multi-layer micro-wire.
US09288894B2

According to one embodiment, a coupler apparatus includes a coupling element and a ground plane. The coupling element is formed of a conductive material. The coupling element is subjected to power feeding to a reference point. The ground plane is formed of a conductive material. The ground plane faces the coupling element. The ground plane has a notch at a position facing at least a part of a portion of the coupling element except the reference point or near the position.
US09288886B2

The present disclosure provides for a plasma system including a plasma device coupled to a power source, an ionizable media source and a precursor source. During operation, the ionizable media source provides ionizable media and the precursor ionizable media source provides one or more chemical species, photons at specific wavelengths, as well as containing various reactive functional groups and/or components to treat the workpiece surface by working in concert for synergetic selective tissue effects. The chemical species and the ionizable gas are mixed either upstream or midstream from an ignition point of the plasma device and once mixed, are ignited therein under application of electrical energy from the power source. As a result, a plasma effluent and photon source is formed, which carries the ignited plasma feedstock and resulting mixture of reactive species to a workpiece surface to perform a predetermined reaction.
US09288883B2

A backlight unit includes a power converter which generates a light driving voltage in response to a voltage control signal with a first level, a plurality of light emitting strings, wherein each of the light emitting strings receives the light driving voltage through a first end thereof, and a controller which generates the voltage control signal. The controller is connected to a second end of at least one of the light emitting strings and detects a level of a signal at the connected second end to detect an operation state of the light emitting strings. The controller generates the voltage control signal with a second level to stop the power converter from generating the light driving voltage when the operation state of the light emitting strings is in an abnormal state.
US09288877B2

A sensor module is integrated into a lighting fixture. The sensor module includes one or more environmental sensors and can be readily installed in or removed from the lighting fixture. In one embodiment, a heatsink of the lighting fixture is configured to receive the sensor module. Readings from the environmental sensors may be passed to control electronics associated with the lighting fixture and used to control the light output of the lighting fixture. The readings may also be passed on to other lighting fixtures, which may also use the readings to control their light output.
US09288863B2

A lighting apparatus includes at least one light emitting device and a reconfigurable driver circuit configured to drive the at least one light emitting device with an intensity that varies responsive to a dimming signal according to an adjustable mapping of the dimming signal to output of the light emitting device. In some embodiments, the mapping may be configurable using circuit component selection. In further embodiments, the mapping may be provided by a data input.
US09288854B2

In a display device, a backlight unit including a power converter configured to generate a light source driving voltage in response to a voltage control signal, a plurality of light emitting diode strings each configured to receive the light source driving voltage through an end thereof, and a controller connected to the other end of each of the plurality of light emitting diode strings and configured to generate a plurality of current control signals used to control a current flowing through each of the plurality of light emitting diode strings and the voltage control signal. The controller is configured to generate the voltage control signal in response to a current control signal from among the plurality of current control signals, which is applied to a light emitting diode string configured to receive a lowest forward driving voltage among the plurality of light emitting diode strings.
US09288851B1

A TRIAC low voltage dimming control system for effectively controlling the dimming of low voltage lighting using a TRIAC dimmer. The TRIAC low voltage dimming control system generally includes a TRIAC analyzer that applies a test voltage to a TRIAC dimmer and measures the amount of time required for the TRIAC dimmer to conduct electricity. Utilizing the measured time for the TRIAC dimmer to conduct electricity, the TRIAC analyzer is able to calculate an approximate state of the TRIAC dimmer and provide a corresponding level of DC electrical power to a DC load.
US09288844B1

Methods and systems for configuring an access point (AP) are provided. According to one embodiment, a dual radio AP includes: two radios, a first operating at 2.4 GigaHertz (GHz) or 5 GHz and a second operating at 5 GHz; first and second directional antennas coupled to the first and second radios, respectively; first and second transmit queues buffering packets for transmission by the first and second radios, respectively; a location determination module configured to compute locations of recipient devices of the packets; a direction identification module configured to calculate angles to direct the directional antennas based on the computed locations; an interference detection module configured to determine whether interference would take place if the packets are transmitted based on the calculated angles and estimated timing of transmission; and a transmission module configured to transmit the packets without interference between the directional antennas by rescheduling packets if necessary.
US09288834B2

A method and an apparatus for performing random access and uplink transmission of a User Equipment (UE) supporting Carrier Aggregation (CA) are provided. The method includes determining whether a Scheduling Request (SR) is pending, determining, when the SR is pending, whether an uplink transmission resource is available in a current Transmission Time Interval (TTI), determining, when the uplink transmission resource is not available, whether a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource is configured for transmission of the SR, and initiating, when the PUCCH resource is not configured, a random access process in a primary cell. The random access method and apparatus of the present invention is advantageous to reduce the waste of transmission resources.
US09288817B2

The present invention discloses a method and system for coordinated scheduling based on cell priority, which is applied to the system using coordinated multiple point (CoMP) transmission technology. The method includes: performing priority sequencing on each coordinated cell according to the historical and/or current information of each coordinated cell and finishing scheduling of each coordinated cell in an order according to priority from high to low. By adopting the coordinated scheduling scheme in the present invention, the network can be made in a reasonable working status, and then, the performance of the entire system can be improved.
US09288814B2

Interference that occurs during wireless communication may be managed by hybrid time reuse. A method, apparatus amend medium of communication determines one or more time reuse patterns of respective one or more unplanned access points. A second time reuse pattern that is less interfering with the one or more time reuse patterns is selected. Signals are transmitted according to the second time reuse pattern from a second unplanned access point to an associated access terminal.
US09288810B2

In one example, a method includes, during operation of a wireless media share session between a primary source device and a sink device, transferring, from the primary source device to a secondary source device using a wireless link, transmission rights to the media share session with the sink device.
US09288809B2

An infrastructure equipment forming part of a mobile communications network to communicate data to/from mobile communications devices. The infrastructure equipment receives an indication of a relative type of data packets for communication via a communications bearer supporting a communications session of a mobile communications device, the indication to configure the communications bearer, to provide the communications bearer from the mobile communications device based on the indication, and to control communication of the data packets via the communications bearer based on the indication. By providing the indication, such as an indication the data packets are of low priority or are generated or received by a machine type communication application, the mobile communications network can control communication of the data packets from the communications bearer differently to data packets communicated via other communications bearer having a higher priority.
US09288806B2

According to one embodiment, a method for transmitting, by a user equipment (UE), information in a wireless communication system includes: determining a first information sequence based on a first cyclically shifted base sequence and a first orthogonal sequence by using a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource for a first antenna, wherein the first PUCCH resource is obtained based on a channel control element (CCE) index related to a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and a parameter configured by a higher layer; determining a second information sequence based on a second cyclically shifted base sequence and a second orthogonal sequence by using a second PUCCH resource for a second antenna, wherein the second PUCCH resource is obtained by adding an offset to the first PUCCH resource; transmitting the first information sequence via the first antenna; and transmitting the second information sequence via the second antenna.
US09288792B2

The objective of the present invention is to suppress deterioration of call quality caused by transcoding without interrupting a call even if a codec used by one of the terminals during communication is changed. A modification determination unit, in the case of detecting a modification of a codec used by one terminal of two terminals, determines whether or not to constrain the bandwidth of the first codec using a first codec of the other terminal and a second codec after modification by the first-mentioned one of the terminals. A signaling generation unit transmits, to the other terminal, signaling for limiting the bandwidth if the bandwidth is to be limited.
US09288787B2

An access point terminal includes: a communication-terminal-status determination unit which determines a communication status of one wireless communication terminal out of wireless communication terminals, by obtaining a wireless signal transmitted or received by the one wireless communication terminal; and a frequency control unit which uses (i) a first frequency band for wireless communication with the one wireless communication terminal and (ii) a frequency band other than the first frequency band for the wireless communication with one or more of the wireless communication terminals other than the one wireless communication terminal, when the communication-terminal-status determination unit determines that the communication status of the one wireless communication terminal satisfies a predetermined condition.
US09288776B2

One or more aspects of the disclosure provide an improved receiver automatic gain control (RxAGC) algorithm operable at a wireless receiver that is capable of receiving transmissions at two or more carrier frequencies utilizing a shared radio frequency (RF) front end architecture, whether in the same radio technology or in different radio technologies. The RxAGC algorithm is utilized to control the gain of amplifiers within the receive chain. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.
US09288774B2

A communications apparatus is provided. A radio module transmits first packets before establishing a connection with a peer communications device. A transmission power utilized for transmitting the first packets is adjustable, so that multiple levels of transmission power are utilized for transmitting the first packets.
US09288772B2

A method, network element and user equipment, where in one embodiment at a network element within a secondary cell for self-optimizing operation with a primary cell, the method transmitting using an initial transmit power from the network element; requesting feedback from sensors located near a location; receiving the feedback from the sensors; and adjusting a transmit power based on the received feedback.
US09288768B2

In a mobile communication system, a mobile switching center 27 changes a transmission rate of communication data transmitted from a mobile station 16 and so on to a database 11 or a transmission rate of communication data transmitted from the data 11 to the mobile station 16 and so on, on a basis of request from the mobile station 16 and so on or the database 11, individually and independently.
US09288766B2

The disclosure relates to methods and devices for performing uplink power control in a radio communication system. An example method comprises a step of receiving, at a user equipment (UE) a transmit power control (TPC) command. The method also comprises, if the UE does not have an uplink transmission scheduled for a subframe associated with the TPC command, a step of accumulating, by the UE, the TPC command with previously received TPC commands based on whether the UE has reached a maximum transmit power or a minimum transmit power in a reference format for a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) or Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) transmission. Thus the UE is enabled to receive TPC commands while the UE is not transmitting anything in the uplink.
US09288764B1

The present specification describes techniques and apparatuses that enable power conservation in a wireless network. In some cases these techniques and apparatuses enable power conservation during a discover phase and for a wireless network subject to a government mandate requiring a device of the network to passively search for radar transmission prior to establishing communication with another device of the network.
US09288762B2

A mobile device is configured to control power consumption. The mobile device includes a detector configured to detect at least one of an active input or a passive condition, where the passive condition is based on a comparison of a device state or a change in the device state to a threshold. The mobile device includes a controller configured to respond to the detected active input or passive condition by causing less than all components in the mobile device, including the display screen of the mobile device, to enter a sleep mode directly from within an in-call mode. An amount of power supplied to the display screen is reduced in the sleep mode. The operational modes of the mobile device include the sleep mode and the in-call mode, and the mobile device is configured to consume at least 4% less power in the sleep mode than in the in-call mode.
US09288753B2

Mobile access points typically run on batteries, and therefore, can operate for a limited amount of time without an external power source. However, because the access point service model requiring the access point to always be available and the access point's limited battery capacity reduces the time that the mobile access point can be used. Functionality can be incorporated in mobile access points to implement power saving mechanisms by altering the service model that requires the access point to always be available. Configuring the access point to enter into a low powered state for a predefined period of time can conserve mobile access point power and prolong battery life. Functionality for implementing power saving mechanisms can also be incorporated on fixed access points for efficient utilization of computing resources.
US09288733B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling cell selection between a high power base station and a neighboring low power base station in a cellular network. In one embodiment, a primary direction of traffic flow for a user equipment located within a transition zone between a high power base station cell of the high power base station and a low power base station cell of the low power base station is determined to be either an uplink direction or a downlink direction. Cell selection for the user equipment is then controlled based on the primary direction of traffic flow for the user equipment such that selection of the high power base station cell is favored if the primary direction of traffic flow is the downlink direction and selection of the low power base station cell is favored if the primary direction of traffic flow is the uplink direction.
US09288729B2

The present invention relates to a method for determining whether a mode change condition for performing a hand-over to a cellular network through which devices communicate with each other is satisfied, transmitting a mode change instruction message to a base station when the mode change condition is satisfied, receiving a mode change command message for starting a mode change from the base station, transmitting a first data packet index with respect to a data packet transmitted to a second device at a final stage through the communication between the devices to the base station, ending the communication with the second device when the inter-device communication end request message is received from the base station, and transmitting data to the second device through the cellular network.
US09288728B1

Embodiments are described that may help to provide wireless service in a circuit-switched fall back scenario. In particular, when a user entity (UE) falls back from a first network to a second network to conduct a voice call, the first network may instruct the UE to scan a certain predetermined channel or channels for coverage from the second network. However, certain types of base stations typically operate on unlisted channels that differ from the predetermined channels that the UE is instructed to scan. Accordingly, a UE may pre-emptively scan unlisted channels, and report any unlisted channel that is detected to the first network. The first network can then coordinate with the second network to re-provision the base station that was operating on an unlisted channel, to instead operate on one of the predetermined channels that a UE will be instructed to scan during fall back to the second network.
US09288726B2

The present invention discloses a method for a core network to obtain user access information during a handover procedure, which includes: when the user handovers between HNBs or HeNBs and the core network does not carry out access control of the user, if the destination HeNB is connected to the core network directly or the user which does not support a closed subscriber group handovers to a hybrid destination HNB, the network element which controls the access of the user transmitting membership information of the user to the core network. The invention also discloses a corresponding system. The invention realizes that under the condition that the RAN side controlling the access of the UE during the handover process and the CN cannot know the membership of the UE, the RAN side notifying the core network of the membership information of the UE and the information of the H(e)NB.
US09288725B2

The present invention relates to a method for determining handover criterion in a cellular wireless communication system, said cellular wireless communication system employing handover procedures according to which mobile stations may be handed over from a cell to another cell; said method comprising the steps of: receiving at least one handover control criterion parameter, and determining at least one handover criterion based on said at least one handover control criterion parameter. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method in a network control entity, a method in a network entity, a computer program, a computer program product, a network control entity device, a network entity device and a cellular communication system comprising such devices.
US09288724B1

The invention is directed to optimization of a seamless transition of a mobile device from a 3G eHRPD network to a 4G network in a failure scenario. The mobile device is authenticated and attached to the 3G eHRPD network. Upon the mobile device initiating a first handoff attempt to access and access the 4G network, the subscriber profile database is accessed to determine whether a packet gateway identifier is stored on the database. If the identifier is not stored on the database, the first handoff attempt of the mobile device to access the 4G network is denied. Upon being denied, the packet gateway is triggered to communicate the packet gateway identifier in an authorization request so that the identifier can be stored in the subscriber profile database. A subsequent attempt of the mobile device to handoff to the 4G network is allowed, as the packet gateway identifier is now stored on the database.
US09288720B2

Apparatus and methods of performing a network cell reselection for a mobile device after a handover attempt fails. Initially, a handover is attempted for the mobile device in a radio resource control (RRC) connected mode from a serving network base station to a target network base station. Next a failure condition associated with the handover attempt is identified by the mobile device. In one scenario, the failure condition is identified in response to the mobile device receiving an RRC connection release message from its serving network base station. In another scenario, the failure condition is identified when the mobile device detects a radio link failure event. Thereafter, the mobile device performs a network scan to identify any available network base stations for the network cell reselection. Subsequently, the mobile device attaches to a preferred network base station of the identified available network base stations to complete the network cell reselection.
US09288710B1

A wireless communication device (WCD) stores a mapping that maps each of a plurality of ranges of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) to a respective data rate indicator in a plurality of data rate indicators. Each data rate indicator is associated with a respective modulation-and-coding scheme (MCS) that supports a respective downlink data rate from a radio access network (RAN). The WCD selects a maximum data rate indicator based on a type of application on the WCD that is to receive downlink data, a priority of downlink data to be received by the application, an amount of downlink data to be received by the application, a device type of the WCD, or a subscription level of the WCD. The WCD selects an applicable data rate indicator based on a measured SNR and the mapping, such that the applicable data rate indicator does not exceed the maximum data rate indicator.
US09288709B2

A method of adjusting a carrier sense threshold to avoid hidden nodes during wireless broadcast. The method includes monitoring a load of the peer-to-peer network before broadcasting a message from a node. The method also includes adjusting a carrier sense threshold (CST) based on the load of the peer-to-peer network to avoid broadcast message collisions due to one or more hidden nodes.
US09288705B2

A personal wireless device is utilized to carry out measurements of one or more network-performance related metrics in response to a triggering event. The triggering event can be a message that is transmitted by a network element to the personal wireless device. The personal wireless device may be exemplified by a variety of personal devices such as, for example, a cellular phone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The measurements may be used to derive network-performance related information such as cellular signal coverage areas, signal hole areas, and signal interference areas.
US09288703B2

A method and an apparatus for transmitting/receiving channel state information for use in multi-antenna system are provided. A signal communication method of a base station having a plurality of antennas in a wireless communication system includes determining antenna ports of first and second directions based on directions of the plurality of antennas, allocating channel measurement resources for the respective antenna ports to a terminal, transmitting a feedback configuration to the terminal according to the channel measurement resources, and receiving feedback information from the terminal based on the channel measurement resource and the feedback configuration. The signal transmission/reception method and apparatus are advantageous in transmitting/receiving channel state information efficiently in the system using a plurality of antennas.
US09288700B2

A method is performed in a network node of a mobile communication network, for determining a dropped connection to a mobile terminal. The method comprises: detecting a release of a radio bearer associated with the mobile terminal; determining whether the radio bearer is a real-time type radio bearer; when the radio bearer is a real-time type radio bearer, determining the released radio bearer to be a dropped connection when the release is classified as an involuntary release; and when the radio bearer differs from a real-time type radio bearer, determining the released radio bearer to be a dropped connection when there is remaining user data in a buffer for transfer in either direction over the released radio bearer. A corresponding network node, computer program and computer program product are also presented.
US09288698B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques and configurations for handling signal quality measurements by a wireless device in a wireless network environment, particularly in a coordinated transmission environment. An apparatus may include computer-readable media having instructions and one or more processors coupled with the media and configured to execute the instructions to generate a power parameter corresponding to a power adjustment associated with a reference signal, provide the reference signal generated based in part on the generated power parameter to a wireless device, and provide the power parameter to transmission points operating in the coordinated transmission environment. Each of the transmission points may be configured to communicate the power parameter to the wireless device, and the wireless device may be configured to determine, based at least in part on the power parameter, a power characteristics associated with a channel in which the reference signal is provided.
US09288697B2

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a circuit with a wideband received signal strength indicator, used for multiple systems. By using the switches and the analog-to-digital converter and the demodulator, the circuit of the present invention has the advantages of auto gain control, circuit size reduction and power-saving.
US09288695B2

A system and method of testing call performance of a plurality of mobile telephones is provided. In one embodiment the method comprises storing in a memory of a test device, data for one or more test scenarios that each comprises associated test parameters for attempting a plurality of telephone calls, causing the mobile telephone to attempt to establish a plurality of telephone calls of the test scenarios, and monitoring the plurality of telephone calls of the mobile telephone to determine test results data. The method further includes attempting and monitoring a plurality of telephone calls of the mobile telephone to determine test results data with one or more remote call servers and outputting the test results data to a remote computer system for processing to determine the number of dropped calls, call set up times, number of calls successfully initiated, number of calls having two way speech, and other data.
US09288688B2

Disclosed is a data transmission method that may enhance a channel capacity in a wireless channel environment of a frequency band having a high directivity in which a transmission apparatus may form a transmission beam and transmit a training signal while sequentially changing a direction of the formed transmission beam, a reception apparatus may form a reception beam and receive the training signal while sequentially changing a direction of the formed reception beam, and the transmission apparatus may receive a response signal from the reception apparatus with respect to the training signal and determine a data transmission scheme based on the received response signal.
US09288687B2

A computer implemented method and system for determining component types and locations in a network design. The method includes automatically determining component types and locations according to a riser location as an entry point and antenna locations as a plurality of end points. The automatically determining component types and locations includes determining, by a processor of the computer, a first set of component types and locations according to a tree topology, according to the entry point and the plurality of end points, determining, by the processor, a second set of component types and locations according to a hybrid topology, according to the entry point and the plurality of end points, and determining, by the processor, one of the first set of component types and locations and the second set of component types and locations.
US09288686B2

In one embodiment, a method for automatically creating a network route using a discovered IP address includes a first network device receiving a plurality of packets over an X2-C. The method further includes determining a packet type of one or more packets of the received plurality of packets. The method further includes discovering one or more IP addresses of a second RBS using information of the one or more packets, wherein the information used for discovering the one or more IP addresses is determined based on the determined packet type of the one or more packet). The method further includes creating a network route between a first RBS and the second RBS for each of the one or more discovered IP addresses.
US09288684B2

Methods for using a detector to monitor and detect channel occupancy are disclosed. The detector resides on a station within a network using a framed format having a periodic time structure. When non-cooperative transmissions are detected by the network, the detector assesses the availability of a backup channel enabling migration of the network. The backup channel serves to allow the network to migrate transparently when the current channel becomes unavailable. The backup channel, however, could be occupied by another network that results in the migrating network interfering with the network already using the backup channel. Thus, the detector detects active transmission sources on the backup channel to determine whether the backup channel is occupied. Methods for using the detector include scheduling detection intervals asynchronously. The asynchronous detection uses offsets from a reference point within a frame.
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