US09291479B2
A speed target wheel includes an annular body portion and a plurality of gear teeth. The annular body portion consists of a plastic material and the plurality of gear teeth project from the annular body portion. Each of the plurality of gear teeth includes a base portion adjacent the annular body portion and a tip portion, where the base portion is integrally formed with the annular body portion and substantially comprises the plastic material, and where the tip portion includes a ferrous region integrally encompassed by the plastic material.
US09291475B2
A device, system and method for controlling speed of a vehicle are provided. The device includes a locational information module for determining location information and speed; a storage module for storing at least one geographic map including at least one route and a speed limit for the at least one route; a processing module configured to receive the location information, retrieve at least one geographic map based on the location information, determine a speed limit based on the location information, and compare the speed of the device to the determined speed limit; and a display module for alerting a user if the speed of the device exceeds the determined speed limit. The system and method can be for communicating a subject vehicle's speed to a central server where it can be utilized to analyze traffic congestion patterns or notify selected companies or individuals.
US09291473B2
A navigation includes a next audio output state storage that stores, as a next audio output, an audio output which is started the next time when one audio output is completed, a next audio output state determiner that determines whether or not to output the next audio output on the basis of both the storing state of the next audio output and current navigation information, and an output determiner that, when a plurality of playback requests coincide, outputs an audio output having a higher one of priorities acquired from the priority holder, and stores an audio output having a lower one of the priorities in the next audio output state storage as a next audio output, and that determines an audio output to be played back according to the determination by the next audio output state determiner when one audio output is completed.
US09291468B2
A system for selecting a route from a starting location to a predetermined destination includes a vehicle having a battery, a data storage medium, and a processor. The data storage medium stores a map database that describes a road network defining a plurality of possible routes from the starting location to the predetermined destination. The processor is configured to determine whether any of the possible routes belong to a set of routes the vehicle can complete using only the energy in the battery. The processor is configured to select, of the routes belonging to the set, that route having an optimized value for the attribute.
US09291459B2
A map editing system for visually indicating the location of GPS devices on a map and identifying paths from the map. GPS data is received from a plurality of GPS devices. The data is filtered based parameters including the speed of the GPS devices. The filtered GPS data is displayed on a map using representations that visually indicate the location of the GPS devices that the data was received from. The representations can then be used for identifying and creating new paths on the map.
US09291450B2
An image with a wide visual field can be captured without causing deterioration in measurement accuracy. There are provided: a stage on which an object is placed; a display unit for displaying a height image or an observation image; a measurement unit for performing measurement on the height image; an image connecting unit configured to, by moving the stage and capturing a different region, acquire a plurality of height images, and connect the obtained plurality of height images and observation images to generate a connected image; a measurement error region display unit configured to superimpose and display a measurement error region, on an image of the object; and a measurement-image imaging condition setting unit for adjusting an imaging condition for a striped image required for generation of the height image to reduce the measurement error region.
US09291442B2
A contour measuring apparatus includes: an arm including a stylus in a distal end and being swingable with respect to a cabinet; an attitude change mechanism configured to change an attitude of the arm within a swing range; a stopper configured to make contact with the arm when the arm moves nearer to an installation part of an object to be measured within the swing range; and a controller configured to operate the attitude change mechanism based on a power-off command and return the arm to a mechanical limit position in which the arm makes contact with the stopper.
US09291429B2
A multimode shared aperture seeker incorporating a dual-mode diffuser and methods of operation thereof. According to one example, a non-gimbaled multimode seeker includes an IIR seeker including an FPA and an optical system that receives infrared radiation via a system optical aperture and focuses the infrared radiation onto the FPA, and a SAL seeker including a SAL detector positioned in an optical path between the system optical aperture and the FPA and configured to detect laser radiation received via the system optical aperture. The SAL detector is substantially transparent to the infrared radiation. The multimode seeker further includes a dual-mode diffuser positioned in the optical path between the system optical aperture and the optical system. The diffuser is configured to spread the laser radiation to broaden a linear field of view of the SAL seeker, and to transmit the infrared radiation substantially undiffracted to the optical system.
US09291428B2
A set for and method of positioning and aligning a disruptor for the deactivation of a target and including a firing axis, a firing direction in terms of position and orientation relative to the target. The method including disposing a laser, adapted to emit beams along an aiming line, at a distance from the target such that the aiming line of the laser is coaxial with the firing direction. The disruptor is interposed between the laser and the target and positioned and oriented to make the firing axis thereof coaxial with the aiming line, by means of a flat mirror mounted at the rear of the disruptor and disposed perpendicularly to the axis of the disruptor. The mirror reflects a beam to the laser that is coaxial with the aiming line and emitted by the laser onto a mark on the mirror and centered on the firing axis.
US09291423B2
The invention is directed toward a heated grip for a firearm. The heated firearm grip comprises a grip body, an electrically resistive heating element, and a power source. The grip body is shaped as a pistol style firearm grip, has a hollow internal cavity, and has a hinged lower lid located on the bottom of the grip body. The power source is located within the hollow internal cavity of the grip body and is electrically connected to the electrically resistive heating element. The grip body is interchangeable with the factory installed grip of a firearm. The electrically resistive heating element may be embedded in a polyurethane sleeve surrounding the external surface of the grip body. The electrically resistive heating element may also be located within the hollow internal cavity of the grip body or molded into the body of the grip body.
US09291417B2
A suppressor to diminish the volume of noise from firing a firearm provides a suppressor body shape with tapered ends. The shape of the suppressor forms a partial wave-form to accommodate the wave-forms of the ignition gasses as they expand inside the chamber. Providing a chamber with a partial wave-form shaped interior space facilitates rapid dissipation of the expansion energy of the ignition gasses to quickly quell noise produced by such expansion. Perforated baffles housed in the interior chamber of the suppressor disrupt the fluid flow as the ignition gasses proceed through the chamber, which further dissipates the energy of the gasses. A fluid discharge port evacuates fluid from the primary chamber of the suppressor.
US09291416B2
The invention relates to a blocking device for firearms, wherein a locking unit is mounted on the firearm, wherein the locking unit comprises at least one blocking mechanism and at least one activation element, wherein the activation element is coupled to the triggering mechanism of the firearm in such a manner that in a locked position or locked mode of the activation element the triggering mechanism is blocked for triggering a shot, and in an active position or active mode of the activation element the triggering mechanism can be released, wherein the activation element can be brought into the active position or active mode only by using an unlocking element blocked position.
US09291415B1
An adjustable gas key for use with a firearm is provided. The adjustable gas key includes a base portion and a tube portion coupled to the base portion. An inlet tube extends through the tube portion and an outlet tube angled from the inlet tube exits through a bottom side of the base portion. The adjustable gas key includes an inner volume located at a junction of the inlet tube and the outlet tube. The adjustable gas key also includes an adjustment device operatively coupled to the adjustable gas key, wherein the adjustment device adjusts a size of the inner volume. The adjustable gas key is operatively coupled to a bolt carrier of the firearm, wherein adjustment of the size of the inner volume adjusts the force of action of the bolt carrier.
US09291413B1
A wing and rider for firearms having a wing assembly. The wing assembly has an exterior face and an interior face defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second lateral edges. Protruding from the interior face is an insert shaped to fit into an opening of a firearm slide. The exterior face has a first predetermined width defined by the first and second lateral edges. Extending from the first and second lateral edges are first and second sidewalls having gripping means. The firearm slide has third and fourth sidewalls that define a second predetermined width. The first predetermined width is greater than the second predetermined width. The gripping means includes ridges, channels, protrusions, hatched sections, grooves, or any combination thereof. The wing and rider for firearms may further have a rider assembly configured and shaped to secure the firearm.
US09291411B2
A firearm with tilting barrel-receiver assembly. In one embodiment, the firearm includes a frame and a barrel-receiver assembly pivotably mounted to the frame. The barrel-receiver assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position. A latching mechanism may include a slide plate configured to selectively engage the frame. The latching mechanism is movable between a locked position wherein the barrel-receiver assembly is held in the closed position by the slide plate and an unlocked position wherein the barrel-receiver assembly is movable to the tilted open position. The slide plate may be spring biased into the locked position. An actuator button cooperates with the slide plate for moving the latching mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions.
US09291408B2
Methods of preventing overheating of computer equipment in a cabinet when a supply coolant to a cooler in the cabinet fails. An example embodiment is a data center that includes a plurality of cabinets and at least two main coolant supply lines. The cabinets are configured to house computer equipment and the main coolant supply lines provide coolant to the plurality of cabinets. Moreover, each cabinet includes a cooler and each of these coolers includes at least two radiators which receive coolant from different main coolant supply lines.
US09291406B2
A heat absorbing device including a structure including plural individual cells delimited by an envelope made of a material that has good thermal conductivity and includes at least one phase-change material, the cells being stacked on top of one another from an end surface so that the structure extends in a direction of thermal flux, the flux being made up of two notable periodic thermal events, the structure including two different sizes of cells. The sizes of the cells are determined as a function of frequency of the thermal events of the thermal flux and a distribution of a number of cells of each size is determined as a function of amplitudes of each event.
US09291399B2
Described embodiments include a portable electronic device. The device includes a shell housing components of the portable electronic device having a heat-generating component. The device includes a heat-rejection element located at an exterior surface of the shell. The heat-rejection element is configured to reject heat received from the heat-generating component into an environment in thermal contact with the heat-rejection element. The device includes a controllable thermal coupler configured to regulate heat transfer to the heat-rejection element. The device includes a proximity sensor configured to determine a location of a user touch to the shell relative to the location of the heat-rejection element. The device includes a thermal manager configured to regulate heat transfer by the controllable thermal coupler to the heat-rejection element in response to the determined location of the user touch relative to the location of the heat-rejection element.
US09291395B2
A fill assembly for evaporative cooling includes a plurality of splash bars, a grid to support the plurality of splash bars, and a pivot connection at an intersection between the grid and a splash bar of the plurality of splash bars. The fill assembly is configured to translate from an upright conformation to a compact conformation in response to the plurality of splash bars pivoting relative to the grid.
US09291393B2
A retractable clothes dryer vent includes a support, a duct coupling, a dryer vent hose, a dryer exhaust coupling, a first retraction guide assembly, and a second retraction guide assembly. The duct coupling is mounted in the support and has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an opening extending through the support. The dryer vent hose has a first end extending from the first end of the duct coupling and a second end opposite the first end. The dryer exhaust coupling extends from the second end of the dryer vent hose. The first retraction guide assembly has a first end mounted to the support and a second end anchored to the dryer exhaust coupling. The second retraction guide assembly has a first end mounted to the support and a second end anchored to the dryer exhaust coupling.
US09291390B2
Process for producing purified synthesis gas from soot-containing synthesis gas having a temperature of at least 5° C. above its dew point comprising the steps of (a) cooling the soot-containing synthesis gas to a temperature below its dew point by indirect heat exchange in a shell-tube heat exchanger without removing the condensate formed, thereby forming a synthesis gas/condensate mixture; and (b) contacting the synthesis gas/condensate mixture with a scrubbing liquid to remove the condensate resulting in a purified synthesis gas and used scrubbing liquid, wherein the soot-containing synthesis gas in step (a) is passed through the shell-tube heat exchanger at the tube side.
US09291388B2
A system and method for air separation using a supplemental refrigeration cycle is provided. A portion of the refrigeration required by the air separation plant to produce a liquid product stream is supplied via a supplemental refrigeration circuit configured to direct a cooled refrigerant produced by the turboexpander through the main heat exchanger of the air separation plant. The refrigeration capacity is controlled by removing or adding a portion of the refrigerant in the supplemental refrigeration circuit to adjust the inlet pressure while maintaining a substantially constant volumetric flow rate and substantially constant pressure ratio across the compressor. Removing the refrigerant from the supplemental refrigeration circuit decreases the refrigeration imparted by the supplemental refrigeration circuit and thus decreases the production of the liquid product stream. Adding refrigerant allows for an increase in the refrigeration imparted by the supplemental refrigeration circuit and thus allows for increased production of the liquid product stream.
US09291374B2
An adsorber structure for a heat pump, having at least one pipe, through which a heat-transfer fluid can flow, and an adsorption medium, wherein a working medium can be adsorbed and desorbed on the adsorption medium and the adsorption medium is in thermal connection with the pipe, wherein the adsorption medium is designed as at least one, in particular several, molded bodies, which is/are directly adjacent to a pipe wall of one of the pipes.
US09291368B2
[Problem] To present a solar heat collecting device capable of enhancing the heat collecting efficiency by effectively utilizing the sunlight entering an area near the end part of the reflector at the opposite side of the direction of location of the sun.[Solving Means] In the solar heat collecting device for collecting the reflected light of sunlight Sb1, Sb2 entering a trough type reflector 1 having a parabolic section to a heat collecting pipe 2 erected at a position of focus of the reflector 1, and transmitting energy to a heat medium passing inside of the heat collecting pipe 2, the solar heat collecting device is installed so that central axis L1 of the reflector 1 may be directed along the north-south axis, and a plane reflector 3 is disposed orthogonally to central axis L1, at the end part of the reflector 1 at the opposite side of the direction of location of the sun.
US09291366B2
Methods and systems for solar water heating are provided herein. A modular pipe system for a solar water heater is provided in one embodiment. The system includes a plurality of first manifolds which are interchangeably connectable to any other first manifold. The system also includes a plurality of second manifolds which are interchangeably connectable to any other second manifold. The system further includes a plurality of pipe panels which are interchangeably connectable to any other panel, any first manifold, and any second manifold. Connecting the first manifolds and the second manifolds end to end expands the system along a first axis, and connecting a plurality of panels expands the system along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.
US09291358B2
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for controlling an environmental maintenance system that includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of actuators. The operation levels of the actuators can be determined by optimizing a penalty function. As part of the penalty function, the sensor values can be compared to reference values. The optimized values of the operation levels can account for energy use of actuators at various operation levels and predicted differences of the sensor values relative to the reference values at various operation levels. The predicted difference can be determined using a transfer model. An accuracy of the transfer model can be determined by comparing predicted values to measured values. This accuracy can be used in determining new operational levels from an output of the transfer model (e.g., attenuating the output of the transfer model based on the accuracy).
US09291351B2
A combustion chamber including a first fuel injector and a second fuel injector, the first and second fuel injectors being arranged to inject fuel into a mainstream flow of air with the second fuel injector arranged downstream of the first fuel injector. A method of mixing fuel and air in a combustion chamber, including injecting fuel into a mainstream flow of air with a first fuel injector; injecting fuel into the mainstream flow of air with a second fuel injector, which is arranged downstream of the first fuel injector; injecting fuel into the mainstream flow with the first fuel injector such that the resulting mixture between the first and second fuel injectors has an equivalence ratio less than the lean flame stability limit; and injecting fuel into the mainstream flow with the second fuel injector such that a combustion zone is provided downstream of the second fuel injector.
US09291344B2
A forced-flow steam generator includes first and second steam generator pipes which form a surrounding wall, wherein the first and second steam generator pipes are welded in a gas-tight fashion and are traversable by flow in a vertical direction. A passage collector is arranged within the surrounding wall, wherein the passage collector connects the first steam generator pipes with the second steam generator pipes. The first steam generator pipes are connected at an outlet side to an inlet side of the second steam generator pipes, wherein the second steam generator pipes are connected in series with the first steam generator pipes. Each of the second generator pipes has a restrictor device. Further, a power plant with a forced-flow steam generator is provided.
US09291341B2
A medical supply cabinet having improved features for user access, user control, and illumination is provided. The supply cabinet is provided with a selectively controllable illumination source, such as light-emitting diodes, that provide the operator with visual information regarding access to individual compartments of the supply cabinet.
US09291340B2
A lighting assembly includes an LED light source assembly and a unitary light-transmissive solid reflector optical element. The reflector optical element has a light output surface and n light-transmissive solid optical sub-elements having n-fold rotationally symmetrical about a central axis. Boundaries between adjacent optical sub-elements extend radially outward from the central axis. Each optical sub-element has a reflective surface positioned opposite the light output surface on the optical sub-element and shaped to create an internal reflection effect. The LED light source assembly has an LED light source for each optical sub-element. The LED light sources are positioned along an outline near the light output surface to direct light from each LED light source towards the reflective surface of the respective optical sub-element such that the light is reflected by the reflective surface to form an output light that exits the reflector optical element through the light output surface.
US09291333B2
In various exemplary embodiments, an illumination arrangement is provided, including a light source for providing laser light and a diffusely reflective material and/or a phosphorescent material and/or a fluorescent material, which is arranged on a surface in the illumination arrangement in such a way that light provided by the light source impinges on the material, wherein the surface forms a hollow body having one or more partial surfaces which are arranged in a manner facing one another at least in part in such a way that light reflected or generated by material arranged on one partial surface impinges at least partly on material arranged on the same or another partial surface of the surface, and both the incidence of the laser light and the emission of the reflected or generated light are effected via the same surface of the one or more partial surfaces.
US09291331B2
A solid state lamp having a threaded base with an LED light source receives a threaded ring with a snap-on lens. The snap-on lens has cantilevered fingers with pegs on the distal ends that snap into receiving holes in the ring. The ring has internal threads that screw on to the base. A lamp shade is held on to the base when the ring is screwed on to the base. The lamp is adapted to work with light fixtures or a ceiling fan.
US09291328B1
An interior lens is provided for a light bar mountable onto the roof of a vehicle. The interior lens has a plurality of fluted lenses or lens segments forming a ribbon shaped to receive illumination prior to exiting the light bar outer dome. The fluted lenses extend vertically parallel to each other and are each shaped to increase the horizontal viewing angle of light from the light bar. The ribbon of fluted lenses may continuously extend within the light bar around the optical assembly to improve performance of light projected from different sides of the light bar, thereby providing an improved optical assembly for a light bar.
US09291326B2
A vehicle lighting device includes a light emitting unit, a holding unit, a light guide, a cover and an attachment unit. The light emitting unit has one or more light emitting elements. The holding unit holds the light emitting unit. The light guide guides light emitted from the light emitting unit and emits the light from a tip which is on a tip side opposite to a light emitting unit side. The cover has a first fixation unit to be fixed to the holding unit and a second fixation unit which has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first fixation unit and internally fixes the light guide thereto in a state of exposing the tip. The attachment unit is formed in the second fixation unit in a shape attachable to a reflector.
US09291323B2
A vehicle lamp includes a 2D image forming device configured to form a brightness image using light emitted from a light source, an optical projection system configured to project the brightness image forward, and a light blocking member disposed on a path of light emitted from the light source through the 2D image forming device and onward toward the optical projection system, and configured to block at least a portion of the light.
US09291320B2
A dropped-ceiling lighting system having a reflector positioned in an opening in a grid used to suspend a dropped ceiling, a lighting device including a light source mounted adjacent to the reflector, a structural support securing the lighting device to the grid, and a power source for the lighting device. Also discloses is a dropped-ceiling lighting system comprised of a reflector attached to a plenum barrier positioned in an opening in a grid used to suspend a dropped ceiling, a power source extends from a first edge of the plenum barrier to a second edge of the plenum barrier, and a light source is mounted to the power source.
US09291319B2
The luminaire includes a light emitting diode (LED) module that includes a heat sink with an outer wall defining a top cavity and a bottom cavity and a mounting flange generally positioned along the bottom of the outer wall. A LED light source is positioned within the bottom cavity and in thermal communication with the heat sink. The bottom surface of the mounting flange includes one or more alignment features or keys extending out from the bottom surface. A trim having a corresponding alignment aperture is matingly engaged by positioning all or a portion of the alignment feature into the alignment aperture to ensure proper orientation of the trim with the LED module and to provide sufficient surface area for good thermal transfer between the heat sink and the trim.
US09291315B2
In various embodiments, a lighting device includes at least one laser light source and a light wavelength conversion element. The light wavelength conversion element includes phosphor which is arranged on a surface region of a substrate and is used for wavelength conversion of the light emitted by the at least one laser light source. The light wavelength conversion element has a greater thickness at the edge of the surface region, provided with phosphor, of the substrate than at the surface centroid of the surface region, provided with phosphor, of the substrate. The thickness is respectively measured perpendicularly to the surface region, provided with phosphor, of the substrate.
US09291312B2
An LED tube has a tube body, an LED light board and two caps. The tube body has a translucent tube shell and a heat dissipating seat. The translucent tube shell has two openings and a gap. The heat dissipating seat is mounted in the gap. The LED light board is mounted in the tube body and has a luminous surface, wherein two opposite ends of the LED light board extend out of the heat dissipating seat. The luminous surface has four electrical connecting parts, wherein each two electrical connecting parts are respectively mounted near a corresponding one of the two opposite ends, thus, the four electrical connecting parts are mounted away from the heat dissipating seat to extend internal creepage distances between the four electrical connecting parts and the heat dissipating seat, and further increase electrical safety of the LED tube.
US09291311B2
An illumination apparatus comprises a heat sink, at least one light module and an insulating adhesive layer. The light module is disposed on the heat sink, and the insulating adhesive layer is disposed between the light module and heat sink to combine the light module with the heat sink. The insulating adhesive layer comprises polymer component and heat conductive filler dispersed therein. The polymer comprises thermoset epoxy resin. The insulating adhesive layer has heat conductivity greater than 0.5 W/m-K and a thickness of 0.02-10 mm. The bonding strength of the insulating adhesive layer to the heat sink and the light module is greater than 300 g/cm2, and the insulating adhesive layer can withstand a voltage of at least 500 volts.
US09291309B2
The invention provides a hydrogen dispensing system comprising: a feed vessel for storing liquid hydrogen having an inlet and an outlet; a flash drum having an inlet and an outlet; a dispenser for dispensing gaseous hydrogen at a pressure of greater than 300 bar, having an inlet and an outlet wherein the feed vessel outlet is in fluid communication with the flash drum inlet, the flash drum outlet is in fluid communication with the dispenser inlet and there is no compression apparatus between the feed vessel outlet and the dispenser outlet. The invention also provides a method of providing gaseous hydrogen to a vehicle.
US09291308B2
A liquefied natural gas container including a loadbearing structure and an impermeable and thermally insulated tank designed to contain liquefied natural gas. Each tank wall having in succession, in a direction of a thickness, proceeding from an inside of the tank to an outside, a primary impermeable barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier, a secondary impermeable barrier, and a secondary thermally insulating barrier. The secondary impermeable barrier of a vertical wall includes a first impermeable sheet at the top of the wall and a connecting device which impermeably connects the first impermeable sheet to the loadbearing structure. The connecting device includes a first metal plate parallel to the first impermeable sheet, and a second impermeable sheet which is on the one hand bonded to the first impermeable sheet, and on the other hand connected to the first metal plate.
US09291305B2
A holder for mounting a shelf on an infusion stand of a medical device, for example, a dialysis machine, has a surface element that is connectable to the infusion stand, a shelf carrier that is integral with an outer edge of the surface element, and a holder supporting element. With this holder, a shelf surface for utilitarian objects on the dialysis machine is made available to the user. A shelf which is to be fastened on the infusion stand is necessary in particular with dialysis machines whose display screen in not integrated into the machine housing but instead is attached to the infusion stand. The surface of the machine in this case can no longer be used as a shelf surface. The holder can be mounted and removed easily without the assistance of tools.
US09291292B2
A keyed coupling assembly and kit for use with a coupling having a pair of connectable coupling members. The keyed coupling assembly includes a keyed member associated with each coupling member to permit the coupling members to mate with each other when the keyed members match, yet prevent the unwanted mating of the coupling members with each other when the keyed members do not match. The keyed coupling assembly is capable of ensuring that a fluid connection can only be made between matching keyed components, thereby ensuring that the characteristics of the fluid (e.g., type of fluid, fluid pressure, and/or fluid direction) delivered from one coupling member to the other is proper.
US09291291B2
A tube for a fuel injection system having an end form defining a spherical surface to seal against a receiver in fluid tight relation. The tube and end form may be made of steel or stainless steel. The spherical surface includes an integrated seal surface defining layer comprising material bonded to the spherical surface, which has a hardness lower than the hardness of the material of the end form and may comprise copper, copper-nickel alloy, copper alloy, nickel or manganese. In alternative forms, the material is deposited on the end form spherical seal surface by various processes including deposition by heating, using moistening effects, galvanic, evaporation, or any other suitable deposition process.
US09291287B2
Disclosed are apparatus, systems and methods for reducing displacement of a subsea conduit such as offshore hydrocarbon production pipeline, also referred to as pipeline walking or buckling, thus reducing the need for expensive pipeline anchoring or other mitigation solutions. A movement resistor adapted to be installed on a subsea conduit is provided having an inner portion adapted to receive and securely attach to a subsea conduit and at least one resistor portion adapted to resist induced forces. The at least one resistor portion includes a mesh layer therein that allows the passage of water but does not allow the passage of soil there through. At least one movement resistor can be installed along the length of a subsea conduit.
US09291285B2
A fluidic actuator includes a basic arrangement having at least one cavity formed therein, an activatable substance within the cavity, and a deformable seal arrangement. The activatable substance, exemplarily an electrolyte, may be converted, at least partly, by suitable activation and thus cause a change in pressure in the cavity. The deformable seal arrangement serves for sealing the cavity. The seal arrangement includes an element containing paraffin and may be deformed when activating the activatable substance due to the change in pressure of the activatable substance. A corresponding method of manufacturing includes the following steps: providing the basic arrangement; forming a cavity, which is open on at least one side, in the basic arrangement; introducing the activatable substance into the cavity; and sealing the cavity using the deformable seal arrangement which includes an element containing paraffin.
US09291283B2
A hydraulic control device includes a first predetermined portion receiving the oil discharged from a pump, a first channel establishing communication between the pump and the first predetermined portion, a second channel branched from the first channel for supplying oil to a second predetermined portion, a flow passage area regulation unit arranged on the second channel and equipped with a spool that moves in a flow passage area increasing direction when an oil pressure in the second channel increases and in a decreasing direction when the oil pressure decreases, and a bypass channel, which is provided separately from a portion of the second channel where the spool disconnects the second channel, establishes communication between an upstream side and a downstream side of the second channel relative to the flow passage area regulation unit and supplies oil to the second predetermined portion even when the spool disconnects the second channel.
US09291279B2
A diaphragm valve having at least two axially extending fluid passageways, which are aligned with each other and which extend towards each other, and a separation wall between the fluid passageways provides for the separation wall, if viewed in the longitudinal sectional view, to have a flatter and a steeper section for delimiting the fluid passageways. Moreover, a method for producing a diaphragm valve housing is provided.
US09291277B2
In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.
US09291268B2
The invention relates to a line duct for sealing a wall opening through which a line passes, comprising an elastomer body with a series of layers surrounding the line. The elastomer body and the series of layers are made up here of a number of respective one-piece elastomer body parts (2a, b, c, d) with shells (4a, b, c, d), according to the invention there being arranged between the shells (4a, b, c, d) of an elastomer body part (2a, b, c, d) at least two shells (4a, b, c, d) of other elastomer body parts (2a, b, c, d).
US09291265B2
A gas cylinder actuator having an overtravel safety device includes a tubular jacket for gas containment, which is closed at one end by a bottom provided with a gas filling valve and at the opposite end by a head portion. The head portion is provided with a hole for the passage of a stem with a piston, the jacket, the bottom and the piston forming the gas expansion and compression chamber. The head portion further includes an annular body, which is fixed internally to the jacket, and is provided with a central hole for the passage of the stem with the interposition of sealing elements, static sealing elements being interposed between the annular body and the jacket and an element for controlling the descending motion of a slider of a press with which the actuator is associated being provided and protruding from the annular body or from the jacket.
US09291264B2
This invention relates to thermal spray coatings, powders useful in deposition of the thermal spray coatings, methods of producing the powders, and uses of the thermal spray coatings, for example, coating of piston rings and cylinder liners of internal combustion engines. The coatings of this invention are applied by thermal spray deposition of a powder. The powder contains bimetallic carbides of chromium and molybdenum dispersed in a matrix metal. The matrix metal contains nickel/chromium/molybdenum.
US09291254B2
Reduction gear units are provided comprising a gearbox, a cam assembly, a bearing assembly, a first gear and a second gear. The first and second gears may engage one another and translate rotating movement from one axis to an axis perpendicular thereto. The second gear is disengagable from the first gear by action of the cam assembly, which is adapted to disengage the second gear from the first gear through eccentric rotation of the cam assembly. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly carried by the cam assembly is preloaded. The cam assembly is disposed so that the preloaded can be maintained during manufacture of the gearbox. In another embodiment, the gearbox case and cam assembly are disposed so as to minimize internal leakage from the case and enhance sealing of the gearbox.
US09291249B2
A transmission includes: a counter low-gear with a low-gear body and a boss fit into the low-gear body so that driving force can be transmitted, and provided with dog-claws and an expanded part at one axial end and that is axially non-movably and rotatably fit around a counter shaft. A counter high-gear with a high-gear body is arranged in the one side from the low-gear body and with a cylinder including dog-claws at the one axial end thereof and is axially non-movably and rotatably fit around the boss. A shift sleeve is axially movably spline-fit around the counter shaft, and is arranged in the one side from the counter high-gear and that includes dog-claws capable of engaging with the dog-claws of the gears. The high-gear body is axially non-movably arranged between the low-gear body and the expanded part.
US09291247B2
A roller tappet intended for use a) in a high pressure fuel pump; b) in a valve train of an internal combustion engine; c) in an engine such as an axial piston engine or a radial piston engine; or d) generally for a pump/compressor of an axial piston type or of a radial piston type.
US09291241B2
A vehicle-use transmission includes: an input shaft into which a driving force from an engine is inputted; a power extraction shaft for transmitting the driving force of the input shaft to front wheels; a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the input shaft to rear wheels; and a rear-wheel intermediate shaft provided in a power transmission path between the power extraction shaft and the transmission mechanism. The rear-wheel intermediate shaft transmits the driving force through a helical gear attached to the rear-wheel intermediate shaft. Further, the rear-wheel intermediate shaft is supported by tapered roller bearings.
US09291233B2
An apparatus for the damping of vibrations in a steering column in a motor vehicle, having a mounting (10) and an accommodation device (11) elastically supported in the mounting (10) to which a gas generator (20) is secured, a separate supplemental weight (30) is secured to the gas generator (20) or to the accommodation device (11) to provide desired vibration damping characteristics of the steering column assembly.
US09291223B2
An axle assembly having a steering knuckle and a brake spider. The steering knuckle may include a spindle and a camshaft tube hole that may receive a camshaft for actuating a brake pad assembly. The brake spider may be disposed on the steering knuckle and may not encircle the spindle.
US09291222B2
A brake dust collector for a motor vehicles for collecting brake dust has a dust collecting device with a filter element and a filter receptacle in which the filter element is arranged. The filter element is a shaped filter and has at least two partial sections. The at least two partial sections each have a filter material of a different porosity including a first partial section with a great porosity and a second partial section with a small porosity.
US09291220B2
A motor vehicle drive train including a hydrodynamic retarder (1) that comprises a revolving bladed impeller (10) and a stationary or counter-rotating bladed turbine (11) which jointly form a working chamber (12) that can be filled with a working medium to switch on the retarder (1) is disclosed. The hydrodynamic retarder (1) can be mechanically disengaged from the drive train by a disconnect clutch (2). A fill level monitoring device (14) can detect the current fill level of the working medium in the working chamber (12), while a disconnect clutch-blocking device (9) is effectively connected in a communicating or mechanical manner to the fill level monitoring device (14) and prevents the disconnect clutch (2) from engaging in accordance with the detected fill level.
US09291219B2
A bolt guiding device for a floating caliper disc brake, having at least one guide bolt that is supported in a brake carrier and mounted on a brake caliper, wherein the brake caliper is movably guided over the guide bolt in the axial direction thereof. The bolt guiding device comprises a slide bush, wherein one surface of the inner circumferential surface and outer circumferential surface acts as a retaining surface on which the slide bush is retained, and wherein the other surface of the inner circumferential surface and outer circumferential surface acts as a sliding surface on which the slide bush slides. For this purpose, the slide bush has, facing the sliding surface, at least one guiding surface on each side of the center of the slide bush and at least one intermediate surface extending in the circumferential direction on each side of the center of the slide bush, wherein the diameter of the at least one guiding surface is dimensioned in such a way that said guiding surface is in close contact with the sliding surface, and wherein the diameter of the intermediate surface is dimensioned in such a way that said intermediate surface is provided in direct contact with or with a slight radial spacing from the sliding surface.
US09291212B2
The invention relates to a clutch assembly of a motor vehicle, in particular a clutch-controlled differential unit, comprising a switchable clutch apparatus that is able to transmit driving power from a drive element on the input side with regard to the clutch device to a drive element on the output side with regard to the clutch device, wherein an oil conveying apparatus is provided for the clutch oiling, which oil conveying apparatus conveys oil of an oil circuit serving the clutch device depending on the operating state. In order to ensure that the lubrication of components arranged on the output side with regard to the clutch device is ensured in operating states in which the oil conveying apparatus does not convey any oil, an oil accumulating device is provided.
US09291196B2
A ball and socket joint comprises a joint ball which is enclosed and rotationally supported by a ball socket. The ball socket has two ball socket parts that move relative to one another in an axial direction. The ball socket parts acts on different sides of the joint ball that are opposite one another in the axial direction. A controllable adjusting device bias the two ball socket parts, relative to one another in the axial direction, so that pressure exerted on the joint ball by the twp ball socket parts can be varied. At least a first of the ball socket parts comprises a main body and at least one bearing section, which is elastically connected to the main body and by which the first ball socket part rests against the joint ball.
US09291195B1
The ball joint assembly includes a housing with an open interior and which extends from a closed end to an open end. A stud ball with a ball portion is disposed in the open interior of the housing. A first bearing is also disposed in the open interior and includes first and second contact surfaces which are spaced from one another by a gap. The contact surfaces are in sliding contact with the ball portion of the ball stud, and the first contact surface is semi-spherically curved with a generally constant diameter while the second contact surface is generally cylindrical in shape. A second bearing is disposed in the open interior of the housing and has a third contact surface which is in sliding contact with the ball portion of the stud ball and is biased against the ball portion.
US09291194B2
A spindle drive for an adjusting element of a motor vehicle includes a drive motor with a spindle-spindle nut gear arranged downstream for producing a drive force along a geometric spindle axis. Two connectors are provided for transferring the drive force and at least one connector includes a ball joint with a ball socket and an assigned ball. The ball socket includes a ball socket housing with a connecting piece. It is proposed that the ball socket in the ball socket housing has a damping shell and a bearing shell in the damping shell for the positive engagement with the ball so that the flux of force for the drive force passes via the damping shell and the bearing shell.
US09291193B2
An assembly for enabling multi-adjustment of a lamp is provided. The assembly includes a frame to which the lamp is attachable, a ball joint, and an apparatus for retaining the ball joint. The ball joint has a head and a neck. The apparatus is attached to the frame, and includes a housing and a cap. The housing defines a chamber configured to receive the head of the ball joint. The housing may further define a slot in which the neck is slidable such that the ball joint is insertable into and removable from the chamber. The cap is configured to interlock with the housing to secure the ball joint such that they are substantially restricted to rotational movement with respect to each other. The cap and the housing may have retention tabs and retention ridges, respectively, configured to engage with each other to enable the interlocking.
US09291192B2
A connecting rod of an internal combustion engine, that includes a large bore, and an interior bore surface. The current art uses soft metal bearing surfaces to reduce wear, and friction between the connecting rod inner diameter and the crankshaft journal surface. The soft metal bearing surface is a separate component of the engine. In this invention the large bore end interior diameter is coated with a hard material to reduce, or eliminate wear. The hard material is a metal or metal alloy applied to the inner diameter by a thermal spray method. A relatively soft polymer material can also be applied to the interior diameter surface of the con-rod bore. The relatively softer polymer acts as a first and sometimes a consumable layer, and applied over the thermal sprayed hard layer. The polymer layer is often used in conjunction with the sprayed metal layer. The polymer coating may be worn off the inner diameter surface; this delay in surface to surface contact to the sprayed metal layer has beneficial effects on the sprayed metal layer. The delay of surface to surface contact will usually result in a longer service life of the sprayed metal coating.
US09291177B2
A duct in which a fluid can be conducted is bound by duct walls, wherein the duct walls have an inlet opening and an outlet opening through which the fluid can enter the duct and exit the duct. The fluid has a flow velocity which is smaller along the duct walls than at the duct middle, so that a zone of higher flow velocity and a zone of lower flow velocity can be formed in the duct. A flow guide surface is arranged in the duct by means of which a portion of the fluid can be taken from the zone of higher flow velocity and can be mixed into the zone of lower flow velocity.
US09291173B2
A pump motor of a hydraulic hybrid system also serves as a pump to supply hydraulic oil or lubricating oil to a power train, thus enabling elimination of an oil pump provided in the power train and hence reductions in the number of parts and cost, and, in addition, an existing oil pan provided in the power train and the like are utilized for the hydraulic hybrid system, which in turn enables achieving further reductions in the number of parts and cost. Moreover, when idle-reduction control is performed on an engine, during engine's stopped conditions, the pump motor can be driven as a motor by hydraulic pressure accumulated in an accumulator to start the engine and supply the hydraulic pressure to a transmission, thus eliminating a need to provide a motor-driven oil pump for the idle-reduction control and hence enabling a further reduction in cost.
US09291160B2
An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.
US09291147B2
An energy generating system includes a first pair of sails, configured for opposing reciprocal swinging motion in response to a flow of fluid therepast, and a first generator assembly, mechanically coupled to the first pair of sails, configured to generate electrical energy from the opposing reciprocal swinging motion of the first pair of sails.
US09291139B2
The disclosure provides a fuel injection nozzle. The fuel injection nozzle includes a nozzle body, with the nozzle body defining a central bore. A fuel atomizer is disposed in the central bore. The fuel atomizer defines a spill-return bore and a swirl chamber. The swirl chamber is in fluid communication with the central bore. The spill-return bore includes a return swirler approximate the swirl chamber. An air supply pump is coupled to the fuel atomizer and is in fluid communication with the spill-return bore. The air supply pump is configured to selectively inject air into the swirl chamber through the spill-return bore.
US09291137B2
A device for holding down a valve for metering fuel in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is provided. The valve is inserted for fuel supply, using a connection piece, into a sealing region which presses against the connection piece at an outlet opening of a manifold fixed to the cylinder head. Between a first support shoulder on the side of the valve and a second support shoulder on the side of the manifold, the device has a clamped spring element for transferring a holding-down force onto the valve. In order to achieve an inward deflection of the spring element required for the transfer of the holding-down force, the spring element is prestressed to a prestressing force that is reduced with respect to the holding-down force, and the prestressed spring element is fixed on the valve.
US09291136B2
A fuel injector wherein a cylindrical surface supports an electrical heating structure covering 360° or almost 360° of the surface for heating fuel. The structure comprises a first dielectric layer adhered to the surface; a thick film resistance heating element; a second dielectric layer; spaced-apart first and second conductor pads, wherein the first conductor pad is disposed in contact with a dielectric layer and a first end of the heating element, and wherein the second conductor pad is disposed in contact with a dielectric layer and a second end of the heating element. Another dielectric layer may be disposed over the preceding layers and the first and second conductor pads and having first and second windows formed therein for access to the first and second conductor pads. The resistance heating element may selectively be trimmed by overprinting in a pattern one or more times to improve the uniformity of heating.
US09291135B2
Provided is an electromagnetic fuel injection valve such that the collision faces of a chrome-coated movable element with respect to a stationary core and a valve body are flat, and change in the fuel injection quantity can be suppressed. The electromagnetic fuel injection valve is provided with a movable element having a cylindrical structure, and a valve body which is separated from the movable element and provided on the hollow portion side of the movable element so as to reciprocate. The movable element has a first collision face which collides with an end face of a stationary core, and a second collision face which collides with an end face of the valve body, said first collision face and second collision face coated with a chrome coating layer, and said chrome coating layer applied by disposing a positive electrode on the center axis of the movable element. An inclined face having an inclination to compensate for the inclination of the inclined face obtained from the thickness of the chrome coating layer gradually increasing toward the center axis is formed on the end face of the base material of the movable element on which at least one of either the first collision face or the second collision face will be formed. The chrome coating layer is applied on the inclined face, so that at least one of either the first collision face or the second collision face is flat.
US09291113B2
A method for operating an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine has at least one cylinder, to which are connected an intake manifold having an air mass sensor, an exhaust pipe having a λ-sensor and an exhaust gas recirculation line having an exhaust gas recirculation valve. The air mass sensor generates an air mass sensor signal. The λ-sensor generates a λ-sensor signal. The exhaust gas recirculation valve is adjusted by a control signal. A setpoint injection quantity is formed and the control signal of the exhaust gas recirculation valve is formed as a function of the air mass sensor signal. An air mass replacement signal for the air mass sensor signal is formed as a function of the λ-sensor signal and the setpoint injection quantity. In the case of a faulty air mass sensor signal, the control signal is formed as a function of the air mass replacement signal.
US09291111B2
An engine control method includes: a step of determining whether or not a crank angle of the engine lies in a first section between a top dead center in a compression stroke and a first angle in a case where the engine speed of the engine is lower than the prescribed engine speed; a step of running the engine in a forward direction by driving a motor that applies a torque to a crank of the engine in the forward direction in a case where the crank angle of the engine does not lie in the first section; a step of determining whether or not the crank angle of the engine lies in the first section; a step of determining whether or not the crank angle of the engine lies in a second section between a top dead center in a combustion stroke and a second angle; a step of braking the motor in a case where it is determined in the sixth step that the crank angle of the engine lies in the second section; and a step of running the engine in the forward direction by driving the motor in the forward direction in a case where it is determined in the eighth step that there is the request for restart of the engine.
US09291110B2
When an alcohol mixed fuel is supplied to an internal combustion engine, the magnitude of the alcohol concentration is determined, and the magnitude of an operation state temperature is determined on the basis of the determination. When the alcohol concentration is high and the operation state temperature is low, the generation of intermediate products, which are alcohol oxides contained in unburned alcohol mixed fuel, is promoted, and the intermediate products generated are trapped in an intake passage by opening an intake valve in the expansion stroke of the internal combustion engine.
US09291109B2
The invention relates to a fuel supply system (1) for injecting liquefied vapor under high pressure, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), into a combustion chamber (3-6) of an internal combustion engine (2). The fuel supply system (1) comprises a fuel supply for liquefied vapor connected to a high-pressure pump (11) via a duct. The high-pressure pump (11) has a high-pressure chamber (105) which is embodied thereby to increase the pressure of the liquefied vapor. A high-pressure discharge of the high-pressure pump (11) is connected to a high-pressure rail (7) which comprises one or several injectors for injecting liquefied vapor into a combustion chamber. According to the invention, the fuel supply system is provided with a discharge F unit (20) for purging fuel, in particular fuel vapor, between the high-pressure chamber and the combustion chamber.
US09291100B2
A rotary machine is provided with a casing and an atmosphere relief mechanism (20) for closing an opening (12) for atmospheric release formed in the casing and relieving pressure of inner fluid to atmosphere when a pressure in the casing rises. The atmosphere relief mechanism includes: a rupture disc (24) configured to rupture when the pressure in the casing reaches a predetermined pressure; a pair of annular holding parts (22, 27) arranged to hold an outer edge of the rupture disc from both sides; a plurality of fastening members (29) for fastening the pair of annular holding parts to each other so as to hold the rupture disc between the pair of annular holding parts; and an annular spacer part (25) provided along an outer circumference of the rupture disc.
US09291099B2
Provided is a structure of a gas turbine engine for extracting a part of compressed air generated by a compressor. The structure comprises a cylindrical housing having an annular portion extending around the compressing chamber to define an annular chamber, an annular partition dividing the annular chamber into first and second plenum chambers. The cylindrical housing has first apertures to communicate between the compressing chamber and the first plenum chamber. The partition has second apertures to communicate between the first and second plenum chambers. The first and second apertures are configured so that that the first apertures have a first total cross-sectional area and the second apertures have a second total cross-sectional area which is smaller than the first total cross-sectional area.
US09291087B2
An exhaust gas system 1 for an internal combustion piston engine, having an exhaust manifold 2 having a plurality of manifold tubes Z1-Z4 and an exhaust gas fitting 2.1, and an exhaust gas line element 3 having an exhaust gas pipe fitting 3.1 that can be connected to the exhaust gas fitting 2.1 by the exhaust gas pipe fitting 3.1. The exhaust gas manifold 2 and at least the exhaust gas pipe fitting 3.1 of the exhaust gas line element 3 each have a partition 2.2, 3.2, each forming two separate exhaust gas channels A2a, A2b, A3a, A3b each having a flow axis S2, S3, and comprising an end face 2.2s, 3.2s running transverse to the flow axis S2 in the area of the fitting 2.1, 3.1, wherein the edge segment R1, the edge segment R2, and/or the core segment K of the exhaust manifold 2 at least partially contact the exhaust gas pipe fitting 3.1 in the axial direction when the internal combustion piston engine is in the warm state.
US09291086B2
An exhaust after-treatment system includes an exhaust inlet, an exhaust outlet, and an array of exhaust treatment components disposed in a housing. The housing includes a first connection flange securing the housing to the inlet, a second connection flange securing the housing to the outlet, and a third flange positioned between the first and second flanges. A mounting device is secured to the third flange to independently support the housing relative to the inlet and the outlet.
US09291078B2
A hydraulic pressure supply may include a low pressure portion, a high pressure portion, a low-pressure hydraulic pump receiving the oil stored in the oil pan and discharging the low hydraulic pressure to a first low-pressure line fluid-connected to the low-pressure hydraulic pump, a switch valve fluid-connected to the first low-pressure line, and selectively supplying the low hydraulic pressure to the low pressure portion or the high pressure portion, a low-pressure regulator valve connected to the switch valve, a high-pressure hydraulic pump fluid-connected to the low-pressure hydraulic pump through the first low-pressure line, a high-pressure regulator valve fluid-connected to the high pressure line and controlling the high hydraulic pressure supplied from the high-pressure hydraulic pump and the low hydraulic pressure supplied from the low-pressure hydraulic pump to be stable high hydraulic pressure, a second input line connecting the oil pan to the first low-pressure line.
US09291074B2
An engine-waste-heat utilization device includes a Rankine cycle with a heat exchanger that is configured to recover engine-waste-heat to refrigerant, an expander that is configured to generate power using the refrigerant coming out from the heat exchanger, a condenser that is configured to condense the refrigerant coming out from the expander and a refrigerant pump that is configured to supply the refrigerant coming out from the condenser to the heat exchanger by being driven by the expander, a power transmission mechanism (crank pulley, pump pulley, belt) that is configured to transmit surplus power to the engine when the expander has spare power even if the refrigerant pump is driven, a clutch that is configured to connect and disconnecting power transmission by the power transmission mechanism, and a case provided near a high-temperature part of the engine such that a shaft of the expander and that of the refrigerant pump are coaxially arranged, the clutch, the refrigerant pump and the expander are integrally housed in this order and the expander has a higher temperature than the clutch.
US09291066B2
A hydrodynamic face seal ring for use in a rotary machine includes a support ring having at least two support ring segments and a radially-extending, first face. The support ring is configured to releasably couple to an inner surface of an outer casing of the rotary machine. The face seal ring also includes a sealing ring substantially concentric with the support ring. The sealing ring includes at least two sealing ring segments and a radially-extending, second face. The sealing ring is releasably coupled to the support ring such that the first face is mated against the second face.
US09291057B2
A method is disclosed for manufacturing a tie shaft for aero or land based gas turbine engine. The method includes flow forming a tie shaft preform to produce a tie shaft. In one example, the tie shaft includes a nickel alloy cylindrical wall having a length to diameter ratio of at least 6:1, wherein the diameter is an average outer diameter. The wall includes a minimum effective strain of 0.3 in/in (7.6 mm/mm), and a grain size is in the range of G4 to G16 per ASTM E112. The wall includes a roll formed threaded surface having a thread roughness of less than 1260 μin (32 microns).
US09291052B2
A mining machine includes a boom, a cutter head, a valve, and an actuator. The boom defines an internal chamber and includes a first end coupled to a frame, a second end, and an opening in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The cutter head includes a plurality of cutting bits and is supported on the second end of the boom. The valve is coupled to the boom and is movable between a closed position in which the opening is covered and an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered. The actuator is coupled to the valve to selectively move the valve between the closed position and the opened position.
US09291051B2
The present invention relates to a method and system for identifying one or more characteristics within a subterranean reservoir of natural gas.
US09291042B2
A steam-assisted gravity drainage or cyclic steam injection method for recovering oil from a development region of an underground reservoir, further employing water injection along one or more peripheral side edges of the development region via a horizontal well or wells to thereby bound the development region on at least one side edge thereof, and preferably along two or more side edges, with water to thereby reduce steam loss from the development region and thus reduce steam-to-recovered oil ratio (SOR). The water may be combined with diluents. The water which is injected into the horizontal well or wells may comprise produced water recovered from said reservoir.
US09291035B2
A debris collecting tool for use within a wellbore is provided. The tool comprises a filter body having an upstream end and a downstream end. A first fluid passage extends longitudinally between the upstream and downstream ends of the filter body, and at least one second fluid passage connects the first fluid passage with the exterior of the filter body. A filter is located between the first fluid passage and the at least one second fluid passage. The tool further comprises a flow controller movable between a first position in which fluid is prevented from entering the at least one second fluid passage from the exterior of the filter body, and a second position in which fluid is permitted to enter the at least one second fluid passage from the exterior of the filter body. An agitator body is attached to the upstream end of the filter body, and includes at least one radially projecting agitation member. Methods of using the tool to collect debris and clean a wellbore are also provided.
US09291031B2
A down hole pressure isolation tool is placed in a pipe string and includes a pair of pressure discs having one side that is highly resistant to applied pressure and one side that ruptures when much lower pressures are applied to it. The weak sides of the pressure discs face each other. Rather than rupturing the discs by dropping a go-devil into the well, a first of the discs is ruptured or broken by the application of fluid pressure from the well head or surface. Formation pressure is then used, in different ways according to the different embodiments, to rupture the remaining disc.
US09291030B2
Disclosed are annular flow control devices and their methods of use. One flow control device includes an annular inner shroud coupled to a work string that defines one or more flow ports therein, and an annular outer shroud also coupled to the work string and radially offset from the inner shroud such that a channel is defined between at least a portion of the inner and outer shrouds, the channel being in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more flow ports and configured to restrict a flow rate of a fluid.
US09291029B2
An anchor mechanism for use in a well including a housing with a plurality of openings evenly distributed along the circumference of the housing and each opening arranged to narrowly house a radially movably slip including first and second end portions, a gripping side facing a well wall, the gripping side being provided with a plurality of teeth, an underside facing the opposite direction, two side faces extending from the gripping side to the underside and to two end faces; the slip having, at its first and second end portions, with a first inclined face and a second inclined face substantially sloping from the end faces and towards the middle portion of the slip on the underside; the slip provided, on its end faces, with laterally projecting tongues having a longitudinal direction parallel to the inclined faces; the slip provided, on its two side faces, with guide portions exhibiting a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slip and the guide portion complementarily fitting an inward-facing guide in the housing; the anchor mechanism provided with first and second axially movable slip cones being surrounded in a portion of the housing; the slip cones having inclined faces in their position of application arranged to rest against the inclined faces of the slip, the slip cones provided with a plurality of grooves, each groove being arranged to house one tongue, and the housing being constituted by a first housing half and a second housing half.
US09291028B2
The present invention relates to a plugging device (1), comprising a packer device (4) for pressure tight sealing of a pipe. The packer device (4) comprises a cone device (10) comprising a first cone (12) and a second cone (14), each having their base faced towards each other and each comprising a tapering surface (12a, 14a). A first packer supporting device (20) is provided on a first side of the cone device (10), a second packer supporting device (22) is provided on a second side of the cone device (10) and a packer body (50) provided is between the first packer supporting device (20) and the second packer supporting device (22). The first and second packer supporting devices (20, 22) comprise supporting arms (24) having a first end (24a) movably connected to the plugging device (1) and a second end (24b) connected to either a front supporting element (30) or a rear supporting element (40). A sliding surface is provided on the first and second packer supporting device (20, 22) for sliding up and down the tapering surface (12a, 14a) of the first or second cone (12, 14), thereby bringing the packer device (4) between its expanded and retracted positions respectively. The front supporting elements (30) and the rear supporting elements (40) comprise front surfaces (32, 42), where the front surfaces (32, 42) are faced towards the base of the first and second cones (12, 14) and provide an extrusion barrier surface for the packer body (50) in the expanded position.
US09291027B2
A packer is disclosed comprising a body with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to establish a connection with downhole equipment and wherein at least one of the first end and the second end is configured to establish a fluid flow between the downhole equipment, at least one guard drain, at least one sample drain, at least one guard drain flow line, at least one sample drain flow line configured to transport fluid flow from and to the at least one sample drain and one of the first end and the second end of the body, two swivel connections and a sealing element.
US09291021B2
Provided is a system, including a first module (35b) configured to process fluid from a well, wherein the first module (35b) has an extension conduit (5b), having a connection that is coupleable to a central mandrel of a manifold (5), a processing device arranged in a region surrounding the extension conduit (5b), a processing input (18a), and a processing output (19a). Further provided is a method of processing well fluids, including diverting fluids from a bore of a manifold (1) to a processing module (35b), wherein the processing module (35b) is coupled to a mandrel of the manifold (5), processing the fluids in the processing module (35b), and returning the fluids to a flowpath (19a) for recovery.
US09291016B2
Provided is a method and apparatus for pulling a crown plug from a subsea horizontal christmas tree, the method comprising: (a) providing a subsea lubricator having a longitudinal through bore and a jack attached to the subsea lubricator, the jack having a landing area, and the landing area having an opening which is fluidly connected to the lubricator's through bore; (b) providing a jacking string which includes a landing sub and a crown plug connector, the sub having a landing surface; (c) without the jacking string in step “b”, lowering the subsea lubricator of step “a”, to the horizontal christmas tree and attaching the lubricator to the christmas tree; (d) lowering the jacking string to the lubricator, and, while the landing surface of the landing sub is spaced above and not supported by the landing area of the jack, connecting the plug connector to the crown plug while the landing sub is above and not touching the landing area of the jack; (e) jacking up the jack such that the landing area of the jack contacts the landing surface of the landing sub, and pushes up on the jacking sub and jacking string causing tensile forces to be placed on the crown plug and releasing the crown plug from the profile of the christmas tree; (f) while the lubricator remains attached to the christmas tree, raising the jacking string and crown plug through and out of the lubricator and to the surface of the water to remove the tree; and (g) detaching the crown plug from the crown plug connector.
US09291012B2
A manifold directs the flow of drilling mud from a drilling rig. A longitudinal tubular body has a first end and a second end, such that the longitudinal tubular body is supported by at least two supports of a platform. The platform can support a monorail that is parallel to the longitudinal tubular body, so that it is five feet of the longitudinal tubular body. The longitudinal tubular body can have at least three side directed input ports so that the ports are adapted to receive a mud pipe for attachment. Each of the three side-directed input ports can face substantially towards and above the monorail to provide unobstructed lateral attachment of a mud pipe to the longitudinal tubular body.
US09291007B2
A floating apparatus for use in a casing string is provided. The apparatus includes an outer sleeve having a valve centrally positioned therein. A cement body is affixed to the check valve and the housing by use of a bonding material.
US09291004B2
Tubular drill string component for drilling a hole with circulation of a drilling fluid around the component and in a direction going from a drill hole bottom to the surface. The component includes a first end including a female threading, a second end including a male threading, and a substantially tubular central zone. The component includes a communication tube arranged at least in the central zone and in contact with a bore of the central zone. A signal transmission cable is arranged in the tube. The communication tube includes a body formed from at least one metal strip arranged with an annular component. The body includes, in section along a plane passing through the axis of the tube, at least two axially elongated lengths, partially overlapping one another with an axial play selected to accommodate the maximum elastic deformation of the component under axial compressive and/or bending stress.
US09290985B2
A method for assembling a window sash having an integrated insulating glass pane. The window sash has a frame formed from plastic hollow profile sections. The frame has an inner face, an outer face facing away from the inner face, and two flanks that connect the inner face and the outer face to each other. On the inner face thereof, the frame has two webs parallel to each other, which constitute an all-round delimitation of the window opening of the window sash and are adhesively secured to two glass panes which are held spaced apart by the two webs.
US09290980B2
A slam latch mechanism employs an actuation lever rotatable from a first position to a second position and having a prong extending therefrom. A bolt, resiliently retractable from an extended position with the actuation lever in the first position, has a land with a slip surface engaging the prong in the second position to retract the bolt. A dampener extends from the slip surface by a margin to engage the prong in the first position to prevent metal to metal contact by the prong and slip surface with the actuation lever in the first position.
US09290970B2
A door handle system for a door of a vehicle includes a door handle assembly, a locking mechanism, a control and a near field communication device. The door handle assembly is configured to mount at a handle region of a vehicle door of the vehicle. The near field communication device is operable to receive signals from a smartphone that is within a threshold distance from the near field communication device. The control, responsive to the near field communication device, is operable to determine whether or not a smartphone that is within the threshold distance and that is communicating with the near field communication device is an authorized device. The control is operable to actuate the locking mechanism to unlock the vehicle door responsive to a determination that the smartphone within the threshold distance and communicating with the near field communication device is an authorized device.
US09290960B1
A combination cremation/burial system that is specially designed to allow multiple burials on small, single plots of land. Design intent is to provide a unique means in which families can be interned together while saving both space and money.
US09290951B2
Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US09290948B2
Floor panel, which, at least at two opposite sides, includes coupling parts with which two of such floor panels can be coupled to each other; wherein these coupling parts form a horizontally active locking system and a vertically active locking system; wherein the horizontally active locking system comprises a male part in the form of a downwardly directed projection and a female part with a seat open towards the top, which have horizontally active locking surfaces; and wherein the vertically active locking system includes a vertically active locking element, which forms part of an insertion piece provided in the female part; wherein the insertion piece is formed at least of the combination of a bottom part; a back part adjoining thereto and an elastically movable lock-up body directed downward with a free extremity, which lock-up body, by means of a hinge portion, is connected directly or indirectly to the back part.
US09290931B2
A wall installation system and method include providing a first wall panel with tape extending vertically from top to bottom on one side of the first wall panel and on a back of the first wall panel; securing the first wall panel at a site; placing a second wall panel adjacent to the first wall panel; and connecting the tape to the second wall panel to form a fire barrier seal between the first wall panel and the second wall panel.
US09290926B2
An apparatus for supporting adjacent parallel spaced apart joists from a perpendicular beam. Each of the joists extends between first and second ends and has top and bottom edges. The apparatus comprises an elongate member sized to extend between a first end proximate to a top edge of a first joist and a second end proximate to a bottom edge of an adjacent joist. The apparatus further comprises a joist support platform extending from the second end of the elongate member adapted to receive a bottom edge of a first joist thereon, at least one bottom beam engaging panel extending from the joist support platform and a joist cap extending from the first end of the elongate member adapted to overly a top edge of a second joist adjacent to the first joist.
US09290922B2
A ceramic bowl obtained by means of casting in moulds comprises: a liquid collection pan (2) having a main axis (Z) of extension; a liquid distribution rim (3) having at least one portion configured to reproduce the top edge (7) of the pan (2) along a common plane (P) of lie; the rim portion (3) has a tubular chamber (4) with toroidal cross-section for the passage of liquids and having as axis of rotation the axis (Z) of the pan (2); a separate outer casing (5) for housing the single component formed by pan (2) and rim (3); the bowl comprises a first set of perimetral surfaces (8, 14, 31) which define one part of the tubular chamber (4) of the rim (3) and the surface joining the rim portion (3) to the pan (2) and which are parallel to each other and extend in a direction transverse to the common plane (P) of lie, and a second set of perimetral surfaces (6, 12) which define the other part of the tubular chamber (4) and extend parallel to the plane (P) of lie and are connected to the first set of surfaces (8, 14, 31) so as to configure continuous outer surfaces devoid of recesses or projections; one of the surfaces (12) of this second set defining the top wall of the tubular chamber (4) is provided with a projecting flange (13) forming a surface (3) for resting the rim (3) on a top surface (15) of the casing (5).
US09290915B2
A mechanical system includes a wear part and a support, belonging to the equipment of a construction machine. The support includes a base, a nose which extends from the base along a main axis, and to each side of the base, a housing for receiving a lug of the wear part. The nose includes a first area located near the proximal end of the nose and which includes at least six planar faces arranged in opposite pairs delimiting sections of a first type, and a second area located near the distal end of the nose and which includes at least six planar faces arranged in opposite pairs delimiting sections of a second type, each planar face of the second area being less inclined, relative to the main axis, than the planar face of the first area, which is located in the extension of the planar face in the proximal direction.
US09290907B2
A work vehicle is provided with an engine, and engine compartment, a cooling chamber, a radiator, a cooling fan, a dividing wall, and a cover. The cooling fan is arranged inside the cooling chamber and discharges air toward a direction that is isolated from the engine compartment. The dividing wall separates the engine compartment and the cooling chamber. The dividing wall includes a passage opening that links the engine compartment and the cooling chamber. The cover includes a main cover section, and a connecting section. The main cover section is arranged inside the cooling chamber next to the dividing wall with a gap therebetween. The main cover section is arranged to face the passage opening. The connecting section includes an open region. The connecting section connects the main cover section and the dividing wall.
US09290904B2
A shovel includes a lower-part movable body, an upper-part turnable body turnably mounted on the lower-part movable body, a boom including a first end rotatably attached onto the upper-part turnable body, an arm including a first end rotatably attached to a second end of the boom, a work element rotatably attached to a second end of the arm, an electrical energy storage device including multiple electrical energy storage cells, and mounted on the upper-part turnable body, a controller configured to control the charge and discharge of the electrical energy storage device, and multiple voltage measurement parts configured to measure the respective cell voltages of the electrical energy storage cells. Information on the cell voltages is transmitted to the controller.
US09290903B2
The invention concerns a support for offshore foundation structures, in particular for tripods, having a bearing surface for receiving gravitational force, a base surface for applying gravitational force to the ground, and a supporting structure for the transfer of force from the bearing surface to the base surface. The invention concerns in particular such a support having two separate frame elements which respectively have a bearing sub-surface and a base sub-surface, as well as a bridge member which can be coupled to the frame elements in the region of the bearing sub-surfaces for the transfer of force between the frame elements in a substantially horizontal direction.
US09290895B2
A corrugated plate structure including a plurality of first rows of members, each first row including a first plurality of members connected end-to-end lengthwise. Each first row has members of variable widths along its length to define a first edge, and the first edge is similarly shaped for each first row. The corrugated plate structure further includes a plurality of second rows of members, each second row including a second plurality of members connected end-to-end lengthwise. Each second row has members of variable widths along its length to define a second edge, and the second edge is similarly shaped for each second row. The first edge and the second edge are complementary in shape, and the first rows and second rows are connected side-by-side along their first and second edges, where each member of the first row is interconnected with one member of the second row.
US09290887B2
A roll covering is particularly suitable for a roll for the treatment of a paper web, paperboard web, or any other web of fibrous material in a machine for the production and/or finishing the same. The roll covering encompasses at least one layer. The at least one layer is formed of a rubber composition that includes at least one (meth)acrylate compound and a rubber component with at least one crosslinked hydrogenated nitrile rubber. Further, the at least one layer has a recovery rate of at least 12 mm per second and/or a maximal degree of plastic deformation of 0.9%, and a maximal tan δ value of 0.16 determined in accordance with DIN 53513 at 60° C. in tension at 10 Hz, 15% static elongation, and 1% dynamic elongation.
US09290876B2
A textile sleeve has wall of interlaced warp yarn and weft yarn. The warp yarn extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve between opposite first and second ends of the sleeve. The warp yarn is non-metallic heat-shrinkable polymeric yarn. The sleeve has at least one electro-functional member interlaced with some of the weft yarn. The at least one electro-functional yarn extends along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends. The non-metallic polymeric warp yarns have a greater heat-shrinkage ratio than the at least one electro-functional member. The non-metallic polymeric warp yarns are caused to be shortened in the lengthwise direction along the longitudinal axis relative to the at least one electro-functional member upon being heated.
US09290869B2
A sewing machine includes a needle bar, a needle bar up-and-down movement mechanism, a swinging mechanism, a lower shaft, an outer shuttle, a thread cutting mechanism, a rotation speed adjustment mechanism, and an actuator. The needle bar up-and-down movement mechanism is configured to move the needle bar up and down. The swinging mechanism is configured to swing the needle bar in a left-right direction. The lower shaft is configured to rotate in synchronization with up-down movement of the needle bar. The outer shuttle is configured to rotate along with rotation of the lower shaft. The thread cutting mechanism is configured to cut at least an upper thread. The rotation speed adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a rotation speed of the outer shuttle. The actuator is a driving source of the thread cutting mechanism and the rotation speed adjustment mechanism.
US09290863B2
A spinning unit of an air-jet spinning machine for the spinning of a fiber composite has a pair of delivery rollers and a spinning nozzle, whereas the spinning nozzle has a yarn formation element and a fiber guide element. The fiber guide element has a front turned towards the pair of delivery rollers and an end turned away from the pair of delivery rollers. The fiber composite is fed to the spinning nozzle with the pair of delivery rollers, and is introduced into the spinning nozzle through the fiber guide element, and subsequently a yarn is formed from the fiber composite through the yarn formation element. A tool for feeding an additive to the fiber composite is provided between the pair of delivery rollers and the end of the fiber guide element.
US09290862B2
An apparatus and system for contacting a mobile elongate solid phase, e.g. a ribbon with a flowing fluid phase, and a method for using the same in, for example solid phase synthesis. A particular apparatus comprises (i) a conduit which is of circular or non-circular transverse cross section and which defines a lumen to contain both the flowing fluid phase and the mobile elongate solid phase; (ii) fluid phase ports in communication with the lumen to allow the fluid phase to enter the lumen, flow through it and exit it; and (iii) solid phase ports in communication with the lumen to allow the mobile solid phase to enter the lumen, move through it and exit it, the apparatus being adapted to prevent fluid egress from its interior through the solid phase ports.Also provided is a continuous process for synthesizing and screening molecules, comprising passing an elongate solid phase through successive treatment stations where different stages of a solid phase synthesis are performed, and screening the synthesized molecules for activity.
US09290853B2
The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for forming graphitic material from a carbon oxide feedstock in an electroplating chamber containing molten inorganic carbonate as electrolyte. Carbon dioxide flows into a reaction chamber containing one or more cathodes, one or more anodes, and a molten carbonate electrolyte. The carbon dioxide and/or carbonate reduces at the cathode to form graphitic material, which may be removed from the surface of the cathode through various mechanisms. The graphitic material is then separated out from the electrolyte.
US09290834B2
A galvanized steel sheet has a composition containing, by mass %, C: 0.05% or more and 0.5% or less, Si: 0.01% or more and 2.5% or less, Mn: 0.5% or more and 3.5% or less, P: 0.003% or more and 0.100% or less, S: 0.02% or less, Al: 0.010% or more and 0.5% or less, B: 0.0002% or more and 0.005% or less, Ti: 0.05% or less, a relationship of Ti>4N being satisfied, and the balance comprising Fe and inevitable impurities, and a microstructure containing 60% or more and 95% or less of tempered martensite in terms of area ratio and 5% or more and 20% or less of retained austenite in terms of area ratio.
US09290829B2
An alloy having a formula Zr100-x-u (Cu100-aNia)xAlu wherein X, U and a are in atomic percentages wherein X is less than or equal to 48 and greater than or equal to 37, wherein U is less than or equal to 14 and greater than or equal to 3, and wherein a is less than or equal to ten and greater than or equal to 3. Methods of forming the alloy and bulk metallic glass comprising the alloy are also provided. The alloy and bulk metallic glass are useful in a wide number of applications which includes sports and luxury products, electronic goods, medical instruments, and military equipment.
US09290828B2
There are provided processes for preparing various products from various materials. For example, such processes are effective for extracting titanium and various other metals from various materials, thereby allowing for preparing products such as titanium chloride and titanium oxide. These processes can comprise leaching the starting material with HCl so as to obtain a leachate and a solid. The solid can be treated so as to substantially selectively extract titanium therefrom while the leachate can be treated so as to substantially selectively recover a first metal chloride therefrom.
US09290825B2
An apparatus for pre-stressing a component, the apparatus includes means to direct a beam of radiation in a path through a medium adjacent to the component between a pair of electrodes to produce ionisation in the path through the medium and means to produce an electrical discharge between the pair of electrodes in the path through the medium to produce a pressure pulse in the medium adjacent to the component without the electrical discharge directly contacting the component, the pressure pulse impacting a surface of the component to produce a region of compressive residual stress within the component.
US09290824B2
In a method of producing a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet by hot-rolling a steel slab of a chemical composition containing C: 0.001˜0.10%, Si: 1.0˜5.0%, Mn: 0.01˜1.0%, at least one of S and Se: 0.01˜0.05% in total, sol. Al: 0.003˜0.050%, N: 0.001˜0.020% by mass, subjecting to cold rolling, a primary recrystallization annealing, application of an annealing separator mainly composed of MgO and a finish annealing, a temperature rising rate S1 between 500˜600° C. in the primary recrystallization annealing is made to not less than 100° C./s and a temperature rising rate S2 between 600˜700° C. is made to 30° C./s˜0.6×S1° C./s, while a total content W (mol %) of an element having an ionic radius of 0.6˜1.3 Å and an attracting force between the ion and oxygen of not more than 0.7 Å−2 included in the annealing separator to MgO is adjusted to satisfy 0.01S2−5.5≦Ln (W)≦0.01S2−4.3 to produce a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet having excellent iron loss properties and coating properties.
US09290817B2
Three important species of Aspergillus, A. fumigatus, A. flavus and A. niger are known to contribute to the pathogenicity of allergic and invasive diseases in humans. They are also known to be plant pathogens. Several important ESTs/genes of Aspergilli species are now identified and characterized. Efforts are still needed to explore 30% genes of Aspergillus species for their valuable products which need to be explored. Polyketide biosynthetic pathway in Aspergillus species produce important secondary metabolites like polyketide toxins such as Aflatoxins, drugs such as Lovastatins and several other important pharmaceutically important polyketide compounds etc. With the availability of Aspergillus genome sequences it is possible today to characterize the structure and function of important genes of Aspergillus species. Based on the gene sequence information on PKS enzymes in medically and agriculturally important Aspergillus species such as A. fumigatus, A. flavus and A. niger sequences of diagnostic use are identified and a multiplex PCR assay is developed using clinical and agricultural samples.
US09290816B2
The present invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for encoding a substrate for detecting and quantifying target nucleic acids.
US09290800B2
Methods for amplifying a desired target region of a nucleic acid through rolling circle amplification with a strand-displacing polymerase are provided. Concatameric hairpin products are resolved with endonuclease digestion, and the resulting amplified product hairpins or fragments can be circularized and employed as templates in a subsequent round of amplification. The methods are effective for targeted amplification of even highly repetitive sequences. Compositions, kits, and systems related to or useful in the methods are also described.
US09290799B2
A method of identifying a target biological material by using captures and probes. Each capture is specific for a kind of target. Each probe is designed to distinguish the type of the target. The captures and probes are each labeled with one or more detectable labels.
US09290797B2
A cleavage-based real-time PCR assay method is provided. In general terms, the assay method includes subjecting a reaction mixture comprising a) PCR reagents for amplifying a nucleic acid target, and b) flap cleavage reagents for performing a flap cleavage assay on the amplified nucleic acid target to two sets of thermocycling conditions. No additional reagents are added to the reaction between said first and second sets of cycles and, in each cycle of the second set of cycles, cleavage of a flap probe is measured.
US09290794B2
A polynucleotide encoding a biosensor polypeptide comprising a modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase and a linker linking the C-terminal portion of the thermostable luciferase to the N-terminal portion of the thermostable luciferase. The modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase is modified relative to a parental circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase. The linker contains a sensor region capable of interacting with a target molecule in a cell. The modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase has an enhanced response after interaction of the biosensor with the target molecule relative to the parental circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase in the presence of the target molecule. Alternatively, the modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase has an enhanced response after interaction of the biosensor with the target molecule relative to the modified circularly-permuted thermostable luciferase in the absence of the target molecule.
US09290792B2
The present invention relates to a method for measuring the activity of calcineurin in a biological sample wherein a kinase inhibitor is present in the assay reaction mix.
US09290790B2
This invention relates to an antimicrobial susceptibility test made upon pure microbial cultures—a laboratory culture containing a single species of organism—or directly from biological samples uncultured. Some preferred embodiments do not require the use a pure culture obtained from a biological product which would otherwise take at least 24 hours for the microorganisms to grow—so, is performed an antimicrobial susceptibility test directly from uncultured biological samples like urine, blood cultures or water by fluorescence analysis.
US09290784B2
A genetically modified organism comprising: at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid isolated from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and encoding a polypeptide involved in at least partially degrading, cleaving, transporting, metabolizing, or removing polysaccharides, cellulose, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, sugars, sugar oligomers, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, chitin, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups; and at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide involved in fermenting sugar molecules to a product. Additionally, enzymatic and/or proteinaceous extracts may be isolated from one or more genetically modified organisms. The extracts are utilized to convert biomass into a product. Further provided are methods of converting biomass into products comprising: placing the genetically modified organism and/or enzymatic extracts thereof in fluid contact with polysaccharides, cellulose, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, sugars, sugar oligomers, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, chitin, heteroxylans, glycosides, and/or xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups.
US09290783B2
The invention relates to mutant strains of the genus Sphingomonas which have a mutation in at least one gene encoding a protein involved in polyhydroxybutyrate (“PHB”) synthesis that allows the mutant strains to produce PHB-deficient Sphingans. The invention is also directed to a process for preparing a clarified Sphingan solution comprising heating aqueous Sphingan solution, in particular PHB-deficient Sphingan solution, to a clarification temperature of about 30° C. to about 70° C., and treating the solution with a clarification agent and enzymes. In addition, the invention is directed to a food or industrial product comprising a PHB-deficient and/or clarified Sphingan. One particular embodiment of the invention is directed to a clarified, PHB-deficient high-acyl gellan and the processes of making thereof.
US09290781B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a composition containing 2-acyl-lysophosphatidylserine, including (a) a step of obtaining a composition containing phosphatidylserine by allowing phospholipase D to act on a raw material containing phosphatidylcholine in the presence of serine and (b) a step of obtaining a composition containing 2-acyl-lysophosphatidylserine by allowing phospholipase A1 to act on the composition containing phosphatidylserine in the presence of one or more additives selected from the group consisting of the following (I), (II), and (III), in which (I) one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sulfate salts, phosphate salts, nitrate salts, citrate salts, and tartarate salts of monovalent cations, (II) a gum, and (III) an emulsifier.
US09290773B2
This invention provides transgenic plant cells with recombinant DNA for expression of proteins that are useful for imparting enhanced agronomic trait(s) to transgenic crop plants. This invention also provides transgenic plants and progeny seed comprising the transgenic plant cells where the plants are selected for having an enhanced trait selected from the group of traits consisting of enhanced water use efficiency, enhanced cold tolerance, increased yield, enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, enhanced seed protein and enhanced seed oil. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing transgenic seed and plants with enhanced traits.
US09290768B2
The present invention provides for a method of genetically modifying microorganisms to enhance resistance to ionic liquids, host cells genetically modified in accordance with the methods, and methods of using the host cells in a reaction comprising biomass that has been pretreated with ionic liquids.
US09290760B2
The present invention provides effective motifs for RNA agents conjugated to at least one ligand, which are advantageous for the in vivo delivery of iRNA duplex agents. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of making these compositions, as well as methods of introducing these iRNA duplex agents into cells using these compositions, e.g., for the treatment of various disease conditions.
US09290750B2
New highly functionalizable Huprine derivatives of formula I: and a method for preparing such compounds and their use for treating neurological diseases in which the level of acetylcholine is affected such as Alzheimer's disease.
US09290749B2
The invention features plant acyl-ACP thioesterase genes of the FatB class and proteins encoded by these genes. The genes are useful for constructing recombinant host cells having altered fatty acid profiles. Oleaginous microalga host cells with the new genes or previously identified FatB genes are disclosed. The microalgae cells produce triglycerides with useful fatty acid profiles.
US09290745B2
A modified beetle luciferase protein which is an environmentally sensitive reporter protein is provided.
US09290737B2
Provided is a factor capable of inducing enucleation, which is a final stage of erythrocyte differentiation, within a short time. More particularly, provided are a method of inducing enucleation, which is a final stage of erythrocyte differentiation, within a short time by adding a compound derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) to an undifferentiated (nucleated) erythrocyte, and an enucleation inducer including the compound.
US09290730B2
A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.
US09290728B2
Systems and methods for fractionating whole stillage from an ethanol production facility are provided. Whole stillage undergoes a separation of its liquid portion (thin stillage) from the solid portion (fiber cake). In some embodiments, the solids and liquids in whole stillage may be separated utilizing a screening centrifuge. The fiber cake may be dried to generate a high fiber animal feed. The thin stillage may be provided to a three-phase separator for separation into an oil emulsion, an aqueous clarified stillage, and a protein paste. The protein paste may be dried to generate a high protein animal feed with greater than about 45% protein content. The clarified thin stillage is condensed to yield a syrup with greater than around 60% solids. The oil emulsion is subjected to a pH adjustment to liberate the oil from the emulsion, which is then separated.
US09290715B2
A calcium complex grease composition is disclosed. The grease composition has a high dropping point and a suitable thickness and is stable to heat.
US09290696B2
The invention provides a soil improvement agent composition which contains (A) a fatty acid polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether represented by formula (1): R1CO (EO)m (PO)n OR2 (1) wherein R1 is a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having 13 to 21 carbon atoms, EO represents ethylene oxide, m is a number of 2 to 10, PO represents propylene oxide, n is a number of 1 to 4, and R2 is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and (B) a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether represented by formula (2): R3O (EO)x (PO)y H (2) wherein R3 is a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having 8 to 14 carbon atoms, EO represents ethylene oxide, x is a number of 7 to 12, PO represents propylene oxide, and y is a number of 0 to 3.
US09290689B2
A process of making observations of a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a wellbore uses distinguishable sets of tracer particles and comprises steps of: (i) delivering a plurality of sets of tracer particles to respective subterranean locations via the wellbore, the particles in each set comprising a tracer substance which distinguishes that set form the other sets; (ii) causing or allowing the tracer substances to flow out from the tracer particles whilst the particles are at the respective subterranean locations; (iii) causing or allowing production of fluid out of said reservoir via the wellbore; and (iv) detecting the presence or absence of the tracer substances in the produced fluid. The tracer substances are sufficiently distinguishable from each other to enable a tracer substance detected in the produced fluid to identify the set of tracer particles from which it has come and hence identify the location from which it has come. The process may be used in conjunction with hydraulic fracturing, placing sets of particles at different locations within a fracture and/or in different fractures extending from a single wellbore.
US09290688B2
A method of enhanced oil recovery that includes water-flooding an oil reservoir with an alkaline fluid or a fluid containing a compound toxic to indigenous microbes and inoculating the oil reservoir with a consortium comprising microbes that naturally are, or are engineered to be, obligatory alkaliphilic, halo-alkaliphilic or alkaline tolerant, and naturally are, or are engineered to be, deficient in their ability to utilize short chain hydrocarbons of 12 carbons or less but have the ability to convert hydrocarbons into fatty acids.
US09290683B2
Curable compositions, cured compositions, and articles that include the cured compositions are described. The curable composition contains a) an epoxy resin, b) a curing agent, c) a reactive liquid modifier, and d) a toughening agent. The reactive liquid modifier is an acetoacetate ester of a polyol that is a vegetable oil, that is prepared from a vegetable oil, or that is a mixture thereof. The cured compositions can be used as adhesives such as structural adhesives or as polymeric coatings.
US09290682B2
Disclosed is an adhesive composition comprising a low Tg (meth)acrylate copolymer component, a high Tg (meth)acrylate copolymer component, and a hydrogenated hydrocarbon tackifier. This disclosure provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive and pressure-sensitive adhesive articles that are particularly useful in the bonding of low surface energy (LSE) substrates.
US09290681B2
Suitable adhesive properties and dismantling properties can be obtained, and an interface between an adherent/an adhesive layer or an adhesive layer/a substrate can be suitably dismantlable by the easily dismantlable adhesive composition including an acrylate polymer including a (meth)acrylate monomer having a carboxyl precursor group, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, and a monomer having a polar group as a monomer, and an acid catalyst or an acid generator.
US09290679B2
The invention relates to a water based rubber cement and tire with fabricated tread where the tire tread is fabricated by joining ends of an uncured rubber strip containing a high content of hydrophobated precipitated silica content with a water based cement containing a diene-based elastomer and a component reactive with said diene based elastomer and with residual hydroxyl groups on said hydrophobated precipitated silica contained in said uncured rubber strip.
US09290677B2
The present invention concerns a coating wax for food product, comprising at least one block copolymer formed of at least one block polymer (A) derived from the polymerization of at least two monomers (MA), the same or different, derived from long chain fatty acids, the said long chain comprising 14 to 34 carbon atoms; and of at least one block polymer (B), different from (A), derived from the polymerization of at least two monomers (MB), the same or different, derived from short chain fatty acids.
US09290674B2
The present invention provides a base film of modified polyvinyl alcohol as well as a method for preparing the base film of modified polyvinyl alcohol and a polarizer made from the base film. The method includes steps of: (1) executing surface graft modification of nano-silicon dioxide particles with fluorinated silane to obtain a modified nano-silicon dioxide powder; (2) adding the modified nano-silicon dioxide powder obtained from the step (1) to an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol polymer, in order to prepare a composite solution of polyvinyl alcohol polymer; and (3) pouring the composite solution of polyvinyl alcohol polymer prepared from the step (2) onto a surface of a casting substrate to obtain a base film of modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The present invention enhances the heat and humidity resistances and the stability of the PVA base film, and improves its mechanical performance and sticking-resistance.
US09290672B2
An ink composition includes a coloring material; an alkyl polyol having a boiling point at one atmosphere in the range of 180 to 230° C.; first polymer particles having an average particle diameter of 200 nm or more and an MFT of less than 100° C.; and second polymer particles having an average particle diameter of less than 200 nm and an MFT of 100° C. or more. The ink composition does not substantially contain an alkyl polyol having a boiling point at one atmosphere of 280° C. or more.
US09290670B2
Provided is a highly versatile conductive metallic coating material which is free from the limitation related to a facility without handling complication, and which can maintain its anticorrosive action for a long period. Specifically provided is a conductive metallic coating material which has an organic resin component and a metal component containing aluminum and magnesium and which exhibits a sacrificial anticorrosive reaction on iron. A content ratio of the metal component and the organic resin component is desirably 98:2 to 80:20 in terms of weight ratio. The conductive metallic coating material according to the present invention is usable for preventing corrosion of a building structure or a civil engineering structure and for repairing a corrosion proof treated surface of an existing building structure or a civil engineering structure.
US09290666B2
A laminate includes a substrate, and a surface layer laminated on the substrate with an intermediate layer sandwiched therebetween. The intermediate layer has a thickness of 8 to 40 μm. The surface layer has a thickness 0.4 to 1.5 times that of the intermediate layer. The laminate satisfies the following (A) and/or (B): (A) tan δ (loss tangent) of the intermediate layer as measured under a condition of a vibration frequency of 1 Hz at 20° C. is 0.2 or greater; and (B) A ratio (MG/SG) of a storage modulus (MG) of the intermediate layer to a storage modulus (SG) of the surface layer as measured under a condition of a vibration frequency of 1 Hz at 20° C. is 0.003 or greater and 0.14 or less.
US09290665B2
The present invention relates to coated fullerenes comprising a layer of at least one inorganic material covering at least a portion of at least one surface of a fullerene and methods for making. The present invention further relates to composites comprising the coated fullerenes of the present invention and further comprising polymers, ceramics, and/or inorganic oxides. A coated fullerene interconnect device where at least two fullerenes are contacting each other to form a spontaneous interconnect is also disclosed as well as methods of making. In addition, dielectric films comprising the coated fullerenes of the present invention and methods of making are further disclosed.
US09290658B2
The invention discloses a method to produce a blended polymer by mixing polyamide 11 and polyamide 6, 10. The method may be utilize melt mixing or may utilize blended solutions. The invention also includes a blended polymer, wherein the blended polymer is produced from polyamide 11 and polyamide 6,10.
US09290657B2
The present disclosure relates to a compound U comprising at least one urethane functional group, and its use as a fluidizing agent or fluidizing agent precursor in a process for preparing a polyamide article. The process comprises heating a composition comprising at least one polyamide PA and at least one compound U comprising at least one urethane functional group, at a temperature T, for a time t and at a pressure P, wherein the temperature T and the time t are such that CO2 is generated and the melt viscosity of the composition is decreased, in comparison with the melt viscosity of the composition without compound U, and recovering the article. The fluidizing agent can further enable the production of an article that has an unreduced density and/or in which the mean molar mass of the polymers of the composition is increased.
US09290655B2
A polycarbonate resin composition includes (A) a polycarbonate resin, (B) syndiotactic polystyrene, and (C) modified polyolefin compound including a polar functional group on a polyolefin backbone. The polycarbonate resin compositions can have excellent chemical resistance, impact resistance, weathering resistance, fatigue resistance, thermal stability, mechanical properties, transparency, and/or molding processability.
US09290651B2
The invention is a method of producing an essentially electrically neutral polymer dispersion, comprising a polymerizing one or more monomers in the presence of a nonionic surfactant, wherein the polymerization preferably occurs in the absence of ionic surfactants. The invention also includes methods of producing positively or negatively charged polymer dispersions comprising producing the essentially nonionic polymer dispersion and further adding a cationically-charged or anionically-charged surfactant or electrolyte. The invention further includes dispersions produced by the methods of the invention and polymer films and powders produced from these dispersions.
US09290648B2
Flexible polyolefin compositions with improved balance of properties particularly for applications where softness and ductility at low temperature is requested comprising: A) from 20 to 40% by weight of a crystalline polymer fraction consisting of a propylene homopolymer, or a copolymer of propylene, or mixtures thereof, said crystalline fraction having a xylene insoluble fraction at 25° C. of at least 90% by weight. B) from 60 to 80% by weight of an elastomeric fraction consisting of a copolymer or blend of copolymers of propylene with one or more alpha-olefins, and optionally with minor quantities of a diene; said copolymer or blend containing ethylene in a quantity lower than 40% by weight. the fraction soluble in xylene at 25° C. of said polyolefin composition having IVgpc lower than 2.5 dl/g, Mw/Mn (GPC) equal to or higher than 4, Mz/Mw (GPC) equal to or higher than 2.5 Said polyolefin composition optionally further comprising an inorganic filler (II) selected from flame-retardant inorganic fillers and inorganic oxides or salts.
US09290640B2
An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats. A method of making fibrous insulation products is also provided.
US09290632B2
The invention relates to a method of bonding particles to the surface of an elastomer, in particular a glove, the surface of the elastomer being at least partially epoxidized, and the particles are covalently bonded to the epoxide groups after epoxidation of the elastomer surface.
US09290625B2
An aqueous resin composition that can provide excellent properties using a high molecular weight resin and less amount of surfactant, and also that does not require a complicated production procedure, is provided. The aqueous resin composition is obtained by heating and dissolving 100 parts by mass of acid-modified chlorinated polyolefin with an average molecular weight of 37,000 to 150,000 in the presence of 2 to 30 parts by weight of a surfactant, 10 to 50 parts by mass of a glycol ether-based compound that satisfies general formula (1) shown below, and 150 to 425 parts by mass of water, and then dispersing this with a basic compound that has been added at a ratio of 1 to 4 chemical equivalents per carboxyl group of the acid-modified chlorinated polyolefin. General Formula (1) C4H9—(OCH2CH2)n—OH n: an integer from 1 to 4.
US09290622B2
The invention relates to a process and device for polymerizing lactams in molds wherein the monomer, catalyst and initiator are independently fed to a mixing head feeding a mold. The system in turn comprises a series of feeding and recirculation conduits and reservoirs the temperature of which is regulated to perform the polymerization in a controlled manner.
US09290621B2
A composition comprising a) at least one aliphatic or cycloaliphatic isocyanate compound having at least two isocyanate groups and b) at least one lactone, containing 4 to 7 carbon atoms and use of the composition as an activator for anionic lactam polymerization to obtain polyamides.
US09290615B2
This toner polyester resin contains 5-30 mass % of a constitutional unit derived from isosorbide, and has a storage elastic modulus (G′) at 180° C. of 400-1,000 Pa. This method for producing the toner polyester resin involves polycondensing a mixture containing 5-30 mass % of isosorbide and a polycarboxylic acid at 230° C. or lower, and completing a polycondensation reaction at a softening temperature in the range of 135-150° C.
US09290603B2
The present invention relates to novel amides having secondary amino groups, a process for preparing them, adducts of these amines and their uses. The amides can be prepared in a simple way from readily available starting materials. They and their adducts have, in particular, a low viscosity and are suitable as constituent of polyurethane and polyurea compositions having excellent processability and high flexibility, and also as constituent of epoxy resin compositions, in particular coatings.
US09290592B2
The present invention provides an optical isomer separating agent and a production method thereof. That is, the present invention provides a one-handed helical poly(diphenylacetylene) compound represented by the following formula (I) [wherein each symbol is as described in the DESCRIPTION], and a production method thereof, an optical isomer separating agent containing the poly(diphenylacetylene) compound, and a packing material for a chiral column, containing the optical isomer separating agent coated on a carrier. Since these have a superior separation ability for a wide variety of compounds, a practical optical resolution method can be provided.
US09290585B2
Disclosed are a modified conjugated diene polymer and a method for preparing the same. Provided are advantageously a modified conjugated diene polymer and a method for preparing the same which provide superior compatibility with an inorganic filler, heat generation, tensile strength and abrasion resistance, low fuel consumption and excellent resistance on wet roads.
US09290583B2
The present invention relates to a process for washing a polysaccharide-based material which has been subjected to oxidation by at least one oxidizing agent, the said process comprising a first stage of washing with a first densified fluid which is inert with regard to the said oxidizing agent, characterized in that the first stage is followed by a second stage of washing with a washing composition comprising at least one second inert densified fluid and at least one alcohol. The said process according to the invention can additionally comprise a third stage of washing with a third inert densified fluid in order to remove the said alcohol deposited on the said polysaccharide-based material during the said second washing stage. Preferably, the said inert densified fluids are supercritical carbon dioxide.
US09290581B2
The invention relates to the field of covalently attaching proteins to a substrate, particularly to methods of immobilizing proteins by posttranslationally modifying a cysteine residue of said protein through the addition of functional groups. The invention also relates to biological molecules used in such techniques, including proteins, and detection methods and kits that utilize such immobilized proteins, such as a microdevice or “protein chip”, a high-throughput screening device, and for the microscopy of proteins on a surface.
US09290580B2
Articles that contain a solid support with a grafted chain extending from the solid support, methods of making these articles, and various uses of the articles are described. More specifically, the grafted chain has a functional group that can react with or interact with target compound. Alternatively, the functional group on the grafted chain can react with a modifying agent to provide another group that can react with or interact with the target compound. The grafted chains are attached to the solid support through a ring-opened azlactone group. The articles can be used to purify the target compound or to separate the target compound from other molecules in a sample.
US09290577B2
The present invention provides an isolated protein comprising an immunoglobulin variable region comprising at least two cysteine residues positioned within framework region 1 such that if at least two of the cysteine residues are not conjugated to another compound a disulphide bond forms between the cysteine residues. Preferably the protein comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region and an immunoglobulin light chain variable region, wherein at least one of the variable regions comprises the two cysteine residues. The present invention also provides a protein that binds to TAG72. The present invention also provides conjugates of the protein and another compound.
US09290569B2
To provide an antibody against FGF23 and a pharmaceutical composition such as a preventive or therapeutic agent which can prevent or treat by suppressing an action of FGF23 by using the antibody. An antibody or its functional fragment against human FGF23 produced by hybridoma C10 (Accession No. FERM BP-10772).
US09290568B2
The instant invention relates to the field of protein production and in particular to controlled protein heterogeneity compositions and processes for controlling the heterogeneity of proteins expressed in host cells.
US09290566B2
The invention discloses methods for the generation of chimaeric human—non-human antibodies and chimaeric antibody chains, antibodies and antibody chains so produced, and derivatives thereof including fully humanized antibodies; compositions comprising said antibodies, antibody chains and derivatives, as well as cells, non-human mammals and vectors, suitable for use in said methods.
US09290559B2
The present invention relates to an expression vector containing the major envelope protein P9 of Cystovirus phi12 as a fusion partner, and a process for producing a membrane protein using the same. Particularly, the present invention is directed to an expression vector comprising a major envelope protein P9 gene of Cystovirus phi12, a multicloning site (MCS) for inserting a target membrane protein, and a protease recognition site located between a P9 gene and the MCS.
US09290551B2
The present invention relates to polyamide compositions and therapies for treating cells and subjects infected with papilloma virus.
US09290543B2
Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more bacterial polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of IBD.
US09290541B2
Provided are TCL1 peptides that bind to MHC I (HLA-A2) on tumor cells or other antigen-presenting cells and are recognized by T-cell receptors on T cells. The TCL1 peptides may be therapeutically used to treat a cancer, such as a B cell malignancy, leukemia, or lymphoma. Methods for expanding a population of T cells that target TCL1 are also provided.
US09290536B2
Disclosed herein are novel C4-monomethyl triterpenoid compounds and derivatives thereof, including those of the formula: wherein the variables are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds. Methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds, and methods of using the compounds, for example as antioxidant inflammation modulators, and compositions thereof are also provided.
US09290522B2
The invention relates both to processes for the production of functionalised materials containing alkyl sulfonic acids groups and their use as heterogeneous catalysts. The invention also relates to precursors of these new products and new organopolysiloxane sulfonic acids.
US09290516B2
A benzobis(thiadiazole) derivative represented by the formula (1): in which R represents a group containing at least one fluorine atom (with the proviso that fluorine atom (F) and trifluoromethyl group (—CF3) are excluded), and m represents an integer of from 1 to 10.
US09290514B2
The present invention relates to tricyclic heterocycles of Formula (I), which are inhibitors of BET proteins such as BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRD-t and are useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09290506B2
The present invention is related to processes for preparing chiral substituted pyrazolyl pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines of Formula III, and related synthetic intermediate compounds. The chiral substituted pyrazolyl pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines are useful as inhibitors of the Janus Kinase family of protein tyrosine kinases (JAKs) for treatment of inflammatory diseases, myeloproliferative disorders, and other diseases.
US09290504B2
The present invention relates to 6-5 membered fused pyridine ring compounds according to formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to their use in therapy. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of 6-5 membered fused pyridine ring compounds according to formula I in the treatment of Brutons Tyrosine Kinase (Btk) mediated disorders.
US09290502B2
The present invention relates to the use of pteridines as inhibitors of HCV replication as well as their use in pharmaceutical compositions aimed to treat or combat HCV infections. In addition, the present invention relates to compounds per se and their use as medicines. The present invention also concerns processes for the preparation of such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and combinations of said compounds with other anti-HCV agents.
US09290482B2
The present invention relates to amino-substituted imidazopyridazine compounds of general formula (I); in which A, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and n are as defined in the claims, to methods of preparing said compounds, to intermediate compounds useful for preparing said compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease, in particular of a hyper-proliferative and/or angiogenesis disorder, as a sole agent or in combination with other active ingredients.
US09290481B2
The present invention relates to monocyclic heteroaryl cycloalkyldiamine derivatives of formula (I), to processes for their production, to their use as pharmaceuticals and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US09290478B2
The invention relates to new quinoxaline derivative compounds of formula (I), to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, to processes for the preparation of said compounds and to the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases, e.g. cancer.
US09290477B2
The present invention relates to spirocyclic indane imidazole 4-amines and their use as inhibitors of the β-secretase enzyme (BACE1) activity, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same as therapeutic agents in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, disorders characterized by cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, dementia and diseases characterized by production of β-amyloid aggregates.
US09290470B2
Process for the preparation of karanja oil-based epoxy and acyloxy compounds as lubricant basestocks
The present invention relates to preparation of epoxy karanja oil, epoxy karanja fatty acid methyl esters and their acylated derivatives. Accordingly karanja oil and karanja fatty acid methyl esters were epoxidized using performic acid method. Karanja oil and its fatty acid methyl esters were also hydroxylated to prepare their acyloxy derivatives (C3, C4 & C6). Both the epoxy and acyloxy derivatives of karanja oil and its methyl esters were characterized by 1H NMR and IR studies. The products were evaluated for acid value (A.V.), hydroxyl value (H. V.), iodine value (I. V.), viscosity, viscosity index (V.I.), pour point, flash point and copper strip corrosion and lubricant properties like oxidation stability, air release value, evaporation loss, rust prevention characteristics, hydrolytic stability, foam stability and load carrying capacity and found to be potential base stocks for hydraulic, metal working fluids and other industrial fluids.
US09290461B2
There is disclosed a crystalline DMSO solvate of prothioconazole as well as amorphous prothioconazole. Methods for making these solid forms, microbicidal compositions comprising them and uses thereof are also disclosed.
US09290453B2
The invention provides certain quinolines and aza-quinolines of the Formula (I), and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein E, J1, Ja, Jb, R2, R3, R22, Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd, X, Y, b, n, and q are as defined herein. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using the compounds for treating diseases or conditions associated with uncontrolled or inappropriate stimulation of CRTH2 function.
US09290449B2
Compounds, compositions and methods relating to EWS-FLI1 protein inhibitors are provided. The compounds have utility in the treatment of cancers including the Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors.
US09290442B2
A process for synthesizing 4-amino-2,4-dioxobutanoic acid involves reacting diethyl oxalate with an alkoxide in ethanol to form a reaction mixture, and afterward adding ethyl cyanoacetate to the reaction mixture and allowing a reaction to proceed under conditions suitable to form a first reaction product of the formula diethyl 2-cyano-3-hydroxy-butenedioate, and then isolating the diethyl 2-cyano-3-hydroxy-butenedioate, and afterward reacting the diethyl-2-cyano-3-hydroxy-butenedioate with an aqueous hydroxide under conditions suitable to form 4-amino-2,4-dioxobutanoic acid.
US09290441B2
A process for preparing amides by reacting a primary amine and a primary alcohol in the presence of a Ruthenium complex to generate the amide and molecular hydrogen. Primary amines are directly acylated by equimolar amounts of alcohols to produce amides and molecular hydrogen (the only byproduct) in high yields and high turnover numbers. Also disclosed are processes for hydrogenation of amides to alcohols and amines; hydrogenation of organic carbonates to alcohols; hydrogenation of carbamates or urea derivatives to alcohols and amines; amidation of esters; acylation of alcohols using esters; coupling of alcohols with water and a base to form carboxylic acids; dehydrogenation of beta-amino alcohols to form pyrazines and cyclic dipeptides; and dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols to ketones. These reactions are catalyzed by a Ruthenium complex which is based on a dearomatized PNN-type ligand of formula A1 or precursors thereof of formulae A2 or A3.
US09290419B2
A duplex firing initiator for an airbag inflator includes both a primary initiator and a secondary initiator for electrical connection to a Restraint Control Module. In the duplex firing initiator, current is conducted in a forward polarity through the primary initiator to actuate the primary initiator and current is conducted in a reverse polarity through the secondary initiator to actuate at least the secondary initiator.
US09290417B2
In a composter having a horizontally elongated rotating drum, material is fed into the drum through an opening in a stationary end plate having an annular marginal area which overlaps, in sealing relationship, an annular intake end wall of the drum. Material passes through a central opening in an annular exit end wall of the drum, and falls by gravity onto a cylindrical screen which is fixed to, and rotates with, the exit end wall. The annular end walls are in axial register with, and surrounded by, external trunnions on the drum which ride on pairs of supporting rollers. Frusto-conical rings are welded to the end walls, and to the inside of the drum at locations opposite the edges of the trunnion rings to reduce metal fatigue. The exit end rollers allow for axial expansion of the drum. The interior wall the drum is lined with a rubber.
US09290415B1
The fire resistant cementitious composite is an engineered cementitious composite (EEC) having both flexural strength and fire resistant properties. The fire resistant cementitious composite includes a binder mixture formed from Portland cement and fly ash, sand, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, a polycarboxylic ether polymer and water. In the binder mixture, a weight ratio of the fly ash to the Portland cement is between approximately 1.0 and approximately 1.3. A weight ratio of the Portland cement to the sand is between approximately 0.85 and approximately 1.0. A weight ratio of the water to the binder mixture is between approximately 0.28 and approximately 0.33. The sand is preferably Arabian Gulf dune sand.
US09290404B2
A method to form quartz glass ingots of ultra low contamination and defect levels by firing a high-purity quartz form as the feedstock, wherein the quartz glass ingot is free-formed on a platen rotating concentrically with the feedstock quartz article.
US09290399B2
The present invention provides a method for treating wastewater in which the majority of solids and biological oxygen demand compounds are separated from the wastewater feed using a primary separation process, to produce a solids phase and a water phase. The solids phase is irradiated to reduce the level of pathogens such that it is safe to use as a soil substitute and/or additive so that the solids can thus be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner. In additional embodiments, the solids that have been disinfected by radiation are mixed with a suitable inert filler material to produce a soil substitute, fertilizer, compost, or other soil additive. The liquid phase is treated in a substantially smaller system than would be required for treating the full-strength wastewater that can include a suspended media biological regeneration reactor system. The liquid treatment system can include a high flux adsorbent material treatment system integrated with a low flux adsorbent material biological regeneration reactor.
US09290398B2
A water aeration system encases an air pump and a solar power controller in an encasement structure with one or more air permeable sidewalls. The encasement structure is mounted at or near a top end of a mounting pole. A solar panel is mounted directly or indirectly to the encasement or to the mounting pole at or near the top end of the mounting pole. An air conduit is threaded through a hollow channel in the mounting pole, and then underground and/or under water for joining to an immersed diffuser. The water aeration system operates without a battery or energy accumulator, and is tamper-resistant. The air pump and controller are inside the encasement structure, the solar panel and encasement structure are mounted several feet above the ground surface, and the conduit between the pump and the diffuser is held inside the mounting pole.
US09290396B2
A liquid treating device includes a liquid guide cylinder having liquid suction and ejection ports, a liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the liquid suction port, a pumping-up unit that is provided within the liquid guide cylinder and suctions liquid from the liquid suction port and ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection port, a liquid ejection space part that enlarges liquid, which has been ejected from the liquid ejection port by the pumping-up unit, in an upper part of a closed tank, a gas supply unit that supplies gas in the liquid ejection space part under pressure, a reflux passage that circulates liquid from the liquid ejection space part through space between the tank and the liquid guide cylinder to a lower part of the liquid guide cylinder, and treated liquid taking-out piping that takes out treated liquid from a lower part of the tank to an exterior.
US09290395B2
A method for stabilising or raising the pH of bodies of water and/or neutralising bodies of water is illustrated and described. According to the invention a feed material containing an unburnt lime product, the unburnt lime product having a granularity with a fraction
US09290392B2
The present application discloses a shape preserving chemical transformation of ZnO mesostructures into anatase TiO2 mesostructures using controlled low temperature TiCl4 treatment for optoelectronic applications.
US09290391B2
A silicon component in a processing chamber for performing an etching process on a substrate is provided. The silicon component contains recycled silicon obtained by a silicon component recycling method including: collecting silicon wastes from any one of a silicon component for a plasma etching apparatus and a silicon ingot for a semiconductor wafer; obtaining a content of impurity based on an electric characteristic of the collected silicon wastes; determining an input amount of the silicon wastes, an input amount of a silicon source material, and an input amount of impurity based on the content of impurity obtained in the measurement process and a target value of an electric characteristic of a final product; manufacturing a silicon ingot by inputting the silicon wastes, the silicon source material, and the impurity into a crucible; and manufacturing the final product using the silicon ingot.
US09290388B2
Disclosed is a carbonaceous nanocomposite including: a substrate; a graphene sheet formed on a top surface of the substrate in parallel with the substrate; and a carbonaceous nanomaterial provided on another surface of the graphene sheet, the nanomaterial having an aspect ratio of 2 to 75,000 to make a predetermined angle with the graphene sheet. The carbonaceous nanocomposite according to the present disclosure has excellent adhesivity to the substrate and can be attached to the substrate without undergoing a pasting process. Since a two-directional current flow is generated, the electrical resistance of the graphene and carbon nanotube is considerably reduced. In addition, the graphene allows the carbon nanotube to have a high current density and a high specific surface area, thereby accelerating a redox reaction. The excellent heat-radiating property of the graphene sheet allows fast transfer of heat generated in the carbon nanotube to outside, thereby avoiding degradation of the carbon nanotube. Thus, when employed as an electrode for a battery or a field emission display, a higher current density and an extended lifespan can be achieved when compared with the existing art.
US09290385B2
A hydrogen generation apparatus (100) includes: a reformer (10) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by using a raw material and steam; a raw material passage (21) through which the raw material that is supplied to the reformer (10) flows; a hydrodesulfurizer (13) provided downstream from a most downstream valve (11) on the raw material passage (21) and configured to remove a sulfur compound from the raw material; a sealer (15) provided on a passage (24) downstream from the reformer (10) and configured to block communication between the reformer (10) and the atmosphere; and a depressurizer (16) provided on the raw material passage (21) at a portion connecting the hydrodesulfurizer (13) and the reformer (10) and configured to release, to the atmosphere, pressure in the reformer (10) that has increased after the sealer (15) is closed.
US09290383B2
A method for recycling exhaust gas from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The method includes: 1) introducing raw gas to a shift reactor to conduct a water-gas shift reaction, and collecting shift gas; 2) introducing the shift gas to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis device to yield a hydrocarbon fuel and exhaust gas, returning part of the exhaust gas as recycle gas; 3) introducing another part of the exhaust gas to a methanation reactor, allowing a methanation reaction to happen between the part of the exhaust gas and water vapor; 4) introducing a mixed gas product from the methanation reaction to a methane reforming reactor; 5) transporting the hydrogen and carbon monoxide resulting from the methane reforming reaction to a gas separator, separating the hydrogen and obtaining a mixed gas including carbon dioxide; and 6) returning the mixed gas including carbon dioxide to the methane reforming reactor.
US09290374B2
The invention provides a micro-electro-mechanical device having differential capacitor of corresponding sizes, which includes a substrate; a top fixed electrode; a bottom fixed electrode; a mass, having a top electrode and a bottom electrode, wherein the top electrodes form a top capacitor with the top fixed electrode and the bottom electrodes form a bottom capacitor with the bottom fixed electrode; a top fixed electrode extension wall having an upper end connected to the top fixed electrode and a lower end connected to the substrate; and a bottom fixed electrode extension wall having a lower end connected to the substrate through the bottom electrode, wherein the bottom fixed electrode extension wall has no upper end connected to the top fixed electrode, and total areas of the top fixed electrode extension wall and the top fixed electrode facing the mass are substantially equal to total areas of the bottom fixed electrode extension wall and the bottom fixed electrode facing the mass.
US09290368B2
The invention discloses a metal positioning device. The device comprises a bottom section with a front end having a downward facing lip, a second back end having a handle, a side wall on both sides of said bottom section, said side walls running the length of the bottom section and a plurality of apertures formed along a longitudinal axis of said bottom section, said apertures being dimensioned to receive and allow passage of a lever bar therethrough. The invention further discloses a method of using the metal positioning device. The invention decreases the time needed to position metal sheets and eases the job for workers.
US09290366B2
A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a power unit; a work assembly coupled to the power unit comprising a first auxiliary device; and a fluid supply system. The fluid supply system may comprise: pump structure for supplying a fluid; a first manifold apparatus located on the power unit; a second manifold apparatus located on the work assembly; and fluid supply line structure coupled between the first and second manifolds. The first manifold may receive fluid from the pump structure and comprise valve structure for maintaining fluid pressure at an output port of the first manifold apparatus at a commanded pressure substantially equal to or greater than an operating pressure of the first auxiliary device.
US09290364B2
The within invention relates to a crane with a boom slewable in a vertical pivoting plane and a bracing boom arrangement, particularly a derrick boom arrangement in which a luffing cable is arranged between the boom and the bracing boom arrangement, in which the luffing cable has at least two guying cables that run from two guying points arranged on the opposite side of the pivoting plane, which cables belong to the bracing cable arrangement, to the boom, in which the two guying cables are each movable by means of a winch and in which a mechanical coupling is provided between the two winches by means of which the movement of the two winches can be force coupled.
US09290362B2
A remote heave compensation system associated with a crane on a vessel may include a heave compensator arranged remotely from the crane and configured to translate in association with and to compensate for heaving motion of the vessel, an equalizer arranged on the crane and coupled to an end of a multiline system of the crane, a heave line secured to the equalizer at a first end and secured to the heave compensator at a second end, wherein compensating motion of the heave compensator is transferred to the equalizer by the heave line to compensate for heaving motion of the vessel and stabilize objects suspended from the multiline system of the crane.
US09290360B2
The endless escalator handrail is made up of a thermoplastic resin member having a first and a second curved portions and a joint section; a flat woven fabric bonded to an inner surface of the thermoplastic resin member; a first patch cloth having a base portion and a divergent portion, for being placed on the first curved portion side in the joint section; and a second patch cloth having a base portion and a divergent portion, for being placed on the second curved portion side in the joint section. The divergent potion of the first patch cloth is bonded onto the flat woven fabric at an inward side of the first curved portion, and the divergent potion of the second patch cloth is bonded onto the flat woven fabric at an inward side of the second curved portion.
US09290352B2
A method and a device for creating a product stream of product units in a predefined sequence. The device includes a first conveying device with a grouping stretch for creating a cycled product stream of product units from fed products, in a predefined sequence. The device also includes a conveying-away device for conveying away the product units in the predefined sequence in a cycled product stream. The device further includes a bridging device that is designed such that product units amid the bridging of a conveying stretch section of the conveying-away device can be fed to the conveying-away device in a temporally successive manner and thus be sorted into the predefined sequence of product units.
US09290351B2
An improved contact nip roll, a method for assembling an improved contact nip roll, a system for nipping a web, and a method for nipping a web are provided. The improved contact nip roll integrates an inner softer core that can provide compliancy to web caliper variations, while rigid annular rings and a harder outer skin can maintain a uniform contact area.
US09290350B2
Provided is a transport device including a first transport member that transports a sheet-shaped medium in a transport direction, a transport path that is formed by a first guiding member which guides the medium in the transport direction and a second guiding member which guides the medium in the transport direction, at least one of the first guiding member and the second guiding member including a widened part on a downstream side of a processing position and on an upstream side of a second transport member, a pressing member that presses the medium to the first guiding member, a processing unit that performs a processing on the medium which is transported in the transport path, and a second transport member that transports the medium, which is guided by the first guiding member and the second guiding member, in the transport direction.
US09290349B2
An apparatus for transporting a fabric having first and second transport faces for gripping a fabric therebetween and to displace the fabric along its length, in which at least one of the transport faces has an irregular surface.
US09290348B2
The disclosure generally relates to a film roll core used for winding a polymeric film around, an apparatus for winding the polymeric film on the film roll core, a process of winding the polymeric film on the film roll core, and a rolled film on the film roll core. The disclosure more particularly relates to an open gap film roll core that is capable of reducing defects in wound films.
US09290347B2
The device includes at least a first gripping member and a second gripping member, arranged and controlled so that they extract two winding spindle portions from opposite ends of a log in a longitudinal extraction direction parallel to the axis of the log. The first gripping member and a second gripping member are movable along a log advancing path and extract the two winding spindle portions as they advance along the log advancing path together with the log and the two winding spindle portions.
US09290341B2
A sheet conveyor incorporated in an image forming apparatus includes an attraction/separation unit including an attraction belt, a first tension roller, and a second tension roller, a support member to support the attraction/separation unit, a roller drive unit to rotate one of the first and second tension rollers, a charging member to uniformly charge a surface of the attraction belt, a mechanism to swing the attraction/separation unit to move the attraction belt reciprocally about the support member between a sheet attraction position and a sheet conveyance position being located farther from the sheet stack than the sheet attraction position, and a pressing member disposed inside a loop of the attraction belt to press the attraction belt at the sheet attraction position toward the sheet stack and separating from the attraction belt at the sheet conveyance position.
US09290333B2
A material handling system incorporates one or more transfer conveyor sections configured to selectively discharge articles being conveyed in at least one direction which is disposed at a transverse angle relative to the incoming direction of the article. The transfer conveyor includes rotary cams with circumferential cam tracks which engage cam followers carried respective vertically movable conveying assemblies. Rotation of the cams disposes the carrying surfaces at desired conveying heights for selecting the discharge.
US09290330B2
A system for treating a material includes first and second screw conveyors each having a rotary shaft and a helical flight extending radially outward therefrom, the flighting of the screw conveyors overlapping with each other, and first and second actuators operably coupled to the first and second screw conveyors in a one-to-one dedicated relationship to rotationally drive the screw conveyors independently of each other. In typical embodiments, also included is a system for varying the clocking position of the screw conveyors relative to each other, wherein the screw conveyor flights are axially adjusted with respect to each other between a normal position and an advanced and/or retarded position. Also disclosed are methods of varying the axial position of the screw conveyor flights with respect to each other between the normal and advanced and/or retarded positions.
US09290328B2
A conveying arrangement is provided for a transport member for conveying product. The transport member traverses on rollers inside a conveying arrangement which includes a plurality of tunnel shaped guide channel segments connectable together via end flanges. A continuous opening is provided on the underside of each channel segment in a conveying direction to accommodate a device attached to the transport member to take over conveying of the product. Guide rail elements inside the channel segments support run surface elements which present a rolling surface for the transport member. At least one run surface element has an excess length, relative to the length of the guide channel segment. An adapter element including a transition piece is positioned at least in a region of a separating plane between adjacent flanges to present a planar transition for the rolling surface of the at least one run surface element.
US09290326B2
Support unit for a conveyor of objects comprising a plurality of support bodies reciprocally pivoted with respect to each other to define a closed ring and suitable to slide in a guide of the conveyor along a closed path, said support bodies each being provided with at least a flat plate and with at least an anchoring base solidly associated to the plate and suitable to support sliding means suitable to slide on the guide. Each plate is provided with opposite pivoting ends configured to pivot, by means of pivoting means, with respective pivoting ends of an adjacent plate which follows and respectively which precedes so as to define the reciprocal connection between the support bodies. Each plate is made of an elastically flexible material at least with respect to its thickness, to adapt to curves defined by the guide.
US09290323B2
A continuous storage apparatus holds carriers each having many vertical shelves to be continuously loaded and unloaded by pushers at adjacent positions. The conveyor order of arrival of items is maintained on departure. Shelves hold items to be frozen or cooked during storage by a forward or backward (countercurrent) flow of recirculating cold or hot air within the tunnels of the machine. Carrier motion is provided by lifting and lowering conveyor chains at both ends of the tunnels and by shunting the carriers, supported by wheels or skids on rails along the tunnels, when pushed by an actuator.
US09290321B2
A storage section for the intermediate storage of articles, packaged or piece goods of a conveyor device. The storage section has at least one storage span on a first level and at least one empty span on a second level that is connected with the storage span. The storage span has two flexible loading and transport sections that run parallel to one another in opposite directions on the first level for the articles, packaged or piece goods to be stored, connected by a first diversion section. The endlessly circulating loading and transport sections are connected by a second diverting section in the area of the empty span. The positions of the first diversion section and the second diversion section can be changed in opposite directions such that a storage volume of the storage span can be varied.
US09290313B2
A collapsible insulated bag designed to allow items retained within an inner pouch thereof to remain within predetermined temperature ranges for predetermined periods of time and wherein the bags are designed to be easily compressed or compacted for storage or shipment to end users. The bags include at least an outer reflective layer, an intermediate open foam layer and the inner pouch layer.
US09290310B2
A container for holding contents includes a shell having a peripheral rim defining a substantially open top, a lid positioned on the shell, covering the substantially open top, and having a peripheral portion engaging the peripheral rim, and a liner disposed within the shell, conforming to the shape of the shell, and having peripheral ribbon secured to the lid forming a continuous seal between the liner and the lid.
US09290302B2
A medicine dispensing record system that joins with a medicine container and records and displays content and administration information about a medicine to ensure the proper administration of the medicine. The medicine information that is recorded may be erased and updated when a subsequent dose of medicine is administered. The medicine dispensing system includes an identification portion that affixes to the medicine container and includes a dry-erase surface that provides a receptive and erasable surface for a user to record and review information about a last medicine dose with information such as: time and/or date the last dose was administered, amount of medicine administered, current daily intake amount, contents of the medicine container, scheduled administration of the medicine, and warnings about the medicine. The information displayed on the surface is constantly revised with each subsequent dosage of the medicine with an attached dry-erase marker.
US09290291B2
A package for a tooth treatment product is disclosed. The package includes an inner container and an outer sleeve having at least one open end for receiving the inner container, the outer sleeve including a window through which the tooth treatment product is visible to a consumer.
US09290290B2
A blank for being repeatably assembled into a box configuration without the use of adhesives. The blank has a bottom panel, a side panel foldably attached to the bottom panel, an end panel foldably attached to the bottom panel, and a locking structure configured to secure the side panel and the end panel in respective orthogonal positions with respect to the bottom panel. The locking structure includes an overlay panel foldably attached to the end panel and foldable toward an overlying position in which it overlies a portion of the side panel. The locking structure also includes a slot in the bottom panel, a flap foldably attached to the bottom panel and extending into the slot, and a tab foldably attached to the overlay panel for being lockingly received in the slot to secure the overlay panel in the overlying position.
US09290283B2
A method and apparatus for wrapping a folio ream. The method comprises pre-creasing a wrap sheet and driving the ream into the wrap sheet toward a fold position. A bubble of wrap is formed in the wrap sheet, which is cut while the ream advances, such that a lower flap of the wrap sheet extends beyond the rear edge of the ream. An upper flap fold is formed on the rear edge of the ream, and glue is applied to the lower flap as it is held flat via a vacuum. The lower flap of the wrap sheet is then folded in an upward direction, while the vacuum simultaneously applies a force to an opposite side of the lower flap to keep it flat during folding. The ream is reversed to compress the glue between the lower and upper flaps, forming a rear edge seam on the folio ream.
US09290280B2
A method for producing a container intended to contain a substance to be dispensed by an airless pump, having an external body inside which a bag is provided formed of thermoplastic material, the bag presenting, at least at a connection surface between its neck and its lateral surface, controlled deformation zones arranged to guide the bag deformation in accordance with preferential directions. The invention also relates to a container formed by the described method and a bag with the aforedescribed characteristics.
US09290278B2
Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into orbit involve placing a space vehicle into a protective container. The protective container is placed on a sled in a maglev tunnel and then launched into the atmosphere. Once the protective container reaches a certain height the space vehicle is released from the protective container and the space vehicle then proceeds to the desired orbital position.
US09290266B2
A speed control assembly includes an input drive shaft coupled to a first gear subassembly having a rotatable gear, a second gear subassembly coupled to an output drive shaft, and a linkage coupling the first and second gear subassemblies, wherein the input drive shaft, the first and second gear subassemblies, and the linkage are configured such that a rotational speed of the rotatable gear adjusts a ratio of a rotational speed of the output drive shaft to a rotational speed of the output drive shaft. In some embodiments, the first gear subassembly includes a sun gear coupled to the input drive shaft, one or more planet gears, and a ring gear as the rotatable gear. In some embodiments, the second gear subassembly includes a sun gear coupled to the output drive shaft, one or more planet gears, and a fixed ring gear.
US09290257B2
A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets, comprises a processor configured to receive a first vessel control signal including at least a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in a port direction, and that is configured to provide a set of actuator control signals coupled to and control the first and second reversing buckets. The processor is configured to provide the set of actuator control signals so as to maintain the first reversing bucket substantially in a first discrete position and the second reversing bucket substantially in a second discrete position as long as the first vessel control signal includes a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in the port direction.
US09290256B1
A steering system for a trolling motor includes a mechanical steering system having a mechanical steering input device and a mechanical linkage extending from the mechanical steering input device to a steering shaft of the trolling motor. Movement of the mechanical steering input device causes movement of the mechanical linkage, which in turn causes rotation of the steering shaft. An electromechanical actuation system is provided that is configured to be coupled to the mechanical steering system. A controller is in signal communication with the electromechanical actuation system and provides steering signals thereto. The electromechanical actuation system selectively actuates the mechanical steering system so as to rotate the steering shaft according to the steering signals provided by the controller. A method for steering a trolling motor is also provided.
US09290255B2
A rudder position indicator that is gravity driven, designed to reduce the opportunity for misalignment, and can be recalibrated without being detached in the event that misalignment occurs. The rudder position indicator includes a gear assembly having an angle indicator and a position indicator assembly that are housed within an indicator case. A dampening fluid is filled within the indicator case as well, and acts to reduce the possibility of misalignment by reducing wobble of the angle indicator as a ship wheel is rotated. The indicator case is attached to the ship wheel by means of a mounting case; the mounting case being attached to the ship wheel using an adhesive. The indicator case is rotatably positioned into the mounting case and is stepped, such that the indicator case can be locked in and out of position to calibrate the angle indicator.
US09290250B2
It is an object of the subject matter to disclose an aquatic apparatus comprising a fin connected to a bottom of the an aquatic device; a flap connected to the fin, wherein the flap is connected at a leading end of the flap to the fin by one or more connectors, wherein the connectors enable the flap to rotate according to water current; one or more cables connected to a trailing end of the flap, wherein each cable of the one or more cables connects the flap the fin; said one or more cables comprising a predetermined length to enable the flap to open and close.
US09290245B2
A traction pad system for use on a stand-up paddleboard contains an integrated seat feature that may be easily raised by the user at any desired time. The system includes a paddleboard mounting pad, a seat, a bracing mechanism, and an adhesive. The paddleboard mounting pad contains a seat-receiving hole, a first surface, and a second surface; the adhesive is superimposed over the second surface and is used to fasten the system to the top of a paddleboard. The seat fits inside the seat-receiving hole in a flush manner and is hingedly attached to the paddleboard mounting pad; the seat therefore does not interfere with the operations of the user when not in use. The seat is structurally supported by the bracing mechanism in the raised state.
US09290244B2
A water walking apparatus having two inflatable pontoons, each with respective holes in their top surfaces for a footwell and for platform support sleeves. Footwell supports may be provided within the pontoons. A platform support may expand and contract when in use so as to accommodate variable spacing between the pontoons, a platform upon which a user may sit may be connected to the platform support by a neck received into a hole in the bottom of the platform. The platform may include a backrest member, and a strap that may serve as a ladder step when the backrest member is rotated rearwardly and down, into the water to allow a user to step on the continuous strap and climb up onto the platform.
US09290240B1
A deck hook capable of accepting loading forces in multiple directions and of distributing such forces over an increased deck surface area thereby reducing the risk of damage to the deck, particularly when the deck is formed of a non-steel material.
US09290239B2
Control device (10, 20) for controlling the position of an instrumented cable towed in water, such as a marine seismic streamer, and/or an instrumented towed cable array (streamer array), which control device (10, 20) is provided with buoyancy means (30) for retrieving the control device (10, 20) and instrumented cable to the surface, at least sections of the instrumented cable, which means (30) are arranged for providing the control device (10, 20) with buoyancy.
US09290237B1
A hydrofoil includes a body, an even number of wings disposed at the opposite sides of the body and an even number of floats disposed at both sides of a bottom of the body. Each float is a hollow and flat structure. At a rear edge of the float portion is provided a float propeller. With the design of the float structure, the counterforce caused by the water waves impacting on the floats can be reduced, so that the float can move more stably to improve safety and comfortableness.
US09290236B2
A bicycle front derailleur includes abase member configured to be attached to a bicycle frame, a chain guide configured to engage a chain, a connecting structure that connects the chain guide to the base member such that the chain guide can move relative to the base member, and an attachment structure detachably attaching the chain guide to the connecting structure and/or the connecting structure to the base member.
US09290235B2
A bicycle derailleur is provided that basically includes a base member, a movable member, a chain guide, a biasing element and a rotational resistance structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member. The chain guide is pivotally coupled to the movable member to rotate around a rotational axis with respect to the movable member. The biasing element biases the chain guide in a first rotational direction around the rotational axis with respect to the movable member. The rotational resistance structure is operatively arranged between the movable member and the chain guide to frictionally provide rotational resistance to the chain guide around the rotational axis in a second rotational direction. The rotational resistance structure applies the rotational resistance at an area disposed radially outward of the biasing element with respect to the rotational axis.
US09290234B2
A bicycle pedal includes a pedal axle, a rotatable main pedal body, a first cleat securing member pivotally coupled about a first pivot axis between first and second positions, a sub member pivotally coupled to move about a second pivot axis, and at least a first biasing member disposed on the second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is farther from the pedal axle than the first pivot axis. The first biasing member is operatively disposed between the main pedal body and the first cleat securing member to bias the first cleat securing member toward the first position. The first cleat securing member and the sub member rotate together about the second pivot axis until the sub member abuts against the main pedal body, and the first cleat securing member subsequently rotates toward the second position about the first pivot axis independently from the sub member during a step-in operation.
US09290231B1
A suspension element for a vehicle may comprise a damper including a cylinder, a piston in the chamber, and a rod mounted on the piston such that the piston moves with the rod. A air spring support frame may comprise a first support element movable with the cylinder, and a second support element mounted on the rod to permitting rod movement with respect to the second support element. A air spring assembly may include a first air spring mount mounted to move with the rod, a second air spring mount on the second support element, and a tubular air spring mounted on the first and second air spring mounts and defining a air spring interior to hold a quantity of air. The air spring support frame may include at least two connector elements connecting the support elements and being spaced from each other and substantially rigid to maintain a predetermined spacing between the support elements.
US09290224B2
A protective cover for uncovered vehicles comprising a pair of poles, where the pair of poles intersect each other to create a domed structure over an uncovered vehicle; a waterproof tarp attached beneath the pair of poles; a closure in the waterproof tarp, where the closure opens the waterproof tarp; at least one window on the waterproof tarp, where the window enables a user to see through the waterproof tarp; a set of openings on pair of poles, where the set of openings anchor the pair of poles to the uncovered vehicle; and a plurality of fastening means on the pair of poles, where the plurality of fastening means fasten the waterproof tarp to the pair of poles. The protective cover provides a temporary shelter to shield the user from rain, snow and hail until the weather passes.
US09290217B2
A track link for a ground-engaging track includes an elongate link body having a lower hardness material forming a lower mounting surface for mounting a track shoe, and a sacrificial higher hardness material forming an upper rail surface for contacting rotatable track engaging elements. The lower hardness and higher hardness materials transition at a material interface within the elongate link body, and the material interface is longitudinally non-uniform, such that the sacrificial higher hardness material has a varying depth from the upper rail surface to retard scalloping.
US09290213B2
A trailer is provided with a fixed height and length. The trailer has a frame with a hitch located at a front area and wheels mounted to axles at a rear area. The frame has a middle section that has an unobstructed opening where a middle floor rests below a top surface and is surrounded by the middle section. The middle floor is located below an upper floor to form a two-story trailer. A rear floor is located at an elevation between the middle floor and the upper floor.
US09290207B2
A structure of an engine room includes an FEM (front end module) disposed at a front side, a dash panel disposed at a rear side, and housing panels disposed at both lateral sides between the FEM and the dash panel, respectively. The structure may include a housing member including a transverse portion which is disposed to be substantially parallel to the dash panel, and longitudinal portions which are bent forward from both ends of the horizontal portion, respectively, and disposed side-by-side with the corresponding housing panels. The housing member is formed with an open interior.
US09290193B1
A method and system for graphically displaying real-time system logic used for troubleshooting railroad equipment such as e.g., a grade crossing predictor. The method and system graphically display ladder logic equations used to formulate a system status output, allowing a technician or other personnel to quickly determine the cause of an anomaly reflected in the output.
US09290178B2
A driving support system detects a target area ahead of the vehicle, a position or a moving direction, etc. of an object such as a pedestrian or another vehicle by using a camera or radar, as well as determines a probability of collision between the own vehicle and the object based on the position, etc. of the object, and performs a driving support for avoiding the collision when the probability of the collision is high. Further, a sensitivity of determination is set high when the object remains in the target area, or when the object is moving towards the target area, while the sensitivity is set low when the object is not present in the target area, or the object is moving away from the target area.
US09290176B2
A controller to control a driving-torque distribution to a front wheel and a rear wheel comprises an obtainment portion to obtain a vehicle's lateral acceleration, an engine's output torque, and a vehicle's turning radius during turning of a vehicle, a determination portion to determine a rear-wheel driving-torque distribution rate denoting a rate of the driving torque to be transmitted to the rear wheel relative to the driving torque corresponding to the engine's output torque based on the obtained vehicle's lateral acceleration, engine's output torque, and vehicle's turning radius, and a control-signal output portion to output a control signal to a driving-torque transmission device to adjust the driving torque transmitted to the rear wheel such that the driving torque to be distributed to the rear wheel is controlled according to the determined rear-wheel driving-torque distribution rate.
US09290175B2
A vehicle control system is provided to control driving force to improve turning performance in a vehicle having an automatic transmission without causing conflict with a shifting control of the transmission. The vehicle control system comprises: a shifting means that carries out a shifting operation of the transmission based on an execution condition including an execution threshold governed by a vehicle speed and an operating amount of an accelerator performed by a driver; a driving force controlling means that carries out a turning performance improving control for stabilizing a vehicle behavior by controlling a driving force during turning; and a shifting condition correcting means that corrects a value of the operating amount of the accelerator as the execution condition during execution of the turning performance improving control.
US09290174B1
A system and method that, in response to the detection of an impaired driver, develops a scenario-dependent response with an escalating sequence of awakening actions and/or automated driving actions that are designed to mitigate the effects of impaired driving for that particular driving scenario. Some examples of awakening actions include visual, audible, haptic and/or miscellaneous warnings intended to awaken or reengage the impaired driver. If the awakening actions are ineffective, one or more automated driving actions may be used to control certain aspects of vehicle braking, steering, accelerating, etc. The scenario-dependent response is at least partially based on the state, conditions and/or environment in and around the host vehicle (i.e., the current driving scenario) and may take into account factors such as: vehicle dynamics, road characteristics, pedestrian and vehicle traffic conditions, weather conditions and more.
US09290172B2
A collision mitigation device sets an actuation condition indicating a condition for actuating a collision mitigating section configured to mitigate collision damage when an own vehicle is in a collision. A target object is positioned near the own vehicle and detected. The collision mitigating section is actuated when a positional relationship between the own vehicle and the target object meets the actuation condition. The collision mitigation device recognizes an own vehicle traveling segment that indicates a traveling segment of a road on which the own vehicle is traveling, and recognizes whether or not the target object is present within the own vehicle traveling segment. The actuation condition is relaxed in such a manner that the collision mitigating section is more easily actuated when the target object is present within the own vehicle traveling segment, compared to when the target object is not present within the own vehicle traveling segment.
US09290167B2
A vehicle hydraulic brake system includes left and right manually operated brake pedals, and left and right hydraulic brake units. A pedal lock is movable to a locking position wherein the left and right brake pedals operate in unison. Left and right brake valves are operatively coupled to the corresponding brake pedal. A solenoid operated normally closed balance valve is connected between the left and right brake units. Optional left and right solenoid operated normally open blocking valves may be connected the corresponding brake valve and the corresponding brake unit. The blocking valves and the balance valve are controlled by an ECU as a function of sensed vehicle speed and brake pedal operation.
US09290156B2
The present disclosure relates to a connection base for carrying a wiping blade and to be attached to an adapter that can be connected to an actuation arm for forming with said adapter a mechanical connector for a wiper blade for an automobile, the adapter having an elongated shape with first and second ends, characterised in that it includes a retaining linear guide for the first end of the adapter and removable attachment means of the second end supported on the one hand by the adapter and on the other hand by the base. The present disclosure also relates to a conform adapter, to a mechanical connector formed by the adapter and the connection base, to a planar wiper blade and to a wiping device.
US09290155B1
A protective cover for a windshield wiper blade is provided. The cover may be secured on a windshield, or windscreen, in line with any windshield wipers adapted for use on a motor vehicle such as an automobile, watercraft, or even aircraft. The cover comprises a shell sized to envelop at least a blade portion of a windshield wiper when such wiper is not in use. The shell is defined, in part, by a rear flap that is hingedly engaged along a back edge of a base and releaseable from a closed position. In operation, an activated windshield wiper will automatically exit the shell to displace water and debris on the windshield by pressing the rear flap into an open position as it pivots across a windshield.
US09290151B2
An occupant protection system for a vehicle includes right and left vehicle seats; right and left inflators each mounted in a center-side side portion, as viewed in the vehicle width direction, of each of seat backs of the right and left vehicle seats; and right and left far-side airbags each mounted in the center-side side portion of each of the seat backs. The far-side airbag is partitioned into a front bag portion that protrudes toward a vehicle forward side of the side portion in an inflated and deployed state, and a rear bag portion located on a vehicle rearward side of the front bag portion. The rear bag portion is adapted to have an internal pressure higher than that of the front bag portion in the inflated and deployed state. The rear bag portion is adapted to be compressed between the seat backs when the vehicle seats approach each other.
US09290146B2
Interior monitoring system of a vehicle wherein at least one transducer is arranged on a first side of the structure of the vehicle and transmits waves toward an opposite, second side of the structure so that any objects contained in the interior space of the structure are situated between the first and second sides. Each transducer receives waves reflected from any objects between the first and second sides. A processor is coupled to each transducer and obtains information about any objects from which waves have been reflected and received thereby. Each transducer may be arranged to transmit infrared waves into the interior space, e.g., infrared waves in an eye-safe range.
US09290145B2
The present invention provides a system and method that provides a standardized and portable automatic emergency event notification, or AEEN, device which detects a vehicle or other transport emergency event and then automatically and directly dials 911 emergency services and further provides the 911 operator with important information pertaining to the emergency event. Ordinary transport owners may readily install the AEEN device of the present invention into their vehicle or other transport. The AEEN device does not involve a subscription service and the device cellphone which places the 911 call does not require activation on a wireless service network.
US09290137B2
Disclosed is a power supply circuit for vehicles, which can continuously supply a constant voltage without a complicated circuit configuration, even during a time when a surge voltage is applied (abnormal voltage time). The power supply circuit is provided with: a constant voltage circuit, which is connected to a battery mounted in a vehicle, and which outputs a predetermined voltage; a surge cut circuit, which is provided with a Zener diode and a transistor for protecting the constant voltage circuit; and a switching circuit, which is disposed between the constant voltage circuit and the surge cut circuit, and which performs on/off switching of output to the constant voltage circuit. The power supply circuit is also provided with a feedback line that connects the connecting line (output line) of the switching circuit and the Zener diode to each other.
US09290136B2
An apparatus and method for preventing the leakage of vehicle information in a normal communication environment by inserting fake communication data into vehicle communication traffic on a vehicle network. In the method for preventing leakage of vehicle information, a vehicle information leakage prevention apparatus connected to an in-vehicle module analyzes a vehicle communication protocol between the module and another module. It is determined whether encryption has been applied to the vehicle communication protocol, based on results of analysis of the vehicle communication protocol. A method of generating fake communication data is selected depending on whether encryption has been applied to the vehicle communication protocol. A fake communication data is generated depending on the selected method, and the generated fake communication data is transferred to a vehicle information leakage prevention apparatus connected to the other module.
US09290132B2
An integrated carrier rack and storage system for vehicles is provided. Generally, the system includes a receiving unit, installed in a motor vehicle that receives a carrier bar device. The system further includes an immobilizing system attached carrier bar and various attachment units which facilitate in transportation and storage. The integrated carrier rack and storage system is user friendly and may be applied to any motor vehicle to carry an assortment of items and store them using the same system.
US09290127B2
A variable reflectance vehicular electro-optic rearview mirror reflective element assembly includes a front substrate and a rear substrate with a perimeter seal disposed therebetween. The front substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, with the second surface having a transparent electrically conductive coating disposed thereat. The rear substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface, with the third surface having a conductive reflector coating disposed thereat. The reflector coating may include a plurality of layers having first and second layers of nickel chromium. The front substrate may have a perimeter band disposed along a perimeter region of the second surface. The perimeter band may include a plurality of layers having first and second layers of nickel chromium.
US09290123B2
A vehicle lighting system is provided herein. The lighting system includes a roof rack including at least one side rail having a photoluminescent portion configured to illuminate in at least one distinct color due to being excited by at least one wavelength of light. A light source is configured to emit the at least one wavelength of light directed toward the photoluminescent portion. A controller is configured to control a light output of the light source.
US09290114B2
A vehicular seat, comprising: a niche in a backrest of the vehicular seat, for placing therein a baby seat in a stowed state thereof; a baby seat, in which the size thereof enables placing thereof into the niche in a stowed state of the baby seat; a linear axle, for connecting the baby seat to the vehicular seat, and for allowing moving the baby seat away from the vehicular seat while connected to the vehicular seat; a rotational axle, for connecting the backrest of the baby seat to the seat rest of the baby seat, and enabling changing the angle therebetween; a first fastener for fixing the linear axle in the current situation thereof; and a second fastner for fixing the rotational axle in the current situation thereof.
US09290112B2
A motor vehicle seat including a seat part and a foldable seatback including a rear face including a tray, the seatback configured to be folded onto the seat part to bring the rear face thereof into a substantially horizontal position. The tray is affixed against the rear face of the seatback and is held against the face by a locking mechanism including an actuating member, and a pressure exerted on the actuating member releases the tray such that the tray can be removed from the seatback.
US09290099B2
A battery charging apparatus includes a position sensor for outputting a position detection signal, a sensor for detecting an output current or voltage of a predetermined phase, a regulator for supplying DC power obtained by rectifying three-phase AC from the generator to a battery, and an inverter control section for executing energization control of the respective switching elements of the regulator based on a phase of an induced voltage of the generator calculated on the basis of the position detection signal. The inverter control section inputs a revolution speed signal Ne of the generator, the position detection signal Tp, and either output signal out of a current signal or a voltage signal detected by the sensor, and estimates an error of an attaching position of the position sensor with respect to the induced voltage of the predetermined phase based on the position detection signal and the output signal.
US09290095B2
The invention comprises a personal identification device used in function of a peripheral device and/or for communication with an external network. In one embodiment, a non-removable personal identification device communicates presence of a specific individual to a peripheral device, such as an ignition interlock device, a tracking system, and/or a communication system or person, such as a police network, an enforcement agency, a regulatory network, a supervisor, and/or a parent or guardian. For example, information related to the peripheral device reliant in part on the presence of the personal identification device is communicated with the remote system. Optionally, any information associated with the personal identification device and/or the peripheral device is maintained in a secure format warranting true information, usable in a legal setting.
US09290091B2
A modularized structure of a fuel device and a rear suspension mounted on a floor panel of a vehicle that uses hydrogen or electricity as fuel, may include a cross member that is coupled to the fuel device and is disposed in a vehicle width direction, both ends thereof being connected to support a wheel hub, respectively, wherein the cross member is mounted to the floor panel in a state of being fastened to the fuel device in advance.
US09290078B2
An air conditioner for a vehicle includes an electric heater arranged downstream of a heat exchanger in an air flow direction, a defroster air outlet, a driver-foot air outlet through which air is blown toward a foot area of a driver, a knee air outlet through which air is blown toward a knee area of the driver, a door device which controls an air amount blown into a vehicle compartment by opening or closing the air outlets. When an immediate heating operation is performed by an operation of an immediate heating switch, the door device opens the defroster air outlet and at least one of the driver-foot air outlet and the knee air outlet, and the electric heater heats a total amount of air that is to be blown through the at least one of the driver-foot air outlet and the knee air outlet.
US09290076B2
A ventilation system of a motor vehicle includes a first air control flap driven by a first mechanism, a second air control flap driven by a second mechanism, and a counterstop connected with the second mechanism. The counterstop is driven by the second mechanism between an operative position wherein it restricts movement of the first mechanism away from a reference position, and an inoperative position wherein it does not restrict movement of the first mechanism away from the reference position. The second mechanism has an idle region over which the counterstop may be moved without moving the second flap. The second mechanism may include an eccentric disk rotatable by an actuator to move the counterstop between the operative and inoperative positions.
US09290065B2
Run-flat tires having a sidewall support that is manufactured from particular rubber composition. These compositions are based upon a cross-linkable elastomer composition having, per 100 parts by weight of rubber, a polybutadiene rubber having a Mooney viscosity of between 55 and 85 and a low-surface area, high-structure carbon black. An additional second rubber component may also be included in the elastomer composition. The low-surface area, high-structure carbon black may be characterized as having a nitrogen surface area of between 15 m2/g and 25 m2/g and a COAN of between 65 ml/100 g and 85 ml/100 g.
US09290060B2
A motorcycle tire 1 on rough terrain. Blocks 11 include crown blocks 16 arranged in a center area Cr of a tread portion 2, middle blocks arranged axially outside the crown blocks and shoulder blocks arranged axially outside middle blocks. The crown blocks have a smallest aspect ratio. The shoulder blocks have a largest aspect ratio. The crown block 16 includes a shift block. The shift block is provided in a center part in its widthwise direction with one circumferentially extending slit so as to divide the block into two small block segments. The two small block segments are shifted from each other in the tire circumferential direction.
US09290059B2
A wheel assembly for traversing a path along a ground surface having a layer of soil, the wheel assembly comprising a central support and an airless flexible covering mounted on the central support and having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. The outwardly protruding spokes urge the rigid sections into the layer of soil when the rigid sections contact the ground surface. The flexible sections include a set of traction lugs for gripping peaks of a corrugated pattern in the ground surface for improved traction.
US09290058B2
A pneumatic tire tread includes center lateral grooves inclined to the reverse direction of the belt cords of the outermost belt ply of the belt, a groove width Wyc of the center lateral grooves being from 1.0 to 6.0 mm, shoulder lateral grooves being inclined to the same direction of the belt cords of the outermost belt ply, the shoulder lateral grooves having a narrow-width portion having a groove width Wys1 of from 0.4 to 1.5 mm at a position where it connects to a shoulder circumferential main groove, and a wide-width portion having a groove width Wys2 of from 2.0 to 8.0 mm which is connected to the narrow-width portion and extends beyond the tread ground-contact edge.
US09290053B2
A non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle is disclosed. The non-pneumatic tire includes a tread, a rim part, inside and outside annular bands, a spoke member, and a pair of protective films. The tread comes into contact with a road surface. The rim part is connected to the axle of a vehicle. The inside and outside annular bands are disposed between the tread and the rim part, and are coaxially spaced apart from each other. The spoke member includes supports disposed in a predetermined pattern and configured to connect the inside and outside annular bands, and openings defined by the supports. The pair of protective films are disposed at both ends of the tire in the widthwise direction of the tire, and prevents foreign substances from infiltrating into the openings of the spoke member. The protective films are made of the same material as the spoke member and integrated with the spoke member.
US09290041B2
A streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a bicycle wheel spoke reduces drag by swiveling as a wind vane in both headwinds and crosswinds.
US09290027B2
The carriage of a line printer has a head unit that supports a printhead, and a carriage frame that supports the head unit movably up and down. When moving the carriage from a standby position to an opposing position, the carriage is moved while the head unit is held at a up position where the gap to the platen unit is a first distance. The head unit is then lowered at the standby position from the up position to a down position where the platen gap is a second distance that is shorter than the first distance.
US09290013B2
An inkjet recording apparatus 100 is provided with a fabric feeding section A having a medium for recording 1 composed of a fabric, an inkjet section B for performing inkjet recording on the medium for recording 1 fed from the fabric feeding section A to form a recorded medium 1a, and a treating section C1, C2 having a drying section 11, 21 for drying the recorded medium 1a and a collecting section 12, 22 for collecting the dried recorded medium, the drying section 11, 21 and the collecting section 12, 22 being integrated with each other, where the treating section C1, C2 is attachable to and detachable from the inkjet section B.
US09290006B2
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit configured to heat and fix a measurement image formed by an image forming unit to a sheet, a measurement unit arranged downstream of the fixing unit in a conveyance direction of the sheet and configured to measure color of the fixed measurement image, a conversion unit configured to convert a measurement result of the measurement unit into a measurement result at a predetermined temperature based on conversion setting information set in advance, a setting unit configured to set a mode for generating the conversion setting information, and a generation unit configured to generate the conversion setting information by causing the image forming unit to form the measurement image on the sheet, causing the fixing unit to fix the formed measurement image, and causing the measurement unit to repeatedly measure the fixed measurement image in response to setting of the mode.
US09290005B1
An image formation apparatus includes a first discharge unit to form an image on a recording medium; and a second discharge unit including a nozzle line that discharges transparent droplets on the image formed on the recording medium. The second discharge unit moves in a first direction relative to the recording medium and the nozzle line has nozzles in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. After the image formation, the second discharge unit discharges the transparent droplets from the nozzles spaced at m−1 nozzle intervals to form a row of dots in the second direction, and repeats the forming while moving to form m rows in the first direction, such that the dots in the rows are formed at m−1 nozzle intervals and positions of the dots between n-th and n−1-th rows are displaced together by one nozzle in the second direction.
US09290004B2
A liquid ejecting head includes a head body configured to eject liquid, a flow path member including a liquid flow path for supplying the liquid to the head body, and a circuit substrate held by the flow path member and including a temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature. The flow path member includes a detection region, which has a thermal resistance lower than a thermal resistance of other regions and which is provided in a part of a partition wall that partitions the liquid flow path. The circuit substrate is fixed to the flow path member in a state in which the temperature detection unit faces the detection region.
US09290001B2
A liquid container includes an ink chamber containing an ink to be supplied via a tube to a liquid ejecting head consuming the ink; an outlet port from which the ink contained in the ink chamber flows to the tube side; an injection port through which the ink can be injected into the ink chamber; and an air intake port taking air into the ink chamber from a further vertically upper position than a liquid level of the ink when the ink is contained in the ink chamber. If the ink equal to 5% of containing capacity containable in the ink chamber flows from the outlet port, the liquid container has an area where a fluctuation range of the liquid level of the ink inside the ink chamber becomes 5% or less of the cubic root of the containing capacity.
US09289999B2
A liquid storage container includes a liquid storage section configured to store a liquid, a liquid injection section configured to inject the liquid into the liquid storage section, a liquid injection port defined as an intersection at which the liquid injection section and the liquid storage section intersect each other, an air chamber communicated with air, an air introduction path communicated to the air chamber and configured to introduce the air to the air chamber, a communicating passage through which the liquid storage section and the air chamber are communicated to each other, a first connecting port, which is a connecting port between the air introduction path and the air chamber, being located below a position that is lowered by a first distance from an upper end of the air chamber and located above a position that is raised by a second distance from a lower end of the air chamber in a posture where a liquid injection port is oriented upward in the intersecting direction, and a second connecting port, which is a connecting port between the communicating passage and the air chamber, in the intersecting direction in the posture, where the first distance is defined as a length of the first connecting port in an intersecting direction intersecting with a horizontal direction in the posture and the second distance is defined as a length of the second connecting port in the intersecting direction in the posture.
US09289996B2
An inkjet recording apparatus that suppresses temperature rising of a recording head to decrease standby time when the recording head is high in temperature, thereby reducing a drop in recording speed and degradation in image quality. The inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head configured to have a discharge port surface in which a discharge port for discharging ink is formed, a temperature sensor configured to detect temperature of the recording head, and a cleaning unit configured to make contact with the recording head to clean the discharge port surface. The inkjet recording apparatus controls whether to make the cleaning unit contact the discharge port surface based on the recording head temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
US09289995B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a liquid ejecting head having an ejection surface; a platen; a capping mechanism including: a first member opposed to the ejection surface with the platen interposed therebetween when image recording is performed; and a second member disposed around the head so as to cooperate with the first member to hermetically close an ejection space; a distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting a distance between the ejection surface and the first member; a platen moving mechanism for moving the platen between the facing position and a non-facing position at which the platen does not face the ejection surface; and a controller configured to control the platen moving mechanism such that the platen is located at the non-facing position and controls the distance adjusting mechanism such that the distance is equal to a members-abuttable distance that allows the second and first members to abut on each other.
US09289994B2
A channel-structure has first to third nozzle-rows for first-ink, and first and second nozzle-rows for second-ink. Between the first nozzle-row for the first-ink and the first nozzle-row for the second-ink, and between the second nozzle-row for the first-ink and the second nozzle-row for the second-ink, each nozzle is located in the same position. The third nozzle-row for the first-ink is located in a different position with respect to the first and second nozzle-rows. Either the first and the second nozzle-rows for the second-ink are arranged between the first and second nozzle-rows for the first-ink, or the first and second nozzle-rows for the first-ink are arranged between the first and second nozzle-rows for the second-ink. A distance between the first nozzle-row for the first-ink and the first nozzle-row for the second-ink is equal to a distance between the second nozzle-row for the first-ink and the second nozzle-row for the second-ink.
US09289988B2
The invention provides a liquid ejection head including a substrate provided with an energy-generating element for generating energy utilized for ejecting a liquid; and a nozzle plate provided with an ejection orifice from which the liquid is ejected as a droplet and an opening from which a static-removable gas for electrically neutralizing the droplet is jetted, the nozzle plate being joined to the substrate.
US09289977B2
An apparatus includes an amplifier that employs a bias current to drive a print nozzle. A current reduction module can be employed to offset the bias current and to reduce a portion of the bias current from appearing in a subsequent stage to the amplifier in order to mitigate power in the subsequent stage.
US09289951B2
Composite moulded product comprising of at least one polyamide-reinforcement layer consisting of a polyamide matrix and reinforcement fibers, characterised in that the polyamide-reinforcement layer is porous due to the consolidation using a pressurised steam process.
US09289945B2
A system and method for welding flexible fabric is presented. A welding system for flexible fabric includes a welding machine with a roller and a user interface. The welding machine is adapted to weld a first fabric to a second fabric using a first heat. The roller on the welding machine can be used to roll at a first speed the first fabric and/and or the second fabric through the welding machine. Later, an operator of the welding machine through the user interface sends a single speed control signal to the welding machine. Response of the single speed control signal, the welding machine changes from the first heat to a second heat and also changes the speed of the roller from the first speed to a second speed.
US09289940B2
A method for creating a blow molded article includes providing a first mold portion and a second mold portion, each having an inner molding surface against which a wall of the blow molded article is blown, positioning a first cutting device moveably disposed in the first mold portion and a second cutting device moveably disposed in the second mold portion into an activated position, whereby the first and second cutting devices extend beyond the molding surface by a predetermined amount, disposing a parison of molten material between the first and second mold portions, positioning the first and second mold portions adjacent each other along a seam to enclose a mold cavity, introducing pressurized fluid into parison to expand it against the molding surface, thereby forming a final shape of the article, and displacing the first and second cutting devices to create a cut in the blow molded article.
US09289938B2
A polyethylene terephthalate container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container, including the closure, closure insert, label, label glue, and/or any other portions of the final container assembly. In addition, the catalyst and the hydrogen generator can both be located in the same component. Methods for dispersing the hydrogen generator and catalyst in the container wall without affecting clarity are provided.
US09289932B2
A heating cylinder protection cover that covers an entire circumference of a heating cylinder of an injection molding machine is configured from a plurality of protection cover members. Cutouts for cable passing section formation are provided in one or both of a pair of cover members joined to each other among the plurality of protection cover members. A cable is drawn out to the outer side of the heating cylinder protection cover through the cutouts for cable passing section formation.
US09289931B2
An ultrasonic-assisted injection molding system and method for making precisely-shaped articles. A source of ultrasonic energy is positioned to apply vibrational energy to a mold cavity connected to at least one gate in flow communication with a source of molten (co)polymer. The mold is heated to a temperature of 104-116° C., and the molten (co)polymer is injected into the mold cavity. After cooling the mold until the molten (co)polymer within the gate has solidified, ultrasonic energy is applied to the mold without remelting the solidified (co)polymer within the gate until the temperature increases to 116-122° C., thereby substantially relieving flow induced stresses. The mold is then cooled until the temperature decreases to 101-107° C., and is thereafter heated until the temperature increases to 116-122° C., thereby substantially relieving any thermally induced stresses. The mold is cooled until the molten (co)polymer has solidified, thereby forming a precision molded plastic optical element.
US09289926B2
A method of manufacturing a composite closure, including an outer closure cap and an inner sealing liner, comprises providing a closure cap having an annular skirt portion including an annular lip that defines an annular recess adjacent a top wall portion of the cap. Molten plastic is compression molded within the closure cap to form the inner sealing liner adjacent the top wall portion, with the periphery of the sealing liner positioned within the annular recess of the closure cap. A plurality of circumferentially spaced gussets are provided within the annular recess for controlling the flow of the molten plastic during liner formation, thereby facilitating the venting of air to abate formation of voids in the sealing liner.
US09289924B2
A press for producing a pellet from powdered material, comprising a press frame with an upper and a lower retaining plate, which are connected to one another by several vertical spacers and with at least one supporting element, which is disposed between the upper and the lower retaining plate, a tool guiding unit with at least one upper punch unit with at least one upper press punch and/or at least one lower punch unit with at least one lower press punch and with a die assembly with at least one holder for powdered material, which is to be pressed by the upper and/or lower press punch, wherein the tool guiding unit is disposed at the supporting element, and at least one upper drive unit for moving the upper punch unit in the vertical direction and/or at least one lower drive unit for moving the lower punch unit and or the die assembly in the vertical direction, wherein, when the press is operating, the upper drive unit and/or the lower drive unit are supported at the supporting element in such a manner, that the reaction forces, which are produced during the pressing of the powdered material in the at least one holder, are generated as action forces, are passed into the supporting element.
US09289918B2
An atmospheric storage mechanical weigh batch blend plant is shown with atmospheric storage for providing a dry, pre-blend, oilfield cement ready for mixing at the wellhead for slurry injection into a well head upon adding the proper amount of water and other fluids. The batch blend plant has three separate weighing mechanisms for (a) larger or bulk quantity materials, (b) intermediate quantities of materials, and (c) small amounts of additives to be included to the mixture. The entire weigh batch blend plant can be disassembled and moved. A pneumatic system is used to move the materials and mixture.
US09289913B2
A punching device is provided for processing samples applied to a sample card comprising at least one punching head with a punch and a lower die, the punch being movable between a resting position and a punching position. The punching head has a receiving opening into which a sample card can be introduced by a movable gripping unit, and a punching drive, which drives the movement of the punch between the resting position and the punching position. A piece of sample punched out from the sample card can be discharged at an outlet opening of the lower die into a receiving recess of a receiving container. The punching head comprises a structure separate from the punching device, wherein the structure of the punching head forms an exchangeable module that is couplable to the punching device and the punching drive.
US09289912B2
Apparatuses and methods for cutting a facestock on a liner. An anvil roller receives facestock on liner. A cutting roller, under a force, cuts facestock between the cutting roller and the anvil roller. At least one support roller supports the cutting roller and, optionally, the anvil roller, thereby distributing the force into two or more portions and/or subportions, in two or more directions. Apparatuses, methods and kits for preparing a cutting surface of a cutting roller in a facestock cutting apparatus, or for extending the usefulness of a cutting roller. An equalizer roller is provided in a position adjacent to the cutting roller. The equalizer roller has an equalizing surface having a hardness at least as hard as a hardness of the cutting surface. The cutting roller is rotated against the equalizer roller such that the cutting surface is equalized by the equalizing surface.
US09289896B2
A work station includes tool containing or supporting features as well as workbench features, such as a work surface and work back. The work station is preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In addition, the work station is preferably collapsible and securable. In one configuration, the work station has a work bench portion which can be raised or lowered relative to a base portion, wherein in the lowered position, the base portion is positioned in an interior space of the work bench portion.
US09289881B2
An abrasive article includes a carrier element, an abrasive component, and a bonding region between the abrasive component and the carrier element. The abrasive component includes abrasive particles bound in a metal matrix. The abrasive component further includes a network of interconnected pores substantially filled with an infiltrant. The infiltrant has an infiltrant composition containing at least one metal element. The bonding region includes a bonding metal having a bonding metal composition containing at least one metal element. The bonding region is a region distinct from the carrier element and is a separate phase from the carrier element. An elemental weight percent difference is the absolute value of the difference in weight content of each element contained in the bonding metal composition relative to the infiltrant composition. The elemental weight percent difference between the bonding metal composition and the infiltrant composition does not exceed 20 weight percent.
US09289876B2
The method for polishing work, in which work in a retaining opening provided in a carrier plate, the center of the retaining opening being positioned apart from the center of the carrier plate, is sandwiched between an upper plate and a lower plate provided with polishing pads; the carrier plate is rotated by a drive mechanism; and the upper plate and the lower plate are also rotated, so that the distance changes periodically with the rotation of the carrier plate, and both surfaces of the work are simultaneously polished, includes the steps of: measuring at least one of torque of the drive mechanism, the upper plate, and the lower plate; and controlling an amount of polishing removal of the work based on the fluctuation of the torque component due to the periodic change in the distance.
US09289862B2
A method for permanently repairing a fluid delivery system which may be above ground, subterranean, in and under concrete, or within a wall structure. The method comprises disconnecting the source and the discharge portions of the fluid delivery system. A resilient moldable tubing is threaded through the fluid delivery system. The first end of the tube is secured to the first end of the portion of the fluid delivery system. The second end of the tube is next secured to the second end of the portion of the fluid delivery system. The resilient tubing is then filled with heated fluid and pressurized to mold the tubing to the inside diameter of the fluid delivery system. The fluid is cooled to set the tube to the inside diameter of the fluid delivery system, and then drained before reconnecting the source and discharge portions of the fluid delivery system.
US09289860B2
A jig used for repairing a component having a tang with a hole is comprised of: a main body defining a standard line; a positioning pin detachably attached to the main body and so dimensioned as to fit in the hole to make an axial center of the hole be aligned with the standard line; and a clamp so structured as to catch hold of the tang to secure the component to the main body in a state where the axial center is aligned with the standard line.
US09289859B2
This weld metal has excellent creep characteristics and has a given chemical composition. In the weld metal, the value A defined by equation (1) is 200 or greater, and carbide particles each having an equivalent-circle diameter of 0.40 μm or more have an average equivalent-circle diameter less than 0.85 μm. In the segments that connect the centers of three or more carbide particles which are present on a 6-μm straight line and which each has an equivalent-circle diameter of 0.40 μm or more, the sum of the lengths of the portions where the segments intersect the carbide particles is 25% or more of the overall length of the segments. Value A=([V]/51+[Nb]/93)/{[V]×([Cr]/5+[Mo]/2)}×104 (1) In the equation, [V], [Nb], [Cr], and [Mo] respectively indicate the contents (mass %) of V, Nb, Cr, and Mo in the weld metal.
US09289856B2
Methods of creating various laser-defined control structures on pressure relief devices are provided that utilize a laser having a field of view that is smaller than the overall dimensions of the laser-defined structure to be milled into the pressure relief device. The methods generally involve partitioning the working surface of the device into a plurality of tiles within which a particular segment of the control structure will be milled. Upon milling of a control structure segment in one tile, the pressure relief device and/or laser is repositioned so that a control structure segment in another tile may be created.
US09289854B2
Superalloy components, such as service-degraded turbine blades and vanes, are clad by laser beam welding. The welding/cladding path, including cladding application profile, is determined by prior, preferably real time, non-contact 3D dimensional scanning of the component and comparison of the acquired dimensional scan data with specification dimensional data for the component. A welding path for cladding the scanned component to conform its dimensions to the specification dimensional data is determined. The laser welding apparatus, preferably in cooperation with a cladding filler material distribution apparatus, executes the welding path to apply the desired cladding profile. In some embodiments a post-weld non-contact 3D dimensional scan of the welded component is performed and the post-weld scan dimensional data are compared with the specification dimensional data. Preferably the welding path and/or cladding profile application are modified in a feedback loop with the pre- and/or post-welding 3D dimensional scanning.
US09289850B2
A laser machining apparatus, including: a laser light source; a transparent member that is set on an optical path of a laser beam and transmits the laser beam; a contact type temperature difference sensor, set on a surface of the transparent member outside an irradiation range of the laser beam, for detecting a temperature difference between a surface of the transparent member, which is spaced apart from a center of the transparent member by a first distance, and another surface of the transparent member, which is spaced apart from the center of the transparent member by a second distance larger than the first distance; and a controller correcting a focal position based on the temperature difference detected by the contact type temperature difference sensor to stabilize a beam diameter of the laser beam condensed onto a machining object.
US09289839B2
Method and apparatus wherein the front machining of a gear blank (40) are carried out on a CNC bevel gear generating machine (44) utilizing the motions available in such machines with minimal modifications to the existing machine tool.
US09289834B2
A cutting insert has a circular top surface, a bottom surface shaped to be identical to the top surface, a cylindrical side surface for connecting the top and bottom surfaces, and cutting edges formed between the top and side surfaces and between the bottom and side surfaces. The side surface of the cutting insert has a plurality of rotation prevention surfaces substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces in the circumferential direction of the side surface.
US09289833B2
An accessory that can be connected to a machine drill is provided. A projector is provided to project a first light spot and a second light spot to a work piece to be processed. A camera is provided to record the first light spot and the second light spot in an image. A processing device is provided to determine an incline of the machine drill in reference to the work piece, based on a first distance of the first light spot from a reference point recorded in the image and a second distance of the second light spot from the reference point recorded in the image. A display device is coupled to the processing device and displays the determined incline. The light spots may be embodied punctual or planar.
US09289827B2
This invention relates to a mould assembly for a hot isostatic pressing, HIP, process for fabricating a component, comprising: a first part which includes a shaped surface for forming a first surface of the component, the shaped surface having at least one recess; a second part arranged to move relative to the first part during the HIP process so as to compress a powder in-fill held therebetween, wherein the second part includes a formation configured to focus pressure toward the recess so as to aid consolidation of the powder in-fill at a distal end thereof.
US09289811B2
A split link (800C) includes a first half link (801), a second half link (803) and a threaded aperture (805) formed in both the first half link (801) and second half link (803) for use in joining the first half link and second half link with a fastening device (807) to form a split link assembly. The split link assembly is machined to include a head portion (811), shoulder portion (813), barrel portion (815) and base portion (817) for use in providing a highly flexible tube bending mandrel.
US09289807B2
A method is disclosed for continuously or semi-continuously producing hot steel strip which, starting from a slab guided through a slab-guiding device, is rolled in, for example, an at least four-stand roughing train to form an intermediate strip and, in a further sequence in a finish rolling train, into a final strip. The thickness of a slab cast in a die is reduced in the liquid core reduction process by means of the adjoining slab-guiding device to between 85 and 120 mm, a slab support length measured between the meniscus, i.e., the bath level, of the die and an end of the slab-guiding device facing the roughing train being at least 18.5 m, a casting speed ranging from 3.8 to 7 m/min, and slabs of different thicknesses being cast as a function of given casting speeds. Using the disclosed casting parameters, high-quality finishing may be provided with high production capacities.
US09289800B1
A combination scooper and sifter and method for sifting material includes a solid frame; a mesh screen at the bottom of the frame; a rim at the top of the frame; a rear wall that extends down from the rim to the mesh screen at a steep, first angle; a lip at the front of the frame that extends down from the front of the frame to the mesh screen at a shallow, second angle which is substantially less than the first angle at the back of the frame; a front section at a front of the rim that slopes down to a front tip of the frame; a rear section at a rear of the rim that is generally flat; and a hump-like, middle section between the front and rear sections of the rim that smoothly rises and lowers to provide a hump.
US09289799B2
A vibration exciter for construction machines, particularly for vibration pile drivers, includes at least one axle having at least two imbalance masses. At least one rotary piston pivot motor is provided, by way of which the rotational position of at least one imbalance mass, relative to the at least one other imbalance mass, can be changed. The rotary piston pivot motor has a pivot motor housing that is mounted on a pivot motor shaft so as to rotate relative to it. At least one rotary vane is disposed on the pivot motor shaft, the angle of rotation of which vane is limited by at least one stop disposed on the pivot motor housing. The maximal angle of rotation of the at least one rotary vane amounts to less than 160 degrees, preferably 150 degrees or less.
US09289795B2
Exemplary pressurization and coating systems, methods, and apparatuses are described herein. In certain embodiments, pressurization systems, methods, and apparatuses are used in conjunction with coating systems, methods, and apparatuses to control pressure about a substrate after a coating material is applied to a surface of the substrate. An exemplary system includes a die tool configured to apply a coating material to a substrate passing through the die tool and a pressurization apparatus attached to the die tool and forming a pressurization chamber. The pressurization apparatus is configured to receive the substrate from the die tool and control pressure about the substrate in the pressurization chamber. In certain embodiments, the die tool forms a coating chamber and is configured to apply the coating material on at least one surface of the substrate in the coating chamber.
US09289788B2
A fluid dispenser including a fluid reservoir containing fluid; a fluid suction chamber of variable volume including an extraction and application space that varies between a minimum volume and a maximum volume; a dip tube that connects the reservoir to the suction chamber at an orifice; a suction mechanism for sucking, during a suction stage, fluid from the reservoir into the chamber through the orifice; and an extractor and applicator member that defines, in part, the suction chamber and the suction mechanism, and further the extraction and application space; wherein the sliding of the slidable sleeve over the stationary stem does not involve any resilient driving force.
US09289785B2
A shower head contains a shower head housing with a jet disc having jet outlet openings. A water inlet leads into the shower head housing and adjoins a changeover valve that switches between three water supplies. Each water supply leads to a different group of jet outlet openings in the jet disc. An opening closed by a seal of deformable material is provided between each two groups of jet outlet openings. The seal is designed such that the opening opens when pressure is applied from one side and the opening closes when pressure is applied from the other side.
US09289775B2
A discharge grate assembly for at least partially guiding slurry from a mill shell chamber toward a discharge trunnion thereof via a pulp lifter chamber. The discharge grate assembly includes a body having apertures for permitting the slurry to flow from the mill shell chamber into the pulp lifter chamber, and a shroud having a number of cover elements and a number of openings located at least partially therebetween. The shroud is movable relative to the body between an open position, in which the openings are at least partially aligned with at least preselected ones of the apertures to permit the slurry to flow therethrough into the pulp lifter chamber, and a closed position, in which the cover elements are at least partially aligned with at least predetermined ones of the apertures, to at least partially prevent the slurry flowing through the apertures back into the mill shell chamber.
US09289773B2
In grinding of a raw material by a vertical roller mill, highly-efficient grinding is performed irrespective of the type of the raw material, and the life of the mill roller is extended. In order to achieve these, in a grinding roller used in a vertical roller mill, an outer circumferential surface of the roller as a grinding surface is divided into a main grinding surface that mainly performs pulverizing and a grinding surface other than the main grinding surface. The main grinding surface is made smooth, and the grinding surface other than the main grinding surface is a raw material transfer surface in which slit grooves inclined at 90 degrees or an angle exceeding 45 degrees relative to a roller circumferential direction or screw grooves inclined at 45 degrees or smaller relative to the roller circumferential direction are formed.
US09289770B2
This invention is for the process method of an RFID Specimen Transport puck that can be used in the process of performing overall efficient receiving of specimen identifying information, racking, transporting and tracking of specimens throughout the entire lab. This puck design process can be used on a conveyor system, contains an RFID chip, can be used to wand specimens for tracking, can be used to rack specimens, can be used to transport specimens to laboratory areas and instruments, can be used to track specimen, is made of plastics, is small, has the ability to hold various tubes sizes, that has few pieces to assemble, that is low in cost, can be held in a rack carrying tray. By having all these process features in the one puck design, this ‘puck’ can be used in high volume and can be used though out the entire laboratory.
US09289756B2
Described is a copper containing ZSM-34, OFF and/or ERI zeolitic material having a silica to alumina mole ratio ranging from about 4 to about 50 and a copper content, reported as CuO, ranging from about 1 to about 10 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the calcined zeolitic material, and having an alkali metal content, reported as the metal oxide, of less than about 0.7 wt.-%.
US09289750B2
The present invention relates to a method for making high surface area and large pore volume thermally stable silica-doped alumina (aluminum oxide) catalyst support and ceramic materials. The ability of the silica-alumina to withstand high temperatures in presence or absence of water and prevent sintering allows it to maintain good activity over a long period of time in catalytic reactions. The method of preparing such materials includes adding organic silicon reagents to an organic aluminum salt such as an alkoxide in a controlled quantity as a doping agent in a solid state, solvent deficient reaction followed by calcination. Alternatively, the organic silicon compound may be added after calcination of the alumina, followed by another calcination step. This method is inexpensive and simple. The alumina catalyst support material prepared by the subject method maintains high pore volumes, pore diameters and surface areas at very high temperatures and in the presence of steam.
US09289748B1
Disclosed are embodiments of a method of regenerating a desiccant in an off-line treater of a polyolefin production process. The method may include a heating phase followed by a cooling phase. The heating phase may involve use of a regenerating gas made from heating a treated a recycle stream of the polyolefin production process to regenerate desiccant in an off-line treater. The cooling phase may involve thermosyphoning the regenerating gas, nitrogen, an olefin-free diluent, or combinations thereof in a closed-convection loop of the off-line treater.
US09289744B2
Irradiating assemblies can have a housing with a reflector extending linearly parallel to a lamp. Radiation can be emitted from one opening, for example in a bottom portion of the housing, as well as from another opening, for example a side opening in the housing. Irradiating assemblies can also have first and second reflector portions at angles with respect to each other wherein radiation is reflected out of a housing that does not have an end reflector. Irradiating assemblies can be configured to have cooling flow openings in side walls so that cooling fluid such as air can flow between the side walls and adjacent surfaces of a reflector. Irradiating assemblies can incorporate lamps having first and second electrodes wherein the first and second electrodes are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. Methods of irradiating material may include irradiating a surface with emissions from a first portion of an assembly and irradiating a surface with emissions from a second portion of an assembly different from the first portion.
US09289742B2
The invention provides a method of producing a protein multimer-nucleic acid complex comprising a protein multimer and any one target component of the protein multimer. A nucleic acid encoding the target component is subjected to in vitro translation to provide a translation product containing a target component-nucleic acid complex of the target component and the nucleic acid encoding the target component. A nucleic acid encoding a non-target component constituting the protein multimer together with the target component is translated into the non-target component by adding the nucleic acid encoding the non-target component to the previously provided translation product to provide the non-target component. The non-target component then is associated with the target component contained in the target component-nucleic acid complex to form a protein multimer, thus affording the protein multimer-nucleic acid complex of the protein multimer and the nucleic acid encoding the target component.
US09289740B2
A reformer tube processing and filling system is provided for ensuring uniformity of reformer tube flow rates and reactivity. The disclosed invention provides a system for detecting and removing tube obstructions, as well as an automated process for verifying the flow rate for each tube and identifying tubes with abnormal flow rates to remove a source of human error and conserve labor costs. An automated tube filling system provides a calibrated fill mechanism coordinated with a calibrated loading rope withdrawal mechanism to ensure loading consistency. A lack of vibrating parts ensures a low dust count, and what little dust is present is removed via a built-in vacuum outlet in the loader.
US09289720B2
A system for treating mercury in flue gas is provided. The system includes a mercury adsorbent supply device to adsorb the mercury with the mercury adsorbent; a precipitator to collect the mercury adsorbent with adsorbed mercury and soot in the flue gas; a mercury adsorption assistant supply device to remove mercury remaining in the flue gas; and a desulfurization device to remove sulfur oxide (SOx) in the flue gas.
US09289717B2
An air drying system for OBOGS is provided. The system comprises a bypass valve having an opened state and a closed state. The bypass valve is in fluid communication with an air inlet providing pressurized air. A dryer unit is configured to produce dried air when the bypass valve is in the closed state. An OBOGS unit produces oxygen enriched air while a purge valve has an opened state and a closed state. When the bypass valve is its closed state, the purge valve is in its opened state thereby directing a portion of the dried air to the oxygen generating system unit and a portion of the dried air to the dryer unit. When the bypass valve is its open state the pressurized air passes directly to the OBOGS unit.
US09289713B2
The present invention provides a filter medium causing a low pressure drop. The present invention is a filter medium including a porous fluororesin membrane and an air-permeable support member laminated on at least one surface of the porous fluororesin membrane. In this filter medium, the air-permeable support member is a blended nonwoven fabric containing: core-sheath fibers (A) having a polyester core and a polyolefin sheath; polyester fibers (B); and core-sheath fibers (C) having a polyester core and a copolymerized polyester sheath.
US09289712B2
Air cleaner assemblies and components therefor are described. An example first or main filter cartridge is described which includes a media pack comprising strips of fluted material secured to facing sheets, oriented in a stack. The media pack defines opposite inlet and outlet flow faces, with flutes extending in a direction therebetween. The media pack is non-removably secured within a filter cartridge housing, at a location between opposite sections of a shell, typically secured thereto with an adhesive. The shell also defines a closed end, spaced from, but in overlap with, the outlet end face of the media pack. The closed end is typically curved and the shell typically provides either a d/b-shape or a u-shape. The filter includes an end member, with a outlet flow aperture arrangement therein, allowing for outlet flow from the filter cartridge in a general direction orthogonal to air flow through the media pack. The air cleaner assembly includes a housing having features for receipt of, and engagement by, the filter cartridge. An optional secondary filter cartridge is provided, mountable on the housing in an orientation projecting into a clean air volume in the main filter cartridge.
US09289699B2
The current invention is directed to a chromatography column separator which separates the chromatography column in an upper chromatography column chamber and a lower chromatography column chamber, and which has a variable position within the chromatography column, and which is embedded by the chromatography material. The separator allows the replacement of the chromatography material in the upper chromatography column chamber without the need to replace the chromatography column material in the lower chromatography column chamber and it allows also the combination of two different chromatography materials with different chromatographical functional groups in one chromatography column.
US09289698B2
The invention relates to a process and apparatus of extraction with the use of vacuum and can be used to extract the bioactive agents from raw materials. The method of extraction of materials, includes the heating the extractant, the preliminary extraction of raw materials with the heated rollers by means of extractant, the impregnation of raw material with extractant and extraction of raw materials in vacuum-impulsive mode by cycles, which include the heating with hot coolant gas not exceeding 39° C. and a creation of vacuum in the chamber in the regime of quick vacuum-impulsive exposure with stepwise multiple pressure drop from the atmospheric pressure to the pressure not more 0.0001 MPa, followed by keeping under vacuum to stabilize the temperature of the mixture and the vacuum relief at the end of the cycle. The distilled water, or organic solvents or mixtures thereof are used as the extractants.
US09289692B2
Systems and methods for using an interactive television program guide application to access fantasy sports contests are presented. In some embodiments of the present invention, the interactive television program guide application may display information indicating to a user that one or more programs is related to a fantasy sports contest. In some embodiments of the present invention, the application may provide to the user a schedule of programs related to one or more fantasy sports contests in which the user participates. The application may provide additional features to fantasy sports contestants including automatic recording of programs related to a user's fantasy sports contest, playback of highlight video clips for events that affect a user's fantasy sports contest standing, and targeted advertisements for fantasy sports contests.
US09289691B2
A video game includes a peripheral device that senses the presence and identity of toy objects near or on the peripheral. Each of the toy objects includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. Each of the toys is also associated with a corresponding game character or object. The peripheral device provides lighting effects based on characteristics of the game character or aspects of the game play sequence thereby enhancing the user's gameplay experience.
US09289678B2
Systems and methods for associating a wireless device to a host. The wireless device is associated to the host via a binding and discovery process. The binding process establishes the association. A unique identifier and other binding information is provided to the wireless device, which is stored in the wireless device to establish the link to the console. The binding information is retained in the wireless device. The discovery process enables the wireless device to join a session at hosted by the host. The host sends broadcast packets that are compared to the stored information in the wireless device. The broadcast packets are validated and authenticated to complete the discovery process. A visual indicator on the host and/or controller may indicate the success or failure of either the binding or discovery process.
US09289677B2
A playing card delivery shoe used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack. The shoe may comprise: an area for receiving a first set of playing cards useful in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack; a first card mover that moves playing cards from the first set of playing cards to a playing card staging area wherein at least one playing card is staged in an order by which playing cards are removed from the first set of playing cards and moved to the playing card staging area; a second playing card mover that moves playing cards from the playing card staging area to a delivery area wherein playing cards removed from the staging area to the delivery shoe are moved in the same order by which playing cards were removed from the first set of playing cards and moved to the playing card staging area; and playing card-reading sensors that read at least one playing card value of each playing card separately after each playing card has been removed from the area for receiving the first set of playing cards and before removal from the playing card delivery area. There is a communication link between the playing card-reading sensors and a processor, and the processor analyzes the data and displays certain game-related data on a display device.
US09289669B2
A method for measuring a physical quantity of an object by using a single light source and a planar sensor unit, and a virtual golf system using the same are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for measuring a physical quantity of an object by using a single light source and a planar sensor unit, the method comprising: detecting, by the planar sensor unit, a shadow of the object generated by light emitted from the single light source, wherein the planar sensor unit is disposed on a bottom surface opposed to the single light source; and measuring a physical quantity of the object based on information regarding the shadow.
US09289663B1
A ball recovery and release system is configured to return a ball that is shot at a basketball structure. The ball recovery and release system includes a swing arm, rotationally connected to the basketball structure and configured to rotate from a back to a front of the basketball structure. A recovery rim is connected to the swing arm and further attached to a chute configured to direct the ball shot at the basketball structure. A plurality of net frame pole pivot brackets is attached to the recovery rim. A plurality of net frame poles is attached to a net frame pole pivot bracket. A recovery net is connected to all of the net frame poles. The ball is shot at the basketball structure and travels through the recovery net and down the chute.
US09289661B2
A golf club head has a body defining a ball striking face. The body further has a first leg extending away from the ball striking face and a second leg extending away from the ball striking face wherein a void is defined between the first leg and the second leg. The body further defines a cover that extends over the void. The golf club head may further have support structures and adjustable weight members.
US09289657B1
A football with a free moving weight. Implementations may include an outer cover, a bladder within the outer cover, and a free weight within the bladder.
US09289655B2
The present invention is directed to a golf ball and, more particularly, a golf ball core having a curable core composition comprising a dithiane compound, a rubber based compound comprising cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, a crosslinking agent comprising a metallic salt of unsaturated carboxylic acid in an amount between 10 to 50 parts per hundred of rubber (pphr), a peroxide initiator, one or more filler materials, and optionally an organ sulfur compound, are used to provide soft and resilient cores.
US09289643B2
The present application includes various embodiments of apparatuses, systems, kits, and methods for physical exercise of a user. Some embodiments, for example, include an apparatus comprising: a strap having a first end, a second end, a length between the first end and the second end, the strap having an elastic portion between and spaced apart from the first end and the second end; a first handle configured to be coupled to the strap on a first side of the elastic portion such that the first handle is spaced apart from the elastic portion; a second handle configured to be coupled to the strap on a second side of the elastic portion such that the second handle is spaced apart from the elastic portion; and one or more suspension members configured to be coupled (i) to the strap at a first point between the elastic portion and the first handle, and at a second point between the elastic portion and the second handle, and (ii) to be coupled to a supporting structure.
US09289642B2
An exerciser machine including a base frame, a pole frame and a swivel frame is described. The base frame can have longitudinally a head section and a rear section pivotally coupled with the head section. The pole frame can have one or more extendable poles extending longitudinally between a far end and a near end of the pole frame. A cross bar can be detachably affixed between the extendable poles. The pole frame may be pivotally attached to the base frame. The swivel frame can have one or more side bars having longitudinally a handle end and a pole end. A handle bar may be detachably fixed between the side bars at the handle end. The swivel frame may be rotably attached to the extendable poles to allow rotary movements of the swivel frame in between the extendable poles.
US09289641B2
The invention provides an antigravity muscle exerciser comprising a garment which when worn by a user is close-fitting and covers at least the torso of said user. The garment comprises separate top and bottom portions or is a one-piece article, and has incorporated therein first portions of flexible material on each side of the torso which extend from the pelvis to beyond a respective shoulder where the portions are contiguous with a second portion of flexible material which extends across the top of the head of the user in a coronal plane. The portions of flexible material in combination have a length and elasticity which creates axial compression between the top of the head and the pelvis. The invention also provides a method of utilizing the garment exercising deep posture and anti-gravity muscles.
US09289639B1
A resistance training apparatus includes a resistance member, and a handle assembly arranged to reciprocate between proximal and distal positions against the resistance of the resistance member. The handle assembly includes a yoke. The yoke includes a first arm and an opposed second arm. The first arm has a first inner end and an opposed first outer end, and the second arm has a second inner end an opposed second outer end. A first handle is carried by the first end of the first arm, a second handle is carried by the second end of the second arm, and a third handle is connected between the first and second arms. The third handle extends between the first and second arms and is located between, on the one hand, the first and second handles and, on the other hand, the first and second inner ends of the first and second arms.
US09289637B2
A trampoline with a frame has a rebounding mat that is tensioned to the frame with a plurality of flexible and cordlike linear elastic members. Preferably each cordlike elastic member is connected to the frame and the rebounding mat at one of two alternative positions to alter the tension. The alternative positions permit a tensioning process that extends the lifetime of elastic cords having a fabric sheath. This independent tension of each elastic member is via connector member that grips the rebounding mat but also grasps opposing the ends of the elastic members as well as central portion thereof so that two segment of the cord between each end and the central portion are preferably wrapped around the trampoline frame.
US09289636B2
A fire-extinguishing composition has a water-thickening agent and a foaming agent. The fire-extinguishing composition contains less than 10 vol % water. The ratio of water-thickening agent to foaming agent is from 99:1 to 1:99 volume ratio. The composition is in the form of a powder or flake. A method of extinguishing a fire is by applying a mixture of a fire-extinguishing composition and water to a fire, the fire-extinguishing composition having a water-thickening agent and a foaming agent.
US09289631B2
Personal care compositions comprising a polymer-bound UV absorber are described that provide enhanced properties, including customizable UV spectrum protection, broad-spectrum UV spectrum protection, water resistance, and labile UV stabilization. The polymer comprises anhydride functionality, such as maleic anhydride or a derivative thereof, and the UV absorber contains at least one hydroxyl, primary amine, or secondary amine group.The personal care compositions may be used to treat and/or protect against burns, cancers, erythema, lentigo (“liver spots”), keratotic lesions, wrinkles, and cellular changes of the skin; and/or color changes, embrittlement, lack of luster, tangles, split ends, and/or unmanageability of the hair.
US09289629B2
An ultrasonic probe transmits vibration along longitudinal axis from the proximal toward the distal end, including: first area including proximal and distal end portions, a center axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, the first area having a vibration antinode position at the distal end, wherein maximum distance from the center axis to an outer peripheral surface in radial direction orthogonal to the center axis is a first distance; a treatment section located on a distal end side's barycenter position displaced from the center axis; a second area located between the first area and treatment section continuous with the distal end of the first area and gravity center axis parallel to the center axis to pass through the barycenter, wherein maximum distance from the center axis to the outer surface in the radial direction orthogonal to the center axis is a second distance equal to or shorter than the first distance.
US09289627B2
Methods are provided for permitting manipulation of an achievable dose distribution estimate deliverable by a radiation delivery apparatus for proposed treatment of a subject. One such method comprises: determining a dose modification voxel for which it is desired to modify the dose value and a corresponding magnitude of desired dose modification; for each of a plurality of beams: (i) characterizing the beam as a two-dimensional array of beamlets, wherein each beamlet is associated with a corresponding intensity value and a ray line representing the projection of the beamlet into space; and (ii) identifying one or more dose-change beamlets which have associated ray lines that intersect the dose modification voxel; modifying the intensity values of at least one of the dose-change beamlets; and updating the achievable dose distribution estimate to account for the modified intensity values of the at least one of the dose-change beamlets.
US09289618B1
A method of modifying the force of contraction of at least a portion of a heart chamber, including providing a subject having a heart, comprising at least a portion having an activation, and applying a non-excitatory electric field having a given duration, at a delay after the activation, to the portion, which causes the force of contraction to be increased by at least 5%.
US09289615B2
A modular header and method of fabricating same for making electrical connection between an array of feed-through pins extending through a wall of a hermetically sealed enclosure of an implantable medical device and lead connect or receptacles within the header in which the header is fabricated using a pre-formed molded header module, together with a set or harness of interconnected flexible conductors incorporated and sealed by an overlayer of medical grade polymer material. The assembled modular header is capable of complete pre-testing prior to assembly onto an implantable medical device.
US09289610B2
A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration.
US09289608B2
Embodiments relate to a device for controlling delivery of stimulation signals, comprising: a stimulation delivery circuit; a monitoring component to monitor voltage supplied in at least one current-driven charge pulse via the stimulation delivery circuit; and a stimulation control component to control voltage supplied in at least one subsequent charge pulse based on the charge of the at least one charge pulse delivered by the stimulation delivery circuit. The device may further comprise a model generation component to generate an impedance model of stimulation electrodes in the stimulation delivery circuit, wherein the stimulation control component is configured to control the stimulation delivery circuit to deliver charge according to the impedance model.
US09289606B2
Catheter systems include direction-sensitive, multi-polar tip electrode assemblies for electroporation-mediated therapy, electroporation-induced primary necrosis therapy and electric field-induced apoptosis therapy, including configurations for producing narrow, linear lesions as well as distributed, wide area lesions. A monitoring system for electroporation therapy includes a mechanism for delivering electrochromic dyes to a tissue site as well as a fiber optic arrangement to optically monitor the progress of the therapy as well as to confirm success post-therapy. A fiber optic temperature sensing electrode catheter includes a tip electrode having a cavity whose inner surface is impregnated or coated with thermochromic/thermotropic material that changes color with changes in temperature. An optic fiber/detector arrangement monitors the thermochromic or thermotropic materials, acquiring a light signal and generating an output signal indicative of the spectrum of the light signal. An analyzer determines an electrode temperature based on the detector output and predetermined spectrum versus temperature calibration data.
US09289596B2
A method of making a stimulation lead includes disposing a pre-electrode along a distal end portion of a lead body. The pre-electrode includes a body having a central hub and stimulation members individually coupled to the central hub and extending radially-outward therefrom such that each of the stimulation members is electrically-coupled to each of the remaining stimulation members solely via the central hub. Conductors extending from terminals disposed along a proximal end portion of the lead body are electrically-coupled to each of the stimulation members. Electrically-nonconductive material is disposed around longitudinal surfaces of the central hub with the electrically-nonconductive material abutting inner surfaces of the stimulation members. The central hub is removed from the pre-electrode body to electrically isolate each of the stimulation members from one another, thereby transforming the stimulation members into electrically-isolated segmented electrodes disposed along the electrically-nonconductive material.
US09289590B2
A peelable lid system includes a peelable lid, a seal configured to seal the peelable lid to a container, a handle coupled to the peelable lid, and a lifting mechanism coupled to handle. The lifting mechanism can be coupled to the peelable lid at a plurality of attachment points, including at least one attachment point coupled to the peelable lid away from the handle. The lifting mechanism can be configured to lift at least one portion of the peelable lid near each of the plurality of attachment points.
US09289585B2
A compressed article of hygiene is formed by a compressed cloth that has been compressed by dehydration or vacuum pressure into a coin shape and that is expandable upon contact with a liquid, and a plurality of microencapsulated beads containing a material. The microencapsulated beads are attached and embedded in the compressed cloth. Upon contact with water, expansion of the compressed cloth is unconstrained, and the compressed cloth when expanded has a shape of a facial mask with openings for eye, nose and mouth. The material is a facial treatment material that hardens upon drying.
US09289580B2
Methods and devices for treating obesity are provided, and more particularly, methods and devices for performing gastric bypasses are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment a gastric bypass procedure is provided that includes forming a gastro-entero anastomosis between a stomach and an intestine and forming an entero-entero anastomosis between a portion of the intestine distal to the gastro-entero anastomosis and a portion of the intestine proximal to the gastro-entero anastomosis. A surrogate path is formed between the esophagus and the gastro-entero anastomosis to at least partially direct fluid from the esophagus to the intestine by way of the gastro-entero anastomosis, thereby bypassing the stomach. A variety of devices that are particularly useful in gastric bypass procedures are also disclosed. The devices include anastomotic devices that can be coupled to or integrally formed with a shunt. The devices can include a plurality of tubular bodies that are configured to have an adjustable length. Still further, methods for repairing an abdominal aortic aneurysm and leaking heart valve are also disclosed.
US09289579B2
The invention relates to a needle guard for use in a medical device, in particular for use in a catheter device, including a base portion having a needle passage extending in an axial direction from a proximal side of said base portion through said base portion to a distal side of said base portion wherein a needle shaft having a principle outer profile can be movably arranged in said needle passage; first and second arms extending substantially in said axial direction from said distal side of said base portion, wherein said first arm has a distal region and a proximal region; and a distal wall transversely arranged at said distal region of said first arm. The invention further relates to a catheter apparatus including such a needle guard and a needle.
US09289568B2
A venturi connector includes a housing having a mixing chamber defined therein and at least one window that is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and is open to atmosphere to allow air to be entrained into the mixing chamber. The connector includes a nozzle actuator member includes a body having a plurality of discrete nozzles formed therein. The nozzles are defined by different sized venturi orifices through which gas flows, thereby allowing the concentration of the gas delivered to the patient to be varied. The nozzle actuator member is disposed within one window formed in the housing between the gas port and the mixing chamber such that the position of the nozzle actuator member within the housing can be adjusted so as to position one of the discrete nozzles into the gas flow path, thereby controlling the flow rate of the gas into the mixing chamber and ultimately the concentration of gas delivered to the patient.
US09289566B2
Described is a system including an air pressure supply arrangement, a sensor and a titration device. The air pressure supply arrangement provides air pressure to a patient's airways. The sensor detects input data corresponding to a patient's breathing patterns of a plurality of breaths. The titration device receives and analyzes the input data to determine existence of breathing disorder and corresponding characteristics. The titration device generates output data for adjusting the air pressure supplied to the patient as a function of an index of abnormal respiratory events included in the input data.
US09289561B2
A dosing mechanism for use with an injection device to adjust a dose to be discharged from the injection device, the dosing mechanism including an adjusting element which can be moved relative to the dosing mechanism and including a coupling element for being releaseably coupled to a threaded bar associated with the injection device such that the adjusting element can be moved relative to the bar in one direction while a relative movement in the opposite direction is prevented, the dosing mechanism further including a retaining element with an engaging element for preventing the bar from being rotated in at least one direction, and a releasing element for uncoupling the adjusting element and bar.
US09289560B2
A drive assembly for a drug delivery device, comprising a housing with a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal axis (A) extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a rotation sleeve being rotatable relative to the housing, and a piston rod being axially moveable relative to the housing. The piston rod is in mechanical cooperation with the rotation sleeve to be rotatable and moveable in the distal direction relative to the housing when the rotation sleeve rotates in a first direction (D1) and to be stationary in axial direction relative to the housing when the rotation sleeve rotates in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1).
US09289551B2
This pharmaceutical injection device comprises a main body case; a pharmaceutical syringe mounting portion provided inside the main body case; a piston that is provided so as to be movable with respect to a pharmaceutical syringe that is removably attached to the pharmaceutical syringe mounting portion; a drive mechanism for driving the piston; a controller that is electrically connected to the drive mechanism; and an acceleration sensor that is connected to the controller. When a manual mixing mode of the pharmaceutical syringe is selected, the controller changes to the next step (air venting mode) if the inclination angle of the main body case sensed by the acceleration sensor is greater than a specific value.
US09289545B2
A control system (23) is arranged to control the operation of an apparatus (200) for extracorporeal blood treatment. The apparatus (200) comprises an extracorporeal blood circuit (20) and a connection system (C) for connecting the blood circuit (20) to the vascular system of a patient. The blood circuit (20) comprises a blood processing device (6), and at least one pumping device (3). The control system is operable to switch between a pre-treatment mode and a blood treatment mode. The blood treatment mode involves operating the blood circuit (20) to pump blood from the vascular system via the connection system (C) through the blood processing device (6) and back to the vascular system via the connection system (C). The control system (23) is operable to obtain measurement data from at least one energy transfer sensor (40) arranged to sense a transfer of energy between the patient and the connection system (C) or between the patient and the blood circuit (20). The control system (23) is configured to, in the pre-treatment mode, process the measurement data for identification of a characteristic change indicating a connection of the blood circuit (20) to the vascular system of the patient, and, upon such identification, take dedicated action. The action may involve activating at least part of a patient protection system and/or enabling entry into the blood treatment mode. The control system may be included in an apparatus (200) for blood treatment, such as a dialysis machine.
US09289537B2
The invention relates to a coated medical device for rapid delivery of a therapeutic agent to a tissue in seconds to minutes. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent, at least one of an oil, a fatty acid, and a lipid, and an additive. In certain embodiments, the additive has a hydrophilic part and a drug affinity part, wherein the drug affinity part is at least one of a hydrophobic part, a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by hydrogen bonding, a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by charge, and a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by van der Waals interactions. In embodiments, the additive is at least one of a surfactant and a chemical compound. In further embodiments, the chemical compound is water-soluble.
US09289530B2
A scent producing apparatus, the apparatus constituted of: a single atomizer; a control circuitry; and a plurality of scent reservoirs each with a respective controllable release mechanism arranged to release a controlled quantity of the contents of the scent reservoir to the atomizer responsive to the control circuitry. Optionally, at least one solvent reservoir with a respective controllable release mechanism is further provided and arranged to release a controlled quantity of the contents of the at least one solvent reservoir to the single atomizer responsive to the control circuitry. Optionally, a neutralizing agent is provided thus enabling scent production with a pre-determined persistence.
US09289527B1
An ultraviolet radiation system to decontaminate small objects such as TV remote controls, hospital bed controls, cell phones, computer tablets and the like which are present in a hospital or other health care facility. The system includes a plurality of UVC lamps arranged in a table top sized housing and having a UVC transmissive shelf in the housing for support of objects to be decontaminated. The system has a microprocessor based controller and can kill Clostridium difficile and other pathogens to thereby decontaminate items in 30 seconds or less.
US09289525B1
A time release biocide dispensing device for controllably dispensing biocide into a condensation line of an air conditioner at predetermined concentrations and volumes over a duration. The device utilizes principles of pressure equilibrium and material resistance to dispense a regulated and steady flow of the biocide into the line. The device utilizes a controller, a pump, a container, a fluid tube, and a coupling member. The device is configured to easily attach to the line and facilitate setting of the controller, such that minimal tools and expertise are needed for operation. A container attaches to the line and holds a biocide and a volume having a vacuum. A pump forces a fluid into the vacuum to disturb the equilibrium, and thus partially force the biocide into the line. A resistance member restricts the flow to drops to further regulate the flow of the biocide into the line.
US09289524B1
The present invention relates to a device for reducing the total number of pathogens of one or more pathogen living in turf. This invention provides a number of devices to safely deliver the UV light to plants. In one embodiment, the device is made of a plurality of UV emitting devices imbedded in a face of a stationary bed knife blade. The plurality of UV emitting devices forming an arc of substantially continuous UV coverage. This modified bed-knife can be incorporated into a lawn mower to provide UV radiation, while at the same time cutting the turf.
US09289521B2
Provided is an apparatus for sterilizing containers with a conveying device, which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path. A first sterilization device acts upon at least one area of the containers with radiation in order to sterilize them. A checking device is arranged downstream with respect to the first sterilization device along the conveying path in order to check the sterilization procedure. The checking device is used for analyzing at least one medium occurring in the region of the containers.
US09289517B2
The present invention relates to a formulation of indocyanine green in the form of a nanoemulsion, comprising a continuous aqueous phase and at least one dispersed oily phase, in which the oily phase comprises indocyanine green, at least one amphiphilic lipid and at least one solubilizing lipid.It relates also to a process for the preparation and to the use of the formulation.
US09289515B2
Multivalent fluorescent probes and methods of using these multivalent fluorescent probes for in vitro and in vivo imaging are described.
US09289513B2
Provided are proteins and polynucleotides, complexes and compositions containing the proteins, and methods for their use in administration to subjects and for disease treatment. Among the provided proteins and complexes are complexes containing a TGF-beta associated with immunoglobulins (such as IgGs) or functional portions thereof including Fc portions, such as by non-covalent bonds. The complexes and compositions can be used for administration to subjects, such as for treating a subject with a musculoskeletal disease such as osteoarthritis and/or degenerative joint disease. The complexes and compositions can be used in different mammals, including dogs, horses, and humans.
US09289503B2
The invention relates to Fatty Acid Fumarate Derivatives; compositions comprising an effective amount of a Fatty Acid Fumarate Derivative; and methods for treating or preventing cancer, a metabolic disorder or neurodegenerative disorder comprising the administration of an effective amount of a Fatty Acid Fumarate Derivative.
US09289501B2
The present invention provides carbonate prodrugs which comprise a carbonic phosphoric anhydride prodrug moiety attached to the hydroxyl or carboxyl group of a parent drug moiety. The prodrugs may provide improved physicochemical properties over the parent drug. Also provided are methods of treating a disease or condition that is responsive to the parent drug using the carbonate prodrugs, as well as kits and unit dosages.
US09289499B2
A continuous process for the preparation of gelatin based nanoparticles in a reactor having a process channel having a mixing element therein, the process having the following steps: A) feeding separately an aqueous gelatin solution at a first rate and a water-miscible organic solvent at a second rate to the process channel of the reactor to be mixed therein, to form a suspension of non-crosslinked gelatin based nanoparticles and B) crosslinking the non-crosslinked gelatin based nanoparticles, wherein the sum of the first rate and the second rate is chosen such that the reactor has a mixing efficiency as determined by the Villermaux/Dushman method of between 0.1 and 1.5 and the period from the time point at which the aqueous gelatin solution is fed to the reactor to the time point at which the mixture of the aqueous gelatin solution and the organic solvent contacts the mixing element is at most 15 seconds.
US09289487B2
Disclosed is an antigen presentation enhancing hybrid polypeptide which includes three elements. The first element is an N-terminal element consisting essentially of 4-16 residues of the mammalian li-Key peptide LRMKLPKPPKPVSKMR (SEQ ID NO: 1) and non-N-terminal deletion modifications thereof that retain antigen presentation enhancing activity. The second element is a chemical structure covalently linking the N-terminal element described above to the MHC Class II-presented epitope described below. The chemical structure is a covalently joined group of atoms which when arranged in a linear fashion forms a flexible chain which extends up to the length of 20 amino acids likewise arranged in a linear fashion, the chemical structure being selected from the group consisting of: i) immunologically neutral chemical structures, ii) a MHC Class I epitope or a portion thereof, and/or iii) an antibody-recognized determinant or a portion thereof. Finally, the enhancing antigen presentation enhancing hybrid polypeptide includes a C-terminal element comprising an antigenic epitope in the form of a polypeptide or peptidomimetic structure which binds to the antigenic peptide binding site of an MHC class II molecule.
US09289481B2
The present invention features incapacitated whole-cell bacterial immunogenic compositions and methods of their production, which compositions are useful to deliver antigens in a manner resembling the live infectious organism in terms of elicitation of a robust immune response, but with reduced risk or no risk of disease. The compositions of the invention are produced by rendering a bacterium bacteriostatic through expression of a recombinant promoter in the bacterial cell, which promoter can be operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a recombinant gene product. In one embodiment, where the bacterium is a gram negative host, the recombinant gene product provides for reduced toxicity of LPS. In one embodiment, the gene product is a bacteriophage protein, such as endolysin, holin, or ndd.
US09289479B2
The invention provides relatively short immunogenic peptides derived from CD19 and CD20 antigens, and biologically active variants thereof, which elicit an immune response. Nucleic acids encoding the immunogenic peptides and antibodies specific for the peptides are also provided. The immunogenic peptides can be included in pharmaceutical compositions, such as cancer vaccines, and used for the treatment of cancer.
US09289477B2
Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions, and related methods, comprising MHC Class I-restricted and/or MHC Class II-restricted epitopes associated with undesired CD8+ T cell responses and immunosuppressants that provide tolerogenic immune responses against antigens that comprise the epitopes.
US09289475B2
This invention relates, e.g., to a method for treating a subject having a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an inhibitor of the expression of and/or the activity of VEGF-A and/or VEGFR1 and/or VEGFR2 and/or NP1, or a combination thereof. Also described are screening assays for agents for treating a subject having a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder, and kits for performing one of the methods of the invention.
US09289474B2
There is provided in accordance with embodiments of the invention a method of treating or reducing the effects in a subject of a condition selected from fructose intolerance and impaired fructose metabolism, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment or reduction an efficacious amount of a glucose isomerase, other than in combination with 5-D-fructose dehydrogenase. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US09289473B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for treating celiac sprue.
US09289472B2
The present invention concerns a method for modulating the enzymatic activity of an enzyme, wherein said enzyme interacts with BMP, said method comprising the step of administering or inducing Hsp70, or a functional fragment or variant thereof, in a form suitable for allowing interaction between BMP and Hsp70, or said functional fragment or variant thereof, and thereby modulating the enzymatic activity of an enzyme interacting with BMP.
US09289463B2
The present invention relates to a medical composition for treatment, palliative care or prevention of cancer, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma. Specifically, the invention relates to a medical composition for treatment, palliative care or prevention of medullary thyroid carcinoma, which comprises liposomes modified with octreotide.
US09289443B2
A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating hepatitis C is provided, including oleanolic acid derivatives as an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method for preventing or treating hepatitis C in a subject in need thereof is also provided by administering the subject the pharmaceutical composition given above.
US09289439B2
A method of reducing hepatocellular damage in a subject using a water-soluble cocrystal composition which contains a quantity of acetylsalicylic acid and a quantity of a theanine enantiomer.
US09289429B2
Compounds having activity as phosphate transport inhibitors, more specifically, inhibitors of intestinal apical membrane Na/phosphate co-transport, are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein X, Y and A are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US09289423B2
Methods of treating patients with dyskinesias, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a dual-action mu-opioid receptor antagonist/kappa-opioid receptor agonist or prodrug thereof to a subject in need thereof, sufficient to mitigate the dyskinesia. Alternatively, a combination of both a mu-opioid receptor antagonist or prodrug thereof, and a kappa-opioid receptor agonist or prodrug thereof can be administered, either together or separately.
US09289422B2
A method includes holding in a memory of a receiver, for each temperature in a range of temperatures, a respective first parameter indicative of a frequency error of a crystal oscillator in the receiver at the temperature, and a respective second parameter indicative of an uncertainty of the first parameter. An operating temperature of the crystal oscillator is measured. One or more frequencies, for initial acquisition of signals from a transmitter, are selected based on the first and second parameters corresponding to the measured operating temperature. The receiver is tuned to receive the signals from the transmitter on at least one of the selected frequencies.
US09289418B2
The invention described herein provides for methods and systems for determining, selecting, and/or treating diseases and conditions caused by or associated with high quantities of methanogens in a subject, or diseases and conditions caused by or associated with low quantities of methanogens in a subject. In various embodiments, a therapy to inhibit the growth of methanogens or to promote the growth of methanogens are selected and/or administered to a subject in need thereof.
US09289409B2
Effective treatments of pain and/or inflammation for extended periods of time are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of sulindac or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof at or near a target site, one can relieve pain and/or inflammation caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to spinal disc herniation (i.e. sciatica), spondilothesis, stenosis, discongenic back pain and joint pain, as well as pain that is incidental to surgery. When appropriate formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, this relief can be continued for at least three days, at least twenty-five days. In some embodiments, the relief can be for at least fifty days, at least one hundred days, at least one hundred and thirty-five days or at least one hundred and eighty days.
US09289401B2
A process for improving the health of a subject, the process comprising orally administering a composition comprising hydroxytyrosol to the subject to provide the subject with a daily dose of about 0.1 to about 750 .mu.g hydroxytyrosol per kg of body weight, and a dietary supplement in dosage unit form for oral administration, the dosage unit form comprising a composition containing about 1 microgram to about 50 milligrams hydroxytyrosol or an ester or salt thereof.
US09289400B2
The present invention provides a method of inhibiting, suppressing or preventing levodopa-induced dyskinesia in a patient suffering from Parkinson's Disease, comprising the step of administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of the invention. The present invention further provides a method of inhibiting, suppressing or preventing Parkinson's Disease in a patient, comprising the step of administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of the invention.
US09289394B2
Therapeutic compositions and methods for treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include dosage forms that deliver a therapeutic amount of active drug in a delayed and controlled release formulation. The dosage form can be administered at night and drug release is delayed for from 5 to 8 hours or longer, followed by a prolonged release.
US09289387B2
The present invention is directed to sublingual formulations containing fentanyl, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or derivative thereof, suitable for administration to a patient, and methods for treatment with the formulations.
US09289383B2
Provided herein is a method of reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in humans using N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), CPA derivatives or prodrugs or enhanced cornea permeability formulations of CPA. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to CPA derivatives or prodrugs that are permeable to the cornea. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to uses of certain compounds in human subjects for reducing and/or controlling elevated or abnormally fluctuating IOPs in the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT).
US09289377B2
A therapeutic device and therapeutic method for delivering electrical energy or medicament to a body tissue or organ utilizing ultrasonic vibration to cause a device implanted in the body tissue or organ to be treated to discharge an electrical current or medicament to the target area.
US09289375B2
Described herein are various natural ingredients for skin-related applications. Individual compounds provide beneficial effects for improved collagen production, fibroblast proliferation, antioxidant protection and free radical inhibition. Combinations of these individual compounds exhibit synergistic effects, leading to dramatic improvements in skin moisture levels, wrinkle reduction, and elasticity. Various examples of combined ingredients are provided, which can be applied in methods related to conditioning the skin, and in cosmetic formulations for improved aesthetic appearance.
US09289372B2
A cosmetic has a polymer (A) having a content of an oxyalkylene unit and/or a glycerin unit of 0.5% by mass or more and under 5.0% by mass; and a polymer (B) having a content of an oxyethylene unit and/or a glycerin unit of 5.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less, the polymer (A) and the polymer (B) being a crosslinking organopolysiloxane polymer obtained by reacting organohydrogen polysiloxane having two or more hydrogen atoms bonded to a silicon atom in one molecule and polyoxyalkylene and/or polyglycerin having two or more aliphatic unsaturated bonds in one molecule, wherein the mass ratio of the polymer (A) to the polymer (B) is 5:95 to 60:40.
US09289356B2
A beverage container is provided for separately storing a liquid apart form an additive until mixing. The beverage container has a vessel for retaining the liquid and a compartment for retaining the additive. The vessel has an open base at an end and a release valve is connected to another end. A base coupler is connected to the open base. The compartment has a connector at each of an open end and an opposing closed end of the compartment. Connecting the closed end and the open end of the compartment to the base coupler selectively separates and mixes the liquid and the additive, respectively. The beverage container has a closure for sealing the open end of the compartment when the liquid and additive are separated. A method for separating storing and mixing a liquid and additive is also provided. A kit assembly for a beverage container is also provided.
US09289352B2
A carbon dioxide gas mist pressure bath apparatus for preventing, improving or curing an ischemic disease by contacting a carbon dioxide gas mist to a skin and a mucous membrane of a living organism directly or through a clothing, thereby to improve or promote a circulation of a blood in an ischemic region, includes a carbon dioxide gas mist-enclosing unit; a gas supply unit for supplying a carbon dioxide gas; a carbon dioxide gas mist generating and supplying unit for pulverizing and dissolving the carbon dioxide gas into a liquid, and supplying the carbon dioxide gas mist into the carbon dioxide gas mist-enclosing unit; an exhausting device for exhausting the gas in the carbon dioxide gas mist-enclosing unit to an outside thereof; and a control device for controlling a supplying amount of the carbon dioxide gas mist from the carbon dioxide gas mist generating and supplying unit.
US09289351B2
Provided are a gas mist pressure bathing method and a gas mist pressure bathing system that improve the efficiency of absorbing a gas mist from the skin and mucous membranes of a living body. The gas mist pressure bathing method is provided with a first step, a second step and a third step. The first step involves supplying a gas mist for a predetermined time to at least a first cover 51 of a living body cover member 50 having said first cover 51 and a second cover 55 positioned outside of the first cover 51, the inside of said second cover 55 being substantially sealed; covering the skin and mucous membranes of the living body; and forming a space wherein the gas mist supplied by a gas mist generating means 30 is sealed. The second step involves discharging the gas mist from the first cover 51 and/or the second cover 55. The third step involves supplying the gas mist for a predetermined time from the gas mist generating means 30 to the first cover 51 and the second cover 55, and keeping the pressure inside at least the second cover 55 in a predetermined range. The first to third steps are repeated multiple times.
US09289339B2
A personal mobility vehicle comprising a platform (10) on which a user of the vehicle can stand, ground-engaging wheels (14, 15, 16) on which the platform (10) is supported, motor drive means, motor control means (20), a column (11) extending upwards from the platform (10) and a leg or thigh support rest (18) mounted on the column.
US09289333B2
A disposable diaper using elastic sheet materials so that a contact surface pressure may be locally enhanced and thereby the diaper may be prevented from being noticeably displaced on the wearer's body during used thereof is provided. Of first and second waist regions at least the first waist region is contractible. The first waist region includes waist auxiliary elastic sheets extending in a direction of a transverse axis between opposite side edges of the first waist region and leg auxiliary elastic sheets extending along front peripheral edges of leg-openings. The waist auxiliary elastic sheets and the leg auxiliary elastic sheets overlap one another in areas of the opposite side edges of the first waist region adjacent to the leg-openings respectively. With the diaper put on the wearer's body, these areas come in contact with upper lateral regions of the wearer's iliac bones inclusive of the vicinity thereof.
US09289325B2
A visual prosthesis in the form of a retinal implant, which is distinguished by the least possible space requirement inside the eye, is achieved by a visual prosthesis having an intraocular implant and an extraocular implant, which supplies the intraocular implant with energy and controls it. Virtually all the electronic components, which do not necessarily need to be accommodated with the intraocular implant inside the eye, can be arranged outside the eyeball, for example on the sclera. In this way, the space requirement of the stimulation system inside the eye is reduced and the operative intervention for implanting the stimulation system inside the eye is kept as small as possible. A bidirectional inductive interface between an extracorporeal part of the visual prosthesis and an intracorporeal part, including the intraocular and extraocular implants, via which a current supply and bidirectional data transmission can be carried out is provided.
US09289324B2
Described herein is an IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient, comprising a housing including an inlet port and an outlet port, a fluid flow passageway configured to allow the flow of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port, and at least one valve anchored within the housing. The at least one valve includes a first side and an opposing second side, and is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the inlet port to the outlet port by moving in response to pressure differentials acting on the opposing first and second sides. The at least one valve is remotely adjustable between an active condition increasing resistance to the flow of fluid within the fluid flow passageway and an inactive condition decreasing resistance to the flow of fluid within the fluid flow passageway.
US09289314B2
The invention relates to an intersomatic cage comprising a body (3) and a part (2) that is designed to dilate the intersomatic space between two vertebrae (8, 8′) by rotating the cage so that the cage (1) can be inserted into the space. The body (3) has a prism shape with a substantially planar upper surface (6) which can bear against the superior vertebral endplate (8) and a substantially planar lower surface (6′) which can bear against the inferior vertebral endplate (8′).
US09289313B2
An insertion instrument for instrumented insertion of a socket inset (4) with a spherical cap (20) into a hip socket (5) of a hip-joint prosthesis, having an impacting instrument (1) with a handle (7), at one end of which a holding tool for the socket inset (4) is located. In order to avoid tilting of the socket inset during insertion, it is proposed that the one end (8) of the impacting instrument (1) has a spherical shape and is part of the holding tool, and the holding tool furthermore comprises an impacting head (2), which is designed as a separate component and received the spherical end (8) of the impacting instrument (1) in an articulated manner, and an insertion aid (3), which is designed as a separate component and serves to hold the socket inset (4) on the outer geometry of the impacting head (2), and the impacting head (2) can be connected to the spherical end (8) to form a ball joint.
US09289293B2
An improved holder and storage system for a tissue-type prosthetic mitral heart valve that constricts the commissure posts of the valve and prevents suture looping. A rod axially movable relative to the holder tensions lengths of attachment sutures that extend between the commissure post tips to create a tent and flex the tips inward, thus helping to prevent looping of any of an array of pre-implanted sutures around the leading tips during delivery of the valve. The holder has a safety mechanism that prevents valve delivery before the rod is deployed. One embodiment automatically deploys the rod upon opening a storage jar. One embodiment permits a delivery handle to directly deploy the rod, while another uses a separate worm screw and coupling. A holder clip that attaches to a packaging sleeve may be formed of flexible members meshed together from which the heart valve and holder are easily pulled free to eliminate a step of decoupling the clip from the sleeve.
US09289274B2
Provided are orthodontic appliances including a bonding base, a body extending outwardly from the base and an elongated slot extending along the body in a generally mesial-distal direction, and first and second protrusions disposed on the body on opposite sides of the slot. A clip is slidably engaged to the body and movable between open and closed positions. When operating the clip, the first protrusion extends into the clip to retain the clip to the body in an interference fit while the second protrusion extends into the clip when in its closed position. Optionally, the clip comprises at least one deflectable portion aligned along a reference plane extending over the slot, where the deflectable portion resiliently bends out of the reference plane to traverse the second protrusion as the clip moves between open and closed positions.
US09289268B2
A method and apparatus for tracking a target by tracking the location of an imaging device while the imaging device is tracking the target is described.
US09289267B2
A method and apparatus for presenting three-dimensional data to a physician is provided to facilitate the flexible navigation of an endoscope and surgical instruments with respect to anatomical structures. In accordance with a first embodiment a first set of data corresponding to a three dimensional model of a patient's anatomy is received. This three-dimensional model may be rendered from images taken in CT or MRI scanning, as discussed above. In accordance with this embodiment, this model is then combined with a second set of data corresponding to a view obtained from an endoscope. In another embodiment, the view from the illustrative endoscope is displayed as an inset image on the display of the three-dimensional image. In yet another embodiment, the three-dimensional image comprises a graphical representation of at least a first surgical instrument, such as said endoscope. The surgeon may select among various combinations of views and may zoom in or out from any particular view.
US09289263B2
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a catheter arrangement comprising a catheter with a proximal section and a distal section, to measure a force acting on the distal section and simultaneously receive a temperature signal prevailing in the distal section. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the catheter arrangement comprises an evaluation unit connected to a single combined optical force and temperature sensor, and further comprises a readout signal generator to generate and feed a readout signal modulated with a carrier frequency into the force sensor and temperature sensor. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the catheter arrangement comprises a first readout device to read out a first modulated measuring signal portion, a second readout means to read out a second unmodulated measuring signal portion, and a processing unit to combine the first and second measuring signal portions.
US09289260B2
The solution of the problem to be solved is the provision of a means for determining timing both accurately and securely at which a treatment is shifted from gripping and coagulation (hemostasis or sealing) to resection by using a multifunctional treatment tool capable of exfoliation, gripping, coagulation (hemostasis or sealing) and resection of the treated region in a bipolar microwave treatment tool. A microwave surgical device control method and a device, in which the completion of coagulation (hemostasis or sealing) of tissue is detected and a microwave oscillation output is controlled by making use of the change in the direct current electric resistance value due to the reduction in the amount of water as the temperature rise of the tissue at the time of heating and coagulation of the tissue in the treated region with microwaves.
US09289251B2
The device includes tubular elements capable of being temporarily fastened at the level of pedicle screw heads arranged to be connected by an implantable curved rod, and at least one rod intended to be movably inserted into slots of each tubular element, to align them for the correction of the spinal column by translation, tilting, and rotation of the vertebrae in the three planes of space. Each tubular element is configured in such a way that it can be coupled with the outside of the pedicle screw heads. The rod forms an alignment and handling rod, being capable of acting, as it moves, on rings for simultaneously displacing the curved rod. Each ring is assembled with the ability to slide along the tubular element, and to be height-adjustable to compensate for dimensional deviations between the alignment and handling rod and the curved rod.
US09289249B2
Bone anchors and surgical instruments (e.g., bone taps, drivers, etc.) are disclosed herein that include integrated guide tips. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. For example, a surgical instrument can include a guide projection configured for insertion through a cannulation formed in a bone anchor when the surgical instrument is coupled to the bone anchor. The surgical instrument can also include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the guide projection relative to the bone anchor. The guide projection can replace the needle, stylet, and guidewire used in typical insertion procedures. The bone anchor can also include integrated tapping features to eliminate the need for a separate bone tap instrument. Thus, in some embodiments, targeting, tapping, and driving the bone anchor can be performed in a single step.
US09289248B2
An assembly for distraction of spinal vertebrae and which can optionally accommodate retraction blades. The assembly includes a pair of pins each having a first end adapted for vertebral bone engagement and a second end. A pair of sleeves respectively and concentrically engage said pins. A frame includes respective openings which receive the pins and a first end of each said sleeves. The first end of each said sleeve including a portion offset relative to a longitudinal axis of said sleeve such that when the first end of each said pins is anchored in bone, axial rotation of each said sleeves enables said first end of each said pins to move between a first position in which said vertebral bones are not distracted and a second position in which said vertebral bones are distracted.
US09289245B2
A locking assembly for securing a rod in a polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a first locking element having a first end, a second end, an outer surface with an external advancement structure, an inner wall, an internal advancement structure on the inner wall, and an engagement portion for a tool, and a second locking element having a first end configured to be oriented towards the first end of the first locking element, an opposite second end, an outer surface with an external advancement structure configured to cooperate with the internal advancement structure of the first locking element, and a portion at the second end having a width greater than a greatest width of the external advancement structure of the second locking element, wherein the second locking element is configured to move axially relative to the bone anchoring device at a speed different than the first locking element.
US09289237B2
A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.
US09289231B2
A medical device is provided, configured to access a target site within a patient body. The device may be provided as a kit including pre-assembled components. Embodiments of the device include an elongate flexible access needle including a needle lumen disposed through at least a longitudinal length of the needle; an elongate wire guide pre-loaded into at least a lengthwise portion of the needle lumen and extending to at least near a distal end of the needle end; and a needle sheath including a longitudinal sheath lumen through which the access needle is disposed; where the distal needle end comprises a piercing tip configured for penetrating tissue to access a target site. A method of use is provided where the needle may be withdrawn over the pre-loaded wire guide after it has been directed to a target site and the sheath as been advanced over the needle's distal end, in a manner freeing the wire guide for further guidance or direction, and for introduction of another device along the wire guide.
US09289227B2
An ultrasonic surgical device for performing a surgical procedure includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end spaced along a longitudinal axis. The elongated member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a passageway. A septum is configured to separate the passageway into a first conduit and a second conduit. A distal end of the second conduit terminates before a distal end of the first conduit to form a stepped configuration. An ultrasonic-driven cutting blade is disposed within the second conduit and is configured for cutting tissue such that the cutting blade vibrates ultrasonically to cut tissue. The distal end of the first conduit includes an outlet configured for delivering material to a surgical site and the distal end of the second conduit includes an inlet configured for aspirating the surgical site.
US09289225B2
A surgical instrument particular suited to endoscopic use is disclosed. Various embodiments include an end effector that is sized to be inserted through a trocar. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and a control handle. The elongated shaft assembly has a distal portion that is adjacent to said the effector for insertion into the trocar. The elongated shaft assembly further has a proximal portion that is remote from the distal portion such that the proximal portion protrudes from the trocar when the end effector and distal portion are inserted therethrough. The control handle is articulatably coupled to the proximal portion of said elongated shaft assembly to enable the surgeon to move the handle portion to a more ergonomically comfortable position while carrying out the endoscopic procedure. Various articulation joint embodiments and locking arrangements are disclosed.
US09289224B2
A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.
US09289223B2
A system for performing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions is provided. The system includes a surgical guide instrument defining an elongate body having a hand-graspable handle and a head section including a distal phalange and a proximal open-faced slot. The distal phalange is contoured to anatomically conform to the femur and includes a notch section engageable with the intercondylar notch. The open-faced slot includes a stop member. The system further includes a guide wire operably receivable by a guide wire sheath to form a guide wire assembly. The guide wire assembly is received by the open-faced slot wherein the stop member is structured to stop the sheath from exiting the slot. The surgical guide instrument can direct the guide wire to an anatomic position on the femur and ensure a safe and usable femoral tunnel.
US09289222B2
A system can include a sizing and drill guide having a body with a bone engaging side, an opposite side and first and second guide holes. The bone engaging side can include a profile for positioning in the trochlear groove and the guide holes can include axes that can be orientated at an acute angle. Retaining members can be positioned in bores formed in the body and can fix the guide to the femur. A cutting device can be guided by the guide holes and can include a bone engaging end having a body and first and second cutting portions. The first cutting portion can have a smaller diameter than the second cutting portion and can be axially spaced apart therefrom so as to form a stepped pocket in the femur. The body can include an outer diameter sized to be complimentary to an inner diameter of the guide holes.
US09289220B2
An intramedullary fixation assembly for bone fixation includes a first construct. The first construct includes a first tapered screw member fixated into a subchondral bone. The first tapered screw member is aligned along a first longitudinal axis and has a first head portion comprising a first aperture and a first shaft extending from the first head portion. Moreover, the first longitudinal axis of the first tapered screw member is aligned substantially parallel to an articular surface of a bone. The first construct also includes a first lag screw member aligned along a second longitudinal axis. The first lag screw member has a first bulbous portion and a second shaft extending from the first bulbous portion, wherein the first lag screw member is coupled to the first tapered screw member, and further wherein the second longitudinal axis of the first lag screw member is aligned generally along the length of the bone.
US09289217B2
A system for effecting ischemic necrosis in a foreskin of a penis includes an inner ring having an inner surface comprising an inner diameter and an outer surface comprising an outer diameter and at least one circumferential groove; and an outer ring configured to substantially fit around the circumferential groove of the inner ring, wherein the inner ring is configured to fit to a portion of a glans of the penis that lies between an inner surface of the foreskin and the glans of the penis and the at least one outer ring is configured to fit an outer surface of the foreskin, the inner ring and the outer ring thereby compressing the foreskin in the circumferential groove with a compression force, and wherein the compression force is sufficient to effect ischemic necrosis in the foreskin.
US09289215B2
This invention is directed to implantable coils and, more particularly, to a coil implant having a stretch-resistant member internal to the coil. The implant of the invention is able to freely articulate and torque prior to delivery. Once delivered, the implant is no longer stretch resistant and is therefore able to substantially conform to the vascular site.
US09289209B2
A surgical fastener applying apparatus for applying fasteners to body tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil half-section having a distal anvil portion and a proximal handle portion and a cartridge receiving half-section having an elongated channel member. A firing assembly is releasably supported in the cartridge half-section and includes a locking member. A clamping lever having an engagement member engages a latch portion of the locking member to releasably retain the clamping lever in a clamped position.
US09289206B2
An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises an anvil, a cutting member, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, an elongate slot, and a deck comprising a first deck surface and a second deck surface, where one of the deck surfaces is stepped up from the other deck surface. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of first staple cavities arranged in a first row, a plurality of second staple cavities arranged in a second row, and a plurality of third staple cavities arranged in a third row. The staple cartridge further comprises a driven element, a lateral securement member releasably positioned over the deck, and a plurality of staples. The plurality of staples comprises a first staple, a second staple, and a third staple.
US09289200B2
Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described. The retractor comprises an outer ring, wherein the outer ring is configured to be disposed proximate the natural orifice of the patient and substantially surround the orifice; a tubular body; and a funnel segment extending between and coupling the outer ring and the tubular body, wherein the funnel segment provides a diametric reduction between the relatively large diameter of the outer ring and the relatively smaller diameter of the tubular body, which is sized to fit within a natural orifice with minimal distention of the orifice.
US09289197B2
Methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide for automatic tamping of the sealing plug. In addition, torque required to tamp the sealing plug is automatically sensed and gear ratios of an automatic tamping device are automatically changed in response to sensed changes in torque. A planetary transmission may be used to automatically change gear ratios in response to the changes in torque.
US09289193B2
A method and apparatus are provided for treating cardiac tissue to modulate ischemic heart tissue with topical sub-atmospheric pressure to minimize cell death and damage.
US09289192B2
A biopsy needle actuator assembly used with a biopsy needle for excising a tissue specimen from a target tissue in an animal includes a counter assembly for tracking the individual biopsy event associated with the actuator assembly, and tracking the cumulative number of firings of the actuator assembly to ensure the actuator assembly is replaced prior to failure. The counter assembly registers movement of the biopsy needle during use, aids an operator in proper identification of the biopsy specimen during a biopsy event, and aids the user in correlating the location and orientation of pathological findings of the biopsy specimen in the target tissue in vivo to aid in treatment of the target tissue.
US09289181B2
Disclosed is a patient support apparatus having a patient support couch, a moveable support plate for supporting a patient, a surgical head fastening unit for fastening a head of the patient in an examination position and/or in an operation position. The patient support apparatus includes a marker unit for marking a maximum occupancy area for the surgical head fastening unit.
US09289178B2
A biological signal measuring apparatus is provided. The biological signal measuring apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a biological signal from each of unit measurers arrayed on a subject's skin, and configured to receive a noise signal that is a common component of electrical characteristics, and a noise filtering unit configured to filter noise from a first biological signal between first electrodes of a first unit measurer among the unit measurers, by using a second noise signal between second electrodes of a second unit measurer among the unit measurers. The biological signal corresponds to a difference between the electrical characteristics of electrodes of each of the unit measurers.
US09289171B2
The invention relates to a device for measuring the pinch force between a person's thumb and index finger, comprising: first and second parallel blades, said blades being disposed at a distance from one another and embedded at a first longitudinal end thereof; a sensor for measuring the pinch force exerted between the two blades at the second longitudinal end thereof, perpendicularly to the respective main planes thereof; a means for displaying the pinch force; and a means for storing and/or processing the pinch force. According to the invention, the first blade forms part of a rigid parallelepiped frame and the second blade is disposed in the space inside the parallelogram.
US09289169B2
Some embodiments provide a system for synchronizing and configuring monitoring devices. In some embodiments, a patient monitoring device settings module is configured to automatically provide configuration settings to a plurality of patient monitoring devices. A monitoring device data module is configured to receive measurement data from at least one of the patient monitoring devices. An electronic medical records system interface is configured to provide patient data at least partially derived from the received measurement data to an electronic medical records system. A patient records interface is configured to provide patient data to at least one of the patient monitoring devices.
US09289159B2
There is provided a physiological detection device including a finger detection unit, a storage unit and a processing unit. The finger detection unit is configured to detect a current track drawn by a current user and current physiological information of the current user. The storage unit is configured to previously store track features of predetermined tracks drawn, for a predetermined time interval or a predetermined times on the finger detection unit, by a plurality of users and each of the track features is associated with one of the users. The processing unit is configured to analyze the current track and identify the current user according to the track features in the storage unit. There is further provided a physiological detection method and a user identification method.
US09289157B2
An apparatus for evaluating leg movement characteristics of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a base assembly configured to at least partially support the patient's torso; and first and second leg support assemblies independently pivotably mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base assembly. Each leg support assembly is configured to at least partially support a portion of a respective one of the first and second legs, independent of the support of the torso. Each of the leg support assemblies also comprises: a first leg support member including a foot rotation assembly configured to at least partially retain and support an associated foot of the patient and to rotate it about an axis of rotation relative to the base assembly; and a second leg support member configured for supporting a portion of the leg at a location proximal relative to the first leg support member.
US09289154B2
Techniques for temperature measurement and correction in long-term MR thermometry utilize a known temperature distribution in an MR imaging area as a baseline for absolute temperature measurement. Phase shifts that arise from magnetic field drifts are detected in one or more portions of the MR imaging area, facilitating correction of temperature measurements in an area of interest.
US09289151B2
An improved deformable carrier or connector for an implantable neural interface device is described. The neural interface device comprises a carrier supporting at least one electrode array. The carrier comprises a tubular sidewall extending from a proximal carrier portion to a distal carrier portion. At least one deformable segment is provided in the carrier sidewall. The deformable segment is more pliable than the remainder of the carrier sidewall to preferably move in response to forces imparted on the carrier and the electrode array by the shifting forces in body tissue. The deformable segment takes the form of a thinned sidewall segment or a slitted wall segment.
US09289146B2
A biological signal measuring apparatus is provided. The biological signal measuring apparatus includes a first unit measurer configured to measure a first biological signal of a subject based on an electrical characteristic difference between first electrodes contacting the skin of the subject, and a second unit measurer configured to measure a second biological signal of the subject based on an electrical characteristic difference between second electrodes contacting the skin of the subject at positions different from positions of the first electrodes. A plurality of unit measurers including at least the first unit measurer and the second unit measurer are arranged based on characteristics of contact parts of the first and second electrodes.
US09289145B2
Techniques for identifying abnormal cardiac substrate, e.g., scar substrate, may be implemented, as an example, during implantation of a left-ventricular (LV) lead, e.g., for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), which may enable placement of the LV lead to avoid the abnormal cardiac substrate. An example system for identifying abnormal cardiac substrate comprises at least one implantable LV lead comprising at least one bipolar electrode pair configured to sense a LV bipolar cardiac electrogram signal of LV tissue proximate the bipolar electrode pair. The system delivers cardiac pacing pulses to a left ventricle via at least one electrodes of the LV lead, which may be different then the electrodes of the bipolar pair, and which may be spaced at least a threshold distance from the bipolar pair of electrodes. The amplitude of paced depolarizations in the bipolar electrogram indicates whether tissue proximate the bipolar electrode pair comprises abnormal cardiac substrate.
US09289136B2
Systems and methods are provided for storing and recalling metrics associated with physiological signals. It may be determined that the value of a monitored physiological metric corresponds to a stored value. In such cases, a patient monitor may determine that a calibration is not desired. In some cases, a patient monitor may recall calibration parameters associated with the stored value if it determined that the stored value corresponds to the monitored metric value.
US09289128B2
The present invention generally provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry by using blood vessels as flow chambers through which flowing cells can be monitored in a live subject in vivo without the need for withdrawing a blood sample. In some embodiments, one or more blood vessels are illuminated with radiation so as to cause a multi-photon excitation of an exogenous fluorophore that was previously introduced into the subject to label one or more cell types of interest. In some other embodiments, rather than utilizing an exogenous fluorophore, endogenous (intrinsic) cellular fluorescence can be employed for in vivo flow cytometry. The emission of fluorescence radiation from such fluorophores in response to the excitation can be detected and analyzed to obtain information regarding a cell type of interest.
US09289125B2
The vision protection method and system thereof is provided to ensure a viewer to rest his/her eyes after viewing on an electronic device for a certain period, wherein the eyesight protection method includes the steps of detecting one of more working parameters of the viewer in responsive to a preset working threshold in a working mode of the electronic device during the viewer is working on a current work displaying by the electronic device; switching the working mode of the electronic device to a resting mode; and switching the electronic device from the resting mode back to the working mode to resume the display of the current work of the electronic device. Therefore, the viewer is enforced to rest his/her eyes after every certain period.
US09289119B2
Device for determining at least one sight parameter of a subject, includes stimulation elements for stimulating the sight of the subject in a predetermined viewing direction, elements for ophthalmological measurement of at least one sight parameter of a subject, the elements for ophthalmological measurement having at most one optical measurement axis for each eye, at least one optical conjugation system, arranged between the ophthalmological measurement apparatus and the right eye and/or left eye of a subject, and a system for aligning the optical conjugation system, so as to optically conjugate a point Y and a point E, the point Y intended to coincide with the optical center of rotation of the eye concerned, the point E being situated on the optical measurement axis, so as to align the image of the optical measurement axis with the ocular axis of the right or left eye in a plurality of viewing directions.
US09289114B2
The present invention is generally directed toward a laryngoscope having a handle, a rigid tube, and an optical subassembly. The handle has a distal end and a proximate end. The tube is hollow and also has a distal end having a distal opening and a proximate end having a proximate opening. The optical subassembly includes a light source located within the handle, a power source located within the handle and in communication with the light source and a light carrier extending between the handle and the tube and in communication with the light source and providing light inside and along the entire length of the tube.
US09289109B2
A dishwasher includes a washing container, and an upper basket located in an upper region of the washing container for accommodating items to be washed. The upper basket has a floor wall and a side wall that circumferentially bounds the floor wall and projects upward. The upper basket has a static first partial region and a second partial region that is movable relative to the first partial region between at least two positions, with the second partial region forming in the at least two positions at least one section of the floor wall. The section assumes different heights relative to a part of the floor wall of the first partial region in the at least two positions, wherein the section assumes for at least one of the at least two positions a height above a height of the part of the floor wall of the first partial region.
US09289107B2
The present disclosure relates to a dishmachine that includes one or more features directed to water, energy or material savings. The disclosed dishmachines are still capable of meeting the soil demands of the articles to be cleaned.
US09289106B1
A pad driver for a floor treating machine comprises an annular support plate to which is attached a plurality of resilient spoke members that project radially therefrom. The support plate is shock-mounted to a hub used to couple the pad driver to a floor treating machine drive motor shaft. On the free ends of the resilient spokes are connector plates on which abrasive pads are removably secured.
US09289095B2
Described are embodiments of a grilling apparatus and associated methods that can include a bottom portion defining a cavity and a firewall. The firewall can be positioned within the cavity defined by the bottom portion such that the cavity can be divided into a first section and a second section, where the first section can retain a heating element. A grate assembly that can include a grate and a handle can be positioned within the bottom portion and can be configured to rotate relative to the bottom portion. The grilling apparatus can include a lid that can be configured to cover at least a portion of the grate assembly.
US09289088B2
An apparatus for cutting, peeling, and/or slicing is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a handle, a blade, and one or more scoring elements near the blade. The scoring elements are provided to score the item before being cut/peeled/sliced by the blade. The apparatus can be provided with one or more adjusters for adjusting the blade and/or one or more of the scoring elements. A corresponding method for cutting, peeling, and/or slicing is also provided.
US09289086B2
A method for hanging an object and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes an apparatus comprising a track, an upper flange attached to a track, and a carrier disposed in said track. The carrier is laterally moveable along the length of the track. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a top unit and a base unit. The top unit comprises pins, a track, at least one carrier, and a lower flange. The base unit is affixed to a ceiling, and the top unit is affixed to the base unit via the pins. In one embodiment the anchors are not visible from below. Further, in one embodiment, the carrier is vertically positionable within, and removable from a channel formed by the set of flanges.
US09289077B1
A walker to assist an infant in walking system including an infant walker assembly having, a T-shaped base unit including a horizontal support bar and, a perpendicular support bar; a first vertical support bar; an angled support bar; a T-shaped handle; and at least three wheels coupled to the T-shaped base unit. The infant walker assembly is made of non-toxic coated metal material for safety of the infant. The horizontal support bar and the perpendicular support bar together form the T-Shaped base unit. The three wheels are positionally coupled to the T-shaped base-unit making said infant walker assembly movable so that said infant-user can push said infant walker assembly when learning how to walk.
US09289076B2
A baby support for supporting a baby positioned on a front torso of a supporting person. The baby support includes an elongated soft body that extends across a back torso of the supporting person and the baby. The baby support also includes fastening ends that overlap and secure to support the baby on the front torso of the supporting adult. The baby support may be configured to stretch to generate an elastic force to pull the back torso of the baby towards the back torso of the supporting person.
US09289065B1
A shelf assembly is constructed of elongate members and adjustable supporting brackets. The elongate members are received within aligned pairs of apertures formed in the supporting brackets in a manner restricting the vertical movement of the elongate members. Adjustable set screws extend into each of the apertures, selectively engaging the received elongate members and preventing their inadvertent removal.
US09289064B2
A shelf for a merchandiser. The shelf includes a skin that defines a support surface of the shelf, and a skeleton structure to which the skin is attached. The skeleton structure includes a first end bracket and a second end bracket that is spaced from and disposed opposite the first end bracket. The skeleton structure further includes an internal bracket that has a first end coupled to the first end bracket adjacent a rear end of the first end bracket, and a second end coupled to the second end bracket adjacent a rear end of the second end bracket. The internal bracket extends forward from the respective rear ends toward a front of the shelf.
US09289061B2
A controlled access file cabinet permits an authorized user access only to one file drawer or one locked compartment at a time. The cabinet has at least one pull-out drawer with a lock mechanism that self-locks when the drawer is pushed in and closed, and has an electro-mechanical servo to release the drawer for authorized access. One or more drawers may be divided into a row of locked compartments. Slide bar lock mechanisms interact with with lock pins on hinged lids or covers for the compartments. Only one compartment can be opened at a time. A control board within the cabinet ensures that all drawers are closed and latched before any can be released. The secure cabinet may be connected with a network, or by i2c or daisy chain to other secure file cabinets, including cabinets retro-fitted with a bolt-on lock mechanism. Computer software limits access to certain areas of the cabinet to specific authorized users, and maintains inventory and audit trail over multiple cabinets.
US09289057B2
An item of furniture comprises a stationary furniture part, a furniture part which can be moved by a drive, and a controller for controlling the drive. The movable furniture part comprises an operating section which is arranged movably on a main part of the movable furniture part, and also at least one force sensor for measuring a force which is exerted on the operating section, wherein the force sensor is connected to the controller.
US09289055B2
A force-sensitive toothbrush incorporates a bistable mechanism into the toothbrush handle. The mechanism can alert a user to excessive brushing force by changing shape in response to brushing forces exceeding a predetermined threshold. The mechanism can also automatically return to its original state when the brushing forces are lowered back down below the predetermined level. In one aspect, the mechanism may include a force-sensitive region having a principal beam and a secondary notched hinge buckling support beam located within the handle between the bristles and the gripping portion of the toothbrush. In another aspect, the force-sensitive region includes a principal beam and a secondary un-notched buckling support beam. In another aspect, the force-sensitive region includes a principal beam and a secondary support beam with a toothed clutch. These mechanisms can advantageously be molded into an integral toothbrush body using an injection molding operation.
US09289053B2
The invention relates to a brush ring having a ring-like frame part, to which bristles protruding radially outwardly can be fastened and which can be slid axially onto a shaft in order to form a sweeping roller and which can be fastened on the shaft in a rotationally secured manner by means of at least one catch device protruding radially inwardly, wherein the frame part, viewed in the circumferential direction, has ring sections arranged at an offset from each other in the axial direction and connecting elements formed in the axial direction, the connecting elements being arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a center point axis extending through the catch device and the ring center point.
US09289050B2
Provided is a fastener, which has advantages over the prior art in that a retaining force is not dependent upon the biasing force of a spring, the fastener hardly comes out, and is less restricted in size than the prior art. The fastener has another important advantage over the prior art in that it forms no hole in plain cloth. A fitting portion (2) and a base portion (3) are assembled to have a clamping unit (1) opened. A stopper (4) is pushed together with the plain cloth into the inside of the clamping unit (1). This clamping unit (1) is closed to hold the plain cloth between the outer circumference of the stopper (4) and the leading ends of holding means (26 and 36). With slide portions (22) being fully fitted in groove portions (32), retaining pawls (23) are fitted in pawl receivers (33b).
US09289046B1
A packaging system for use with a fingernail embellishment product can comprise a container configured to contain one or more solid fingernail embellishment components. The container can comprise a lid configured to close the container. A protrusion can extend from the lid and extend in a first direction. The protrusion can comprise an elastomeric embellishment receiving portion. The embellishment receiving portion can be configured to engage with a fingernail embellishment component and apply the fingernail embellishment component to a fingernail.
US09289037B2
Hardened cobalt alloys for forming jewelry, including finger rings as well as methods and processes for producing such alloys. In one illustrative embodiment, such an alloy can contain cobalt in an amount of from about 35 wt % to about 65 wt %, in combination with chromium in an amount of from about 16% wt to about 32 wt %, and molybdenum in an amount of from about 8 wt % to about 31 wt %. Aluminum, silicon, boron, titanium, and other hardness enhancing materials may also be present. Hot investment casting may be used to form items from the alloys, which may then be shaped or polished to a final form. Annular finger rings constructed from these materials may have a white appearance similar to white gold or platinum, may have increased resistance to scratching compared to traditional cobalt chromium rings, and may be easily be removed by cracking in an emergency situation.
US09289032B2
A sole structure including a cleat assembly is disclosed. The cleat assembly includes a covering member, an actuating assembly and a cleat sub-assembly. The cleat sub-assembly includes a cleat member that can extend in length under a force applied by a foot. The actuating assembly directs force applied by a foot at the covering member to the cleat member so that the cleat can extend and penetrate further into a ground surface. The actuating assembly can include a pivot plate that pivots about an angled portion of the cleat sub-assembly.
US09289028B1
A footwear sole having a variety of cushioning materials to prevent, reduce and/or eliminate foot fatigue, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsal injuries as a result of improper weight distribution to the bottom of the foot. These cushioning materials can possess differing densities and can be arranged in such a fashion so as to force the impact of the body's weight on the foot to dissipate outwards rather than straight down. The sole includes a multi-layered metatarsal design and a multi-layered heel design. When the force of the body's weight is directed downwards, it results in the wearer's heel and metatarsal absorbing the body's weight, The present invention helps to prevent or reduce this by dissipating the force outwards from the foot. An expandable ball can also be included within the heel design for further absorbing impact at heel strike.
US09289025B2
A flat-to-heel convertible outsole allows a user to transition from a flat-bottom, low-wedge shoe style to a high-heel shoe style. A collapsible heel includes an upper heel, a lower heel, and a heel pin. The upper heal is connected to an arch platform in order to form a single foot supporting structure. The heel pin is hingedly connected to the upper heel, while the lower heel is telescopically connected to the heel pin opposite the upper heel. In this way, the lower heel can be positioned in an extended configuration or a stowed configuration. When in the extended configuration, a locking mechanism connected to the lower heel engages a lock notch of the upper heel in order to secure the lower heel to the upper heel. When in the stowed configuration, the lower heel is positioned within a heel recess that traverses into the arch platform.
US09289021B2
Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.
US09289014B2
An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, and a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater. The heater is formed of a mesh material.
US09289012B2
A filter material adapted for use as a filter element of a smoking article is provided, the filter material being in the form of a fibrous tow that includes a plurality of filaments of a degradable polyester and a plasticizer composition applied thereto, the plasticizer composition and the degradable polyester having a Relative Energy Difference calculated using Hansen Solubility Parameters of less than about 1.3. Exemplary degradable polyesters include polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate adipate and copolymers or blends thereof. Exemplary plasticizer compositions include one or more of dimethylisosorbide, propylene carbonate, methylbenzyl alcohol, glycerol carbonate acetate, glycerol carbonate ethyl ether, and mixtures thereof, optionally in combination with triacetin. Filter elements and smoking articles, such as cigarettes, that contain the filter material are also provided.
US09289007B2
The present invention relates to an acyl-CoA synthetase homolog protein from microorganisms of the genus Mortierella, a polynucleotide encoding the protein, and so on. The invention provides polynucleotides comprising an acyl-CoA synthetase homolog protein gene from, e.g., Mortierella alpina, expression vectors comprising these polynucleotides and transformants thereof, a method for producing lipids or fatty acids using the transformants, food products containing the lipids or fatty acids produced by the method, etc.
US09289004B2
The present invention is directed to a technique of producing an ultra-concentrated liquid coffee that is shelf-stable at ambient temperature without the need for refrigeration or freezing. This invention further relates to a process for manufacturing ultra-concentrated stabilized liquid coffee with enhanced freshness, aroma and flavor retention without acidity or bitterness.
US09289001B1
A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system.
US09288989B2
Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistic herbicidally effective amount of (a) penoxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and (b) acetochlor or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) penoxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and (b) acetochlor or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect.
US09288982B2
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.
US09288980B2
The current invention involves compositions and methods for killing various soft-bodied animals of interest with a low pH adjusted pesticide. The method involves contacting the soft-bodied animal of interest with the low pH adjusted pesticide, wherein the pesticide is a propionic acid composition, a citric acid composition, an Acidic Calcium Sulfate composition, or combination thereof. The pesticide has a lethal effect on Coqui frogs, but is less phytotoxic than higher concentration pesticides. The method includes spraying any of the pH adjusted pesticides thoroughly an area inhabited by the soft-bodied animals of interest, including any typical hiding places. On a large scale, the method contemplates filling various types of industrial spraying equipment with the pesticide and saturating entire pest inhabited areas.
US09288979B2
A microencapsulated formulation of pendimethalin comprising an alkali or an alkaline earth metal salt of an organic acid. Also described are processes for the preparation of the formulation and a method of controlling weeds at a location by using the described formulation.
US09288978B2
Insecticide-impregnated nets made of textile fibers, which nets have a small mesh size, and their use for the protection against pests.
