US09353638B2

A wall structure for restricting a hot-gas path in a gas turbine or in a combustion chamber including a first wall segment having a first face, and a second wall segment having a second face. Each wall segment disposed adjacent to each other so as to define an inside of the wall segments and an outside of the wall segments. The first and second faces being disposed so as to form a gap leading from the inside to the outside. Each of the faces having a receiving groove. The wall structure further including a sealing element having a thickness and disposed in the receiving grooves so as to bridge the gap. The first face having a recess and the second wall segment having a projection that extends from the second face and protrudes into the recess in the first face. The projection has a tapered cross section.
US09353634B2

A turbine blade cooled by an automatically variable internal flow of cooling fluid. The blade includes orifices situated under the blade root via which the cooling fluid penetrates, and an adjustment plate including holes situated in register with the orifices, the adjustment plate having a coefficient of expansion that is different from the coefficient of expansion of the blade root.
US09353627B2

A blade for a wind turbine comprising a blade root portion, the blade root portion defining an annular mounting surface for coupling to a hub or extender of the wind turbine and comprising a plurality of first holes provided with an internal bushing, wherein at least one first internal bushing comprises at least one first securing member, and at least one second internal bushing comprises at least one second securing member, the first and second bushings being located in or near substantially opposite positions of the annular mounting surface, and wherein said first and second securing members are adapted to receive connecting means for connecting the first securing member with the second securing member.
US09353625B2

A device for cleaning oxidized or corroded components (26), especially gas turbine components which are exposed to hot gases, in the presence of a halogenous gas, includes a cleaning retort which is designed in the shape of a boiler or cylinder and into which, indirectly or directly, leads a feed line which is connected via a flow control unit to a gas reservoir which stores the halogenous gas, and in which a device for gas distribution is integrated. The flow control unit has a gas volume control valve (5), a heat exchanger unit (9), and also a gas volume measuring unit (6) in sequence along the throughflow direction of the halogenous gas which flows through the feed line. Furthermore, a gas distribution in the retort directs the halogenous gas directly to the components which are to be cleaned.
US09353607B2

The present invention relates to a downhole inflow control system for controlling an inflow of fluid into a casing from outside the casing, such as from a reservoir or an intermediate casing. The downhole inflow control system comprises a casing having an axial extension and a wall having a wall thickness (t), an inflow control valve having a housing, an axial extension in an axial direction along the housing, and a spring element moving in relation to the housing, thereby controlling the inflow of fluid through the valve from an inlet of the housing to an outlet of the housing.
US09353602B2

A riser weak link in a riser connects a floating installation or vessel to a hydrocarbon well on the seabed. The weak link includes a first riser part in the form of an upper housing for connecting to a riser upper section; a second riser part in the form of a lower housing for connecting to a riser lower section, wherein one riser part is arranged to extend into the other riser part; and connection devices for releasably connecting the upper and lower housings. The weak link includes a first connection device arranged to fail if a tensile force on the first and second riser parts exceeds a first threshold force, and that the weak link includes a second connection device arranged to fail if a compressive force on the first and second riser parts exceeds a second threshold force.
US09353601B2

The cable handling apparatus includes a trolley beam, where the trolley beam is adapted to allow a cable trolley to slide thereon and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is hingedly coupled to the trolley beam, and the articulating arm is hingedly coupled to a piece of wellsite equipment. The articulating arm is repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position.
US09353595B2

Systems and methods for quick access and control of a blown-out well or well that is flowing uncontrollably into the environment. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a re-entry of the casing of the blown-out well below the mud line and the inoperable blowout preventer. The present invention also provides a method to re-enter a production, or injection well, either subsea below the mud line or above the mud line for surface facility applications. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a miniature wellbore is created from the outer casing through the various smaller casing strings into the final wellbore to protect the structural integrity of the well. Once the casing is safely penetrated, coil tubing and or kill weight fluid can be introduced to stop the uncontrolled flow of reservoir fluid. The well can then be sealed with cement and abandoned as normal practice dictates.
US09353593B1

A handler holds a blowout preventer (BOP) assembly (partially or fully assembled) for transport and then erects it from a transport position to a vertical position for deployment. In the transport position the BOP assembly generally rests in a horizontal position. During deployment of the BOP assembly by the handler, the handler is capable of moving the BOP assembly to a vertical position, elevating it, and moving it outward, away from the base of the handler and toward a wellhead, so that the BOP assembly may be connected to a coiled tubing injector, work may be performed underneath the BOP assembly before connection to a well head, and the BOP assembly may be placed on top of a well head for connection to the well head.
US09353590B2

A subterranean debris catcher swirls the incoming debris laden stream by putting grooves or spiral projections on the inside of the inlet pipe. The solids come out of openings in the side of the inlet pipe or the solids can exit near the top either directly into the enclosed solids holding volume as the liquid exits straight out or the solids can be discharged out the end of the inlet pipe into the bigger open space defined by the housing. In the latter case the inside housing wall can have a screen or vanes that slow down the solid particles as the fluid continues to a housing exit and eventually to an exit screen before being discharged to either go to the surface or recirculate back along the outside of the tool to the inlet pipe while picking up additional debris.
US09353586B2

According to one aspect, a digital display unit includes a microcontroller to process digital information received from one or more sensors, a display, and a switch in electrical communication with the microcontroller so that the microcontroller displays an output on the display that is specific to a type of sensor. The type of sensor may be selected from a position sensor, a pressure sensor, and a stroke counter. The digital display unit may be part of a choke control panel. The microcontroller and the display may be disposed in an enclosure, and an electrical power source may be disposed in the enclosure to supply electrical power to the microcontroller and the one or more sensors. A digital hydraulic choke position sensor assembly and a digital pressure sensor assembly are also described, one or both of which may be used in a system for drilling an oil or gas well.
US09353585B2

A method for blending a well treatment fluid at a well site is disclosed. A first centrifugal pump for pumping a first component of the well treatment fluid into a pipe and a first valve for controlling the flow of the first component are provided. Similarly, a second centrifugal pump for pumping a second component of the well treatment fluid into the pipe and a second valve for controlling the flow of the second component are provided. The pumps and the valves are controlled so as to control the ratio of the first component to the second component. A sampling device is provided for analyzing a fluid flowing in the pipe. The sampling device includes a sampling container; a soft seal that opens and closes the sampling container; and a valve spindle. The valve spindle moves the soft seal between the first position and the second position.
US09353579B2

A buoyancy compensating element for connection to a flexible pipe and method of producing a buoyancy compensating element are disclosed. The buoyancy compensating element includes a first body portion and a further body portion, wherein the first and further body portion are configured to be connectable to each other and in use to encompass a portion of flexible pipe.
US09353576B2

A hammer bit is herein described with tapered lateral sides and a modified face section. The tapered lateral sides taper inward towards a rear portion of the hammer bit. The modified face section includes a gauge portion and a larger angled or heel portion. The hammer bit provides improved penetration and directional control for drilling into the earth.
US09353570B2

A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.
US09353569B1

According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame, a door, and at least one connector. The frame forms a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. Furthermore, the frame extends into the opening in the structure in a first direction. The door is pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway, and allows a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The at least one connector is positioned between an outer perimeter of the frame and an inner perimeter of the opening. Furthermore, each of the at least one connector is configured to apply pressure to the inner perimeter of the opening in a second direction that is at least generally orthogonal to the first direction.
US09353568B2

Movable partition systems include an elongated, fixed drive member extending along a track, a partition that is automatically and manually movable along the track, and a motor carried by the movable partition configured to drive a rotatable drive member that is engagable with the elongated, fixed drive member. The rotatable drive member may be engaged with, and disengaged from, the fixed drive member. Methods of moving a partition along a track include actuating a motor carried by a movable partition to drive rotation of a drive member while the drive member is engaged with an elongated, fixed drive member, and manually moving the partition along the track while the rotatable drive member is disengaged from the fixed drive member. Methods of installing a movable partition system include configuring a rotatable drive member to be capable of engagement with, and disengagement from, an elongated, fixed drive member.
US09353560B2

In one example an electronic device comprises a controller, a chassis comprising a first section and a second section, and a hinge assembly to connect the first section of the chassis to the second section of the chassis comprising a shaft rotatable about a first axis, a brake selectively engageable with a portion of the shaft, and an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator coupled to the brake, wherein the EAP actuator selectively engages the brake with a portion of the shaft in response to a signal from the controller. Other examples may be described.
US09353555B2

A method of preparing a finished panel and latch combination, wherein the panel and latch mounting combination are seamless and attractive.
US09353544B2

A column base fitting 42 includes a bottom plate 42c having an approximately square plate shape and a support base 42f inside from the peripheral part of an upper surface 42d of the bottom plate 42c. A first bolt insertion holes 42a is formed in each four corner portions of the bottom plate 42c and a second bolt insertion hole 42b is formed at two positions closer to the center part than the first bolt insertion hole 42a, in the length direction of each four sides of the bottom plate 42c. A corner built-up portion 42r is formed at both ends in the length direction of the side surface 42h of the support base 42f, having a shape protruding outward in the perpendicular direction from the side surface 42h and filling the corner portion between the side surface 42h and an upper surface of the bottom plate 42c.
US09353542B2

A method, for cleaning a pool with N vertical walls using a robot, comprising adjusting the robot against the vertical wall of rank n=1. The robot advances along the vertical wall of rank n until the vertical wall of rank n+1 is detected. The robot retracts over a release distance in order to be released from the vertical wall of rank n+1. The robot makes a rotation on itself in order to be adjusted against the vertical wall of rank n+1. Checking whether n is equal to N, in the negative case, the cleaning method continues with an incrementation step where “n” is incremented by “1”, and—then looping onto the advancement step. In the positive case, the cleaning method continues with a finishing step where the robot advances along the vertical wall of rank “1” until the vertical wall of rank “2” is detected.
US09353522B2

A ceiling system in one embodiment includes an overhead support grid comprised of a plurality of intersecting grid support members and a ceiling tile mountable to the grid. Retaining clips support the ceiling tile from the grid which may be concealed from view. The retaining clips each include a cavity that receives a grid support member and a pair of resilient mounting elements configured to locking! y engage a support member. The mounting elements are laterally movable in response to inserting the support member into the cavity of the retaining clip. In one embodiment, the movable elements include locking tabs which create a snap-fit interlock with the grid support, member for securing the ceiling tile to the grid.
US09353497B2

An offshore support system comprises an offshore structure having a platform supported by one or more legs. The system further comprises a mat structure having a mat, and a clamp configured engage at least one leg of the offshore structure. The clamp is movable into and out of engagement with the leg to connect and release the mat to and from the offshore structure.
US09353492B1

A mechanized broom-type sweeper vehicle (10) includes a conveyer (14) having two laterally extending pintle-like stub shafts (14-5) with the conveyor (14) received in a cradle (20) that includes split pillow blocks that each receive a respective one of the stub shafts (14-5). The conveyor (14) can be readily lifted from the vehicle (10) by removing structures superposed above the conveyor (14), disconnecting various mechanical and electrical connection removing the cap portion of each pillow-block, and thereafter lifting the conveyor (14) from the vehicle with an overhead crane. In a similar manner, a repaired or replacement conveyor (14) can be lowered via a crane into the cradle (20) with the stub shafts received within the pillow blocks and the caps reinstalled. The use of a top-side removal and a top-side installation technique reduces the time (and associated costs) for the removal and replacement of a conveyor (14) to as little as four hours or less.
US09353480B2

Sterilizable and printable, wet-laid non-woven substrate exhibiting high-strength and temperature resistance above 140° C., providing sufficient airflow to relieve pressure in a package formed from the substrate during sterilization, providing a significant barrier to penetration by bacteria and debris, and which is sealable to itself and to thermoplastic films, comprises blends of nanofibrillated lyocell fibers, microfibers, fibers having a flat, rectangular cross-section and binder fibers.
US09353479B2

An improved conveyor product containment device comprised of a main body having a top, a bottom and two elongate sides and an independent and changeable variable height front seal face having a top, a bottom and two elongate sides. The main body and the independent and changeable front seal face are secured using conventional means and in a relation that creates a open seal area below the main body. The main body has a multitude of recessed seal water nozzles that deliver the seal water to the bottom inside lower edge of the independent and changeable front seal face or the top of the conveyor. An embodiment has a tee channel and attached support tube opposite the recessed nozzles and front seal face.
US09353477B2

Provided herein are isolated laccase enzymes and nucleic acids encoding them. Also provided are mediators for laccase reactions. Also provided herein are methods for using laccases to oxidize lignins and other phenolic and aromatic compounds, such as for bio-bleaching and decolorization of wood pulp under high temperature and pH conditions to facilitate a substantial reduction in use of bleaching chemicals, as well as for treatment of fibers.
US09353476B2

A method for recycling waste material including waste paper comprises the steps of introducing the waste material into a pressure vessel, re-pulping the waste paper in the pressure vessel at an elevated processing temperature and pressure to form a treated waste material including substantially re-pulped waste paper, thereafter introducing cooling water into the pressure vessel so as to cool the treated waste material in the pressure vessel to a discharge temperature below the elevated processing temperature and reduce odor emitted by the treated waste material, and thereafter discharging the treated waste material from the pressure vessel. The recovered paper pulp fraction is suitable as a feedstock in the manufacture of a variety of paper products including paper tissue and paper towel products.
US09353474B2

A laundry dryer is provided which is capable of removing and/or preventing wrinkles of laundry. The laundry dryer includes a drum in which laundry is held, a hot air heater that heats air to supply hot air to the drum, and a water heating part that heats water by using the heats generated at the hot air heater to generate steam.
US09353464B2

A device for compacting a fiber composite on a spinning machine includes consecutive drafting arrangement roller pairs. A compaction unit is pivotably mounted on the machine frame downstream of the delivery roller pairs with a pivot axis parallel to the rotational axes of the delivery roller pair, and includes a support with a suction drum rotatably supported on the support. At the end of a suction zone of the drum, a nip roller is fastened to the support to form a nip line. The support is spring-loaded to form a drive connection between the lower roller of the delivery roller pair and the suction drum, wherein the suction drum is moved against the lower roller. Guide means fix the compaction unit in position as mounted on the machine frame, and the spring element is mounted on the free end of the pressure lever.
US09353449B2

The NbON film of the present invention is a NbON film in which a photocurrent is generated by light irradiation. The NbON film of the present invention is desirably a single-phase film. The hydrogen generation device (600) of the present invention includes: an optical semiconductor electrode (620) including a conductor (621) and the NbON film (622) of the present invention disposed on the conductor (621); a counter electrode (630) connected electrically to the conductor (621); a water-containing electrolyte (640) disposed in contact with a surface of the NbON film (622) and a surface of the counter electrode (630); and a container (610) containing the optical semiconductor electrode (620), the counter electrode (630), and the electrolyte (640). In this device, hydrogen is generated by irradiating the NbON film (622) with light.
US09353448B2

An electrolytic electrode includes an electrode surface layer formed by a high-temperature heat treatment under a low oxygen partial pressure of 100 Pa or less and includes a valve metal oxide film, the electrode surface layer having, just beneath, a layer which includes a valve metal and a noble metal excluding silver and the noble metal is precipitated and dispersed in a crystal grain boundary of the valve metal, wherein a crystal of the valve metal in a range of down to 30 μm in a vertical depth direction from the electrode surface is a crystal grain being elongated in a vertical cross-section from the electrode surface and a content of the noble metal in a range of down to 10 μm in the vertical depth direction from the electrode surface is 5 at % or less.
US09353446B2

In some embodiments, an ICCP system includes an AC-DC rectifier receiving AC power from an AC power source and providing a DC output having a constant voltage or a constant current, a cathode connection electrically coupling the AC-DC rectifier to a structure to be protected by the ICCP system, current-emitting anodes arranged in parallel and receiving the DC output from the AC-DC rectifier, and a controller communicating with the AC-DC rectifier to set a maximum value for the constant voltage or constant current of the DC output. In other embodiments, an ICCP system includes a converter assembly including an AC-DC rectifier and a rectifier chassis enclosing and environmentally sealing the AC-DC rectifier. The ICCP system also includes an environmentally-sealed controller communicating with the AC-DC rectifier and an environmentally-protected Input-Output connection assembly. Junctions electrically connect the converter assembly, the environmentally-sealed controller, and the environmentally-protected connection assembly.
US09353442B2

Provided is an apparatus for forming a silicon-containing thin film, the apparatus including a controller which is configured to control a process gas supplying mechanism, a heating device, and an exhauster to perform: forming a first seed layer on a base by adsorbing at least silicon included in an aminosilane-based gas on the base, using the aminosilane-based gas; forming a second seed layer on the first seed layer by depositing at least silicon included in a higher-order silane-based gas having an order that is equal to or higher than disilane, using the higher-order silane-based gas having an order that is equal to or higher than the disilane, wherein the first seed layer and the second seed layer form a dual seed layer; and forming the silicon-containing thin film on the dual seed layer.
US09353427B2

This invention provides an Ni-based alloy, which is particularly used for standard casting and is provided with properties such as strength at high temperatures, corrosion resistivity, and oxidation resistivity in a more balanced manner, compared with existing materials. The Ni-based alloy comprises Cr, Co, Al, Ti, Ta, W, Mo, Nb, C, B, and unavoidable impurities, with the balance consisting of Ni. Composition of the alloy is represented by mass: 13.1% to 15.0% Cr, 1.0% to 15.0% Co, 2.3% to 3.3% Al, 4.55% to 6.0% Ti, 3.05% to 4.0% Ta, 4.35% to 4.9% W, 0.1% to 2.0% Mo, 0.05% to 0.5% Nb, less than 0.05% Zr, 0.05% to 0.2% C, and 0.01% to 0.03% B.
US09353416B2

It is intended to provide a system of predicting the postoperative prognosis in a patient with breast cancer from the viewpoint of gene expression based on the data obtained by genome-wide and comprehensive analysis on gene expression in breast cancer. Expression of human genes is comprehensively analyzed by using a DNA microarray and gene expression functions in various breast cancer conditions are compared, thereby establishing a system of predicting the postoperative prognosis of breast cancer.
US09353412B2

This disclosure provides a method of determining a sequence of nucleotides for a nucleic acid template. The method can include the steps of contacting the nucleic acid template with a conformationally labeled polymerase and at least four different nucleotide species under conditions wherein the conformationally labeled polymerase catalyzes sequential addition of the nucleotide species to form a nucleic acid complement of the nucleic acid template, wherein the sequential addition of each different nucleotide species produces a conformational signal change from the conformationally labeled polymerase and wherein the rate or time duration for the conformational signal change is distinguishable for each different nucleotide species; detecting a series of changes in the signal from the conformationally labeled polymerase under the conditions; and determining the rates or time durations for the changes in the signal, thereby determining the sequence of nucleotides for the nucleic acid template.
US09353408B2

Provided herein are dynamic flux nucleic acid sequence amplification methods. The dynamic flux nucleic acid sequence amplification methods described herein are capable of amplifying nucleic acid sequences within a narrow temperature range. In some aspects, the disclosure provides for real-time dynamic flux nucleic acid sequence amplification methods.
US09353406B2

Reagents and methods are provided for detecting the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for producing a labeled amplification product by amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence to produce an amplification product comprising the target sequence, a first probe-binding sequence 5′ to the target sequence, and a second probe-binding sequence 3′ to the target sequence, thereby producing an amplification product; and hybridizing a first detection probe to the amplification product, the first detection probe comprising a first segment that hybridizes to the first probe-binding sequence and a second segment that hybridizes to the second probe-binding sequence, thereby producing a labeled amplification product is disclosed.
US09353403B2

Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3′-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.
US09353399B2

Disclosed is a compound which is a two-photon absorbing fluorescent substance, a production method for the compound, a fluorescence sensor and molecular probe able to sense various substrates or enzyme activity or the like using the same, and a method of sensing enzyme activity or the like using the same. The disclosed compound can be used as a fluorescence sensor, and can be used in the study and treatment of diseases in which MAO enzymes are involved such as mood disorders using MAO enzyme activity and inhibitor screening.
US09353384B2

Organic-inorganic nanoflowers, methods of synthesis, and uses of the nanoflowers are described. It has been found that organic-inorganic nanoflowers can be grown in the presence of a solid substrate containing copper without the requirement for added copper ion. The method includes exposing bacteria to a solid substrate containing copper in the presence of an aqueous solution that contains phosphate ions. The aqueous solution can additionally contain chloride ions, similar to that of a phosphate-buffered saline composition. The solid substrate can be an alloy of copper and tin, and the substrate can have phosphorus incorporated into it.
US09353377B2

Mesocotyl meristem explants that contain multiple primary meristems are transformed via particle bombardment or Agrobacterium-mediated methods. Regeneration is through an organogenesis pathway that allows for secondary multiple bud formation. This method allows for the genotype independent transformation of varieties of wheat.
US09353375B2

Provided herein are improved compositions and methods for the increased production of isoprene. Also provided herein are improved compositions and methods for the increased production of heterologous polypeptides capable of biological activity.
US09353366B2

Disclosed herein are polypeptides which exhibit asparaginase activity and little to no glutaminase activity. The polypeptides have sequences which correspond to W. succinogenes asparaginase, but have an amino acid residue other than proline at amino acid position 121. The polypeptides exhibit higher kinetic rates of asparaginase activity to glutaminase activity as compared to W. succinogenes asparaginase and Elspar®, an E. coli asparaginase.
US09353363B2

The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic activity or hemicellulolytic activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US09353360B2

The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US09353359B2

An isolated polypeptide is disclosed comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 2773-5544 and 11089-11094, wherein the polypeptide has antimicrobial activity. Uses thereof for treating microbial infections are also disclosed.
US09353357B2

The invention relates to a recombinant DNA molecule encoding a polypeptide having phytase activity and increased temperature stability and increased proteolytic stability of the enzyme activity. The DNA sequence has been obtained by variation of the mature wild-type E. coli phytase sequence with defined amino acid positions being modified in comparison to the wild-type sequence or with the sequences having N- and/or C-terminal extensions, respectively. The invention further relates to a method for expressing the recombinant phytase as well as its use in the food and animal feed technologies.
US09353351B2

This invention provides a multipolar cell including three or more centrosomes dispersed therein and a multipolar spindle formed so as to extend from the three or more respective centrosomes. The multipolar cell production method provided by the present invention supplies cultured eukaryotic cells with a synthetic peptide as a multipolarity-inducing peptide, with the synthetic peptide having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 10 or an amino acid sequence formed by substituting, deleting and/or adding one, two or three amino acid residues in/from/to the selected amino acid sequence. As the eukaryotic cells, cultured tumor cells are used.
US09353350B2

This invention provides a multipolar cell including three or more centrosomes dispersed therein and a multipolar spindle formed so as to extend from the three or more respective centrosomes. The multipolar cell production method provided by the present invention supplies cultured eukaryotic cells with a synthetic peptide as a multipolarity-inducing peptide, with the synthetic peptide having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 12 or an amino acid sequence formed by substituting, deleting and/or adding one, two or three amino acid residues in/from/to the selected amino acid sequence.
US09353349B2

Cells incorporating a synthetic molecule construct of the structure F—S1-S2-L where: F—S1 is an aminoalkylglycoside where F is a mono-, di-, tri- or oligo-saccharide and S1 is 2-aminoethyl, 3-aminopropyl, 4-aminobutyl, or 5-aminopentyl; S2 is —CO(CH2)2CO—, —CO(CH2)3CO—, —CO(CH2)4CO— or —CO(CH2)5CO—; and L is phosphatidylethanolamine.
US09353348B2

The problem is to provide a method for inexpensively and simply preserving an enzyme of a microbial biomass obtained by culturing and improve the enzyme activity during preservation. Provided is a method for preserving nitrile hydratase, characterized in that microbes having nitrile hydratase activity are cultured while being protected from light, and the resulting biomass is crushed using a high-pressure homogenizer and preserved while being protected from light.
US09353344B2

Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce a product or intermediate, e.g., energy, a food, a fuel, or a material.
US09353342B2

A number of novel improved microfluidic configurations and systems and methods of manufacture and operation for a microfluidic invasion assay system.
US09353341B2

An improved flavoring composition and process for brewing malt beverages is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the flavoring composition is formed from a high solids percent, room temperature stable, partially aqueous composition of a potassium salt of iso-α-acids. Such composition may be added to the wort kettle or else used as a post-fermentation additive, preferably after dilution with demineralized water. In another embodiment, the flavoring composition comprises a mixture containing reduced (rho-) iso-α-acids in alkali metal salts form, β-acids and hop oil. This latter composition is useful as a substitute for normal kettle extract, hops or hop pellets, allowing easy preparation of beer that resists formation of unpleasant, “skunky” flavors but has otherwise similar flavor and physical properties.
US09353336B2

The invention relates to compositions, methods of use, and methods of manufacture for an intercalated bleach compound and compositions thereof. The intercalated bleach compound has the formula Mx(OCl)y(O)m(OH)n where M is an alkaline earth metal such as magnesium, calcium or mixture thereof. The values of x and y independently equal any number greater than or equal to 1 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), and m and n independently equal any number greater than or equal to 0 (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), but m and n are not both 0. In addition, the molar ratio of the alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium or calcium) to hypochlorite is at least 3:1. In other words, x is ≧3y. The compounds exhibit excellent stability, little or no chlorine bleach odor, exhibit excellent pH buffering characteristics, and less reactivity with organic materials as compared to alternative chlorine bleach products.
US09353330B2

A trunk piston lubricating oil composition of TBN 20 to 60 comprising (A) a high saturates low sulphur oil of lubricating viscosity in a major amount; (B) an overbased metal hydroxybenzoate detergent additive; (C) a polyisobutene succinic anhydride additive (1-7 mass %); and (D) a meta-linear pentadecyl phenol additive (10.1 to 10 mass %), the weight ratio of (D) to (C) being less than 1 and the combined treat rate of (B), (C) and (D) being 5 to 30%. The composition is useful to improve asphaltene dispersancy when lubricating a medium-speed compression-ignited marine engine fueled by a heavy fuel oil.
US09353328B2

The present invention provides a lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine used mainly to drive a generator and to improve the fuel economy thereof. The composition comprises (A) a base oil being a hydrocarbon base oil having a ratio (CA/CB) of the proportion of the component of 24 or fewer carbon atoms (CA) and the proportion of the component of 25 or more carbon atoms (CB) in the carbon number distribution obtained by gas chromatography distillation of 2.0 or higher, the composition having a ratio (Vs/Vk) of the 80° C. high-temperature high-shear (HTHS) viscosity (Vk) and the 150° C. HTHS viscosity (Vs) of 0.35 or higher and a 100° C. kinematic viscosity of 2.5 mm2/s or higher and 5.2 mm2/s or lower.
US09353325B2

The invention provides a process for comminuting coal or other fuel solids in a shear field, and for optionally coating the solids with catalysts for combustion, liquefaction, and or gasification during the milling process. The process further provides for control of water content in the solids may be controlled before, during and after the milling in order to obtain micronized solids with fine hydration layers. The output fuel solids from the process can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and they also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.
US09353323B2

A method of converting carbon containing compounds such as coal, methane or other hydrocarbons into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel utilizes a high pressure, high temperature reactor which operates upon a blend of a carbon compound including CO2 and a carbon source, a catalyst, and steam. Microwave power is directed into the reactor. The catalyst, preferably magnetite, will act as a heating media for the microwave power and the temperature of the reactor will rise to a level to efficiently convert the carbon and steam into hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
US09353321B2

A method and assembly for producing substantially tar free product gas from gasification of carbonaceous material. The assembly preferably includes a first stage gasifier to produce char-ash and tar laden product gas and a second stage gasifier which has a char-ash heating zone, at least one cyclone, and at least one standpipe for the purpose of allowing selective delivery of char-ash to the char-ash heating zone. A char-ash heating zone that utilizes oxidation of char-ash is preferred and this results in the heat required to convert tar, additional yield of product gas, and an oxidized, activated carbon surface to facilitate tar conversion in the riser, thereby reducing the temperature required to achieve the desired tar conversion. Alternatively, external heat is supplied to the heating zone.
US09353310B2

An amorphous luminous material, which is substantially composed of only rare earth complex compounds, wherein the compounds are two or more kinds of rare earth complexes, and rare earth metal ions, which are center ions of the two or more kinds of rare earth complexes, are different ions.
US09353304B2

A thermal interface material comprises a polymeric elastomer material, a thermally conductive filler, and a coupling agent, along with other optional components. In one exemplary heat transfer material, a coupling agent having the formula: where Y is either a cyclic structure or Y is represented by Formula II: where: a=1 or 2 b=2 or 3 R1 contains at least one of a neoalkoxy group, an ether group, or a C2-C30 straight or branched alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group R′2 and R″2 are independently selected from Hydrogen, a neoalkoxy group, an ether group, and a C2-C30 straight or branched alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group X=Group four transition metal; and where a=1, R3 contains at least one of a neoalkoxy group, an ether group, or a C2-C30 straight or branched alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group; or where a=2, the two R3 groups independently contain at least one of a neoalkoxy group, an ether group, or a C2-C30 straight or branched alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl, or alkaryl groups or the two R3 groups together form an alkyldiolato group and, if Y is a cyclic structure, X is a member of the cyclic structure and the cyclic structure also contains a pyrophosphate group such as Formula II shown above.
US09353291B1

An inkjet printhead includes a front face having a polymer coating, the polymer coating including an oleophobic grafted polymer having a crosslinked fluoroelastomer and a perfluorinated fluorosilicone grafted to the crosslinked fluoroelastomer. The polymer coating has an ink contact angle of at least about 45 degrees and an ink slide angle of less than about 35 degrees.
US09353276B2

Disclosed herein is an ink composition, including: a color material; water; and a polymer particle, in which the polymer particle has a core-shell structure including a core polymer and a shell polymer, in which the polymer particle has an average particle diameter of 10 nm to 80 nm, in which the core polymer has a glass transition temperature of lower than 60° C. and the shell polymer has a glass transition temperature of higher than or equal to 60° C., and in which the core polymer includes an aromatic monomer having at least a vinyl group as a constitutional unit.
US09353275B2

An ink can be substantially invisible under most lighting conditions, and only visible when excited by UV energy having a wavelength specific to the colorant. The ink can include a liquid vehicle and a fluorescent colorant. The fluorescent colorant can have an average particle size of less than about 200 nm. Such ink can be configured as an ink-jet ink.
US09353270B2

This surface-treated metal includes a metal, and a coated material on a surface of the metal, in which an outermost layer is a photocatalytic film that contains particles showing photocatalytic activity and an organic-inorganic composite resin, a volume ratio of the particles to the film is in a range from 0.5 to 50 vol %, the resin contains a siloxane bond and at least one group selected from the group consisting of an aryl group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, and an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, the coated material has concaves on a surface thereof on the outermost layer side, an area of the outermost layer is 50% to 98% of an area of a surface of the metal, and a surface area of the outermost layer is 101% to 5000% of the area of the surface of the metal.
US09353266B2

A process for manufacturing titanium dioxide pigment is provided. The process comprises preparing an aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide particles. The process further includes deagglomerating the aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide particles using ultrasonication.
US09353263B2

A thermoplastic composition for use in a fine pitch electrical connector is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a liquid crystalline polymer and a plurality of fibers. The volume average length of the fibers in the thermoplastic composition is selectively controlled according to the present invention so that it is within a certain range, such as from about 80 to about 250 micrometers. The fibers also have a narrow length distribution. That is, at least about 70% by volume of the fibers have a length within a certain range. Through the use of a liquid crystalline polymer and fibers of a certain weight average length and narrow length distribution, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition is able to achieve a desirable combination of strength and flowability, which enables it to be uniquely suited for the walls of a fine pitch connector.
US09353262B2

The disclosure of the present application provides compositions and methods of compounding polyamides comprising the steps of forming a polyamide mixture, comprising a polyamide with an olefin maleic anhydride copolymer, and compounding the polyamide mixture at its processing temperature. Compounded polyamides derived from recycled nylon and other recycled polyamides and methods for preparing the compounded polyamides are described.
US09353258B2

Compositions of biobased polymer blends of polymers of polybutylene succinate (PBS) or polybutylene-adipate-terephthalate (PBAT) and a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer are described. In certain embodiments, the copolymer is a multiphase copolymer blend having one phase a glass transition temperature of about −5° C. to about −50° C. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. The invention also includes articles, films and laminates comprising the compositions.
US09353257B2

A photo-primer composition B is described that includes a specific iodonium salt combined with a hydrogen donor that is a Guerbet alcohol that can also be used as a solvent. The primer system can be used for solving odor problems, particularly after the polymerization/cross-linking of traditional iodonium salts.
US09353252B2

Polymer composition comprising a propylene copolymer and a styrenic based elastomer.
US09353251B2

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a thermoplastic resin composition having excellent rigidity and impact strength and a method for producing the same. The thermoplastic resin composition is obtained by mixing a polyolefin resin (such as a polypropylene resin), a polyamide resin (such as nylon 11 resin), and a compatibilizer (such as maleic anhydride-modified EPR, maleic anhydride-modified EBR). The thermoplastic resin composition is characterized in having a resin phase separate structure as observed under an electron microscope, wherein the resin phase separate structure consists of a continuous phase and a disperse phase which is dispersed in the continuous phase, there is a microdisperse phase in the disperse phase, and the average diameter of the microdisperse phase is 5 to 1,200 nm.
US09353240B2

This present invention relates to the carbon nanotubes as composites with materials such as elastomers, thermosets and thermoplastics. A further feature of this invention relates to the development of a concentrate of carbon nanotubes with an elastomer wherein the concentrate can be further diluted with an elastomer and other polymers and fillers using conventional melt mixing equipment.
US09353239B2

A rubber wet masterbatch obtained, using at least a carbon black, a dispersing solvent, and a latex solution of a rubber as raw materials, the carbon black being a carbon black having an iodine adsorption number of 41 mg/g or less, and the rubber wet masterbatch being obtained through the following process: a process in which at the time of dispersing the carbon black into the dispersing solvent, at least one portion of the rubber latex solution is added to the carbon-black-dispersed solvent to produce a slurry solution comprising the carbon black to which rubber latex particles adhere, subsequently the slurry solution is mixed with the rest of the rubber latex solution, and next the mixture is solidified and dried.
US09353233B2

Disclosed herein are polyisocyanurate and/or polyurethane foams containing non-porous silica particles derived from mesoporous cellular foams, wherein the polyisocyanurate and/or polyurethane foams have enhanced heat and/or fire resistance. Processes for making such foams and methods of using them are also disclosed.
US09353230B2

A resin pellet of the present invention includes a resin base material and a plurality of microparticles embedded in the resin base material. The resin pellet is covered with the plurality of microparticles on the surface of the resin base material. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent detachment of the microparticles to be applied on the resin base material and to effectively suppress blocking of resin pellets.
US09353224B2

A composition including a plurality of oligomers including at least one selected from a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1, a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2, and a combination thereof; and at least one selected from a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 3, a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 3A, and a combination thereof; wherein at least a part of the plurality of oligomers includes at least one terminal end having an amino group, and wherein at least a part of the plurality of oligomers including at least one terminal end having an amino group is a diamine having a pKa value of equal to or less than 3 at 25° C.: wherein the variables in Chemical Formulae 1, 2, 3, and 3A are described in the specification.
US09353222B2

A composition including a diamine compound and a dianhydride compound, wherein the diamine compound includes a first diamine compound represented by Chemical Formula 1, wherein, in Chemical Formula 1, T1 to T8 and L1 to L8 are the same as defined in the detailed description.
US09353220B2

A process for making polyarylethers provides a reaction mixture that includes a dipolar aprotic solvent for polyarylether and polyarylether forming reactants, and reacts the polyarylether-forming reactants, with removing of water with nitrogen in the absence of azeotrope forming cosolvent and optionally replacing removed amounts with dipolar aprotic solvent. The process can further include directly wet spinning the reactor solution without recovery of the polymer from the dipolar aprotic solvent through a spinneret to form hollow fibers or flat sheets suitable for membranes.
US09353213B2

This invention relates to the new functional norbornanyl ester derivative and/or polymer compositions which are easily obtainable by reacting the Diels-Alder adduct of appropriate dienes and dienophiles with carboxylic acids. In particular, this invention relates to a new process for making cyclic chemical raw materials suitable for production coating, ink, adhesive, plasticizer, thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic and functional polymers.
US09353212B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball polyurethane composition excellent in resilience. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in a shot feeling and resilience. The present invention provides a golf ball polyurethane composition comprising, as a resin component, a polyurethane elastomer including a polyisocyanate with one alicyclic hydrocarbon structure having 3 or more carbon atoms as a constituting component, and having a storage modulus E′ (Pa) and a loss modulus E″ (Pa) satisfying a following expression; log(E′/E″2)≧−6.53 when measured in a tensile mode using a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus.
US09353197B2

A catalyst component for olefin polymerization is disclosed, which comprises at least one diol ester type electron donor compound (a) and at least one diether type electron donor compound (b) among others, wherein the molar ratio of a to b is 0.55-50. A preparation method of the catalyst component, a catalyst comprising the catalyst component, and an olefin polymerization method using the catalyst which can especially be used for preparation of polypropylenes of low ash contents are also disclosed.
US09353195B2

An emulsifier for emulsion polymerization includes a compound represented by the following general: X=H, —(CH2)a—SO3M, —(CH2)b—COOM, —PO3M2, —P(B)O2M, or —CO—CH2—CH(SO3M)-COOM Y= Z=
US09353191B2

The present invention provides a method of producing a polymer hydrogel comprising the steps of: (1) preparing an aqueous solution of a water soluble polysaccharide derivative and a polycarboxylic acid; (2) optionally agitating the solution, for example, by stirring; (3) isolating a polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite from the solution; and (4) heating the polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite at a temperature of at least about 80° C., thereby cross-linking the polysaccharide with the polycarboxylic acid. The invention also provides polymer hydrogels produced by the methods of the invention.
US09353188B2

Disclosed herein are novel compositions and methods for the inhibition of Plexin B2-mediated Angiogenin activity. Such compositions and methods are useful, for example, for the treatment of cancer, the treatment of wet AMD and the inhibition of angiogenesis. Also disclosed herein are methods of determining whether a test agent is a modulator of Plexin B2 activity.
US09353183B2

The present invention provides methods for identifying candidate compounds for limiting development of and/or treating diabetes, and methods for limiting development of and/or treating diabetes.
US09353182B2

Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.
US09353177B2

Anti-VEGF antibodies and variants thereof, including those having high affinity for binding to VEGF, are disclosed. Also provided are methods of using phage display technology with naïve libraries to generate and select the anti-VEGF antibodies with desired binding and other biological activities. Further contemplated are uses of the antibodies in research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
US09353176B2

Methods are disclosed for treating osteoarthritis in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-human NGF antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein at least one symptom associated with osteoarthritis is prevented, ameliorated or improved.
US09353165B2

Described herein are methods for purifying recombinant, cell culture derived alpha1-protease inhibitor and removing a colored species that co-purifies with the recA1PI protein. Also described are methods for reducing the iron in cell culture derived alpha1-protease inhibitor.
US09353161B2

The present invention relates to a new streptavidin muteins. This mutein is binds both streptavidin binding peptide tagged and biotin or biotinylated molecules, and does so in a reversible fashion. As such, it is stable enough to allow reuse, and producible with reasonable production yield via secretion in a soluble functional state without the requirement of refolding via the tedious and expensive denaturation and renaturation processes.
US09353159B2

An isolated polynucleotide encoding an influenza multi-epitope polypeptide, wherein the multi-epitope polypeptide comprises multiple copies of a plurality of influenza virus peptide epitopes wherein the polypeptide is B(X1ZX2Z . . . Xm)nB or B(X1)nZ(X2)nZ . . . (Xm)nB; wherein B is an optional sequence of 1-4 amino acid residues; n is at each occurrence independently an integer of 2-50; m is an integer of 3-15; each of X1, X2 . . . Xm is an influenza peptide epitope of 4-24 amino acid residues; and Z at each occurrence is a bond or a spacer of 1-4 amino acid residues.
US09353152B2

The present invention relates to process for identifying a compound which induces the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in proliferating cells, wherein said process comprises contacting a cell or cell extract with a compound, determining whether the compound binds to adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), and determining whether the compound selectively induces the MPT in proliferating cells.
US09353150B2

The present application provides, among other things, a compound of Formula I-a and/or I-b, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are defined in the specification. The compounds of the invention are useful for treating various diseases including cancer.
US09353145B2

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 17-substituted steroids and, more particularly, to an improved method of synthesizing abiraterone or derivatives thereof in high yield and purity by means of a key 3-formate intermediate.
US09353140B2

The invention relates to the synthesis of a second-generation camptothecin glucuronide prodrug (BQC-G) of a potent anticancer camptothecin derivative 5,6-dihydro-4H-benzo[de]quinoline-camptothecin (BQC). BQC-G was over 4000 times more water soluble than BQC, displayed good stability in human plasma and was an excellent substrate for enzymatic hydrolysis by bacterial and human β-glucuronidases. BQC-G was about 30 times less toxic than BQC, but was as toxic as BQC after hydrolysis of the glucuronide moiety by β-glucuronidase. In the presence of human serum albumin, BQC-G displayed lower cytotoxicity (IC50=1080 nM) but could be activated by β-glucuronidase to display potent activity (IC50=13.3 nM).
US09353139B2

The invention relates to new metal complexes having N-aminoamidinate ligands, more particularly metal complexes having N,N′-bis(dimethylamino)acetamidinate, N,N′-bis(dimethylamino)formamidinate, N-dimethylaminoacetamidinate or N-dimethylamino-N′-isopropyl-acetamidinate ligands as well as to their preparation and use. The metal complexes are characterized by a five-membered chelate ring. The metal complexes are formed with the metals from the main groups of the PTE, but also with transition-group elements such as tantalum (Ta), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn), and also with precious metals such as palladium (Pd).The complexes of the invention find use as precursors for the preparation of functional layers by means of gas-phase thin-film processes such as CVD, MO-CVD and ALD. Additionally they may be used as catalysts for olefin hydroamination and for olefin polymerization.
US09353135B2

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a compound which is a polymerizable monomer having a specific number of silicon atoms and a specific number of fluorine atoms and to provide a method for preparing the compound. The present invention provides a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein m is an integer of from 2 to 10, n is an integer of from 1 to 3, R1 is, independently of each other, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R2 is, independently of each other, an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a fluoroalkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R4, R5 and R6 are, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.
US09353131B2

Described are methods of forming protected boronic acids that provide in a manner that is straightforward, scalable, and cost-effective a wide variety of building blocks, such as building blocks containing complex and/or pharmaceutically important structures, and/or provide simple or complex protected organoboronic acid building blocks. A first method includes reacting an imino-di-carboxylic acid and an organoboronate salt. A second method includes reacting a N-substituted morpholine dione and an organoboronic acid.
US09353127B2

The present invention is directed to methods of preparing a conjugate of a cell-binding agent and a drug (such as a cytotoxic compound). The methods comprise the use of an imine reactive compound to enable efficient conjugations of cytotoxic compounds with cell binding agents.
US09353122B2

Described herein are compounds of Formula (I) or Formula (VI), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided are particles (e.g., nanoparticles) comprising compounds of Formula (I) or Formula (VI) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that are mucus penetrating. Methods of using the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions thereof for treating diseases are also provided.
US09353114B2

Provided is a process for the preparation of linagliptin of Formula I, comprising deprotecting a compound of Formula II wherein R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a phthalimido group, wherein the aromatic ring of the phthalimido group is substituted with one or more R3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyi, nitro and amino; or R1 is H and R2 is selected from the group consisting of trialkylsilyl, 2-trialkylsilylethoxycarbamates, acetyl, trihaloacetyl, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, trityl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, diphenylphosphine and sulfonylethoxycarbonyl.
US09353111B2

Disclosed are carboxamide compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. One embodiment is a compound having the structure in which R1, R2, R3, R4, D, J, Z, T, p, q, w and x are as described herein. In certain embodiments, a compound disclosed herein activates the AMPK pathway, and can be used to treat metabolism-related disorders and conditions.
US09353106B2

The invention provides novel quinolinone-carboxamide 5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat diseases associated with 5-HT4 receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US09353099B2

Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which modulate the activity of store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. Also described herein are methods of using such SOC channel modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that would benefit from inhibition of SOC channel activity.
US09353095B2

The present invention relates to a novel crystalline form A of 1,5-dimethyl-6-thioxo-3-(2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4-dione. The invention also relates to a process for the production of this crystalline form and formulations for plant protection which contains the novel crystalline form of 1,5-dimethyl-6-thioxo-3-(2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4-dione.
US09353091B2

This invention relates to: (a) compounds and salts thereof that, inter alia, inhibit HCV; (b) intermediates useful for the preparation of such compounds and salts; (c) compositions comprising such compounds and salts; (d) methods for preparing such intermediates, compounds, salts, and compositions; (e) methods of use of such compounds, salts, and compositions; and (f) kits comprising such compounds, salts, and compositions.
US09353090B2

The present invention relates to compounds of formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, B, V, W, X, Y, Z and m are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US09353084B2

The present invention is directed to novel inhibitors of the BACE1 enzyme. Separate aspects of the invention are directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and uses of the compounds to treat disorders for which the reduction of Aβ deposits is beneficial such as Alzheimer's disease.
US09353081B2

The invention provides novel compounds having the general formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, A1, A2 A3 and n are as described herein, compositions including the compounds and methods of using the compounds. The compounds of the present invention are useful as inhibitors of aldosterone synthase. The compounds may be used, for example, in the treatment or prophylaxis of chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, primary aldosteronism and Cushing syndrome.
US09353071B2

An industrially preferred process for producing an isothiazole compound, particularly 3,4-dichloro-5-cyanoisothiazole, provides a safer industrial production process by avoiding the simultaneous use of an aprotic polar solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide and chlorine. In addition, a production process which is economically preferred because an aprotic polar solvent, which is highly likely to become a part of waste, is not used.A process for producing an isothiazole compound represented by a general formula (3), wherein R is a cyano group or the like; and X is a chlorine atom or the like, which comprises heating a nitrile compound represented by a general formula (1), wherein R is as defined above, and sulfur, and then carrying out a reaction between the nitrile compound represented by the general formula (1), the sulfur and a halogen represented by a general formula (2), wherein X is as defined above.
US09353070B2

The present invention relates to carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein the variables are defined according to the description, as well as to a process for manufacturing carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (I), and to the use of carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (I) in manufacturing benzoxazinones of formula (X).
US09353063B2

Compounds are disclosed that are useful for treating ophthalmic conditions caused by or related to production of toxic visual cycle products that accumulate in the eye, such as dry adult macular degeneration, as well as conditions caused by or related to the misfolding of mutant opsin proteins and/or the mis-localization of opsin proteins. Compositions of these compounds alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents are also described, along with therapeutic methods of using such compounds and/or compositions. Methods of synthesizing such agents are also disclosed.
US09353060B2

4,6-Dibromo-3-hydroxypicolinate esters are prepared from furan-2-yl aminoacetates in one chemical step by use of a bromination-rearrangement reaction.
US09353048B2

The present invention provides compounds having the structure represented by general formula I, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereofagonist, preparation methods therefor and a use thereof in the preparation of a medicine for the treatment of nervous system diseases. The compounds or pharmaceutical compositions thereof can be used as the KCNQ potassium channel agonist for treating nervous system diseases. Compared to retigabine, a compound in the prior art, the compound of the present invention have the same or better therapeutic effect, are easier for synthesis and storage, and less prone to oxidate deterioration.
US09353047B2

The invention relates to a method for improving the bioavailability of pharmaceutical substances and for allowing the pharmaceutical substances to permeate the blood-brain barrier, the pharmaceutical substances having at least one or more amidine, guanidine, N-hydroxyamidine (amidoxime) or N-hydroxyguanidine functions. The invention also relates to medicaments containing the correspondingly modified pharmaceutical substances.
US09353042B2

A process for producing at least one acetate from acetic acid and at least one alcohol by employing multiple cycles of reacting acetic acid to produce a reaction product including at least one acetate, unreacted acetic acid, unreacted alcohol, and water, followed by drying the reaction product to remove water therefrom. Such process provides for improved yields of acetate.
US09353032B2

A method for preparing neopentyl glycol by addition of isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde in the presence of a tertiary alkylamine as catalyst to give hydroxypivalaldehyde with subsequent hydrogenation at a temperature of 80 to 140° C. and at a pressure of 2 to 18 MPa in the liquid phase, is characterized in that the hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of a copper chromite catalyst comprising the activators barium and manganese.
US09353030B2

Disclosed is a one step process for making of 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene. More specifically, the present invention provides a process for making hexafluoro-2-butene, continuously, from 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropronene using Fe2O3/NiO impregnated carbon catalyst at 600° to 650° C.
US09353028B2

The present invention relates to a hydrofluorinating process which comprises reacting a fluoroolefin with hydrogen fluoride in the liquid phase in the presence of a hydrofluorination catalyst in the reaction zone of a reactor, said reactor comprised of a reactor body having a length to diameter ratio of about 2:1 or greater; a stirred reaction zone containing said hydrofluorination catalyst, which may be prepared in situ, at least one inlet for supplying said hydrogen fluoride and fluoroolefin to the reaction zone and at least one outlet for recovering said fluoroalkane, said stirrer disposed in the reaction zone and comprising a plurality of blades fixedly attached to shaft drivable by a motor, said blades extending from about the bottom of the reaction zone to about the top of the reaction zone and said shaft extending on a longitudinal axis from the bottom of the reactor to the top of the reactor, said stirrer being rotated at a speed sufficient to promote a swirling of the liquid to effect the occurrence of hydrofluorination reaction and minimize overfluorination. The present invention also relates to said hydrofluorination reactor.
US09353026B2

The concentration of hydrogen sulfide in a hydrocarbon can be mitigated by intruding therein a zinc carboxylate oxo complex composition prepared by reacting particulate zinc oxide with a mixture of two or more carboxylic acids wherein the zinc carboxylate oxo complex composition is soluble in hydrocarbons. Useful acids useful include acetic acid, oleic acid, isobutyric acid, lineoleic acid, cekanoic acid, and neodecanoic acid.
US09353020B2

A dust suppressing aggregate includes a core particle and a dust suppressing agent. The dust suppressing agent comprises polycarbodiimide and is disposed about the core particle for suppressing dusting of the core particle. A method of forming the dust suppressing aggregate includes the steps of reacting isocyanates in the presence of a catalyst to form the polycarbodiimide and encapsulating the core particle with the polycarbodiimide to form the dust suppressing agent. A system for producing the dust suppressing aggregate includes the core particle, the isocyanates, and the catalyst.
US09353019B2

Embodiments of the present invention relate to seeds coated with a coating comprising (a) a water-swellable polymer; (b) one or more controlled-release fertilizers; (c) bone meal substantially free of protein; and (d) optionally one or more fungicides.
US09353014B2

A process for sintering silicon carbide is provided which includes the steps of providing a silicon carbide powder of silicon carbide granules; purifying the silicon carbide powder; subjecting the purified silicon carbide powder to a gel-casting process; removing the gel-cast part from the mold; drying the gel-cast part; obtaining a dried cast ceramic part (a green body) which is capable of green machining into a final desired shape; firing the green body in an oven at temperatures ranging from about 100° C. to about 1900° C. to remove or burn out any polymer remaining in the ceramic; and sintering the green body at temperatures ranging from about 1600° C. to less than about 2200° C.
US09353013B2

A SiC ceramic material includes a bundle of SiC continuous fibers in a porous SiC ceramic matrix, has thermal insulation properties, a high level of strength and a high degree of toughness. A SiC ceramic structure is made of the SiC ceramic material. It is produced by preparing a pressure-sintered compact using a slurry prepared by mixing SiC powder and carbon powder in a liquid and by gasifying and releasing the carbon powder. The SiC ceramic structure can be produced by heating a reaction preparation containing a bundle of SiC continuous fibers and Si powder to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of silicon causing a reaction of the carbon component and Si powder and thereby obtaining a reaction-sintered compact, and by gasifying and releasing the carbon component from the reaction-sintered compact. The SiC ceramic can be produced by a chemical vapor deposition method.
US09353012B2

Ceramic materials comprising charge-compensating dopants and related methods. In some embodiments, the materials may comprise dopants such as Y2O3, Gd2O3, Nb2O5, and/or Ta2O5. Some embodiments may comprise a molar concentration of Y2O3 and/or Gd2O3 that is at least approximately equal to the molar concentration of Nb2O5 and/or Ta2O5. Certain embodiments and implementations may comprise particular, unique concentrations or concentration ranges of various compounds/materials in order to improve performance for use of such ceramic materials as biomedical implants.
US09353010B2

Embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods relating to biomedical implants and other devices made up of unique and improved alumina-zirconia ceramic materials. In an example of a method according to an implementation of the invention, a slurry is prepared, compressed, and fired to obtain a fired ceramic piece comprising at least aluminum oxide, zirconium dioxide, yttrium oxide, cerium oxide, strontium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium dioxide, and calcium oxide. Some embodiments and implementations may comprise selected concentrations of one or more such compounds to yield certain preferred results.
US09353002B2

Cement material, curable in the presence of water and including a hydraulic binder composition, which contains a mixture of hydraulic binders and a mixture of sulphate sources, wherein the hydraulic binder mixture includes: at least one hydraulic binder containing an alite-type mineralogical phase and at least one hydraulic binder containing an aluminate-type mineralogical phase, mainly consisting of ye'elimite (C4A3$) or a mixture of ye'elimite and calcium monoaluminate (CA), the mixture of sulphate sources containing at least one sulphate source with a solubility of <4 g·L−1, and at least one sulphate source with a solubility >4 g·L−1, the cement material optionally including mineral additions, fine granulates, large granulates and additives. The curable cement material is useful as a material capable of setting in cold weather, in particular a concrete, a mortar, a grout, a coating or a cement paste to be used at a temperature of −10° C. to +5° C.
US09352998B2

An insulating layer forming material and an insulating layer forming paste capable of forming an insulating layer on a metallic substrate without the filler and glass reacting or warpage occurring even when repeatedly fired at 850° C. or higher are provided. The insulating layer forming material containing a lead-free glass composition and an α-quartz filler contains 17.0-40.0 wt. % of the α-quartz filler and 60.0-83.0 wt. % of the lead-free glass composition. The α-quartz filler has an average particle diameter (D50) of 1.0-3.5 μm and a specific surface area of 2.5-6.5 m2/g. The lead-free glass composition includes no B2O3 and comprises a composition, in mol %, of 40.0-60.0% SiO2, 0.5-10.0% Al2O3, 20.0-45.0% MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO, 5.0-23.0% ZnO, and 0-10.0% Li2O+Na2O+K2O.
US09352997B2

In a melt molding method of germanium, the germanium which is brought into a molten state is sealed in molding dies in an inert gas atmosphere. The molding dies are temperature-controlled from the outside. While gradually cooling the molding dies at a portion or a plurality of portions thereof up to the whole, the germanium is gradually solidified from a side of the portion or sides of the plurality of portions up to the whole. An external ambient temperature of the molding dies is controlled to decrease gradually while ensuring a temperature below a germanium melting point temperature but higher than an inner temperature of the molding die which is cooled. After solidification of the germanium is completed, cooling of the molding dies is continued, and the external ambient temperature is decreased to mold the germanium.
US09352996B2

An optical fiber preform, and method for fabricating, having a first core, a second core spaced from the first core and first and second regions, the first region having an outer perimeter having a first substantially straight length and the second region having an outer perimeter having a second substantially straight length facing the first straight length. One of the regions can comprise the first core and the other comprises the second core. The preform can be drawn with rotation to provide a fiber wherein a first core of the fiber is multimode at a selected wavelength of operation and a second core of the fiber is spaced from and winds around the first core and has a selected longitudinal pitch. The second core of the fiber can couple to a higher order mode of the first core and increase the attenuation thereof relative to the fundamental mode of the first core.
US09352995B2

Provided is an apparatus for producing a sheet glass, including: a forming device that forms a glass ribbon by allowing molten glass continuously supplied onto molten metal in a bath to flow on the molten metal; a rotary roll disposed in an outer vicinity of the bath and configured to draw the glass ribbon obliquely upward from the molten metal; and a supporting device supporting the rotary roll from below.
US09352992B2

Provided is a microbial flora activator which can prevent the re-bonding of a dispersed oil, fat or the like and can activate microorganisms in an activated sludge treatment system; and a method for treating wastewater containing an oil, a fat or the like using the microbial flora activator.
US09352990B2

A reactor and control method for maximizing nitrogen removal and minimizing aeration requirements through control of transient anoxia and aerobic SRT, repression of NOB, and control of dynamic DO concentrations or aeration interval by keeping the reactor NH4 and NOx concentrations approximately equal. Controls are provided for maximizing the potential for TIN removal through nitrification, limited nitritation, nitritation, denitrification, limited denitritation, denitritation making use of 1) real time measurement of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, 2) operational DO and the proper use of DO setpoints, and 3) proper implementation of transient anoxia within a wide range of reactor configurations and operating conditions.
US09352989B2

An apparatus and a method for an ozone-based treatment of polluted water are disclosed. The apparatus and the method generally comprise three stages. The first stage is an ozone treatment stage wherein the polluted water is treated with ozone gas. The second stage is a gas-liquid separation stage wherein excess non-dissolved gases, from the ozone treatment stage, are removed from the water whereby the water exiting the gas-liquid separation stage is substantially saturated with dissolved gases and substantially free of non-dissolved gases. The last stage is a membrane filtration stage wherein the gas-saturated water generally undergoes micro-filtration or ultra-filtration. Microbubbles formed during this final stage generally prevent the accumulation of particles and pollutants on the surface of the membranes and/or inside the openings or pores thereof; thereby acting as a self-cleaning mechanism for the membrane filter.
US09352983B2

A capture unit for use with an antimicrobial application unit may include an upstream filter and a downstream filter. The upstream filter may be positioned to receive effluent from the application unit and to filter solid components from the effluent. The resultant upstream effluent filtrate may then be passed downstream to the downstream filter. The downstream filter may be used to filter an antimicrobial component from the upstream effluent filtrate and the resultant downstream effluent filtrate may be suitable for disposal as wastewater discharge. The antimicrobial is preferably a quaternary ammonium compound, is more preferably an alkylpyridinium chloride, and is most preferably cetylpyridinium chloride.
US09352972B2

A device for recovering SiCl4 slurry and method for the same, comprising a paddle dryer for receiving SiCl4 slurry containing chlorosilane; a first spray scrubber for receiving exhaust gas from the paddle dryer; a condenser for condensing and recovering the purifying exhaust gas from the first spray scrubber and discharging supersaturated vapor that after condensation and separation; a defogging separator for removing liquid droplets from supersaturated vapor which is cooled by the condenser; a hydrolysis tank for receiving and hydrolyzing a paste-like slurry from the paddle dryer and vapor from the defogging separator to produce mixture and exhaust gas; a drum pressure filter for receiving neutralization products from a neutralization stirring tank.
US09352969B2

A process for manufacturing silicon-based nanoparticles by electrochemical etching of a substrate, wherein the substrate is a metallurgical-grade or upgraded metallurgical-grade silicon, the substrate including an impurity content greater than 0.01%.
US09352951B2

A console for a fuel delivery management system, including a processor, a touch-sensitive display, a plurality of ports configured to facilitate communications with a plurality of lines, tanks, containments, sensors and pumps, and a memory including a plurality of instructions which when executed by the processor cause the console to generate a home screen on the display, the home screen having a quick jump menu icon which when activated by a user, causes the processor to generate a navigation window on the home screen, the navigation window including a plurality of function icons, each corresponding to a function screen, wherein activation of one of the plurality of function icons causes the processor to generate a function screen including a graphic indication of a parameter of one of the plurality of lines, tanks, containments, sensors and pumps.
US09352946B2

A lid opener is provided. The lid opener includes a solid body piece having a first end, the solid body piece being adapted to flex. The solid body piece can further include an annulus defined in the first end, with the annulus defining a gradually diminishing diameter from the first end. The annulus is configured to be inserted over and functionally engage a lid of a container to facilitate the removal of the lid from the container.
US09352945B2

The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a jack tool including a first shaft including a first tail with a first protrusion connected to a first spring, and a second shaft including a second head with a second aperture to detachably receive the first protrusion of the first shaft upon a force on the first spring translated from a force of different direction on the first protrusion.
US09352938B2

A lifting lug is disclosed for use with a low profile heater basket. The lifting lug can include a corner portion including first and second legs. The first and second legs are coupled to each other at respective first ends. The first and second legs can be oriented at an angle with respect to each other. The angle can be from 82.5-degrees to 97.5-degrees. The lifting lug can further include a hook engaging portion having first and second ends connected to respective second ends of the first and second legs. The hook engaging portion has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. Further, an outer surface of the hook engaging portion is recessed from a bottom surface of a plane formed by bottom surfaces of the first and second legs. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US09352936B2

A method determines a force which acts via a drive wheel, which is fastened on a motor shaft of an electric motor or on an output shaft of a geared motor, on a component, which is coupled to the drive wheel directly in form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. The electric motor is coupled electrically to a power amplifier, which is coupled to a power-supply unit via a connecting circuit. The force is determined using a voltage and a current which are determined in the connecting circuit. An apparatus implements the method.
US09352932B2

The present invention is a speed control for a cable retractor. The cable retractor with which the speed control is used comprises a pulley that engages a cable that may be extended and retracted. A friction element configured to adjustably contact the cable adjacent to the pulley is attached to a movable linkage. The movement of the linkage is constrained to move along a predetermined path such that movement of the linkage along the path alters the distance between the friction element and the pulley. In one or more embodiments a cantilevered spring is attached to the linkage. An adjustable control, for example a thumbscrew, is configured to move the spring in relation to the linkage in a manner that alters the position of the friction element with respect to the cable and/or the pressure exerted by the friction element on the cable.
US09352928B2

A thin film dispenser has a body, a moving assembly, a resilient positioning element, a dispensing unit and a push button. The body has an opening, a sliding channel and two sets of positioning recesses. The moving assembly is connected to the dispensing unit. The resilient positioning element is connected to the moving assembly and has a positioning segment selectively engaging one of the two sets of positioning recesses. The dispensing unit has a dispensing head corresponding to the opening of the body. The push button is mounted slidably in the sliding channel of the body, is connected to the moving assembly and selectively pushes against the positioning segment of the resilient positioning element to disengage from a corresponding set of positioning recesses to enable the moving assembly to move relative to the body.
US09352927B2

A stacking system for stacking paper from a linear feed.
US09352921B2

A winder for winding a web to produce a rolled product is provided. Included in one exemplary embodiment is a plurality of independent winding modules. The winding modules may be configured to wind the web to form a rolled product by center winding, surface winding, and/or combinations of center and surface winding. In accordance with the present disclosure, at least one tail sealing apparatus is present in the system. The tail sealing apparatus includes an applicator device that transfers adhesive to a web being wound prior to completion of the roll. In one embodiment, the applicator device remains in contact with the wound roll during the completion of the winding cycle in order to have an ironing effect on the finished roll.
US09352911B2

An idler roller (1) for a belt conveyor and an idler roller assembly (41). The idler roller (1) comprises an elongate static shaft (3), a rotatable drum (5) mounted about and substantially surrounding the static shaft (3) and at least one bearing (7, 9) intermediate the shaft (3) and the rotatable drum (5). The idler roller (1) further comprises a load cell mounted on the static shaft internal the rotatable drum (5). The static shaft comprises a load cell section that is weakened relative to the remainder of the shaft.
US09352907B2

Width adjustment device (1), for being used in connection with adjusting the width of conveyor belts of the type made up from a large number of substantially identical belt modules (2,2′), where each module along leading and trailing edges in the intended travelling direction is provided with eye parts separated by openings (17), such that an eye part on one module may be fitted in an opening (17) on an adjacent module, and where the eye parts are provided with an aperture laterally, such that when a conveyor belt is assembled from a plurality of belt modules (2,2′), a connection pin (16) may be inserted laterally through the openings in overlapping eye parts, thereby hingely connecting adjacent belt modules, where the width adjustment device (1) is detachably arranged on each belt module (2,2′) along one or both sides of the conveyor belt, and where a device on one module (2) at least partly overlaps with the device arranged on the upstream and/or downstream module (2′).
US09352906B2

Provided is a rubber-reinforcing steel cord that has superior productivity and is advantageous in reducing weight and improving bending resistance, as well as a conveyor belt that uses the rubber-reinforcing steel cord. A rubber-reinforcing steel cord 1 having a 1+6+(6+6) structure formed by twisting individual steel wires 2, 3, 4a, and 4b once in the same direction, a twist multiple of at least 9 and not greater than 14, and an outer diameter of not greater than 4 mm is used by being embedded in a rubber product.
US09352904B1

A trashcan assembly has a trashcan container, a removable trashcan liner engagement member and a holder for the trashcan linear engagement member. The removable trashcan liner engagement member can be placed to loop around the holder and to be aligned with the exterior surface of the peripheral wall of the trashcan container.
US09352902B2

The present invention is concerned with a novel freight container with improved characteristics. The container has a first portion and a second portion. The container is adapted to assume a first configuration in which the container has a maximum volume and a third configuration in which said container has a minimum volume. In the first configuration, the second portion is extended away from said first portion; side walls of said first and second portions are extending vertically in normal use; and at least some of said side walls are foldable. In the second configuration said side walls are folded in such a way to allow top walls of the first and second portions and bottom walls of the first and second portions be brought towards and adjacent each other whereby the minimum volume of the container is achieved.
US09352901B2

Systems and methods for isolating a bottom open end of a drinking straw from objects, such as fruit, leaves, seeds, etc., located within a beverage container. A sieve is disclosed that has outer dimensions that substantially match inner dimensions of a bottom portion of a drinking glass. The sieve includes a top platform having a drinking straw opening and a plurality of filter openings sized to permit liquid to pass therethrough while preventing passage by objects. The bottom open end of the drinking straw is positionable within a cavity of the sieve that is isolated from the objects, such that a user may consume the beverage through the drinking straw without the objects obstructing the drinking straw.
US09352893B2

The present invention discloses a self-venting package (6) for packing a food preparation and warming it up comprising at least one flexible film forming a first wall comprising a sealant layer (9) and a support layer (10), said flexible film being sealed by a peripheral seal (4) onto a second wall or on itself, thereby forming a main enclosure confining the food preparation; a rupturable seal (3) isolating a venting hole (1) from said main enclosure, said rupturable seal being arranged for opening, in use, a path to the venting hole upon internal pressure increase in said main enclosure, characterized in that a specific region (5) of the rupturable seal is weakened by means of a welded area with a reduced sealant layer thickness, said welded area guiding, in use, the rupture of said rupturable seal to the venting hole.
US09352890B2

A carton for containing at least one article. The carton includes a plurality of panels at least partially forming an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels include a top panel. The carton includes an article protection flap foldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The article protection flap is moveable between a first position that is substantially parallel to the top panel and a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the top panel. The at least one access feature in the top panel is for positioning the article protection flap from the first position to the second position.
US09352886B2

A container has features to indicate tampering and to discourage reuse as a deterrent to use with counterfeit goods. A lid hinged to a thermoformed thermoplastic base defines a product compartment. A line of weakened material surrounds a retention tab within a base upper wall. The tab is secured to a lid upper wall such as by a weld. The retention tab is secured to the lid through an opening in an enclosure element such as a card of thermoformed sheet. When the lid is separated from the base the retention tab is detached from the base along the weakened line of material and retained by the secured connection to the lid with the enclosure element retained by the retention tab to the lid upper wall. The retention tab interferes with the removal of the enclosure element from the lid and its reuse with counterfeit goods.
US09352878B2

A card holder for holding a transaction card, such as a gift card, in an upright presentation position upon opening the front and back covers of the holder.
US09352871B2

A device for cutting a strapping off of a cuboid bale includes at least one cutter bar that can be moved toward the bale, wherein the bale is guided along the cutter bar by a conveying apparatus and the cutter bar is arranged on a side of the bale that is directed perpendicularly to a conveying direction. Efficient cutting of all strapping is made possible by arranging at least two cutter bars on adjoining sides of the bale and by guiding the cutter bars in a traversing device in the conveying direction during the contact with the bales.
US09352859B2

A device for feeding charges of non-homogeneous infusion material to a packaging machine includes a metering device for the charges and transfer system for the charges which is positioned downstream of the metering device and which feeds the charges to the packaging machine. The transfer system includes a charge adjustment system equipped with a drum which is rotatable about its own axis A and at least one roller which is rotatable about its own axis B and which is located upstream of the drum. The drum includes a chamber for receiving the charge from the roller. During adjustment of the charge, the chamber is variable between a maximum value coinciding with the receiving step and a minimum value when the charge has been adjusted.
US09352858B2

A methodology for initial orbit determination of an object about an astronomical body searches a grid of possible boundary values on the range-to-object over the observation interval to find the grid point and corresponding initial orbit that best fits all of the more than three (N) angles-only observations according to an error metric. The search is conducted by solving a boundary-value problem for different grid points. The state vector is propagated to determine estimated observation directions for the remaining N−2 observations. The grid point (and initial orbit) that best fit all of the observations is selected. For efficiency, the search may start with a broad but coarse initial grid and increase the resolution of the grid as the search converges to a solution.
US09352852B2

The present disclosure provides an airplane ground deicing installation that minimizes the impact of deicing operations on the airport during icing conditions. The installation does not require alteration of a normal taxi pattern and can be performed as quickly as the average separation time between take-offs. The installation allows modification of its shape to adapt to the contour of almost all types of commercial passengers airplanes operating from major airports, and simultaneously deices large surfaces of the airplane. Deicing and anti-icing fluids are applied to airplane surfaces from nozzles positioned in close proximity to the airplane's surface. Speed and adaptability to different types of airplanes, combined with a design that allows rapid relocation of the installation, are key features that make it possible to place the installation on the taxiway, close to the head of the runway it serves, such that the taxi pattern and the separation in between takeoffs are not altered as compared to the normal operations of the airport.
US09352846B2

An apparatus comprising a refueling controller. The refueling controller is configured to receive a number of operator commands for moving a refueling boom on a tanker aircraft in a desired direction. The number of operator commands defines at least one of an azimuth movement and an elevation movement of the refueling boom during flight of the tanker aircraft. The refueling controller is further configured to generate a number of intermediate commands for moving the refueling boom in the desired direction as defined by the number of operator commands. The number of intermediate commands defines at least one of a roll movement and a pitch movement such that the refueling boom moves in the desired direction.
US09352844B2

An aircraft nacelle includes a first subassembly consisting of a pipe (112) channeling an airflow in the direction of an engine having a covering or panel (118) for acoustic treatment, including, from the inside to the outside, a reflecting layer (120), at least one cellular structure (122), and at least one acoustically resistive structure (124) forming the aerodynamic surface of the pipe (112), as well as a second subassembly consisting of a lip (116) and a front frame (126), characterized in that it includes at least one connection element (134) which is separate from the two subassemblies and connected to a portion of the pipe (112) and to a portion of the lip forming an extension of the portion of the pipe at different points so as to be capable of enabling a relative movement between the two subassemblies.
US09352843B2

A gas turbine engine has a core engine incorporating a core engine turbine. A fan rotor is driven by a fan rotor turbine. The fan rotor turbine is in the path of gases downstream from the core engine turbine. A bypass door is moveable from a closed position at which the gases from the core engine turbine pass over the fan rotor turbine, and moveable to a bypass position at which the gases are directed away from the fan rotor turbine. An aircraft is also disclosed.
US09352840B2

A tray table for use with a passenger seat of a transportation vehicle is provided. The tray table may be moveable between a deployed position and a stowed position relative to a seat. The tray table may include a storage compartment for storing belongings of a passenger. A lid may be provided for covering an opening of the storage compartment. A portion of the lid may be transparent such that contents of the storage compartment may be readily viewed by a passenger when the tray table is in the deployed position. A portion of a storage compartment bottom may be transparent such that contents of the storage compartment may be readily viewed by a passenger when the tray table is in the stowed position. The tray table may have any number of storage compartments and a single lid or multiple lids may be used to cover the storage compartment openings.
US09352833B2

Technologies are generally described for controlling a flight path of a UAV based image capture system for solid modeling. Upon determining an initial movement path based on an estimate of a structure to be modeled, images of the structure to be modeled may be captured and surface hypotheses formed for unobserved surfaces based on the captured images. A normal vector and a viewing cone may be computed for each hypothesized surface. A set of desired locations may be determined based on the viewing cones for the entire structure to be modeled and a least impact path for the UAV determined based on the desired locations and desired flight parameters.
US09352829B2

An aircraft component has an exterior surface and a protective nanocoating carried by the exterior surface. An aircraft has an engine, a fuselage, and a component having an exterior surface and a protective nano coating carried by the exterior surface. A method of protecting an aircraft component includes selecting at least one harmful environmental component and applying a protective nanocoating to the aircraft component, wherein the protective nanocoating is configured to protect the aircraft component from the selected harmful environmental component.
US09352819B2

An example can include a pod detachably coupled to a hull. At least one thrust generator can be fixed to the pod. A power source can be mounted to the pod and slideable fore and aft. A power source actuator can be coupled between the pod and the power source to translate the location of the power source with respect to the pod. A sensor can be coupled to the pod to detect a pitch of the hull and provide a pitch signal. A controller can be coupled to one or more of the power source, the power source actuator, the first and second thrust generators and the sensor. The controller can maintain a pitch of the hull by translating the power source within the pod in association with the pitch signal.
US09352818B2

An outboard trolling marine motor assembly, conversion kit and method for converting a string trimmer into an outboard motor assembly. The assembly and kit featuring a propeller, a clamp assembly, a spacer and a mounting bracket. The propeller having a plurality of blades radially extending from a centrally located hub featuring a substantially centered non-circular recess. The propeller and spacer suitable for being mounted to a non-cylindrical prop-shaft. The clamp having a U-bolt with spaced apart threaded ends, fasteners and a block with a semi-circular slot and a plurality of apertures for receiving the ends of the U-bolt. Slot and U-bolt forming a substantially annular interior region. The mounting bracket having a pivotable body and at least one adjustable clamp for securing the motor assembly to a portion of a watercraft.
US09352816B1

An oar rowing device that may be configured to accommodate a canoe, rowboat, rowing skull or any similar watercraft using an oar rowing device. This oar rowing device blade is equipped with one or more multi-blade propeller housing each having a multi-blade propeller. Each propeller housing with a multi-blade propeller is open on both sides of the oar rowing blade. This oar rowing blade may also be equipped with cone shaped orifice housings through the oar rowing blade each having a center rotating cone shape with inner ribs and grooves. The pulling stroke of the oar rowing device generates the kinetic energy to put into motion the multi-blade propeller and the inner rotating cone shape orifice device.
US09352811B2

A sensor accommodation container, attached to a cap member of a pneumatic fender and installed inside a fender bag, includes a container body attached to a through hole penetrating the cap member so as to be able to move and protrude out of the fender bag and held at a predetermined protruded position, a lid for closing the through hole, a first seal member for sealing a gap between the container body and the through hole, a communication hole for communicating inside and outside of the container body when the container body has been installed inside the fender bag and a second seal member for shutting off the communication between the inside and the outside of the fender bag via the communication hole when the container body has been held at a predetermined protruded position.
US09352810B2

The inventive skate technology comprises a wakeboard or other type of floatation board, particularly, but not solely, designed for use behind a watercraft and which has a longitudinal arc that curves from the lowest points upward at the tip and tail but is reversed in at least one section of the board.
US09352809B2

A semi-submersible vessel for offshore operations is suitable to be operated in icy waters and in ice-free waters. The vessel includes an operating deck, at least one lower hull, an essentially vertical connecting structure between the at least one lower hull and the operating deck, and a ballast system. The connecting structure has a water portion and an icebreaking portion arranged on top of each other. The vessel is configured to have an icebreaking draft for icy waters, and a water draft for ice-free waters in which the waterline is substantially level with the water portion. The icebreaking portion has a closed tapered contour. During the water draft, the collective area of the water portion of the connecting structure intersecting the water surface is smaller than the collective area of the icebreaking portion of the connecting structure intersecting the water surface during the icebreaking draft.
US09352800B2

A hybrid vehicle is provided in which a hybrid type power unit is mounted to a vehicle body frame, the power unit having an engine with an engine body of which part is formed by a crankcase rotatably supporting a crankshaft, a transmission for changing speed of driving force transmitted from the crankshaft, and an electric motor capable of transmitting the driving force to the transmission, wherein the electric motor (9) is mounted to a lower portion at a front face of the engine body (11A). Thus, it is possible to prevent the position of the center of gravity from becoming higher according to the disposition of the electric motor, and to carry out sufficient cooling of the electric motor by utilizing traveling wind.
US09352795B2

A motorcycle footrest mount includes a support arm that is length adjustable and pivotally adjustable. The mount attaches to a motorcycle structure and includes a helical ramp. One end of the support arm is pivotably mounted to the helical ramp and is spring biased against the mount in a first, home position. The other end of the support arm is mounted to a footrest. The support arm is able to pivotally move downward along the helical ramp upon application of force by a motorcycle operator's legs and feet on the footrest, and to return to the home position when the operator removes his or her feet from the footrest by virtue of the spring biasing.
US09352794B2

A method for assembling motor vehicles in which a drive train, chassis and floor module are pre-assembled and then connected to a shell of the motor vehicle. The floor module is pre-assembled in a first pre-assembly process and the drive train and the chassis are pre-assembled in a second pre-assembly process. The floor module, the drive train and the chassis are combined and then connected to the shell of the motor vehicle.
US09352793B2

A slide shoe installs on an undercarriage frame assembly of an excavating machine to prevent contact by the lugs of track links when the track buckles. The slide shoe is connected at a top surface to a mounting bar extending between side plates of the frame assembly. The slide shoe may include a front bottom beveled surface extending forward from a bottom surface to a front surface and a rear bottom beveled surface extending rearward from the bottom surface, with the beveled surfaces oriented at upward angles with respect to a line parallel to the bottom surface. A rear upper beveled surface extends rearward from the top surface and is oriented at a downward angle with respect to a line parallel to the top surface and intersects the rear bottom beveled surface at a rear tip of the slide shoe.
US09352781B2

A motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle (UV), with a vehicle frame and/or a sub-frame (2; 2a) that has contact surfaces (10; 10a) extending transversely and/or longitudinally relative to the driving direction (F) and are connection surfaces to other structural units (6; 7; 8; 12). The structural units are connected by connecting elements (11) that pass through the contact surfaces (10; 10a). The connecting elements each define an axis (13) and are aligned such that the axes of the connecting elements extend through the contact surface (10; 10a) at an angle different from 90°.
US09352780B2

A driver assistance device for a motor vehicle includes a control unit that is designed for delivering control signals for carrying out an autonomous parking maneuver to a drive and/or steering system of the motor vehicle. The driver assistance system is configured to abort a parking maneuver in progress when an abort command is received. A detection device for detecting an electrostatic field is connected to the control unit in order to generate the abort command.
US09352757B2

A railcar bogie includes: a cross beam configured to support a carbody of a railcar; a pair of front and rear axles between which the cross beam is located and which are respectively arranged in front of and behind the cross beam in a railcar longitudinal direction so as to extend in a railcar width direction; bearings respectively provided at both railcar width direction sides of the axles and configured to rotatably support the axles; axle box main bodies configured to respectively accommodate the bearings; plate springs extending in the railcar longitudinal direction to respectively support both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam, both longitudinal direction end portions of the plate springs being respectively arranged above the axle box main bodies to be respectively supported by the axle box main bodies.
US09352752B2

Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.
US09352751B2

A method and a system for determining an information transfer rate between a driver and a vehicle, where the information transfer rate is calculated using driver information measured directly from the driver and vehicle information measured directly from the vehicle. The method also includes retrieving a baseline information transfer rate for maintaining control of the vehicle from a baseline information transfer rate database. A driver safety factor is calculated using the information transfer rate and the baseline information transfer rate.
US09352748B2

A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.
US09352744B2

A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to selectively apply regenerative torque to cause deceleration in response to braking demand; the powertrain further including a torque converter configured to decouple the electric machine from wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle is also provided with a controller programmed to, during a regenerative braking event, receive a signal defining a regenerative torque limit, and in response to a fault condition associated with the regenerative torque limit, generate a replacement regenerative torque limit based upon a torque converter open speed to decrease roughness during transitions into and out of regenerative braking.
US09352740B2

A vehicle energy-management device is used for a vehicle that is equipped with a plurality of vehicle apparatuses driven by different energy sources. The vehicle energy-management device includes a travel route calculator that calculates a travel route of the vehicle, a travel route divider that divides the travel route into a plurality of sections, a control plan preparing unit that prepares, for each of the plurality of sections, a control plan for the plurality of vehicle apparatuses, and a vehicle apparatus controller that controls the plurality of vehicle apparatuses according to the control plan. The travel route divider determines a length of each of the sections such that a resolution is higher for a section closer to the vehicle and divides the travel route.
US09352738B2

A powertrain architecture includes an engine and a transmission coupled through a launch device that is configured to be selectively mechanically coupled to the engine and to the transmission. A ring gear is positioned at least partially around the launch device. An engine lock up clutch mechanically couples the engine to the ring gear. A turbine lock up clutch mechanically couples the launch device to the ring gear. Ancillary devices are provided to receive power from or transmit power to the ring gear. The engine lock up clutch and the turbine lock up clutch selectively engage the ring gear to power at least one ancillary device.
US09352732B2

An anti-blocking system for a vehicle having an electromotive vehicle drive unit includes one or more driving motors. During a braking process, the braking effect of the driving motors operating as a generator is limited in such a way that brake slip on at least one driving wheel is limited to a predefined threshold value. The rotational speed of each driving motor is regulated by a controllable converter associated therewith, the ABS control device constantly transmitting, to each converter, a mandatory minimum braking rotational speed for the driving motor associated with the respective converter in order to limit brake slip.
US09352724B2

A wiper device is provided that suppresses plastic deformation of a blade rubber of a wiper blade without wasting power of a battery installed to a vehicle. A wiper device is equipped with wiper blades that wipe a vehicle front glass, a wiper motor that swings the wiper blades in alternating between an upper turn position and a lower turn position by accompanied rotation of the output shaft, and a control unit that controls the wiper motor. In a case of the vehicle ignition switch being ON or OFF, the control unit controls the wiper motor such that from a stopped position where the wiper blades are located, the wiper blades are swung in a specific range of between a first stopping position and a second stopping position, and then stopped.
US09352720B2

The present invention relates to an airbag for a vehicle, including: an inflator; an airbag cushion which is deployed by high-pressure gas flowing into the airbag cushion from the inflator, and has a vent hole for discharging the flowing high-pressure gas to the outside; a vent cover which is disposed in the airbag cushion so as to close the vent hole; and a pocket which is disposed in the airbag cushion, connected with the vent cover, and moved after the airbag cushion is initially deployed, so as to allow the vent hole to be closed by the vent cover.
US09352718B2

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a base fabric for airbags with excellent deployment speed, internal pressure retention and workability, and an airbag using the same. The inventive base fabric for airbags has resin arranged in at least one surface of the cloth which comprises synthetic fibers, and is characterized in that the amount of resin adhered is from 10 to 50 g/m2 and, further, the weaving thread's filaments is exposed on the resin surface, and the weaving thread's filaments exposure rate is from 1 to 25%.
US09352716B2

An automobile air bag mounting structure includes a chute defining an opening with a first wall extending from the opening, a cover fully sealing the opening, and a hinge member extending integrally between the first wall and a portion of the cover. The hinge member extends from the first housing wall and to the cover in a direction toward the opening with at least one segment therebetween extending away from the opening.
US09352706B2

An assembly includes a base component secured to vehicle frame components and a first body component having an inside surface abutting the base component. The assembly further includes a first fastening member securing the first body component to the base component. The first fastening member has a first flange portion engaging the outside surface of the first body component and a first shaft portion engaging the base component. The assembly also includes a second body component abutting the first flange portion of the first fastening member opposite the first body component and a second fastening member securing the second body component to the first body and base components. The second fastening member has a second flange portion engaging the second body component and a second shaft portion engaging the first shaft portion of the first fastening member.
US09352698B2

A universal mounting system for mounting an accessory in a pickup truck bed. The system includes a main support member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is engageable with the upper horizontal portion of the sidewall of the pickup truck bed and the lower end is engageable with the floor of the pickup truck bed. The main support member includes a transverse channel. The universal mounting system further includes a cantilever member extending through at least a portion of the transverse channel of the main support member. The cantilever member has a mounting system defining a pivot axis. A swivel plate is connectable to the accessory and includes a mounting system pivotally engaging the mounting system of the cantilever member to define a pivotal connection along the pivot axis therebetween to permit the accessory to pivot about the pivot axis.
US09352692B2

A vehicle mirror and camera mounting system includes a windshield attachment member configured to adhesively attach at a vehicle windshield and a camera mounting bracket configured to attach at the windshield attachment member. The camera mounting bracket is an injection molded bracket that is formed by injection molding a thermoplastic reinforced polyamide polymeric molding resin. With the windshield attachment member adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield, the camera mounting bracket, with a camera module attached thereat, is attached at the windshield attachment member. The camera mounting bracket includes a mirror attachment portion for attaching an interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror mount includes an attaching portion that is configured to insert at least partially into a socket of the mirror attachment portion of the camera mounting bracket to attach the interior rearview mirror assembly at the camera mounting bracket.
US09352688B2

A vehicle comprises electric motor, generator of simulated engine sounds, decider of whether or not to generate simulated engine sounds and controller of the level of simulated engine sounds. The controller smoothly increases level of simulated engine sounds upon decision of sound generation on detection of pedestrian, crosswalk, narrow road, or road with no sidewalk. The decider is responsive to vehicle navigation system, or ETC, or camera of EDR. EDR records the decision as circumstantial evidence. The decision may be optionally possible, but is forcibly made upon necessity. Simulated engine sounds can be greater than, or equal to, or less than real engine sounds. The controller makes a soft peak of simulated engine sound upon brake or accelerator operated. Balance of simulated engine sounds among front, rear, right and left of vehicle is changeable in response to shift lever or blinker lever operation. The decision is visually indicated inside vehicle.
US09352679B2

A kiosk for selling frozen confections such as shaved ice or ice cream is provided with a liquid-topping dispenser assembly having liquid-dispensing faucets which are operable by a customer outside the kiosk to dispense liquid toppings onto the frozen confections. The dispenser assembly may be configured to allow people to operate faucets from both sides of the dispenser assembly. The dispenser assembly extends outwardly of the kiosk in a dispensing orientation and is movable to a stored orientation. The dispenser assembly may also be movable between several dispensing positions. The kiosk may be stationary or mobile. The kiosk may be provided with more than one dispenser assembly and may use a dispenser assembly mounted on a trailer.
US09352674B2

A seat that includes a seat bottom and seat back, an endbay assembly positioned to one side of the seat bottom, and an armrest positioned within the endbay assembly and selectively moveable between an upper position for use as an armrest and a lower position level with an upper seating surface of the seat bottom for allowing ingress and egress to the seat.
US09352667B2

In a fitting system for a vehicle seat having at least one fitting by which a rest can be pivoted relative to a seat part from at least one use position to a non-use position, the fitting has a first fitting part with a toothed rim, a second fitting part, having at least one moving bolt which locks the fitting in the use position by interacting with the toothed rim, a prestressed eccentric which moves the bolt radially outward to interact with the toothed rim, and a control cam which moves the bolt radially inward in the event of rotation in the opening direction, to terminate interaction with the toothed rim. The control cam can be rotated in the closing direction in a manner uncoupled from the eccentric, to lock the fitting in the non-use position by interaction between the one bolt and the toothed rim.
US09352665B2

Electromechanical systems using magnetic fields to induce eddy currents and generate lift are described. Magnet configurations which can be employed in the systems are illustrated. The magnet configuration can be used to generate lift and/or thrust. Arrangements of hover engines, which can employ the magnet configurations, are described. Further, vehicles, which employ the hover engines and associated hover engines are described.
US09352664B2

A charging control method and system for an environmentally friendly vehicle are provided and promote the enhancement of charging efficiency by improving a power control method of a power factor correction (PFC) converter while a battery is being charged through an on board charger (OBC) in vehicle. The method sensing, by a voltage detector, a battery voltage during charging and calculating, by a controller, a target value to maintain an output voltage of the PFC converter. The target value is calculated from the sensed battery voltage and the maximum available duty value of the DC-DC converter. The output voltage of the PFC converter is maintained, based on the calculated target value.
US09352658B2

The invention relates to systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.
US09352657B2

An electrical and/or hybrid motor vehicle device includes a charging device for the charging of an accumulator device. The charging device includes a first charging unit with a connector element for the charging of the accumulator device, which is provided for energy transfer by means of contacts. The charging device also includes a second charging unit with an energy transfer unit for the charging of the accumulator device, which is provided for a contactless energy transfer. The charging device has a charging electronic system, which is provided at least in part as an integral construction with the first and second charging units.
US09352656B2

A vehicle having at least one electric machine capable of propelling the vehicle is provided. An oil circulation path is provided that circulates oil through the electric machines. A controller commands the electric machines to fulfill torque demands. The controller utilizes the oil temperature in the oil circulation path in order to control the commanded torque output by the electric machines. In the event of a failure or fault in the oil temperature sensors, the controller estimates the oil temperature from the temperature of coils within the electric machine. The estimated oil temperature is utilized instead of the sensed oil temperature to control the torque outputs to maintain torque demands.
US09352640B2

The invention relates to a vehicle roof (1) with a roof opening (3) which is closable by a roof element (4), and a side outer panel (7) which, in an erected open position of the roof element (4), covers a lateral gap between the roof element (4) and a side wall frame (5). According to the invention, the side outer panel (7) is mounted pivotably in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle.
US09352639B2

A door system for a service vehicle. The door system comprises a door frame that includes a plurality of elongated frame members, an interior panel coupled to the door frame, and a plurality of connectors for coupling the interior panel to the door frame. Additionally, each of the frame members comprises an attachment flange having a longitudinal groove and a series of longitudinally spaced insert openings. The insert openings extend entirely through the attachment flange and open into the longitudinal groove. As such, the connectors extend through the insert openings to secure the interior panel to the door frame.
US09352634B2

A composite heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between feed air and a refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the feed air and engine coolant. The composite heat exchanger is integrated so as to enable heat transfer between discharge refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger and the coolant flowing through the second heat exchanger. Furthermore, the composite heat exchanger is configured to change an amount of the heat exchanged among the feed air, the discharge refrigerant and the coolant in the composite heat exchanger by changing at least one of a volume of the feed air, a refrigerant discharge capacity of the compression mechanism, and an inflow amount of the heat medium.
US09352629B2

A spring including a composite structure including reinforcement fibers in a matrix. The composite structure further includes at least one Bragg cell and at least one optical fiber connected to the Bragg cell.
US09352620B2

A motorcycle tire for running on rough terrain has a block pattern that includes major groups arranged circumferentially of the tire at intervals, and minor groups arranged between the major groups. The major group consists of four blocks arranged axially of the tire and each connected to the next with a tie bar, wherein each is defined as having the centroid of its top surface within a tread center region having a developed width of 60% of a developed tread width, and angles (θ1a) of straight lines drawn between axially adjacent centroids are not more than 10 degrees with respect to the tire axial direction. The minor group consists of two or three blocks connected with a tie bar, and angles of straight lines drawn between axially adjacent centroids of top surfaces of the blocks are 15 to 80 degrees with respect to the tire axial direction.
US09352616B2

In a tire according to the present invention, the shape of the outermost reinforcing layer in the tire radial direction is optimized.
US09352608B2

An electric pencil sharpener includes a cutter carrier, and first and second cutter members mounted on the cutter carrier and having long and short blade portions. The rear end of the short blade portion is disposed forwardly of the rear end of the long blade portion. A shaving space includes a rear region disposed between the rear ends of the long and short blade portions. The rear region allows extension of a tip portion of a pencil thereinto for pushing a switch actuation unit so as to deactivate a motor when the tip portion of the pencil has been sharpened to extend a predetermined length into the rear region.
US09352600B2

A tape cassette includes a cassette case, a tape roll housed in the cassette case, an arm portion that guides a tape, and a long hole extending in a left-right direction of the cassette case and formed straddling a center position of the cassette case in the left-right direction, wherein a first distance (a length of the long hole in the left-right direction) is larger than a second distance (a length from an end portion of the tape cassette in an opposite direction to a feed direction of the tape fed in the arm portion, to an end portion of the long hole in the opposite direction), and a center of gravity of the tape cassette is located in a specific area whose both end positions in the left-right direction are the same as those of the long hole, and which extends in a front-rear direction.
US09352596B2

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first transport roller, and a second transport roller which transports a medium; and a liquid ejecting head which includes a plurality of nozzle openings, and ejects liquid toward the medium which is transported, a pressure generation unit which causes a change in pressure in liquid in a flow path, and a wiring board of which one face is arranged so as to face a direction in which the liquid is ejected, and is electrically connected to the pressure generation unit, in which the wiring board is arranged between the first transport roller and the second transport roller, and is arranged at a position at which the wiring board does not overlap with the first transport roller and the second transport roller and the first transport roller or the second transport roller is arranged at a position at which the roller overlaps with the liquid ejecting head.
US09352594B1

Articles each having a reference mark located around a respective extension axis, are loaded on piece-holder assemblies distributed around a central axis of a rotatable drum, and each including a pair of spindles operable in rotation by a same motor, each around a respective longitudinal axis. The drum rotates about said central axis to transfer said piece-holder assembly to a printing station, where a printing pattern is formed on a side surface of each article driven in rotation by the respective spindle. Before transferring to the printing station, at least one of the articles is oriented around the respective spindle, to place the reference marks of the articles along a same angular orientation around the respective extension axes.
US09352590B2

A sheet feeder, including: a sheet supply roller configured to supply a sheet to a sheet feeding path; a sheet feed roller configured to feed the sheet supplied to the sheet feeding path by the sheet supply roller to a downstream side in a sheet feeding direction in which the sheet is fed; a discharge roller configured to discharge the sheet fed by the feed roller to a downstream side in the sheet feeding direction; a drive motor configured to drive a first shaft for rotating the feed roller; a first transmitting mechanism configured to transmit a rotary motion of the first shaft to a second shaft for rotating the discharge roller; and a second transmitting mechanism configured to transmit a rotary motion of the second shaft to a third shaft for rotating the sheet supply roller.
US09352586B2

Method for printing patterns onto three-dimensional articles mounted respectively on rotary receiving elements, including a step of generating, for each receiving element, a set of several digital images for respectively printing parts of a same pattern onto an article mounted on the receiving element, a step of printing successively parts of a same pattern onto a same article respectively from the digital images of the set associated with the receiving element for the article, the digital images of a same set having a same length, and a step of printing simultaneously several parts of distinct patterns respectively onto several articles, each simultaneous printing of a part of a pattern onto an article being performed from a digital image of the set associated with the receiving element for the article.
US09352566B2

An ink ejection device comprises: an ink supply section including a plurality of ink chambers respectively containing the plural kinds of inks; and a head section having plural groups of nozzles and ejecting the plural kinds of inks to be supplied from the ink supply section. The head section includes a plurality of supply ports which are aligned in the scanning direction and through which the plural kinds of inks are supplied. The ink supply section includes: a plurality of connection passages respectively connecting the plurality of supply ports to the ink chambers containing the inks to be supplied respectively to the supply ports; and a plurality of air discharge passages connected respectively to the plurality of ink chambers. Then, the plurality of ink chambers are aligned in the conveying direction.
US09352565B2

A liquid jet head includes an actuator substrate having an alternating array of ejection grooves and non-ejection grooves which penetrate from an upper surface to a lower surface of the actuator substrate and are longer in a substrate surface direction than in a depth direction. A cover plate attached to the actuator substrate covers upper surface openings of the grooves, and a nozzle plate attached to the actuator substrate covers lower surface openings of the grooves. The grooves are formed in such a manner that configurations of the lower surface openings of the ejection grooves and the non-ejection grooves are different.
US09352563B2

A liquid ejecting head is disclosed. The liquid ejecting head includes a liquid inlet which is provided on one surface of the liquid ejecting head and to which a liquid maintaining portion that maintains liquid is connected, a recessed portion in which the liquid inlet is provided on an inner side and which is open to the one surface, a groove portion which is continuously provided across a vicinity of the recessed portion on an outer side of the recessed portion, and open to the one surface, and a communication path which communicates with a side surface where the groove portion and the one surface intersect with each other, or with a surface opposite to the one surface.
US09352560B2

In one example, a printhead structure includes: a first layer; an array of openings in the first layer to form printing fluid ejection chambers; a second layer on the first layer; an array of orifices through the second layer, each orifice located adjacent to one of the openings in the first layer; a groove in the first layer spanning substantially a full length of the array of openings; and multiple holes through the second layer to the groove in the first layer.
US09352553B1

Provided is a printing apparatus including a positioning unit that positions a print object, a printing unit that prints a predetermined print image on the print object after elapse of a predetermined standby time since the print object is positioned by the positioning unit, and a controller that adjusts the standby time depending on quality of the print image printed on the print object by the printing unit, and controls the printing unit so as to print the print image on a subsequent print object after the elapse of the adjusted standby time.
US09352550B2

By providing a rotating body which supports three-dimensional recording media on a support surface in a direction which intersects with a gravity direction and which has a rotating shaft in the direction which intersects with the support surface, and a recording head which carries out recording onto recording media by discharging ink in a direction which intersects with the rotating shaft, recording is carried out with high quality with respect to the recording media while firmly supporting the three-dimensional recording media.
US09352545B2

A printing/coating method includes the steps of transferring highly reactive ink/varnish which cures with a low light energy onto a transfer object, and irradiating the transfer object, onto which the highly reactive ink/varnish is transferred, with light in the wavelength range, in which no ozone is generated, to cure the highly reactive ink/varnish on the transfer object. A printing/coating apparatus is also disclosed.
US09352540B2

The invention relates to a device for tensioning the fabric of a device for restoring a removable panel, characterized in that it comprises at least one structure, a thermal chamber arranged inside said structure and able to heat said flexible fabric, an internal frame elastically secured to said thermal chamber, and at least one actuator secured to the structure and able to move the thermal chamber so that, on the one hand, the thermal chamber is moved between a “fabric at rest” position and a “fabric stretched” position and, on the other hand, to move the internal frame between a “fabric at rest” position and an intermediate position located between said “fabric at rest” and “fabric stretched” positions, the flexible fabric resting on part of the thermal chamber and being held by its peripheral edge between the internal frame and the structure. The invention also proposes a method for coating a removable panel that uses the tensioning device.
US09352539B2

A carrier belt for fabricating a device or component such as an anisotropic conductive film. The carrier belt includes a substrate having a sacrificial image enhancing layer. Microcavities are formed in the carrier by laser ablation through the image enhancing layer. After the image enhancement layer is removed, a plurality of conductive particles are distributed into an array of microcavities formed by laser ablation on a surface of a carrier belt and transferred to an adhesive layer. The image enhancing layer enables one to form microcavities with a fine pitch and spacing and partitions having a high aspect ratio.
US09352538B1

A method of manufacturing a composite material structure, such as a strut, includes providing a rigid, elongate, substantially tubular member and coupling a first end fitting to a first axial end of the substantially tubular member. The first end fitting has an undulated outer surface with one or more alternating, annular crests and grooves that extend longitudinally along the first end fitting. The method includes rolling a sheet of pre-impregnated composite fiber around the substantially tubular member one or more times such that the sheet covers the substantially tubular element and extends at least partially over the undulations of the first end fitting. The method includes curing the pre-impregnated composite fibers in the rolled sheet.
US09352534B2

A ceramic plate structure includes a first transmittance-enhancing film layer disposed between a substrate and a first binding film layer, a conductive film layer disposed between the first binding film layer and a second binding film layer, and a second transmittance-enhancing film layer disposed between the second binding film layer and a ceramic layer. The ceramic layer renders the ceramic plate structure satisfactory in terms of transmittance gain, thermal conductivity coefficient, electrical insulation, rigidity, resistance to wear and tear, and resistance to wind erosion of the ceramic plate structure. The ceramic plate structure is suitable for use with touch panels to therefore enhance the cost-effectiveness of the manufacturing process of touch panels by cutting its material costs, reducing its power consumption, and shortening its production cycle. Accordingly, the anticipated benefits and objectives of the ceramic plate structure are attained.
US09352530B2

A structure for use in industrial fabrics such as paper machine clothing and engineered fabrics. The structure is a bicomponent extruded elastomeric netting or mesh having a high degree of both compressibility under an applied normal load and excellent recovery (resiliency or spring back) upon removal of that load.
US09352515B2

Method to make an arm in a composite material for articulated or telescopic modular structures for the distribution of concrete, which comprises a first step in which one or more layers of fiber (16, 25) are distributed on the external surface (17) of a male-type mold (11) having a cross section defined by at least a substantially flat wall. The section of the male mold (11) reduces, in at least one of its sizes, passing from one of its ends to the other. The fibers (16) may or may not be pre-impregnated with a resinous matrix. The method also comprises a second step in which the male mold (11) is ejected from the product thus obtained, a possible heat treatment being provided, for example in autoclave, before the extraction of the product.
US09352514B2

An apparatus for use in formation of a composite structure about a mandrel. A generally flexible pneumatic tool and a generally rigid insert are inserted end to end in a cavity of the mandrel. A first end of the insert is positioned in the cavity, adjacent the pneumatic tool, and defines an interface therebetween. The retainer is connected to the insert proximate the first end of the insert. The retainer has an end that extends outwardly from the first end of the insert across the interface and over a portion of the end of the pneumatic tool. The uppermost surfaces of the insert, retainer, and pneumatic tool are generally flush with one another and facilitate a smooth surface being formed over such uppermost surfaces as the composite material is wound about the mandrel in the formation of the composite structure.
US09352509B1

A tool for removing a coating from at least one of a surface and a fastener head that is generally flush with the surface is provided. The tool includes a first scraper configured to abrasively engage the coating on at least one of the surface and the fastener head and a second scraper sized to abrasively engage the coating in a recess in the fastener head. The first scraper is rotatable relative to the fastener head and the second scraper is rotatable within the recess. The first scraper and the second scraper are translatable relative to each other.
US09352508B2

There is provided a thermally shrinkable polyester film where the opening ability along the perforation is very good. A thermally shrinkable polyester film comprising polyester resin in which ethylene terephthalate is a main constituting component and not less than 13 molar % of one or more monomer component(s) which can become non-crystalline component is/are contained in the total polyester resin components, wherein the film has specific thermally shrinking characteristics and specific mechanical characteristics after thermal shrinking treatment.
US09352503B2

According to embodiments, there is provided a method (300) of controlling a first melt accumulator (121). The first melt accumulator (121) is part of an injection unit (100), the injection unit (100) including an extruder (102) for preparing molding material and a second melt accumulator (123). The first melt accumulator (121) and the second melt accumulator (123) are configured to sequentially receive molding material from the extruder (102). The extruder (102) is being operable to produce molding material in at least near continuous manner, both the first melt accumulator (121) and the second melt accumulator (123) being associated with a respective shot size set-point. The method comprises detecting (310) an indication of an out-of-boundary condition associated with operation the first melt accumulator (121); responsive to said detecting (310), controlling (320) the first melt accumulator (121) to continue accepting molding material beyond its respective shot size set-point.
US09352496B2

A utility vehicle is equipped with a R.O.P.S. enclosing a passenger space, a cargo bed disposed behind the passenger space, and a screen disposed between the passenger space and the cargo bed. The screen is divided into an upper screen and a lower screen.
US09352492B2

An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having upper and lower die sets and a plurality of upper and lower mold half blocks each attached to a respective die set. Each of the upper mold half blocks has a corresponding lower mold half block with which it cooperatively defines one or more cavities for forming the exterior shape of the body of one or more of the parisons. The individual, independent attachment of the mold half blocks to the die sets allows easy individual replacement of faulty or worn mold blocks. Further, such an independent attachment configuration also permits the mold half blocks of each die set to be spaced from one another, so as to reduce thermal expansion problems and ease dimensional tolerances required for the width of the mold half blocks.
US09352488B2

A caulking tube assembly is provided having a cap and an auger component. The auger component has an auger engagement head portion and a helical or spiral portion. The helical portion is compressible and sized to be fitted in a tube for holding caulk. The auger engagement head has a hexagonal shaft housing sized to receive a mixing shaft therein. A dye or tint color formula is added to caulk disposed in the tube and the mixing shaft engages the auger component mixing the caulk and dye or tint color formula to produce tinted caulk. The caulk is colored to satisfy the requirements of virtually any application and dispensed from a caulking gun. In another preferred embodiment there is a caulking tube assembly with having a closed cap and a mixing component. The mixing component has a shaft engagement portion and a shaftless auger portion.
US09352478B2

A slicer with which the thickness of sliced food can be varied includes a movable receiving part that receives sliding food and is subjected to downward pressure from the food, the movable receiving part not moving downward due to the pressure even if a means for securing the receiving part in place is not separately provided. An adjustment member for moving a vertically mobile first receiving part is mounted in a frame of the slicer so as to be forwardly and rearwardly movable. A means for moving the adjustment member is a worm that is provided on a drive shaft. A deflection mechanism is present between the adjustment member and the first receiving part which converts the forward and rearward motion of the adjustment member into vertical motion of the first receiving part.
US09352474B2

A knife includes a body that includes a handle section, a substantially circular blade housing section, and a blade including a cutting edge having substantially the same radius of curvature of the blade housing. The substantially circular blade housing section extends substantially perpendicular from the handle section. The blade extends longitudinally out of the blade housing at a position substantially 180° away from the position of the handle section along the circumference of the blade housing and terminates in a sharp point. The width of the blade at the portion immediately adjacent to the blade housing and opposite the blade point is substantially equal to the diameter of the blade housing.
US09352473B2

A knife includes a handle, a blade including a cutting edge and coupled to the handle so that the blade can pivot about a pivot point relative to the handle between an extended position and a retracted position. The knife further includes a first locking member configured to selectively retain the blade in the extended position and movable to allow the pivotal movement of the blade from the extended position to the retracted position. The knife also includes a second locking member configured to selectively retain the blade in the retracted position and movable to allow the pivotal movement of the blade from the retracted position to the extended position. The knife also includes a push button that is movable relative to the handle, the push button operable to move the second locking member to allow the pivotal movement of the blade from the retracted position to the extended position.
US09352472B1

The instant disclosure relates to a direction-adjustable jig, which includes a base, a sliding member, and a hinge member. The base is topped with a platform having a pair of guide rails. The two guide rails extend in opposite directions and are parallel to each other. The sliding member is disposed on the platform and capable of reciprocating motion. The hinge member is disposed on the platform and pivotally connected to one end of the sliding member. The hinge member is rotatable above the base. The hinge member further has a pair of protruding guide teeth. The guide teeth are perpendicular to each other and insertable into the guide rails.Through the motion of the sliding member on the platform, the guide teeth of the hinge member can be inserted into respective guide rails, such that the hinge member can rotate above the base and change its direction.
US09352471B1

A substrate gripper apparatus is provided. Substrate gripper apparatus includes a body, a first slide member moveable relative to the body, a first finger mounting member coupled to the first slide member, a first lower finger coupled to the first finger mounting member, and a first pivoting finger coupled to the first finger mounting member. First pivoting member may impose a force on a substrate due to gravity. Methods of operating the substrate gripper apparatus as well as other aspects are provided.
US09352466B2

A system and method for adjusting the position and orientation of a feed arm associated with a wafer handling robot. In one embodiment, the system includes a positioning plate detachably carried by the feed arm and insertable therewith into a wafer carrier. The positioning plate includes graphic alignment indicia. An alignment apparatus is provided configured for insertion into wafer-holding slots in the wafer carrier. The apparatus includes at least one digital image sensor. With the positioning plate and alignment apparatus located in the wafer carrier, an image of the alignment indicia is displayed on a video monitor by the image sensor for comparison to a reference mark superimposed on the monitor for determining the relative position and orientation of the feed arm with respect to the wafer carrier. Some embodiments of the apparatus further include a distance detection device to measure the distance to the plate.
US09352465B2

A control method for a robot apparatus including a power supply unit, an articulated arm having a plurality of joints each having an actuator and a driver, and a control device includes determining by the control device whether a total of required power in all of the actuators is equal to or lower than an allowable power of the power supply unit by using a trajectory through teaching points for moving the articulated arm from a first position/attitude to a second position/attitude before the articulated arm starts moving, and if not, resetting by the control device the trajectory for moving the articulated arm from the first position/attitude to the second position/attitude to a trajectory causing a total of required powers in all of the actuators to be equal to or lower than the allowable power of the power supply unit.
US09352460B2

A holding device for hand machine tools, in particular a drill and/or a chipping hammer holding device, includes a hammer tube and at least one blocking body, which, when installed, connects the hammer tube to at least one additional holding component. The blocking body is provided with at least one blocking surface that is curved around at least one load tipping axis.
US09352443B2

A platen assembly includes a platen body, a polishing pad, and a fountain slurry supplier. The platen body has an upper surface. The polishing pad is disposed on the upper surface of the platen body. The fountain slurry supplier is at least partially disposed on the upper surface of the platen body for supplying slurry up onto the polishing pad.
US09352442B2

Implementations disclosed herein allow a printed circuit board (PCB) to be removeably secured to a lapping carrier. The lapping carrier may include a clamping mechanism and one or more alignment pins that thread through corresponding holes in the PCB. In other implementations, the lapping carrier includes insulation that prevents current leakage or short-circuiting of electrical paths on the PCB during contact with the clamping mechanism.
US09352439B2

An apparatus for grinding a substrate is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes an inlet which receives a jig seated with a substrate including a curved surface, a grinding part grinding the substrate conveyed from the inlet, and a washing part washing the substrate conveyed from the grinding part. The grinding part includes a plurality of rollers, and each roller includes a concave portion and a convex portion which are adjacently disposed and a plurality of brushes.
US09352438B2

Exemplary embodiments of the subject invention comprise methods and apparatus concerning balanced abrading of a tire surface by an abrading tool. Such an abrading tool may comprise a pair of counter-rotating, driven abrading members, each of the abrading members having a rotational axis generally extending laterally across the tool, the abrading members being spaced apart in a lateral direction of the tool by a desired distance, each of the abrading members having an abrading surface defined by at least one outer diameter, the abrading surface extending axially relative to the rotational axis of the abrading member, wherein each of the abrading has a shaft upon which each abrading member is arranged, each of the shafts being adapted to be driven by a driving source. The tool further includes a body to which each shaft and abrading member is attached.
US09352432B2

A tool for machining a curved profile along an axis of rotation X, said curved profile comprising at least one first section along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation X and at least one second section parallel to the axis of rotation X. The tool includes blocks, each having a clamping surface against which the profile can take support. The blocks include positioning elements against which the first section and the second section of the profile can take support, and an apparatus arranged to immobilize the profile which is adapted to occupy a first activated state, wherein it immobilizes the profile, and a second deactivated state, wherein it does not immobilize the profile. The tool includes manual presses for maintaining the profile flattened against the positioning elements until the profile immobilizing apparatus is in the activated state.
US09352425B2

A system and method for modifying a work piece surface of high melting temperature materials such as Advanced High Strength Steels, wherein a friction stir welding tool may include cutting elements located on the outside diameter of a collar assembly, wherein the collar assembly may be retrofitted for existing friction stir welding tools, or may be designed as a custom attachment for a new hybrid friction stir welding tool, wherein the surface of the work piece may be modified by removing detrimental flash and burr created during operation of the friction stir welding tool.
US09352421B2

Methods of additive manufacturing a superalloy component are disclosed. In one method a powder bed of superalloy powder is selectively scanned with a focused laser beam in a line-by-line manner; and the spacing between adjacent scan lines is no more than twice the layer thickness being formed. In another method a compressive stress treatment is applied to the surface of the final component prior to separation of said component from the substrate. In a further method a superalloy component is formed on a substrate and the method includes Hot Isostatic Processing of the component wherein the mass of the substrate is reduced prior to the Hot Isostatic Processing. The methods may be combined in a multi-step process.
US09352407B2

A thread whirling device 1 and a whirling ring 3, corresponding thereto, are presented, in which the whirling ring 3 can be attached in a hollow spindle 11 of the thread whirling device 1 in a simple and reliable manner using a combined bayonet-type and clamping connection.
US09352404B2

A monofilament metal sawing wire for a wire saw, which consists of a metal wire having a diameter D and comprising helical serrations which an amplitude A and wavelength B, wherein the wavelength B is less than 10,000 times the product of the amplitude and the diameter (A×D), and the amplitude A is between 0.010 and 0.400 times the diameter D, the values being expressed in millimeters. Equipment and a method for manufacturing such a wire involve causing the wire to vibrate between two guides while passing the wire between the guides. Such a wire can be used for sawing a block of hard material.
US09352398B2

A high-frequency spindle has a tube shaft extending along and rotatable about an axis, a chuck carried on a front end of the shaft, adapted to fit with a tool or tool holder, and a ball cage in the shaft and having a radially extending window. A locking ball os radially displaceable in the window between a holding position engaging in a seat of the tool and a freeing position clear of the seat. An angled surface is engageable radially with the ball, and an actuating rod is axially shiftable and coupled to the cage or to the angled surface. An actuator can axially shift the rod and thereby relatively axially displace the ball and the angled surface and cam the ball with the angled surface into the holding position. A primary spring biases the rod so as shift the ball with the angled surface into the holding position.
US09352393B2

An iron-based powder for powder metallurgy effectively prevents agglomeration of a lubricant, has excellent flowability, can evenly fill thin-walled cavities, keeps the ejection force after formation low, and does not lower sintered body strength by adhering either or both of an alloy component and a cutting ability improving agent to the surface of iron powder with a binder that has a melting point of 150° C. or lower, adhering carbon black to the surface of the binder, and setting the amount of free binder to 0.02 mass % or less.
US09352386B2

The present invention relates to a process for controlling the distribution of liquid metal flows of in a crystallizer for the continuous casting of thin slabs. In particular, the process applies to a crystallizer comprising perimetral walls which define a containment volume for a liquid metal bath insertable through a discharger placed in the middle of the bath. The process includes arranging a plurality of electromagnetic brakes, each for generating a braking zone within said bath, and activating these electromagnetic brakes either independently or in groups according to characteristic parameters of the fluid-dynamic conditions of the liquid metal within the bath.
US09352378B1

A die necking apparatus comprising a co-axial helical cam set having a lower cam and an upper cam, the lower cam and upper cam sharing at least one mating surface, the lower cam attached to a co-axial cam center shaft, the upper cam attached to a co-axial forming die, and wherein axial rotation of the upper cam is adjustable relative to the lower cam.
US09352366B2

A plastic bottle processing apparatus includes: an apparatus body having a conveying path section in which a plastic bottle is conveyed; and a label separating unit arranged in a middle of the conveying path section so as to separate a label from the plastic bottle. The label separating unit includes: a label cutting member that cuts the label of the plastic bottle, which is conveyed in the conveying path section along the axial direction of the plastic bottle; a heating member that heats the label cut by the label cutting member; and a brush member disposed so as to be able to make contact with the label heated by the heating member and remove the label from the plastic bottle body by making contact with the label.
US09352362B1

The invention has a container that can be a drum of standard size with a drum cover. The cover can have a closable lid secured with a latch, and can have an open lid safety switch. A control assembly adjacent the lid is provided. A solution level gauge and a low fluid shutoff are also provided. Internally, there can be an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper chamber is a dual use spray and immersion chamber, and can have spray manifolds therein. The lower chamber is a reservoir chamber that can, but is not required to, house a submersible pump and a heater. A seal can be provided between the upper and lower chambers. The assembly can be removed as a single unit or in segments from the container for cleaning and maintenance.
US09352346B2

A refillable fluid dispenser having a fluid reservoir defining a neck and a bottom walk; a filling valve; a dispenser member, such as a pump; a pusher that is mounted on the dispenser member; and a vent channel that extends along the fluid reservoir and that is made integrally with the fluid reservoir. The dispenser includes a stationary element that is mounted on the bottom wall of the fluid reservoir, the stationary element forming a vent passage that connects the outlet of the vent channel to the outside.
US09352331B1

A high capacity magnetic filter separates diamagnetic and/or paramagnetic substances from fluid streams. Diamagnetic solid substances are magnetized under an external magnetic field through coordinated interaction of diamagnetic solid substances with an inducement paramagnetic material (IPM). The magnetic filter serves as a separation zone created by the presence of IPM and magnets that are shielded from the IPM by non-magnetic sleeves or partitions. The IPM in the void volume between the magnets affords large surface area onto which diamagnetic and paramagnetic materials can contact and be attracted to. The relative position and distance of the magnetic source, such a magnetic bar or electromagnet, to the solid mixture of diamagnetic and IPM are adjusted to induce sufficiently strong magnetism in the diamagnetic solids which causes the diamagnetic solids to be attracted by the magnetic field as well. Both diamagnetic and paramagnetic substances can be removed from a liquid or gas.
US09352329B2

A modular system and method for producing urea from bio-mass includes means and steps for “homogenizing” a biomass feedstock stream having components with different bulk density BTU content into a stream having a consistent bulk density BTU content. The steps include cleaning the incoming bio-mass feedstock stream to remove non-organic matter, blending the cleaned bio-mass feedstock stream to obtain a homogeneous blend having a consistent bulk density BTU content, and milling the homogeneous blend bio-mass feedstock stream to a predetermined size no greater than 12 mm.
US09352296B2

A method and system for producing a synthesis gas in an oxygen transport membrane based reforming system is disclosed that carries out a primary reforming process, a secondary reforming process.
US09352294B1

Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
US09352291B2

A method for dispersing oil spilled into the aqueous environment comprising the treatment of the spilled oil with an oil dispersant composition comprising a phospholipid and a polysaccharide derivative is disclosed.
US09352286B2

A method comprises disposing, on a porous support membrane, an aqueous mixture comprising a crosslinkable polymer comprising a poly(meth)acrylate and/or poly(meth)acrylamide backbone, thereby forming an initial film layer, wherein the crosslinkable polymer comprises a side chain nucleophilic amine group capable of interfacially reacting with a multi-functional acid halide crosslinking agent to form a crosslinked polymer; contacting the initial film layer with a mixture comprising i) the multi-functional acid halide crosslinking agent, ii) an optional accelerator, and iii) an organic solvent, the organic solvent being a non-solvent for the crosslinkable polymer; and allowing the crosslinkable polymer to interfacially react with the crosslinking agent, thereby forming a composite filtration membrane comprising an anti-fouling selective layer comprising the crosslinked polymer.
US09352276B2

A swirl device for intermixing a reagent exhaust treatment fluid and an exhaust produced by an engine. The swirl device includes a cylindrical tube defining an inlet for receipt of the reagent exhaust treatment fluid and the exhaust, and a swirl member attached to the cylindrical tube. The swirl member conically expands outward from the cylindrical tube and includes a plurality of tabs separated by elongate slots. The plurality of tabs are configured to swirl and intermingle the reagent exhaust treatment fluid and the exhaust.
US09352271B2

Amine compositions comprising sterically hindered amines and associated methods are provided. In some embodiments, amine compositions of the present disclosure may be useful for selective removal of H2S from an acidic gas stream.
US09352265B2

A device and method for producing a reformate fuel from a hydrocarbon gas source. The invention enables the conversion of a dilute hydrocarbon gas into a more easily consumable reformate fuel. Gases having low concentrations of hydrocarbons are concentrated using a concentrator into a gaseous or liquid concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is then converted into a reformate using a reformer. The reformate is more easily consumed by an energy conversion device such as a combustion engine, fuel cell, sterling engine or similar device that converts chemical energy into kinetic or electrical energy. The reformer enables complex hydrocarbon fuels that are not normally suitable for use in an energy conversion device to be converted into a reformate. The reformate may be directly supplied into the energy conversion device.
US09352263B2

Embodiments of mechanisms of an air treatment system are provided. The air treatment system includes a heating tank having a heating chamber containing air. The air includes gas, water vapor, a number of contaminants floating thereon. The air treatment system further includes a cooling tank having a first cooling chamber receiving the air from the heating chamber. Some of the water vapor in the first cooling tank condenses to a number of droplets, and some of the contaminants are mixed with into the droplets.
US09352261B2

Embodiments described herein relate to a method for utilizing a roomside replaceable fan filter unit having an integral aerosol injector ring. The method begins by replacing a used filter from the fan filter unit with a replacement filter from a roomside of the fan filter unit. Air is then pulled into a housing of the replaceable fan filter unit and out through the replacement filter to the roomside by a fan module. Finally, an aerosol challenge is provided at a location adjacent and upstream of the fan module.
US09352249B2

A holding tank cover includes a gas permeable insulating membrane and a gas impermeable cover layer sized to overlay and conceal the gas permeable membrane. Together, the gas permeable membrane and the gas impermeable cover layer facilitate a controlled transmission of gas between an interior of the holding tank and an environment external to the holding tank.
US09352242B2

An illustrative toy vehicle is provided having a two-section chassis and a pivot mechanism rotatably attaching the two sections. The vehicle has the ability to move in multiple orientations and execute movements including a side rollover movement where the pivot mechanism assists in directing the vehicle to roll over from a first orientation to a second orientation about a central axis. A modified wheel design further assists in facilitating movements including the rollover movement. The vehicle may perform movements without user control where the vehicle responds to external factors, such as objects or terrain or the vehicle may use control systems such as radio or remote control with a transmitter/receiver pair, on vehicle switches or sensors utilizing interactive preprogrammed content.
US09352236B1

A floating entertainment and communication system is a floating multipurpose apparatus for use in conjunction with personal electronic devices while floating on a body of water. The system is designed to amplify audio from various audio sources such as personal music players and display video from video players that are able to be docked in one of the waterproof docking stations in the center column. The system has capabilities to have 2-way communication with a remote transreceiver for convenience and for rapid response in water related emergencies.
US09352235B1

The clamped slide assembly comprises a slide, a main body, at least one inner clamping panel, and a clamping unit. The slide has a platform. The main body is securely mounted on the platform. The at least one inner clamping panel is securely mounted on the platform. The clamping unit is movably mounted on the main body and has an outer clamping panel, a screwing rod, and a spanner. The outer clamping panel is spaced apart from the inner clamping panel. The screwing rod is screwed with the main body. The screwing rod is mounted through the outer clamping panel. The spanner is rotatably and eccentrically mounted around the screwing rod, and the outer clamping panel is pushed towards the main body and the inner clamping panel to fasten on an open riser stair, and the clamped slide assembly can achieve the goal of saving space.
US09352233B2

A recommendation service is provided for recommending computer video game titles to players. The recommendation service offers suggestions for game titles to purchase or rent based on playing usage related parameters for each particular player. A profile is created based on several factors that represents the player's affinity to each factor. Communication and use of player usage data may be strictly conditioned on a player's knowledge and consent.
US09352223B2

An example of a game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses, and a matching server decides game apparatuses as players (A, B), and game apparatuses as game masters (C-E) in response to a request from the game apparatus. During the game play, operation data in response to an operation input to each of the game apparatuses (A, B) is transmitted to the game apparatuses (C-E), and in the game apparatuses (C-E), game processing is executed. Result data of the game processing is transmitted to the game apparatuses (A, B). When the data is saved, the encoded game data is transmitted from each of the game apparatuses (C-E) to the game apparatuses (A, B), and saved there.
US09352222B2

A system and method for entering text within a video game application are described. For example, a system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: a video game hosting service to execute a video game in response to user input; a client device to communicate with the video game hosting service over a first communication channel, wherein the client device has a first user input device communicatively coupled thereto, and wherein control signals for the video game are generated in response to input from the first user input device and transmitted from the client device to the video game hosting service over the first communication channel, the video game hosting service controlling a video game in response to receipt of the control signals; a display device communicatively coupled to the client device, the display device to display video of the video game; wherein the video game hosting service further includes program code to open a second communication channel to receive text input, the second communication channel being separate and independent from the first communication channel and usable by a data processing device capable of generating text input, wherein in response to receipt of text input over the second communication channel, the video game hosting service causes the text input to be displayed on the display device communicatively coupled to the client device.
US09352211B2

The present invention provides a glove comprises a main body adapted to receive a wearer's hand and a wrist cuff suspended over the main body. The main body further comprises a plurality of finger parts and a back hand part. The back hand part comprises a first protective panel hingedly connected at one end to the main body so that the first protective panel is suspend over the main body and slidably overlapped with a second protective panel. As the first protective panel slides over the second protective panel following the bending action of the fingers, a coordinated movement of the hand can be achieved. The second protective panel is also hingedly connected to the main body suspended over the main body and the wrist cuff, which allows for more coordinated rotating movement of the hand and the wrist following the bending action of the fingers.
US09352210B2

This invention concerns protective shoulder pads (2) having a release mechanism (7). The shoulder pads (2) protect an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. Release mechanism (7) allows the protective shoulder pads (2) to be more safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2).
US09352208B2

An electronic home plate providing assistance to an umpire in determination whether a pitch results in a “strike” or a “ball”. The electronic home plate is implemented with eye-safe LEDs producing light beams extending vertically. If a ball intersects the light beams, the light reflected from the ball is scattered and incident on photodetectors embedded in the home plate. A microcomputer embedded in the electronic home plate calculates the height of the ball crossing the light beams, and if the height falls between the top and bottom boundaries of a strike zone adjusted to the height of the batter, an indication system is activated to produce a “strike” signal. The microcomputer in the electronic home plate is further configured to calculate speed of the ball passing over the home plate, and the lateral position of the ball.
US09352205B2

A method and apparatus for swim training utilizing mirrors. Waterproof, shatterproof mirrors are used to assist in getting children acclimated to a swimming pool, and to provide an instructional amusement for beginning swimmers learning to go underwater. A mirror with a handle is provided allowing an instructor to hold the mirror with one hand while holding an infant with the other to allow the infant to see itself while in the water. The handle also attaches to the side or bottom of a swimming pool, allowing the mirror to be mounted underwater to amuse swimmers to see themselves when they go underwater. A method utilizes the hand held mirror to alternatively let an infant see himself while in the water, or be used as a motivational amusement device for novice swimmers, by mounting it underwater, allowing the swimmers to see themselves when they go underwater.
US09352203B2

Disclosed is a tension basketball shooting motor skill acquisition apparatus, comprising a horizontal-shaft, a rotating-arm, a sphere and a ball-axle passing through the sphere, wherein the horizontal-shaft and the ball-axle are connected via the rotating-arm, the sphere rotates around the ball-axle, the sphere, and the ball-axle and the rotating-arm rotate around the horizontal-shaft together, there is at least one device or spring between the sphere (or a fixed part of the sphere) and the rotating-arm which limits or releases the rotation of the sphere around the ball-axle; a hinge fixed on the sphere, a fingers-plate with a laser transmitter going though it connected to the hinge, wherein the fingers-plate rotates around the hinge. By means of the fingers-plate, the hinge, the sphere and the ball-axle rotating together around the horizontal-shaft and under extreme tension and guide of laser beam, the whole process of shooting at the basket is simulated orientationally. The invention is principally used for beginners to master and bring up to standard the action of shooting at the basket, acquiring movement techniques for shooting, and it is also suitable for professional basketball players to correct and hone their movements, and to get the correct feeling prior to competitions or when resting at competition venues, increasing the hit ratio. The invention can also be used as a toy and entertainment or be fixedly installed at the sides of a basketball courts or in parks or squares for the public to do exercises with.
US09352199B2

The present invention comprises a golf club head comprising a body having a crown, a sole, a front wall and a hosel, wherein the body defines a hollow interior. The golf club head further comprises a center of gravity adjustment assembly wherein the center of gravity adjustment assembly is positioned within the hollow interior of the body, and allows the center of gravity of the golf club head to be adjusted by at least 0.050 inch, preferably along a vertical axis.
US09352192B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball polyurethane composition excellent in resilience. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in a shot feeling and resilience. The present invention provides a golf ball polyurethane composition comprising, as a resin component, a polyurethane elastomer including a polyisocyanate with one alicyclic hydrocarbon structure having 3 or more carbon atoms as a constituting component, and having a spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) of 13C nucleus of 8.9 seconds or less measured by a High resolution solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method.
US09352189B2

A range of motion machine having two or four cranks driven directly by motors without exposed gears or chains. The speed and direction of crank rotation and the length of the crank arms may be varied with electronic controls. Crank arm length may be varied whether the crank is stationary or rotating. The cranks and motors are mounted at the top of pedestals which are adjustable in height.
US09352188B2

A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt running between front and rear pulley rollers is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion. Since an essential feature of treadmill is the concave shape of the running surface of belt in its respective upper portion, to insure that this shape is maintained during actual use. This prevents the lower portion of the treadmill belt from drooping down (i.e., it must be held taut), to prevent the concave top portion to be pulled taut into a flat shape between the front and rear pulley rollers.
US09352187B2

An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one example, an exercise device employs a first pivotable treadle assembly including a first moving surface, a first foot platform extending outwardly from a side of the first treadle assembly, and a second pivotable treadle assembly including a second moving surface. In some implementations, the exercise device includes a resistance element operably coupled to at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly to resist movement of the at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly. In some implementations, the exercise device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a slope of at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly.
US09352185B2

A telescoping extension device includes a lead cylinder having a bore extending at least partially therethrough with at least a portion of the bore being threaded and a first lead screw disposed at least partially within the bore of the lead cylinder with at least a portion of an outer surface of the first lead screw having threads that engage the threads within the bore of the lead cylinder. A second lead screw is disposed at least partially within the bore of the first lead screw with at least a portion of an outer surface of the second lead screw having threads that engage the threads within the bore of the first lead screw.
US09352179B1

An exercise apparatus accommodates a user and a resilient and resistive pivot such as an exercise ball within its structure. The pivot may have various dimensions based on the size and needs of the user and the exercise program chosen to be performed. The shape and inner dimension of the apparatus is designed to exploit the inherent instability of pivoting exercises such as twists, rolls and lifts. Various configurations of horizontal and vertical apparatus members offer the user a wide range of gripping and leverage points. A variety of exercise positions and motions may be used with this device to increase muscle flexibility and strength.
US09352177B2

A self contained fire extinguisher system that does not need external power in order to sense or initiate a release of a fire suppression medium, includes components configured to utilize a linear sensor network that can be connected to at least one and/or different sources of fire suppression mediums. A linear temperature sensing cord can be routed over a large area not practical with individual sensors. The cord can also actuate several and different sources of fire suppression mediums to maximize the suppression of a fire.
US09352174B2

An ablation system is provided that includes an ablating device and a probe. The probe is configured to be positioned in close proximity to a region of non-targeted tissue proximate an ablation site of targeted tissue. The probe includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends, with a handle disposed at the proximal end thereof and a tissue protecting apparatus disposed at the distal end thereof. The ablating device includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends, with a handle mounted at the proximal end thereof and an ablation element mounted at the distal end thereof. The ablation element includes an ultrasound transducer and an inflatable balloon surrounding the ultrasound transducer. The balloon includes a layer of gel disposed on its outer surface.
US09352170B1

A spectral color and light therapy system is described which is useful in treating mood, anxiety, attention, substance, and/or behavioral disorders. The system utilizes one or more light source which emits visible colored light at a brilliance factor of at least about 2500 and at least one of four colors which are different from each other, said system providing (a) (i) a light source emitting blue light in the range of about 450 to about 475 nm; and (ii) a source emitting green visible light in the range of about 495 nm to about 570 nm; and (b) a light source emitting rose pink light in the range of about 635 nm to about 650 nm; and a light source of peach light in the range of about 590 nm to about 630 nm. Also provided are methods of treating mood, anxiety, attention, substance, and/or behavioral disorders. Methods of treating and/or ameliorating the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders are described.
US09352168B2

A system for treating neurological conditions by low-frequency time varying electrical stimulation includes an electrical device for applying such low-frequency energy, in a range below approximately 10 Hz, to the patient's brain tissue. An implantable embodiment applies direct electrical stimulation to electrodes implanted in or on the patient's brain, while a non-invasive embodiment causes a magnetic field to induce electrical currents in the patient's brain.
US09352161B2

Tissue stimulation systems generally include a pulse generating device for generating electrical stimulation pulses, at least one implanted electrode for delivering the electrical stimulation pulses generated by the pulse generating device, and a programmer capable of communicating with the pulse generating device. Stimulation pulses may be defined by several parameters, such as pulse width and amplitude. In methods of stimulating the tissue with the stimulation system, a user may adjust one of the parameters such as pulse width. The programmer may automatically adjust the pulse amplitude in response to the change in pulse width in order to maintain a substantially constant effect of the stimulation pulses.
US09352160B2

Approaches for characterizing a phrenic stimulation threshold, a cardiac capture threshold, a maximum device parameter, and a minimum device parameter are described. A plurality of cardiac pacing pulses can be delivered by using a cardiac pacing device, a pacing parameter of the plurality of cardiac pacing pulses being changed between delivery of at least some of the pulses. One or more sensor signals can be evaluated to detect stimulation of the phrenic nerve by one or more of the plurality of cardiac pacing pluses. The evaluation of the one or more sensor signals and the pacing parameter can be compared to determine if a phrenic stimulation threshold is at least one of higher than a maximum device parameter and lower than a minimum device parameter.
US09352154B2

Providing stimulation signals for an implanted auditory prosthesis including receiving first and second sound signals at first and second sound input devices, each of the first and second signals having a signal-to-noise ratio; determining a signal parameter related to said signal-to-noise ratio of each of the first and second signals; selecting one of the first and second signals which has the greater signal-to-noise ratio; and generating stimulation signals for the implanted auditory prosthesis based on said selected sound signal.
US09352152B2

Airway disorders in a horse are relieved by electrical stimulation of the airway tissue. Particular disorders and techniques include electrical stimulation to relieve laryngeal hemiplegia. A pacemaker processor generates an electrical treatment signal to be applied to upper airway tissue of the horse for treating the upper airway disorder. One or more stimulation electrodes interfaces with the upper airway tissue for delivering the treatment signal to the upper airway tissue.
US09352150B2

A co-connected hermetic feedthrough, feedthrough capacitor, and leadwire assembly includes a dielectric substrate with a via hole disposed through the dielectric substrate from a body fluid side to a device side. A conductive fill is disposed within the via forming a hermetic seal and is electrically conductive between the body fluid side and the device side. A feedthrough capacitor is attached to the dielectric substrate and includes a capacitor dielectric substrate, an unfilled capacitor via hole including an inner metallization, a set of capacitor active electrode plates electrically coupled to the inner metallization, an outer metallization disposed and a set of capacitor ground electrode plates electrically coupled to the outer metallization. A conductive leadwire is disposed within the unfilled capacitor via hole. An electrical joint connects the conductive fill, the capacitor inner metallization along with the capacitor active electrode plates and the conductive leadwire.
US09352143B2

An intravascular valve component broadly includes a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall and an annular flange surrounding the central valve wall. The annular flange includes a radially-extending flange wall and a projection extending axially from the flange wall, with the projection engaging one of the case portions to restrict radial movement of the flow control valve relative to the valve case.
US09352141B2

Patients continue to acquire infections from healthcare facilities such as hospitals at an alarming rate. These infections can be transmitted when drugs or other medical materials are delivered from a syringe system into an IV line through an IV port. Some current methods of preventing contamination include swabbing the syringe with alcohol or using disposable alcohol caps; however, these methods are often inefficient. A system is described using caps that cover the entry and exit points of the IV port and the syringe system, respectively. The caps can be temporarily displaced from the entry and exit points when a sufficient force is applied to an area far enough away from the entry and exit points so as to prevent contamination. Once the caps are displaced, the syringe system can interact with the IV port using a locking mechanism such as luer locks to ensure the stability of the connection.
US09352132B2

A catheter guidewire for facilitating introduction of a flexible catheter into the human body (e.g., into the bladder) has a proximal end having a first stiffness which is sufficient to facilitate guidance of a stiff plastic expansion sheath through the tissue. A distal end of the guide wire has a second stiffness, substantially less than the first stiffness, to avoid damage to internal walls of the bladder. Preferably, the guide wire incorporates an intermediate portion having a stiffness between the first stiffness value and the second stiffness value.
US09352131B2

A medical guidewire having distal tip coil that includes a twisted ribbon wire construction. The distal tip coil is mounted to the distal end of the distal core section of the guidewire. The coil is made from a flat ribbon wire with a polygonal, preferably rectangular, cross-section that is twisted along the length of the wire. The twisted, flat ribbon wire creates a tip coil that has a roughened, undulating surface at the outer circumference that, whether coated or bare, is perceptible to the physician or cardiologist when pushing or torquing the guidewire in an interventional procedure.
US09352114B2

An adaptor for delivering an aerosolized active agent to a patient with concomitant positive pressure ventilation includes an aerosol flow channel having an aerosol inlet port and a patient interface port, and defining an aerosol flow path from the aerosol inlet port to and through the patient interface port; and a ventilation gas flow channel in fluid communication with the aerosol flow channel and having a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port, and defining a ventilation gas flow path from the gas inlet port to and through the gas outlet port, wherein the ventilation gas flow path is at least partially offset from the aerosol flow path and at least partially encircles the aerosol flow path. Systems and methods for delivering an aerosolized active agent to a patient with concomitant positive pressure ventilation incorporate the adaptor.
US09352113B2

The present invention relates to a mask sizing device (10) for determining sizing information for custom mask design of a facial mask, wherein the mask sizing device (10) comprises an image projecting unit (20) for projecting an image (16) onto a person's face (18), wherein the image (16) comprises at least a number of contact points of the facial mask, said contact points representing potential points of contact of the facial mask with the person's face (18), a control unit (22) for controlling said image projection unit (20) to adjust dimension, position and/or orientation of the image (16) and/or to project an image including two or more sub-images having different dimensions, positions and/or orientations, a sub-image comprising at least a number of contact points of a facial mask; and a read-out unit (24) for reading out sizing information comprising information about the dimension, position and/or orientation of the image (16) and/or a selected sub-image.
US09352111B2

A system includes a guidance device that provides feedback to a user to compress a patient's chest at a rate of between about 90 and 110 compressions per minute and at a depth of between about 4.5 centimeters to about 6 centimeters. The system includes a pressure regulation system having a pressure-responsive valve that is configured to be coupled to a patient's airway. The pressure-responsive valve is configured to remain closed during successive chest compressions in order to permit removal at least about 200 ml from the lungs in order to lower intracranial pressure to improve survival with favorable neurological function. The pressure-responsive valve is configured to remain closed until the negative pressure within the patient's airway reaches about −7 cm H2O, at which time the pressure-responsive valve is configured to open to provide respiratory gases to flow to the lungs through the pressure-responsive valve.
US09352102B1

A safety shield adapted for use with a syringe having a syringe barrel for protecting a needle after use in a medical procedure is disclosed. The safety shield includes a first portion disposed at least partially about the barrel and axially movable from a retracted position surrounding at least a portion of the syringe barrel to an extended position wherein at least the distal end of the first portion extends beyond the distal end of the syringe barrel. The shield further includes a second portion associated with the first portion and axially movable with respect to the first portion from a retracted position to an extended position extending beyond the distal end of the first portion, First and second locking members are provided for locking the first and second portions in an extended position upon axial movement thereof.
US09352095B2

A container system includes a first container assembly and a delivery device. The first container assembly has an administration port and a medication port. The delivery device is attached to the first container assembly, and includes a housing, a connector, a second container, and a plunger shaft. The housing encloses an interior space with the medication port disposed within the interior space. The connector has at least one cannula defining a first sharp end aligned with the medication port and a second sharp end. The second container has an outlet port aligned with the second sharp end of the at least one cannula and a plunger seal moveable within the second container to force contents of the second container through the port. The plunger shaft assembly has a first end that abuts the plunger seal and a second end connected to a trigger.
US09352071B2

An implantable structure, method for making the structure and method for using the structure, where the structure includes a combination of non-absorbable and absorbable components, and the implantable structure has a randomly uniform array of materials. The resulting implantable structure provides improved tissue ingrowth and flexibility after implantation and after absorption of the absorbable materials.
US09352067B2

Tissue patches and associated systems and methods are described. Certain embodiments are related to inventive systems and methods in which tissue patches can be made quickly and robustly without the use of complicated fabrication or sterilization equipment. For example, in some embodiments, tissue patches are made by applying a compressive force to a liquid medium comprising fibrinogen (and/or fibrin) between two surfaces (e.g., within a syringe or other chamber). A filter can be placed within or near the volume in which the compressive force is applied to the liquid medium such that unwanted material (e.g., water, blood cells, and the like) is passed through the filter while desirable components (e.g., fibrin, fibrinogen, and/or other desirable components) are retained by the filter to form the patch. In this way, the concentration of fibrin (and/or fibrinogen) within the liquid medium can be increased, potentially dramatically, as the compressive force is applied to the liquid-containing composition. In addition, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the fibrinogen and/or fibrin can chemically react (e.g., the fibrinogen can polymerize to form fibrin and/or the fibrin can cross-link) during application of the compressive force. Reaction and concentration can lead to the formation of a highly-concentrated, mechanically robust patch that can be handled relatively easily and provide good structural reinforcement at a wet site, such as a bleeding wound.
US09352063B2

Fragrance systems are provided that can be used in conjunction with heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. The fragrance systems can inject a fragrance into an airstream that is supplied to a space such as a room of a building or a vehicle cabin. In some embodiments, the speed a fan of the fragrance system can be automatically modulated in a pre-determined relationship to the speed of a fan of the HVAC system. Accordingly, a desired level of fragrance can be automatically maintained as desired within the airstream that is supplied to the space, even when the HVAC fan speed or other conditions fluctuate.
US09352062B2

Wearable devices for dispensing insect repellents, fragrances, and/or other chemicals along the outside of the clothing of a human are disclosed. They are of the type that are clipped onto a belt or the like, and use a powered fan to dispense active. They are configured with outlet arrangements to minimize power use while still achieving acceptable air flow rates. These changes permit use of smaller power supplies and more compact arrangements for power supply (e.g., battery) positioning. This in turn permits a much more compact and lightweight construction to achieve the desired results.
US09352061B2

A balloon valve assembly for cooperating with a balloon includes a neck fitting to extend beyond a neck of the balloon, a collar portion to accept the balloon and the neck fitting. A change of pressure from the balloon urges the balloon and the collar portion together. The valve assembly is adapted to secure accessories that affect the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.
US09352048B2

The present invention provides iRNA agents comprising at least one subunit of the formula (I): wherein: A and B are each independently for each occurrence O, N(RN) or S; X and Y are each independently for each occurrence H, OH, a hydroxyl protecting group, a phosphate group, a phosphodiester group, an activated phosphate group, an activated phosphite group, a phosphoramidite, a solid support, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-nucleoside, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-oligonucleotide, a lipid, a PEG, a steroid, a lipophile, a polymer, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-Linker-OP(Z′″)(Z″)O-oligonucleotide, a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, —P(Z′)(Z″)-formula (I), —P(Z′)(Z″)- or -Linker-R; R is LG, -Linker-LG, or has the structure shown below: LG is independently for each occurrence a carbohydrate, e.g., monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide; RN is independently for each occurrence H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, or benzyl; and Z′, Z″, Z′″ and Z″″ are each independently for each occurrence O or S.
US09352042B2

The present invention provides compositions and methods for the delivery of therapeutic agents to cells. In particular, these include novel, trialkyl, cationic lipids and nucleic acid-lipid particles that provide efficient encapsulation of nucleic acids and efficient delivery of the encapsulated nucleic acid to cells in vivo. The compositions of the present invention are highly potent, thereby allowing effective knock-down of a specific target protein at relatively low doses.
US09352038B2

The present invention is directed to a method for treating an inflammatory neurodegenerative condition of the CNS in a subject comprising administering to said subject a G-CSF or G-CSFR inhibiting agent selected from the group consisting of an antibody specific for G-CSF, a soluble G-CSFR or a G-CSF-binding portion thereof and a 20 to 30 nucleotide sense or antisense molecule targeted to a nucleic acid molecule encoding G-CSF.
US09352027B2

A Factor VIII composition formulated without albumin, comprising the following formulation excipients in addition to Factor VIII: 4% to 10% of a bulking agent selected from the group consisting of mannitol, glycine and alanine; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; 100 mM to 300 mM NaCl; and a buffering agent for maintaining a pH of approximately between 6 and 8. Alternatively, the formulation can comprise 2% to 6% hydroxyethyl starch; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; 100 mM to 300 mM NaCl; and a buffering agent for maintaining a pH of approximately between 6 and 8. In a further embodiment, the formulation can comprise: 300 mM to 500 mM NaCl; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; and a buffering agent.
US09352026B2

The present invention relates to insulin- and insulin analog-carrying nanoparticles formulated together with or for use with free insulin or with an insulin analog, such as a rapidly-acting insulin analog. The compositions of the present invention find use in medicine, particularly in glycemic control, e.g. for controlling blood glucose levels in diabetic subjects. Nanoparticle compositions of the invention, formulated together with or for use with free insulin or with an insulin analog, comprise a nanoparticle comprising a core comprising a metal and/or a semiconductor; and a corona comprising a plurality of ligands covalently linked to the core, wherein said plurality of ligands comprise at least one carbohydrate moiety; and at least one insulin peptide and/or insulin analog peptide that is non-covalently bound to the corona.
US09352025B2

The present invention is directed to a method of treating a metabolic disorder or key elements of a metabolic disorder such method comprising the use of an agent(s) that increases central dopaminergic activity plus a first-phase insulin secretagouge.
US09352024B2

This invention discloses the uses of IL-22 in the treatment and prevention of a nerve damage disease or a neurodegenerative disease. In particular, the invention discloses the uses of IL-22 or IL-22 dimers as follows: (i) can protect neurons to recover the functions of injured neurons after ischemic nerve damage in animals in vivo, thus enabling effective treatment of nerve damage diseases, (ii) can significantly inhibit the loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra in PD model animal, enhance the functions of dopaminergic neurons, significantly reduce neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus, improve learning and memory capacity of AD model rats, and effectively prevent neuronal loss, thereby enabling more effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
US09352021B2

Systems and methods for purification and concentration of autologous alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M) from whole blood and or recombinant A2M are provided. Also provided are methods of treating wounds with A2M. Methods for utilizing A2M in combination with other treatments (e.g., platelets and other growth factors) are provided in addition to combinations with exogenous drugs or carriers. Also provided is a method of producing recombinant A2M wild type or variants thereof where the bait region was modified to enhance the inhibition characteristics of A2M and/or to prolong the half-life of the protein for treating wounds.
US09352017B2

The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising leukotoxin, a chemotherapeutic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, including methods to treat cancer, and methods to induce apoptosis.
US09352005B2

The present invention relates to an isolated Bacillus sp. strain having probiotic activity. More particularly, the present invention relates to an isolated Bacillus sp. 2-4 (KCCM11107P) strain having probiotic activity. Since the strain of the present invention functions as probiotics by having an antibacterial activity against various fish pathogenic bacteria, as well as secreting helpful enzymes such as protease, amylase, cellulose, and lipase to help the digestion and absorption of the feed, the strain of the present invention can be helpfully used as a feed additive for fish and crustaceans.
US09352002B2

Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
US09352001B2

A method of manipulating allogeneic cells for use in allogeneic cell therapy protocols is described. The method provides a composition of highly activated allogeneic T-cells which are infused into immunocompetent cancer patients to elicit a novel anti-tumor immune mechanism called the “Mirror Effect”. In contrast to current allogeneic cell therapy protocols where T-cells in the graft mediate the beneficial graft vs. tumor (GVT) and detrimental graft vs. host (GVH) effects, the allogeneic cells of the present invention stimulate host T-cells to mediate the “mirror” of these effects. The mirror of the GVT effect is the host vs. tumor (HVT) effect. The “mirror” of the GVH effect is the host vs. graft (HVG) effect. The effectiveness and widespread application of the anti-tumor GVT effect is limited by the severe toxicity of the GVH effect. In the present invention, the anti-tumor HVT effect occurs in conjunction with a non-toxic HVG rejection effect. The highly activated allogeneic cells of the invention can be used in methods to stimulate host immunity. The method includes a complete HLA mis-matched setting in patients that have not had a prior bone marrow transplant or received chemotherapy and/or radiation conditioning regimens.
US09352000B2

A method of treating a medical condition in which suppression of effector T cells is beneficial in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a CCL1 polypeptide, thereby treating the medical condition in the subject.
US09351999B2

Methods and kits for treating a cardiac arrhythmia using a platelet rich plasma (PRP) composition are provided. Any type of arrhythmia may be treated using the PRP composition. The PRP composition may comprise PRP developed using blood collected from a patient suffering the cardiac arrhythmia. The PRP composition may be buffered to a physiological pH and may include one or more anti-arrhythmic agents, anti-coagulants, or other drugs. The PRP composition may be delivered using a nebulizer, minimally invasively, or surgically.
US09351997B2

The invention provides a method for treating cancer using a coadministration strategy that combines local codelivery of a therapeutic agent and an intracellular penetration enhancing agent, and optionally in further combination with local administration of an immunotherapeutic agent, such as a cancer vaccine or NKT agonist. The invention also provides a method for treating cancer using an intracellular penetration enhancing agent. The methods of the invention aim to substantially kill and/or destroy the target tumor cells, as well as those cancerous cells that have metastasized to other parts of the body.
US09351990B2

An ophthalmic solution is provided. The ophthalmic solution is hypertonic. The ophthalmic solution includes a polysaccharide having an average molecular weight of between about 40,000 grams per mole and about 150,000 grams per mole. A packaged ophthalmic solution for preventing the ophthalmic solution from being exposed to CO2 and other contaminants is also provided. The ophthalmic solution can be used to treat recurrent corneal erosion. The ophthalmic solution can also be used as a prophylactic to prevent recurrent corneal erosion.
US09351988B2

The present invention is directed to the use of macrocyclic lactones, in particular avermectins, in the treatment of conditions whose formation, occurrence, development or growth is associated with aberrant Wnt signalling, in particular the treatment of colorectal cancer.
US09351987B2

The present invention further relates to ivermectin, most preferably formulated as an implant for administration of pet and domestic animals. These formulations provide long term protection against Dirofilaria parasites, without the risks for secondary adverse events of conventional formulations. Preferred formulations are implants and are administered at least twice a year, once a year, or at least once in 18 months, up to 24 months.
US09351984B2

A novel pharmaceutical composition is provided by which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are added directly to phospholipid-containing oil such as lecithin oils or to a bio-compatible oil to which an phospholipid has been added to make a NSAID-containing formulation that possess low gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and enhanced therapeutic activity to treat or prevent inflammation, pain, fever, platelet aggregation, tissue ulcerations and/or other tissue disorders. The composition of the invention are in the form of a non-aqueous solution, paste, suspension, dispersion, colloidal suspension or in the form of an aqueous emulsion or microemulsion for internal, oral, direct or topical administration.
US09351980B2

The invention relates to the use of di-aspirin (bis(2-carboxyphenyl)succinate) and its derivatives in the treatment of colon and colorectal cancer. It also relates to novel derivatives of di-aspirin and to a method of synthesis of the di-aspirin and its derivatives.
US09351970B2

A compound of formula (I) wherein Ar can be one six-membered or two fused six-membered aromatic rings; R8 and R9 can be hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, halogen, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, nitro, cyano, alkyoxy, aryloxy, thiol, alkylthiol, arythiol, or aryl; Q can be O, S or CY2, where Y may be H, alkyl or halogen; X can be O, NH, S, N-alkyl, (CHR2)m where m is 1 to 10, and CY2; Z can be O, S, NH, or N-alkyl; U″ is H and U′ can be H or CH2; wherein: T can be OH, H, halogen, O-alkyl, O-acyl, O-aryl, CN, NH2 or N3; T′ and T″ can be H or halogen; and W can be H or a phosphate group. Compounds show anti-viral activity, for example with respect to varicella zoster virus.
US09351968B1

Methods of treating developmental disorders by administering a pharmaceutical composition of pipradrol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are provided. The methods may be used to treat conditions such as epilepsy, Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome.
US09351966B2

The present disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising omeprazole, lansoprazole and sodium bicarbonate. Methods of using such compositions are also provided.
US09351963B2

Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing infections in mammals, by administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of at least one defensin-like molecule, e.g., in a composition that includes such molecule. Also disclosed are kits that include such molecules, or compositions that include such molecules, as well as instructions for using such molecules to treat a mammal.
US09351953B2

A method for preparing an ingestible cannabis composition is provided. Also provided is the ingestible cannabis composition and a kit including the ingestible cannabis composition.
US09351938B2

Sustained release formulations of nalbuphine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; methods for making the sustained release formulations of nalbuphine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and methods for using the sustained release formulations of nalbuphine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof to treat patients suffering from pain are provided.
US09351935B2

The present invention relates to formulations of ADAMTS13 with enhanced or desirable properties. As such, the invention provides liquid and lyophilized formulations of ADAMTS13 that are suitable for pharmaceutical administration. Among other aspects, the present invention also provides methods of treating various diseases and conditions related to VWF and/or ADAMTS13 dysfunction in a subject. Also provided herein are kits comprising ADAMTS13 formulations useful for the treatment of various diseases and conditions.
US09351934B2

The present invention relates to a crosslinked gelatin support, in which a surface of a crosslinked gelatin is negatively charged and has a zeta potential in ethanol of from −3 to −50 mV, and a support for controlled release of a physiologically active substance, including: the crosslinked gelatin support; and a physiologically active substance adsorbed and retained on and/or inside the crosslinked gelatin support.
US09351920B2

The present invention relates to an organopolysiloxane graft polymer including an organopolysiloxane segment as a main chain thereof and an unsaturated monomer-derived polymer segment as a side chain thereof, in which a content of the organopolysiloxane segment in the organopolysiloxane graft polymer is not less than 35% by mass and not more than 70% by mass, and the unsaturated monomer-derived polymer segment contains a repeating unit derived from a nonionic unsaturated monomer having a glass transition temperature Tg of 60° C. or higher (except for a repeating unit derived from an unsaturated monomer containing an amino group) in an amount of not less than 40% by mass and not more than 90% by mass, and further contains a repeating unit derived from a cationic unsaturated monomer in an amount of not less than 10% by mass and not more than 60% by mass.
US09351917B2

A hair treatment composition comprising a thickener which comprises a copolymer derived from the polymerization of at least a non-ionic monomer (a) and at least a cationic monomer (b).
US09351910B2

The invention provides a composition comprising a benefit agent delivery particle comprising dextran as a delivery aid. The benefit agent delivery particle may further comprise a non-polysaccharide polymer, preferably an aminoplast polymer. The benefit agent delivery particle may comprise a perfume. The invention also provides a process for the manufacture of the particles in which perfume oil is encapsulated using emulsion polymerization to form core-shell particles, (in the alternative the perfume may be adsorbed later) and, a further polymer layer is formed on the outer surface of the core shell-particles in the presence of the delivery aid.
US09351905B2

In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing member, a connector configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, and an extractor channel formed in the housing member. The extractor channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. In some embodiments, an anti-reflux valve is positioned within the extractor channel. The anti-reflux valve can be configured to impede or obstruct fluid returning to a fluid source after withdrawal of the fluid from the fluid source.
US09351900B2

In at least one aspect, there is provided a system for generating force about one or more joints including a soft exosuit having a plurality of anchor elements and at least one connection element disposed between the plurality of anchor elements. The system also includes at least one sensor to determine a force the at least one connection element or at least one of the plurality of anchor elements and to output signals relating to the force, at least one actuator configured to change a tension in the soft exosuit and at least one controller configured to receive the signals output from the at least one sensor and actuate the at least one actuator responsive to the received signals.
US09351899B2

Systems and methods to manage memory on a spin transfer torque magnetoresistive random-access memory (STT-MRAM) are provided. A particular method of managing memory includes determining a temperature associated with the memory and determining a level of write queue utilization associated with the memory. A write operation may be performed based on the level of write queue utilization and the temperature.
US09351898B2

This invention relates to a lift to assist in standing and/or walking for persons who have insufficient strength or movement in their legs. The inventive lift walker includes a frame assembly having a lower an upper and lower portion that wheels are provided beneath the lower frame so as to enable the lift to be propelled and maneuvered. A bracing assembly is provided at the upper portion and comprises a supporting platform which is adapted to fit under the forearms of a person, and optional handles for gripping by the user's left and right hands. An elevator assembly is provided which includes lift and stabilization tracks for raising and lowering the supporting assembly in a coordinated, purely vertical fashion, and further includes gas lift means for effectuating the same via use of a remotely switched activation mechanism. There are also anti-tip means for maintaining the stability of the device when contacting uneven ground surface during movement.
US09351894B2

A method and apparatus for cyclic variations in altitude condition that allows a user to rest in a pressure vessel while undergoing rapid variations or transitions between simulated altitudes. The pressure vessel comprises a blower to generate negative pressure, and a proportional valve to allow air back into the pressure vessel in order to relieve the negative pressure. An on-board interface, kiosk controller and master controller are all in electrical communication with each other in order to enable a user to implement a program of cyclic variations in altitude conditioning that is suitable to the specific user, and enables an operator to bill the user for such services, as well as to allow the user to use a different pressure vessel without re-entering data, so long as such data was originally entered and stored, and the different pressure vessel is in electrical communication with the master controller. A user sensor monitors the user during a session, such that the program may be modified or replaced with another program in real time, according to the user's needs.
US09351883B2

A hemostatic pad comprising a bioabsorbable scaffolding material; a lyophilized thrombin powder, a lyophilized fibrinogen powder, and a meltable binder powder, with all powders disposed on the bioabsorbable scaffolding material. A meltable binder such as PEG bonds the lyophilized thrombin powder and the lyophilized fibrinogen powder to the bioabsorbable scaffolding material for improved friability, wettability and performance in a use, such as for hemostatic treatment or sealing at a wound site.
US09351882B2

An apparatus and system for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a nerve conduit having a generally tubular shape that has walls including a luminal wall surrounding the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site and the luminal wall. The apparatus further comprises a manifold having a porous body and a connector for receiving reduced pressure, wherein the manifold is positioned within the luminal space adjacent the tissue site to distribute the reduced pressure to the defect. Additionally, a method for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed that includes implanting the nerve conduit and manifold at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.
US09351879B2

Configurations are described for conducting ophthalmic procedures to address cataract-related clinical challenges. In one embodiment, a one-piece patient contact interface may be utilized to couple a diagnostic and/or interventional system to a cornea of a patient; in another embodiment, a two-part configuration may be utilized; in another embodiment, a liquid interface two-part embodiment may be utilized.
US09351877B2

A laser-assisted method for fully or partially separating tissue such as collagen containing tissue is provided. In one embodiment, the method pertains to a capsulorhexis whereby the laser-assisted method is applied to the lens capsule. A light-absorbing agent is added into or onto the tissue. A light beam with a wavelength capable of being absorbed by the light absorbing agent is then directed at the tissue to cause a thermal effect at the tissue following a predetermined closed curve with the goal to avoid irregularity or potential tears in the resulting rim of the tissue.
US09351873B2

Disclosed are devices and methods of treating an ocular disorder including forming a self-sealing incision in a cornea into an anterior chamber of an eye; introducing through the incision a fluid drainage tube having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal, internal lumen extending through the fluid drainage tube, wherein at least the proximal end passes through the anterior chamber; and implanting the distal end of the fluid drainage tube in fluid communication with the suprachoroidal space such that the proximal end of the fluid drainage tube remains in fluid communication with the anterior chamber.
US09351865B2

A plantar fasciitis arch support (PFAS) device is presented. The PFAS device is an ergonomic compression device that administers a measured pressure along the tissue on the plantar surface of the foot for purpose of relieving the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. The device works by directly compressing and stretching the plantar fascia in order to relieve pressure at the plantar fascia attachment points. This device differs from current conventional splints that use a dorsiflexion force of the foot and ankle complex to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. The device is small, affordable, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. It targets the fascia directly, stretching the tendon gently through the night rather than indirectly stretching the calf or Achilles tendon.
US09351863B2

A system for inducing weight loss ina patient includes (a) an elongated element extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the elongated element separating a duodenum into first and second channels, wherein the elongated element is expandable; and (b) a retainer connected to the elongated element and securing the elongated element in a desired orientation within the duodenum. In the desired orientation, all chyme flowing through the duodenum enters the first channel and the second channel is open to a papilla of vater so that digestive fluids from the papilla of vater enter the second channel.
US09351860B2

The present embodiments provide systems and methods for loading a stent or stent graft onto an introducer for intraluminal deployment. In one example, a system includes an endoluminal prosthesis introducer comprising a stent retaining member engageable with a stent end. The system may also include a loading tool for engaging the stent end on the stent retaining member. The loading tool may include a loading body having a passage extending from a first end to a second end and a slot that extends through the tubular loading body from the passage to an outer surface of the tubular loading body, and the slot may further extend from the second end toward the first end. The stent retaining member may be disposed at least partially within the passage of the loading body, and the slot of the loading body may be rotatable around the stent retaining member.
US09351856B2

Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
US09351854B2

A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user.
US09351850B2

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion.
US09351841B2

The present invention relates to a straight stem (10) for the implantation into a proximal femur, the stem (10) comprising a proximal stem section (12) and a distal stem section (14), the distal stem section (14) having a distal end (24) and a distal tip (26) arranged directly adjacent to the distal end (24) and defining a distalmost point of the distal end (24), the stem (10) having, in an anterior-posterior view, a medial contour and a lateral contour, and the stem (10) having a straight stem center axis (20) between the medial contour and the lateral contour, wherein the distal end (24), in an anterior-posterior view, has a convexly curved contour, and wherein the convexly curved contour of the distal end (24) merges with straight sections (46, 48) of the medial contour and of the lateral contour at a medial merging point (22) and a lateral merging point (28), respectively, wherein the medial merging point (22) and the lateral merging point (28) are offset with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the stem center axis (20), wherein the lateral merging point (28) is arranged proximally with regard to the medial merging point (22), wherein the convexly curved contour of the distal end (24) is such that the distal tip (26) is medially offset with respect to the stem center axis (20), wherein the convexly curved contour of the distal end (24) has a curved medial section extending between the distal tip (26) and the medial merging point (22) and a curved lateral section extending between the distal tip (26) and the lateral merging point (28), and wherein the contour of the distal end (24) is asymmetrically convexly curved such that the degree of curvature of the curved lateral section is smaller than the degree of curvature of the curved medial section.
US09351840B2

A medical device for treating hip joint osteoarthritis in a human patient is provided, the hip joint comprises an acetabulum, being a part of the pelvic bone, and a caput femur, being connected to the collum femur and being the upper extremity of the femoral bone. The caput femur and collum femur further comprises cortical bone, the outer more sclerotic bone, and cancellous bone, placed in the bone marrow, said medical device comprising: an artificial caput femur surface, adapted to be in contact with the acetabulum surface or an artificial replacement therefor, and a fixating member adapted to at least partly be stabilized by the cortical bone of a stabilizing part of the collum femur.
US09351839B2

An acetabular cup system includes an acetabular cup having a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. The acetabular cup includes a fixation opening through the wall, the fixation opening including a first wall portion adjacent to the inner surface and a second wall portion adjacent to the outer surface. The acetabular cup system also includes a fixation fastener including a head and a shaft with a bone-anchoring portion. The fastener can be inserted though the fixation opening. The head includes a first head portion engageable with the first wall portion and a second head portion engageable with the second wall portion.
US09351836B2

A locking implant is provided for a long bone. The locking implant comprises a head portion, a stem portion extending from the head portion, and an anchor disposed at an end of the stem portion for engagement within a resected long bone. The anchor defines at least one locking feature, such as a cam, configured to engage an interior of the resected long bone upon rotation of the implant, thereby locking the head portion to the long bone. The implant may comprise a two component modular design. Methods of locking the implant to a long bone structure are also provided.
US09351835B2

The embodiments provide provides devices, instruments, and associated methods for treating joint pain. A joint is evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging to detect any defects in the subchondral bone. For example, using T2-weighted MRI images, bone marrow lesions or edemas can be identified, and using T1-weighted MRI images, associated regions of sclerotic bone adjacent to the bone marrow lesion can be identified. The treatment method may involve introducing a bone void filler material at the site to address the bone marrow lesion or edema, and/or drilling and inserting an implant to address the sclerotic bone, bone marrow lesion or edema, and insufficiency or stress fractures. An access path is mapped to a location in the subchondral region where the insufficiency fracture resides. The access path attempts to preserve an articular surface of the joint. A reinforcing member that stabilizes the insufficiency fracture is then implanted via the access path.
US09351834B2

A pressurizable implant, comprising a cylindrical body and at least one porous arm extending from and interconnected to the cylindrical body, the at least one porous arm being configured to accommodate a pressure gradient that is created by a device removably connectable to the cylindrical body.
US09351830B2

A method for performing an annuloplasty includes positioning an annuloplasty ring structure along an atrial surface of an annulus of a heart valve. While a distal portion of a tube is longitudinally advanced through a channel of the ring structure, it faces a first portion of tissue of the annulus. A first tissue anchor is anchored to the first portion of tissue, from within the channel, while the distal end of the tube faces the first portion of the tissue. After moving the distal portion of the tube to a second portion of the structure, the second portion of the structure is anchored to a second portion of tissue by anchoring a second tissue anchor to the second portion of the tissue while the distal end of the tube faces the second portion of the tissue. Other embodiments are also described.
US09351829B2

Bioprosthetic tissues and methods for making same, comprising fixing bioprosthetic implant tissue by treatment with 0.1 to 10 wt. % glutaraldehyde at elevated temperature, capping said fixed tissue by treatment with a diamine crosslinking agent, and treating said capped tissue with about 0.6 wt. % glutaraldehyde.
US09351828B2

Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.
US09351827B2

A lens driver or lens driver circuitry for an ophthalmic apparatus comprising an electronic system which actuates a variable-focus optic is disclosed herein. The lens driver is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic apparatus. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The lens driver circuitry includes one or more power sources, one or more high voltage generators and one or more switching circuits.
US09351816B2

An electric toothbrush for use by an operator and capable of being connected to a suction device. The electric toothbrush includes a head with a plurality of bristles, at least one irrigation port, and at least one suction port, and an injection port in fluid communication with the at least one irrigation port. The electric toothbrush also includes a handle with a ventilation port in fluid communication with the at least one suction port, a user interface, and a controller. The ventilation port permits suction from the suction device to the at least one suction port and the controller is configured to actuate at least one of rotation, oscillation, and vibration of the bristles for a preset time period in response to a predetermined feedback from the operator through the user interface.
US09351815B2

The present invention provides a curable composition allowing a cured product having high aesthetic quality, strength and durability along with having high surface lubricating property to be formed. The curable composition according to the present invention comprises: an inorganic powder and a polymerizable monomer. The inorganic powder contains a spherical crystallization control powder. The spherical crystallization control powder has a silicon dioxide content in the range of 97 to 100 mass %. An amorphous portion and a crystalline portion are mixed within the spherical crystallization control powder. A refractive index difference is not more than 0.05 between the spherical crystallization control powder and a cured product obtained by curing only constituents other than the spherical crystallization control powder.
US09351808B2

An apparatus for removing a dental appliance can include a body having a perimeter and a pry lip extending from the perimeter of the body. The pry lip includes a terminal ridge surface and an inclined surface disposed between the terminal ridge surface and the perimeter of the body. The apparatus for removing a dental appliance can be incorporated in a dental system which includes a dental appliance and the apparatus for removing a dental appliance. The apparatus for removing a dental appliance can be configured such that it fits within an area defined by an outer edge of the dental appliance. Thus, the dental appliance and the apparatus for removing the dental appliance can be stored within a dental appliance container with an internal cavity that closely conforms to the shape and size of the dental appliance.
US09351802B2

An ultrasonic scaler tip, capable of effectively removing tartar or the like adhered around an artificial tooth root, is provided. An ultrasonic scaler is also provided, which prevents metal material (for example, ion), except for titanium or titanium alloy, from adhering around the artificial tooth root and disturbing tissue growth and adhesion to the tooth root.
US09351797B2

The present disclosure provides a monitoring device comprising a test composition, a test element comprising a test portion to which the test composition is releasably adhered, a detection reagent, and a container comprising a first end with an opening and a second end opposite the first end. The test composition comprises a predetermined quantity of tracer analyte. The container is configured to receive the test portion and configured to be operationally coupled to an analytical instrument. The tracer analyte and the detection reagent each are capable of participating in one or more chemical reaction that results in the formation of a detectable product. A method of using the monitoring device to assess the efficacy of a washing process is also provided.
US09351791B2

A method of inducing local cell death in patient tissue is provided. The method includes generating first and second radiation, conveying the radiation to a focusing element, and focusing the radiation on a target with the focusing element. A system for inducing local cell death in patient tissue is also provided. The system includes a power source for generating narrow-band and/or ultra-wideband radiation, and a focusing element for focusing the radiation on a target.
US09351790B2

The present disclosure provides a variety of systems and techniques for generating and applying plasmas and/or electric fields alone, or in combination with other therapies, to living tissue to treat different tissue conditions as well as other conditions, such as tumors, bacterial infections and the like while limiting electrical current generation within said tissue.
US09351789B2

A device and method for treating a variety of tissue locations within a patient's body using a single device that includes an elongate body having a distal portion, a shaft rotatably and slidably disposed within the elongate body, and a first arm and a second arm each coupled to the elongate body distal portion. Retraction and rotation of the shaft transitions the each arm from a linear configuration to a radially expanded configuration in which each arm has an arcuate shape and lies in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the elongate body longitudinal axis. Electrodes coupled to the arms are equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the elongate body in different radial directions when the device is in the radially expanded configuration. The electrodes are radially symmetrical about the shaft when the radially expanded configuration has a first diameter or a second diameter.
US09351779B2

A surgical system including an expandable device is provided, including an inflatable body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inflatable body has at least one folded segment, which are housed in a distal portion of the outer shaft. The inflatable body is tethered to a portion of the outer shaft. The inner shaft is affixed to a portion of the inflatable body, and is configured to control an axial and/or a radial inflation pattern of the folded inflatable body.
US09351767B2

A spinal implant provides supplemental and dynamic fixation and/or stabilization of the spine via connection to one or more existing or new spinal fixation and/or stabilization spinal constructs. The supplementary spinal fixation/stabilization implant has a first attachment device configured to couple to an existing or new spinal fixation/stabilization construct and a second attachment device configured to couple to the existing or new spinal fixation/stabilization construct at a second location. The first and second attachment devices are joined to each other via a resilient connector that allows dynamic movement between the first and second attachment devices.
US09351765B2

The present invention discloses a securing device that is used to secure a fixation device to two bone portions to promote healing between the two bone portions. The bone portions commonly include a skull bone portion and a skull bone flap or implant, and the fixation device is commonly a cranial clamp. The securing device provides for securing the fixation device in a uniform, single movement as opposed to currently available products. The securing device has two handles pivotably connected, and a gripping means moveably associated with one handle. As the handles are activated, the gripping means travels proximally along the one handle and grips an elongated section of the fixation device and exerts a tensioning force along the shaft of the elongated section prior to the cutting means cutting the elongated shaft to secure the fixation device in place.
US09351760B2

The present disclosure relates to surgical access systems and methods of using the same to access a surgical site during a surgical procedure. The surgical access system includes a portal member and a patch. The portal member includes at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member is formed from a compressible material and is adapted to transition from a first expanded condition to a second compressed condition such that an outer surface of the portal member is adapted for a substantial sealing relation with an opening in tissue upon insertion of the portal member therethrough. The patch includes a non-porous substrate having a tissue facing surface including an adhesive for positioning over the opening in the tissue and sealing a surface thereof. The patch is adapted for sealed reception of the portal member.
US09351736B2

Assemblies, kits, and methods for occluding a vascular vessel, such as a varicose vein, are disclosed. An assembly can include a removable inner member, a removable outer member, and an elongated expandable member positioned in a compressed form between portions of the inner and outer members. To facilitate their removal, one or both of the inner and outer members can include a handle coupled to a proximal end. The elongated expandable member can include a gelatin material or a collagen material that is configured, when wetted, to expand from a compressed first diametrical size to a second larger diametrical size within a time period of 5 minutes or less. At the second larger diametrical size, the gelatin or collagen material can occlude a vascular vessel for a period of at least 20 days without degrading.
US09351733B2

A surgical fastener applier includes a variable drive mechanism disposed within a housing and operably coupled between an input member and an output member, the variable drive mechanism being transitionable between at least a first condition, wherein rotation of the input member by a fixed amount effects rotation of the output member a first amount, and a second condition, wherein rotation of the input member by the fixed amount effects rotation of the output member a second amount different from the first amount.
US09351726B2

A surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft. The end effector is movable relative to the shaft between an articulation home state position and an articulated position and comprises a surgical stapler including a plurality of staples and a firing member that fires the plurality of staples. The firing member is movable between a firing home state position and a fired position. The housing includes a motor operably supported by the housing, a controller in communication with the motor, and a home state input configured to transmit a home state input signal to the controller which is configured to activate the motor in response to the home state input signal to effectuate a return of the end effector to the articulation home state position and a return of the firing member to the firing home state position.
US09351725B2

A surgical fastener applying instrument including a handle portion, an elongated portion, a pair of jaw members and a removable clamp. One of the jaw members contains a plurality of fasteners arranged in at least one row substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The removable clamp has an elongated member and a tissue clamping surface extending substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The clamp is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue and is releasably mountable to the elongated portion of the instrument.
US09351722B2

A suture drive system configured to assist in attaching a suture to tissue within a patient, and in at least one application, repairing meniscal tears and shoulder tissue tears is disclosed. The suture drive system may be interchangeable in that the system can be adapted to insert different suture systems into tissue of a patient using the same device. In particular, in one embodiment configured to employ an inside-out suture delivery method, the suture drive system may advance two combinations of push rods and two swaged needles having one or more sutures attached thereto. In another embodiment configured to employ an outside-in suture delivery method, the suture drive system may advance two combinations of push rods and drive shafts to deliver two anchors releasably affixed to the distal ends of the drive shafts into tissue to close an opening in the tissue.
US09351721B2

A suture passer includes an elongate tube defining a central lumen and having a beveled distal end region and a grasping member comprising a first elongate member and a first jaw extending distally from the first elongate member. The grasping member is sized to be disposed within the elongate tube and is capable of being extended from the elongate tube in a manner such that the first elongate member and the first jaw are disposed at least partially distal to the beveled distal end region of the elongate tube. The grasping member is further capable of being retracted within the elongate tube in a manner such that the first elongate member is located substantially within the central lumen of the elongate tube and the first jaw substantially covers an opening of the beveled distal end region of the elongate tube.
US09351720B2

An implantation assembly (16) has a guide element (22) for a ligament (18); a pulling element (24) comprising a pulling loop (26); and a manipulating loop (28). The guide element has a pulling aperture (36) towards a leading end (32), a manipulating aperture (38) towards a trailing end (34), and a connecting arrangement (40) for the ligament. The pulling and manipulating loops pass through the respective apertures. When the guide element emerges from a bone tunnel mouth, the manipulating loop is used to manipulate the guide element to a position where it overlies the tunnel mouth. The manipulating loop is secured to the pulling element and arranged such that a tensile load can be applied to the pulling element without generating a tensile load in the manipulating loop which could otherwise cause the guide element to be manipulated towards the anchoring position during passage along the bone tunnels.
US09351719B2

Self-locking knotless sutures and associated methods are disclosed. A system for securing tissue includes a monofilament and a braid having a fixed end and a capture end. A first end of the monofilament is connected to the fixed end of the braid. A second end of the monofilament opposite the first end is a free end. The capture end of the braid has a first opening and a second opening. The monofilament and braid are structured and arranged for the free end of the monofilament to be inserted into the first opening, passed through a tunnel formed by the braid, and passed out of the second opening, all while moving in a first direction. After insertion of the monofilament into the braid, the braid prevents movement of the monofilament in a second direction opposite the first direction to prevent the monofilament from being pulled out of the braid.
US09351718B1

A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.
US09351717B2

Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing coupled to a retractor. The housing can be have one or more movable sealing ports for receiving surgical instruments. Each movable sealing port can include one or more sealing elements therein for sealing the port and/or forming a seal around a surgical instrument disposed therethrough. Each movable sealing port can be rotatable relative to the housing and each sealing element can be rotatable relative to the housing along a predetermined orbital path.
US09351714B2

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion, a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis and an articulating tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion and is movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The instrument also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly, the articulation mechanism including an articulation sensor assembly configured to transmit a sensor signal to a microcontroller which is configured to determine an articulation angle of the articulation assembly.
US09351713B2

A biopsy needle having a longitudinal channel formed within an inner conductor of a coaxial antenna is disclosed. The coaxial antenna terminates in a rigid insertion tip e.g. a ceramic cone that is insertable into biological tissue. Microwave energy (e.g. having a frequency of 1 to 100 GHz) delivered to the coaxial antenna is emitted at the insertion tip. The insertion tip may be arranged to match the impedance of the coaxial antenna to a predetermined tissue impedance. The emitted radiation can be used to measure properties of or treat (e.g., ablate) tissue at the insertion tip. Needle biopsy apparatus is also disclosed, in which a microwave energy is controllably delivered to a needle from a microwave generator. The apparatus may include an impedance tuner to dynamically match the impedance of the needle with tissue at the insertion tip.
US09351711B2

A biopsy needle comprises a first lumen open to a tissue penetrating distal tip of the needle for receiving a tissue sample therein and a second lumen in combination with a filter separating the first and second lumens from one another, the filter being configured to permit fluids to pass therethrough while preventing the sampled tissue from passing therethrough.
US09351710B2

Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of full-core biopsy needles having an outer needle component and a middle cannula through a lumen in the outer component, through which a mandrel may be placed. The outer component includes an internal boss that reduces its internal diameter, and the cannula includes fingers that extend distally. When the needle is inserted for biopsy, tissue enters the outer component and cannula. Moving the cannula forward causes the fingers to engage a surface of the internal boss, resulting in the fingers curving into the tissue. The fingers pinch the tissue while reducing or eliminating compression of the sample to provide an easier removal of the tissue from adjacent tissue, as well as providing a block or backstop keeping the tissue within the needle. Gaps are provided between the fingers to further reduce damage to the tissue sample.
US09351707B2

A first ultrasound pulse is applied to biological tissue to create shear waves in the biological tissue, a focused ultrasound pulse is transmitted into the biological tissue, one or more ultrasound signals is received from the biological tissue, and shear waves are detected in the biological tissue based on the received one or more ultrasound signals. At least one propagation property associated with the detected shear waves is determined, and the determined at least one propagation property is displayed.
US09351701B2

There is provided a calibration apparatus used for a photon counting type of radiation detector. In this apparatus, a radiation condition of a radiation is set such that particles of the radiation (X-rays) which are incident on a plurality of detection modules are piled up over each other at a probability which is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Under the setting of this radiation condition, detection sensitivities for the radiation are made uniform among the plurality of detection modules. Using this uniformed result, the detection sensitivities for the radiation are further made uniform every channel of each of the pixels formed by circuit groups including the plurality of detection modules, discrimination circuits and data calculation circuits and every discrimination circuit in each channel.
US09351696B2

A method establishes a spatial position of a part of an x-ray ruler imaged in at least one x-ray image. The X-ray ruler is attached to an alignment of an object to be x-rayed. The X-ray ruler has at least a first part and a second part each having x-ray markers, and the first and second parts are connected to each other by a connection element. A spatial configuration of the x-ray markers is determined on a basis of images of the x-markers in an x-ray image or x-ray images.
US09351695B2

A method for obtaining a digital chest x-ray image of a patient, executed at least in part by a computer system, acquires a standard dose radiographic image and a reduced dose radiographic image, wherein the standard dose radiographic image and reduced dose radiographic images are obtained at peak kilovoltage values that differ by at least 10 kVp. A bone-enhanced image is formed by combining data from the standard dose radiographic image and reduced dose radiographic images and bone structure is segmented from the bone-enhanced image. A processed image is formed by suppressing bone contrast from the standard dose radiographic image according to the segmented bone structure. The processed image is displayed, stored, or transmitted.
US09351683B2

A wrinkle detection method comprises the steps of obtaining face data of a subject; setting one or more analytical regions on the obtained face data; producing plural pieces of wrinkle component extracted data by extracting wrinkle components extending in one direction or in plural directions at different angles from each other in an angle range in which wrinkles tend to extend and which is set in advance for the set one or more analytical regions; producing plural pieces of wrinkle component emphasized data corresponding to the pieces of wrinkle component extracted data, respectively, by emphasizing the wrinkle components; producing composite data by combining the pieces of wrinkle component emphasized data; and detecting a wrinkle component having an intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value from the composite data as a wrinkle of the subject.
US09351676B2

An electrochemical sensor includes a base plate provided with a concave part formed on one of surfaces thereof, a fluid channel formed so that a bottom part of the concave part and the other one of the surfaces of the base plate are communicated with each other, a plurality of electrodes formed on the concave part; a reagent fixed on the electrodes, a cover which covers the concave part, and an air channel which causes the inside and outside of the concave part to be communicated with each other.
US09351669B2

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a compressible interconnect for allowing electrical communication between an electronics unit and an analyte sensor in an on-body analyte monitoring device. In other embodiments, systems and methods are provided for reducing the Z-height of an on-body analyte monitoring device by utilizing novel interconnects.
US09351667B2

A device for measuring orofacial stiffness in a subject can include: two lip saddle attachment components configured for attachment to the lip saddles of a patients mouth; two elongate members, each being coupled with one of the lip saddle attachment components; a pivot member that couples the two elongate members at a pivot point opposite from the two lip saddle attachment components; an electronic sensor configured to sense the stiffness of the lips by sensing movement of the elongate members with respect to the pivot point, where the electronic sensor is operably coupled to each of the elongate members; and a pressure component configured move with respect to the pivot point so as to provide pressure to and/or receive pressure from the lip saddle attachment components.
US09351665B2

A method of analyzing a plethysmograph signal is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting from the signal a plurality of features, thereby constructing a feature space. The method further comprises employing a path selection procedure to the feature space for determining at least one sequence of respiration frequencies and reconstructing a respiratory signal using the sequence.
US09351660B2

A biomedical sensor for detecting EMG signals may include a non-conducting fixed framework supporting a symmetrical arrangement of four electrode surfaces, configured as two signal detection contacts, each with a respective associated signal reference contact. The mechanical and electrical configuration act together to suppress movement artifact.
US09351659B2

A biomedical sensor for detecting EMG signals may include a non-conducting fixed framework supporting a symmetrical arrangement of four electrode surfaces, configured as two signal detection contacts, each with a respective associated signal reference contact. The mechanical and electrical configuration act together to suppress movement artifact.
US09351658B2

An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes apparatus and methods for sensing electrical activity in tissue of a person in a manner which is substantially limits or eliminates interference from noise in a surrounding environment.
US09351651B2

A magnetic field measurement apparatus includes a probe beam irradiating unit that radiates a probe beam. A gas cell is arranged on an optical axis of the probe beam and shows a linear dichroism with respect to the probe beam between a first axis and a second axis. Another gas cell is arranged on the optical axis of the probe beam on the opposite side of the probe beam irradiating unit with respect to the gas cell, and shows a linear dichroism with respect to the probe beam between a third axis and a fourth axis, which are different from the first and the second axes. A measuring unit measures a difference between magnetic fields in the gas cells and on the basis of amounts of change of a plane of polarization of the probe beam that has passed through the gas cell and the gas cell.
US09351649B2

What is disclosed is a system and method for determining a subject of interest's arterial pulse transit time from time-varying source signals generated from video images. In one embodiment, a video imaging system is used to capture a time-varying source signal of a proximal and distal region of a subject of interest. The image frames are processed to isolate localized areas of a proximal and distal region of exposed skin of the subject. A time-series signal for each of the proximal and distal regions is extracted from the source video images. A phase angle is computed with respect to frequency for each of the time-series signals to produce respective phase v/s frequency curves for each region. Slopes within a selected cardiac frequency range are extracted from each of the phase curves and a difference is computed between the two slopes to obtain an arterial pulse transit time for the subject.
US09351643B2

A system and method is presented for performing optical measurements, including a light source configured to emit a light beam, a first pattern generator defining a first longitudinal axis and configured to project a first generated pattern, and a second pattern generator defining a second longitudinal axis and configured to project a second generated pattern. The first and second generated patterns have different angular divergency. The first pattern generator is a diffractive circle pattern generator, whereas the second pattern generator is a diffractive cross pattern generator. Adjustment of the first and second generated patterns with respect to each other cause the system to serve as an optical ruler for performing the optical measurements when the first and second generate patterns overlap or coincide with each other at certain points.
US09351640B2

A method of method of automatically requesting assistance for a patient by verbally communicating with a user through a base unit; wearing a mobile device with a plurality of different sensors on the patient to detect patient motion, wherein the mobile device transmits data to the base unit; and determining if a fall has occurred and requesting help through the base unit without a user pressing a button to call for help.
US09351635B2

A solution for the individual automatic rough positioning of ophthalmological equipment with respect to ensure the diagnostic or therapeutic treatment of the patient. The assembly includes a positioning aid and a control unit for the automatic alignment of the axis of vision of the eye with the optical axis of the ophthalmological equipment. The positioning aid includes a chin rest and a forehead support which have corresponding controllable actuating devices. The assembly has an additional measuring device for recording the geometry of the face of the patient.
US09351629B2

There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a front looking camera and a front discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the Field Of View (FOV) of said front looking camera; a right side looking camera and a right discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said right side looking camera; a left side looking camera and a left discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said left side looking camera; and a multi component cover configured to cover and seal said tip section such as to essentially prevent entry of fluids from the environment of said endoscope to inner parts of said tip section.
US09351626B2

The invention relates generally to an improved mop having a support arm having a handle, a mop head that is pivotally attached to said support arm, a pair of rollers disposed in said mop head at lateral side of the mop head housing, a cleaning pad rotatably carried by said rollers so that a first roller carries said cleaning pad and a second roller draws sections of said cleaning pad across a cleaning area defined by said mop head, whereas the cleaning pad travel along a path orthogonal to the front of the housing, a spray nozzle carried by said mop head that is fluidly connected to a cleaning solution container for allowing the user to select and spray a cleaning solution on the surface being cleaned, and an ultra violet light source disposed on said mop head for disinfecting said cleaning pad.
US09351618B2

The present invention relates to a nozzle arrangement (10) for a floor cleaning device (100), comprising a nozzle housing (28); a brush (12) rotatable about a brush axis (14), wherein the brush (12) is partially surrounded by the nozzle housing (28) and protrudes from a bottom side (30) of said nozzle housing (28), said brush (12) being provided with brush elements (16) for picking up dirt and/or liquid particles (22, 24) from a surface to be cleaned (20) during the rotation of the brush (12), and a protection assembly (32) for preventing obstacles (40) from getting sucked into the nozzle housing (28) or wrapped around the brush (12), wherein said protection assembly (32) is arranged within the nozzle housing (28) and comprises a plurality of spaced apart ribs (34) that extend at least partly through the brush (12), wherein a suction channel (42) is defined between a back end (44) of the ribs (34) and an opposite inner wall element (46) of the nozzle housing (28), wherein said back end (44) of the ribs (34) is facing away from the brush axis (14) and said inner wall element (46) is facing towards said back end (44) of the ribs (34) and spaced apart from said back end (44), and wherein the brush elements (16) extend at least partly into the suction channel (42) during the brush's rotation.
US09351617B2

A device for performing an action on a surface comprises at least one movably arranged functional body (21, 22), driving means for driving the functional body (21, 22), main safety means for decoupling the driving means from the functional body (21, 22) when a load exerted by the functional body (21, 22) in the direction of the driving means under the influence of resistance forces experienced by the functional body (21, 22) exceeds a predetermined maximum value, and additional safety means (40) which are movably arranged in the vicinity of the functional body (21, 22), and which are capable of exerting loads on the main safety means to different extents in different positions, at a side of the main safety means associated with the functional body (21, 22). The additional safety means may comprise a bar (40) having a non-circular cross-sectional area, which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis (41).
US09351613B1

A long-handled personal holder device for personal cleaning, hygiene, and daily living, and is made of resilient material with extendable finger-like grips. The grips are configured to surely grip a tool, but also to release (e.g., so that a user does not have to soil their hands). The curved handle allows proper reach, and is designed for easy break-down, rinsing and cleaning, and for placement in a compact carry bag. The grips can grip a larger personal hygiene flushable wipe, a smaller flushable pad, a sponge for shower use, and/or a an ointment pad; and are also able to hold more rigidly-handled personal tools, such as a toothbrush, shaver, makeup applicator, pencil, pen, brush, and similar items.
US09351612B2

A shower door assembly with at least one adjustment assembly has an adjustment device and a locking device. The locking device includes a blocking element, a pressing element and an elastic element between the blocking element and the pressing element. The elastic element is arc-shaped when unlocked. An inclined surface projects to the blocking element. The curvature of the elastic element is thus reduced until it engages with the adjustment device. A driving device includes a cam mechanism and a sliding element having one end in contact with the pressing element and the other end sliding along with the inclined surface when driven by the cam mechanism so as to push the pressing element toward the blocking element, and thus reduce the curvature of the arc-shaped elastic element until the elastic element is engaged with the adjustment device.
US09351611B1

A portable water heater is described. The portable water heater may include a housing. A base may be mounted to said housing. The base may include a plurality of base members that may be pivotably and/or slidably mounted to the base. At least one thermal source may be disposed within the housing. The thermal source may be configured to produce thermal energy in the housing. A thermal transfer conduit may be disposed within the housing.
US09351605B2

In summary there is provided in one embodiment a combination of a pan with a box for holding a roasting material. The roasting bag is positioned within and removable from the box.
US09351600B2

A machine for a given geographical market and for preparing a beverage from a combination of a first ingredient and a second ingredient. The machine includes first and second containers, container arranged for storing one of these ingredients or a packaging thereof. Such machine is so arranged as to let a user select a quantity ratio of the first and second ingredients for preparation of a beverage. The containers have normal storage volumes for their respective ingredient or packaging. The first and second normal storage volumes of the containers have a volume ratio equivalent to a ratio of respective normal volumes necessary for storing the first and second ingredients or packaging thereof used in an estimated average quantity ratio for preparing such beverage in the given geographical market.
US09351595B2

A system of place-setting components used to facilitate serving and eating healthy food portions. The place-setting system comprising: a plate and a nestable set of two or more serving spoons. The plate includes one or more serving areas corresponding to a portion size for one or more food components of a meal. Each of the serving spoons in the nestable set includes a bowl-shaped cup and a handle. The handle of the serving spoons comprising: a first segment, extending distally from the proximal end of the handle, with a portion of a distal-most section of the first segment extending upward; a second segment connected to the first segment, with the second segment extending downward; a third segment connected to the second segment, with the third segment extending generally upward; and a fourth segment connected to the third segment, with the fourth segment extending generally distally.
US09351592B2

A support for storing and displaying elongate articles includes at least one shelf selectively adjustably couplable with a support frame in at least first and second orientations. The at least one shelf includes first locating structure associated with the first orientation and engagable with at least one elongate article placed in contact with the first locating structure to locate the at least one article on the shelf so that a longitudinal axis of the at least one elongate article is aligned in a first direction. The at least one shelf further includes second locating structure associated with the second orientation and engagable with an elongate article when the elongate article is placed in contact with the second locating structure to locate the elongate article on the at least one shelf so that the longitudinal axis of the elongate article is aligned in a second direction.
US09351589B2

An electronic device enclosure includes a cabinet, a door movably mounted to the cabinet, and a limiting block rotatably mounted to the door. The cabinet includes a first side plate. The door defines a limiting slot. The door is movable relative to the cabinet between a closed position and an open position. When the door is located in the closed position, the door is substantially perpendicular to the first side plate and covers the cabinet. When the door is located in the open position, the door is substantially parallel to the first side plate, and the limiting block is engaged in the limiting slot, which prevents the door from dropping.
US09351579B2

The invention relates to a Multi-layer Anatomical padding system which is developed based on the need of the human being for feeling comfort when performing the action of sitting, sleeping or support; the Multi-layer Anatomical padding system is composed of polymeric gel, visco-elastic polyurethane foam, flexible polyurethane foam in 2 different densities, wherein the polymeric gel is located in the lower part of the system followed by a visco-elastic polyurethane foam, followed by a flexible polyurethane foam, and finally another flexible polyurethane foam insert so, where the latter foam goes exclusively on the seats and will only help to reduce the pressure in the groin area through this insert having a conical elongated shape with rounded ends, which is located in the central part of the flexible polyurethane foam which has in turn the same basin form, that said insert fits into it, in which the layer of flexible polyurethane foam and the insert equal half the padding, and the polyurethane foam with visco-elastic polymer gel occupy approximately the other half.
US09351574B2

A leisure chair includes a backrest pivotably connected to a seat. A connection seat is mounted between a base and the seat and includes a lower coupling portion mounted to the base, an upper coupling portion mounted to the seat, and two pivotal rod units pivotably connected to two sides of the lower coupling portion, respectively. The upper coupling portion is pivotably connected to the pivotal rod units. When a control rod moves rearwards, a push portion on the control rod actuates a pull rod to control a pneumatic rod for adjusting a rearward inclination angle of the backrest. When the control rod moves forwards, a pressing portion of the control rod presses against two swaying rods to extend the legrest unit, and the center of gravity of the upper coupling portion can be located in front of the center of gravity of the base to provide enhanced lying stability.
US09351570B2

A storage system includes a tray that can be stored on automated storage and retrieval racks. A tub is removably securable to the tray. The tub includes a bottom wall, a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls. The bottom wall of the tub is removably secured to the tray. Thus, some of the trays in the storage system can be provided with tubs for the storage of loose items.
US09351554B2

An ergonomic handle for luggage is provided. In one aspect, the handle comprises at least one palm grip. The handle is attached to a compartment with wheels. The palm grip can be used to push the luggage as the wheels roll over a rolling surface.
US09351550B2

A wheel deployment apparatus having a retractable wheel assembly. The wheel deployment apparatus includes a deployment cable functionally coupled to and extending from the wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a retractable handle assembly having a primary tube telescopically nested with a secondary tube. The wheel deployment apparatus includes a shuttle slidably coupled between the primary tube and the secondary tube and coupled to the deployment cable through a slot in the retractable handle assembly. The wheel deployment apparatus includes a shuttle cover functionally disposed over the slot having a hole through which the deployment cable extends.
US09351542B2

A buckle assembly includes female and male buckle plates. The female buckle plate is formed with an insertion slot defined by a slot-defining wall having first and second wall faces, and has first and second corners. The first and second corners oppose each other, and are different in height with respect to a reference plane. The male buckle plate has a bent end portion that has upper and lower segments and a middle segment cooperating with the upper and lower segments to define upper and lower corners. The bent end portion is pivotable to the first corner by abutting the upper corner against the first corner, such that the bent end portion is rotatable relative to the first corner.
US09351536B2

An article of footwear includes an upper having an anterior area, a posterior area, a medial area extending between the anterior and posterior areas, and a lateral area extending between the anterior and posterior areas and that is opposite the medial area. The article of footwear also includes a sole assembly operatively coupled to the upper. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes a bladder having a base operably supported by the sole assembly, an anterior portion that extends from the base toward the anterior area, a posterior portion that extends from the base toward the posterior area, a medial portion that extends from the base toward the medial area, and a lateral portion that extends from the base toward the lateral area. The anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral portions are operably supported by the upper.
US09351534B2

A water-vapor permeable shoe-sole combination (15) with an upper side (5) having at least on through hole (31) extending through the thickness of the shoe-sole combination, a barrier unit (35) with an upper side forming at least part of the upper side (50) of the shoe-sole combination, made of a water-vapor permeable barrier material (33) that forms a barrier against penetration of foreign bodies, by means of which the at least one through hole (31) is closed in a water-vapor permeable manner, a reinforcement device (25) formed for mechanical reinforcement of the shoe-sole combination (105), constructed with at least one reinforcement web (37) arranged on at least one surface of the barrier material (33) and at least partially crossing the at least one through hole (31), and at least one walking-sole part (117) arranged beneath the barrier unit (35).
US09351533B2

An article of footwear is disclosed having at least one elongated heel support member. The elongated heel support member may be angled and extend from a heel region to a midfoot region, in order to disperse forces applied by a wearer's heel during movement. The heel system may include two heel support members, each associated with a side of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a series of ribs in the midfoot region, which may abut a front edge of the heel support members. Finally, the article of footwear may include asymmetric side flaps extending downward from an upper plate so as to overlap a midsole.
US09351526B1

A belt includes an inside belt surface, a belt coating layer provided on the inside belt surface and a plurality of belt teeth in the belt coating layer. A belt adjustment system and a belt fabrication method are also disclosed.
US09351524B2

A brassiere and a decorative element having a relatively flat configuration, a set of suspension straps symmetrically arranged about a vertical plane between the brassiere cups serving to locate the decorative element symmetrically about the vertical plane above, and free of contact with a bridge between the cups, the suspension straps on each side of the decorative element including a first suspension strap attached to a mid-section of an associated cup and to an adjacent side edge of the decorative element and a second suspension strap spaced above the first suspension strap and attached to said adjacent side edge of the decorative element, the first and second suspension straps being arranged to maintain a face of the decorative element facing in a direction to which said cups project.
US09351519B2

The invention relates to a tobacco preparation method, wherein a tobacco material is prepared through at least one extrusion process comprising compressing the material with an increase in pressure and temperature and mechanically processing and abruptly flash drying the material of an extruder outlet, wherein the tobacco material comprises a tobacco lamina material. The invention further relates to a tobacco preparation device comprising a dosing conveyor (2) and an extruder (3) which compresses a tobacco material with an increase in pressure and temperature and mechanically process and abruptly flash dries the material at the extruder outlet, wherein the components (3, 4) are designated as a unit which can be modularly delimited for processing a tobacco material comprising a tobacco lamina material. The invention further relates to an arrangement of several tobacco preparation devices and a smoking article or cigarette manufacturing device comprising such a device or such a device arrangement which is connected upstream of a cigarette maker or a secondary unit as a tobacco preparation module.
US09351515B2

A Nutritional Composition comprising soluble extractable material from a lignocellulosic source. A method of producing a composition, comprising providing a lignocellulosic source, extracting soluble materials from the lignocellulosic source to produce soluble extractable material, and processing the soluble extractable material to yield a Nutritional Composition, wherein the Nutritional Composition comprises hemicellulose and exhibits pathogen blocking, anti-adhesion activity.
US09351514B2

The protein preparation produced from rape seeds has a protein content of less than 90% based on the dry mass, has a brightness L*, determined according to CIE-L*a*b* color scale, of at least 70 and also has at least water-binding, oil-binding and emulsifying functionality. The method for producing a protein preparation includes dehulling the rape seeds and a mechanical deoiling process, wherein only part of the oil is separated and/or wherein the process is carried out at a temperature, averaged over the duration of the pressing process, of less than 80° C., and/or an extraction process wherein the amount of non-protein material is reduced in the protein flour and then the grain size is prepared in order to obtain a pourable material having a predetermined particle size distribution.
US09351511B2

The present invention relates to a method for modifying polyphenol containing plant material(s), wherein said method comprises: mixing at least one polyphenol containing material and at least one solvent to provide a mixture; heating the mixture to eliminate bacterial species present to provide a heated mixture; adding at least one polyphenol modifying strain of lactic acid bacteria and optionally at least one protein source, in optional order or simultaneously, to the heated mixture to provide a fermentation mixture; and subjecting the fermentation mixture to conditions suitable for fermentation of the fermentation mixture to provide a mixture of modified polyphenol containing plant material(s); and optionally eliminating the polyphenol modifying strain of lactic acid bacteria to provide a mixture of modified polyphenol containing plant material(s) free from living lactic acid bacteria.
US09351501B2

Methods and compositions for a lipid-based food filling including a lipid system, and particulates having a size of about 30 micrometers or less, the particulates having a lipophilic surface, wherein the filling has a water activity of less than about 0.3 and wherein substantially no fat separates from the filling when the filling is heated to temperatures of up to about 200° F.
US09351499B2

Meat processing equipment is disclosed that includes a first element having a first face; a second element having a second face. The first and second faces extend parallel to one another and define a common plane between the first and second faces. The first and second elements are relatively movable with respect to one another. Yieldable arresting features are included for yieldably arresting the first and second elements in at least one predetermined position of relative movement, the yieldable arresting features include cooperating first and second permanent magnets, associated with at least one of the first and second elements.
US09351492B2

The present invention provides polyphenolic compositions derived from a plant that inhibit the formation of a biofilm. Also provided are combinations that comprise at least one phenolic phytochemical and at least one antimicrobial agent that inhibit the growth of an established biofilm. Further, the present invention provides methods for inhibiting the formation and growth of biofilms.
US09351486B2

Efficacious herbicidal compositions comprising a derivatized saccharide surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant are described. The compositions are characterized as having low toxicity and are readily biodegradable.
US09351479B2

A birdfeeder that is easy to disassemble and clean and re-assemble. The birdfeeder further having a configuration such that it can be affixed to like birdfeeders to increase the amount of birdfood being offered.
US09351470B1

A soybean cultivar designated 46043017 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 46043017, to the plants of soybean cultivar 46043017, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 46043017, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 46043017. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 46043017. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 46043017, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 46043017 with another soybean cultivar.
US09351468B1

A novel soybean variety, designated XBP18007 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP18007, cells from soybean variety XBP18007, plants of soybean XBP18007, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP18007. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP18007 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP18007, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP18007, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP18007. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP18007 are further provided.
US09351467B1

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XB32AQ13R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XB32AQ13R2. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XB32AQ13R2 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XB32AQ13R2 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09351452B2

The present invention relates to a Capsicum annuum seed designated 35-172 RZ, which exhibits medium high resistance to powdery mildew, resistance to Tobamovirus pathotypes P0, P1, P1-2 and P1-2-3, and a medium maturation time. The present invention also relates to a Capsicum annuum plant produced by growing the 35-172 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the pepper cultivar, represented by pepper variety 35-172 RZ.
US09351445B2

A novel strain of Pleurotus nebrodensis (Daewang No. 1, Accession No.: KACC93181P) and a method for cultivating it are provided. The novel strain of Pleurotus nebrodensis is different from the existing Pleurotus ferulae in shape and physiological characteristic, has an extra after-ripening period, can be grown at a low temperature of 22 to 25° C. and a low water content (RH) of 60 to 65%, can be cultivated in slightly acid environment of pH 5.5 to 6.5, can utilize bottle cultivation, and has a good shape not to be easily damaged in packaging. Thus, the novel strain of Pleurotus nebrodensis according to the present invention have good commercial value, are more resistant to environmental change, and can be mass produced by automation system.
US09351440B2

A seed meter for an agricultural planter in which the seed disc is rotatably mounted within a seed meter housing. As the seed disc rotates, the apertures in the disc rotate along a seed aperture path through a horizontally adjacent seed pool area. The seed disc includes cavities disposed along the seed aperture path to agitate the seeds in the seed pool area. A singulator having multiple co-planar singulator surfaces is biased against the seed side surface of the seed disc.
US09357681B2

A data center row infrastructure module enables rapid deployment of a computing room enclosure for computer systems that provides intake air circulation to, and exhaust air removal from, the computer systems in the enclosure. The data center row infrastructure module includes free-standing exhaust plenum structures encompassing opposite sides of the enclosure and a plenum module spanning a top end of the enclosure between the free-standing exhaust plenum structures. Each free-standing exhaust plenum structure includes an internal exhaust air plenum that directs exhaust air received from the enclosure through an exhaust air outlet on a top end of the free-standing exhaust plenum structure. The plenum module establishes a bottom end of a cooling air plenum above and separate from the enclosure and between the free-standing exhaust plenum structures. Some plenum modules can direct cooling air directly to the enclosure as intake air. Some plenum modules can mix cooling air with recirculated exhaust to provide the intake air.
US09357676B2

A cooling device includes: a heat dissipating part disposed at an end of a heat transfer member; a heat-receiving plate disposed at the other end of the heat transfer member, provided opposite to a noise-generating part mounted on a circuit board, and thermally coupled to the noise-generating part; and a shielding unit disposed at the other end of the heat transfer member, the shielding unit covering the noise-generating part.
US09357669B2

An improved locking cover assembly to prevent access to rack-mounted equipment and the connections to and from conventional rack systems without trays or hinges. The locking cover assembly includes a three-sided front cover that slides onto mounting brackets, which are fastened to either the rack system via rack holes, rack ears, or over rack-mounted equipment. An internal tie bar allows the user to secure connections to the tie bar within the cover assembly. A locking mechanism attached to the front cover locks into the mounting brackets, and when locked, the cover assembly and mounting brackets preclude unauthorized access to the rack equipment, its connections, and the fasteners securing the both the rack-mounted equipment and mounting brackets.
US09357666B1

An IT device includes a system board, a drive controller system, a mid-plane assembly, a bridge connector assembly configured to releasably couple the system board and the drive controller system, and a second connector assembly configured to releasably couple the drive controller system and the mid-plane assembly.
US09357660B2

A printed wiring board includes a core substrate having opening, an electronic component device accommodated in the opening of the substrate and including inductor and passive components, a wiring structure connecting the inductor and passive components in the electronic device, a filler resin body filling space formed between the substrate and electronic device in the opening of the substrate, a first buildup layer including a first interlayer insulation layer on first surface of the substrate, a first conductive layer on the first insulation layer, and a first via conductor in the first insulation layer, and a second buildup layer including a second interlayer insulation layer on second surface of the substrate on the opposite side of the first surface of the substrate, a second conductive layer on the second insulation layer, and a second via conductor in the second insulation layer.
US09357649B2

An embodiment is a memory card including a rectangular printed circuit card having a first side and a second side, a first length of between 151.35 and 161.5 millimeters, and first and second ends having a second length smaller than the first length. The memory card also includes a first plurality of pins on the first side extending along a first edge of the rectangular printed circuit card that extends along a length of the rectangular printed circuit card, a second plurality of pins on the second side extending on the first edge of the rectangular printed circuit card, and a positioning key having its center positioned on the first edge of the rectangular printed circuit card and located between 94.0 and 95.5 millimeters from the first end of the rectangular printed circuit card.
US09357648B2

A multi-layer interposer substrate includes multiple layers of single interposer substrates. Each single interposer substrate has a first array of interposer interconnects, each interposer interconnect in the first array of interposer interconnects corresponding to interconnects in an array of processor interconnects, a second array of interposer interconnects, each interposer interconnect in the second array of the interposer interconnects corresponding to an array of circuit interconnects on a circuit substrate, and at least one conductive trace in the interposer substrate in connection with at least one interconnect in the first array of interposer interconnects. The conductive trace has a parallel portion parallel to the interposer substrate such that no electrical connection exists between the interconnect and a corresponding one of the interposer interconnects in the second array of interposer interconnects. An array of connections for a peripheral circuit on each single interposer is connected to the at least one conductive trace.
US09357644B2

According to one embodiment, a joined structural body for mounting an electronic component on the body which is provided with a first member, a second member and a joining portion. The joining portion is provided between the first member and the second member so as to connect the first member and the second member with each other mechanically. The joining portion contains at least one metal of a tin, an indium or a zinc, and a copper. The content of the metal in the joining portion decreases toward a side of at least one of the first member and the second member, and the content of the copper in the joining portion increases in the same direction as the decreasing direction of the content of the metal.
US09357639B2

In some embodiments, an interconnectable circuit board may include one or more of the following features: (a) a first electrically conductive pad located on a top of the circuit board, (b) a plated through hole on the conductive pad which passes through the circuit board, (c) a second electrically conductive pad coupled to the plated through hole; the second conductive pad capable of being electrically connected to a third electrically conductive pad attached to a top of a second interconnectable circuit board, (d) cut marks indicating safe locations for separating the circuit board, and (e) a second cut mark adjacent to the first cut mark where the area between the first and second cut mark can be utilized to make a safe cut through the circuit board.
US09357636B2

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a conductive structure body that comprises a darkening pattern layer having AlOxNy, and a method for manufacturing the same. The conductive structure body according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may prevent reflection by a conductive pattern layer without affecting conductivity of the conductive pattern layer, and improve a concealing property of the conductive pattern layer by improving absorbance. Accordingly, a display panel having improved visibility may be developed by using the conductive structure body according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
US09357631B2

An FPCB includes a flexible base, a wiring layer formed on a top surface of the base, a covering layer formed on the wiring layer, and a shielding layer formed on a portion of the covering layer. The wiring layer includes a grounding line. The covering layer defines an opening to expose the grounding line to the outside. A portion of the shielding layer fills into the opening. The shielding layer is electrically connected to the grounding line through the opening.
US09357630B2

Disclosed are an epoxy resin compound and a radiant heat circuit board using the same. The epoxy resin compound mainly includes an epoxy resin, a curing agent, and an inorganic filler. The curing agent comprises epoxy adducts formed to add the curing agent to a crystalline epoxy resin. The epoxy resin is used on a printed circuit board as an insulating material, so that a substrate having a high heat radiation property is provided.
US09357626B2

A laser driven light source comprises laser and focusing optics. These produce a beam of radiation focused on a plasma forming zone within a container containing a gas (e.g., Xe). Collection optics collects photons emitted by a plasma maintained by the laser radiation to form a beam of output radiation. Plasma has an elongate form (L>d) and collecting optics is configured to collect photons emerging in the longitudinal direction from the plasma. The brightness of the plasma is increased compared with sources which collect radiation emerging transversely from the plasma. A metrology apparatus using the light source can achieve greater accuracy and/or throughput as a result of the increased brightness. Back reflectors may be provided. Microwave radiation may be used instead of laser radiation to form the plasma.
US09357625B2

An initial pulse of radiation is generated; a section of the initial pulse of radiation is extracted to form a modified pulse of radiation, the modified pulse of radiation including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being temporally connected to the second portion, and the first portion having a maximum energy that is less than a maximum energy of the second portion; the first portion of the modified pulse of radiation is interacted with a target material to form a modified target; and the second portion of the modified pulse of radiation is interacted with the modified target to generate plasma that emits extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light.
US09357623B2

Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit. The circuit includes a transistor configured to control energy entering the circuit from a power supply, a capacitor coupled with the transistor to store the energy that enters the circuit, and a protection circuit configured to counteract a voltage change of the transistor that is caused by a step voltage change in the power supply. In an embodiment, the protection circuit operates independent of the stored energy on the capacitor.
US09357621B2

Disclosed are a lighting control apparatus, a lighting control method, and a lighting control system. The lighting control apparatus makes communication with lighting devices, registers at least one of the lighting devices according to received signal strengths of the lighting devices, and controls the registered lighting device. The lighting control apparatus easily registers and controls the lighting devices.
US09357619B2

A sheet processing device includes a supporting plate, a stapler, a casing, a protrusion structure, and a swinging arm. The casing is disposed over the supporting plate. A sheet conveying channel is formed between the supporting plate and the casing. The protrusion structure is disposed on a lower surface of the casing, located beside the stapler and accommodated within the sheet conveying channel. During the process of introducing a sheet into the supporting plate, the stapled side of the sheet is flattened by the protrusion structure, and thus the possibility of upturning the sheet is minimized. During the process of introducing the plural sheets to the stapler, the stapled sides of the plural sheets are flattened by the protrusion structure, and thus the formation of the folded corners of the sheets is avoided.
US09357617B2

A lighting control module provides an enclosure for a circuit board, with the circuit board being mounted to and grounded to the enclosure. A primary power system is provided to receive and transmit voltage to lighting circuits, utilizing a terminal bus bar, a main switch, a voltage selection switch, and a transformer. An auxiliary power system draws energy from portable power sources in the event of a main power source failure. The auxiliary power system includes an associated terminal bus bar and an auxiliary switch. The primary and auxiliary power systems are connected to the lighting circuits through a circuit protection unit, e.g. fuse. The lighting circuits have both positive and negative terminals, LED indicators, switches, and individual fuses. The lighting circuits can be turned on and off individually by virtue of the switches for each lighting circuit. Status indicators and ground terminals are also provided.
US09357616B2

A patient monitoring device comprising a display unit comprising a plurality of light sources, wherein the plurality of light sources is configured to backlight a medical image film placed on the display unit for viewing the medical image film, and a control unit configured to activate the plurality of light sources based on a user input.
US09357613B2

The invention provides a display and lighting arrangement (100) comprising a display unit (110), a sensor system (120), a control unit (130) and a lighting system (140), wherein the sensor system (120) is configured to sense a person (1) in a predetermined area (2) and to generate a corresponding sensor system signal. The lighting system (140) comprises a first light source (141) configured to provide front face light (41) to the person (1) and a second light source (142) configured to provide top light (42) to the person (1) in the predetermined area (2). The control unit (130) is configured to derive a person feature from the sensor system signal and to control, based on the person feature, the light (41) of the first light source (141) and the light (42) of the second light source (142). The display unit (110) is configured to display an image (5) of the person (1) located in the predetermined area (2) to the person (1) in the predetermined area (2).
US09357600B2

A lighting driver includes a rectifier having an input connected to receive AC electrical power from an electronic ballast and having an output connected to supply a current to a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in series with each other in a string, and a switching device disposed at the output of the rectifier and configured to receive a switching control signal and in response thereto to execute a switching operation to modulate an amount of power supplied to the plurality of LEDs so as to cause an average of the power supplied to the plurality of LEDs to be equal to a target power level. A current sensor may be provided to sense the current, and a controller configured to control the switching operation of the switching device in response to the sensed current.
US09357588B2

Apparatus and method are provided for electric induction heating and melting of a transition material that is non-electrically conductive in the solid state and electrically conductive in the non-solid state in an electric induction heating and melting process wherein solid or semi-solid charge is periodically added to a heel of molten transition material initially placed in a refractory crucible. Induction power is sequentially supplied to a plurality of coils surrounding the exterior height of the crucible at high power level and high frequency with in-phase voltage until a crucible batch of transition material is in the crucible when the induction power is reduced in power level and frequency with voltage phase shifting to the induction coils along the height of the crucible to induce a unidirectional electromagnetic stir of the crucible batch of material.
US09357576B2

Systems and methods may provide for establishing automatic pairing between a portable computing device and a base device. A processor is configured to receive a dock event notification when the portable computing device docks with the base device. An identifier retriever is configured to retrieve the identifier of a wireless communication component in a base device. A pairing portion of the processor is configured to automatically pair a wireless communication component in a portable computing device with the wireless communication component in the base device. Automatic wireless connection may follow automatic pairing.
US09357566B2

Techniques for transmitting data with persistent interference mitigation in a wireless communication system are described. A station (e.g., a base station or a terminal) may observe high interference and may send a request to reduce interference to interfering stations. The request may be valid for a time period covering multiple response periods. Each interfering station may grant or dismiss the request in each response period, may dismiss the request by transmitting at full power, and may grant the request by transmitting at lower than full power. The station may receive a response from each interfering station indicating grant or dismissal of the request by that interfering station in each response period. The station may estimate SINR based on the response received from each interfering station and may exchange data with another station based on the estimated SINR. Persistent interference mitigation may reduce signaling overhead and improve resource utilization and performance.
US09357561B2

A CB resource feedback method is disclosed. The method includes: receiving, by a network device, uplink information that is sent by a sending device on a CB resource; when the uplink information is decoded, feeding back, by the network device correct reception of the uplink information to the sending device through a first physical downlink control channel, where the first physical downlink control channel is masked with an identifier of the sending device. Through the technical solutions provided in embodiments of the present invention, the sending device may be enabled to accurately know that the uplink information sent by the sending device is received correctly or is received incorrectly, and the sending device may be enabled to know a receiving status more quickly.
US09357553B2

A method of managing a load within a cellular network. The method includes obtaining network usage records from the cellular network; extracting cell information from the network usage records; establishing terminal carrier routes for cellular terminals that have changed location as determined from the extracted cell information; deriving terminal carrier profile attributes for the cellular terminals that have changed location, based on the established terminal carrier routes; determining a load on a resource of the cellular network, based on the established terminal carrier routes and the derived terminal carrier profile attributes; and controlling resources of the cellular network in response to the determined load, so as to manage the load within the cellular network. By combining established terminal carrier routes with derived terminal carrier profile attributes, it is possible to anticipate areas where cellular terminal carriers are likely to be concentrated at specific times during the day and allocate resources accordingly.
US09357550B2

Both a wireless terminal apparatus and wireless base station apparatus are provided that can, in an operation of encoding the control signals of the upstream link transmitted from the multiple terminal stations while encoding with regard to each of the terminal stations, increase a number of the terminal stations to which different codes are respectively assigned. A wireless terminal apparatus includes: an encoding information receiving portion receiving encoding information which is used at the wireless terminal apparatus from the base station; a phase-shifting unit which conducts a phase-shifting operation on a predetermined first code based on the encoding information; a code selection unit which, based on the received encoding information, selects a second code from multiple codes orthogonally crossing each other; and a control signal encoding portion which conducts an encoding operation on the control signal that is going to be transmitted to the base station by using both the first code on which the phase-shifting operation has been conducted and the second code.
US09357546B1

A radio access network (RAN) determines whether transmission time interval (TTI) bundling is warranted for a wireless communication device (WCD) based on information contained in one or more reports from the WCD. The information may include a reference-signal value, such as a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), in a measurement report, an amount of data indicated in a buffer status report as being buffered by the WCD for transmission via one or more bearers in a bearer group, and a service class associated with the bearer group. If the RAN determines that TTI bundling is warranted for the WCD, the RAN may further select a TTI bundle size for the WCD. The RAN may select the TTI bundle size from among a plurality of values, which values may include a standard TTI bundle size and a smaller TTI bundle size.
US09357544B2

The present invention relates to the field of communications, and disclosed are a method and device for determining a PDSCH transmission resource. The method is: in the embodiments of the present invention, a network side determines a mapping relationship between a PDSCH transmission point and a zero-power CSI-RS for UE, and the UE does not receive a PDSCH over a zero-power CSI-RS resource which corresponds to a cell currently transmitting the PDSCH and measures an interference and still receives the PDSCH over a zero-power CSI-RS resource which corresponds to a cell not currently transmitting the PDSCH and measures an interference, thereby ensuring that the UE can accurately measure the interference and further improving the accuracy of CQI estimation; furthermore, the signalling overhead required for realizing the technical solution of the present invention is very small, only some RRC signalings are required, and a dynamic signaling can reuse a current signaling to the greatest extent, in this way, the compatibility of the system is effectively improved and the complexity of implementation is reduced.
US09357541B2

A scheme for transmission of control channel information in a compact form intended to support SPS (Semi-Persistent Scheduling) in a wireless communication system. As applied to LTE, the scheme is to indicate a pre-configured UE-specific resource allocation in a Downlink Control Information (DCI) format containing information for multiple UEs in the same PDCCH. In order to avoid increasing the number of blind decodes, the DCI format size may be the same as an existing DCI format. Preferably the size of the new format is the same as that of DCI formats 0/1A/3/3A. The number of required bits per UE is minimized by signalling only one of a limited set of DCI messages per UE. The scheme provides a means for re-configuring SPS resources for multiple UEs using a single PDCCH transmission, while enabling better support for variable packet sizes and variable intervals between packets than currently defined SPS.
US09357539B2

Apparatus, methods, computer program products, systems and circuits are provided that allow for persistent uplink and downlink resource allocations. A method includes: allocating resources to a user equipment for a data flow over a plurality of time intervals with a single signaling event at a wireless network radio network layer; and informing the user equipment of the allocated resources.
US09357534B2

Wireless communication systems and methods are described in which a network device may establish a connection with a user device within a wireless network. Through this connection location information regarding the user device is received. Based on the received location information, a second network device may be configured to beamform a high-frequency communication transmission session with the user device.
US09357532B2

Methods and user equipment (UE) apparatuses are provided to transmit a control signal using a first sequence or a second sequence, in response to a detected control channel. A method includes determining a first resource for the control signal transmission from a sum of a lowest control channel element (CCE) index of the detected control channel and a first offset, if the UE is not configured to use the second sequence by higher layer signaling; determining a second resource for the control signal transmission from a sum of the lowest CCE index of the detected control channel and a second offset, if the UE is configured to use the second sequence by the higher layer signaling; and transmitting the control signal in the first resource or in the second resource.
US09357529B2

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting data in a wireless communication system for supporting multi-cells formed of a plurality of sub-cells. The method includes the steps of: connecting at least one virtual transmission port to each of the plurality of sub-cells; determining the transmission mode for a terminal on the basis of channel states between at least two of the plurality of sub-cells and the terminal; and transmitting data for each sub-cell to the terminal through at least one virtual transmission port connected to a corresponding sub-cell on the basis of the determined transmission mode.
US09357523B2

A method includes receiving from a core network entity a paging message including a permanent user identity of a user for a specific user equipment, and determining, using the permanent user identity, a set of small cells to which the paging message should be sent based on a small cell last visited by the specific user equipment and small cells that are neighbors to the last-visited small cell. The paging message, without the permanent user identity, is sent to the determined set of small cells. Another method includes, responsive to determining a paging message for a specific user equipment is to be communicated toward the specific user equipment, determining whether a gateway can receive paging messages comprising a permanent user identity and a temporary user identity, and responsive thereto, sending the paging message for the specific user equipment to the gateway. Apparatus and computer program products are also disclosed.
US09357519B2

A first wireless device (e.g., an access point) receives a message from a second wireless device (e.g., a client device). The first device determines an angle-of-arrival of the message at a plurality of antennas of the first wireless device. The first device compares the angle-of-arrival with an angle-of-arrival threshold to determine whether to transmit a response message to the second wireless device. In one example, the first wireless device is a wireless access point device operating in a wireless network, the second wireless device is a wireless client device operating in the wireless network, the message is a probe request message and the response message is a probe response message.
US09357515B2

The present invention discloses a method of time synchronization and a base station system. The base station system includes a main unit, at least one radio unit, and a transmission medium adapted to transmit information between the main unit and the at least one radio unit. The base station system further includes a clock synchronization server configured close to the side of the at least one radio unit or integrated with the at least one radio unit. The clock synchronization server is adapted to transmit synchronization data to the main unit through the transmission medium, so that the main unit performs configuration processing according to the synchronization data to implement time synchronization with the clock synchronization server.
US09357513B2

A technology for a power management module that is operable to reduce power consumption in a communications network. A resource availability of one or more evolved node B (eNode Bs) in the communications network can be determine to receive data traffic of a plurality of user equipment (UEs) in communication with a serving eNode B. A power consumption rate of the communications network can be calculated when the serving eNode B is placed in a power saving mode. The serving eNode B can be switched to a power savings mode when the resource availability of the one or more eNode Bs enables the plurality of UEs to be handed over from the serving eNode B to selected eNode Bs of the one or more eNode Bs.
US09357509B2

A method of transmitting a power headroom (PH) by a user equipment (UE) in a multi-carrier system is provided. The method includes: receiving power determination information from a base station (BS); determining a plurality of maximum transmission power values for a plurality of serving cells by using the power determination information and a UE specific parameter; determining a plurality of PHs on the basis of the plurality of maximum power transmission values; and transmitting the plurality of maximum transmission power values and the plurality of PHs to the BS. Accordingly, since the maximum transmission power value and the power headroom information are provided to the BS, reliable carrier aggregation scheduling can be induced, thereby being able to improve uplink transmission capability.
US09357503B2

The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for determining transmission power for a base station. The method may comprise receiving information on link resource configuration of at least one interfered base station; determining the transmission power for the base station, based on link resource configuration for the base station and the information on link resource configuration of the at least one interfered base station. With embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a new power control scheme by which the cross-subframe co-channel interference might be mitigated and thus the uplink performance of a user equipment, and besides, the downlink performance of the edge UE might also be improved. Additionally, the present disclosure also provides a method and apparatus for providing information for power determination.
US09357500B2

A method of power management for a mobile station in a multi-carrier wireless network is provided. A primary connection between the mobile station and a serving base station is first established by performing initial ranging over a primary radio frequency (RF) carrier. A secondary connection between the mobile station and the base station is then established by performing periodic ranging over a secondary RF carrier. To achieve efficient power management, the mobile station performs Open Loop Power Control and obtains long-term link measurement (CSI) of the primary carrier. The mobile station then adjusts carrier-specific parameters based on the primary carrier CSI. For RF carriers that convey on-going data traffic, Close Loop Power Control is updated per RF carrier. When the mobile station enters sleep mode operation, it receives traffic indication messages on the primary RF carrier and then dynamically wakes up one or more corresponding RF carriers for data reception.
US09357495B2

Certain embodiments herein relate to dynamic allocation of power budgets for wireless modules that may be integrated onto a wireless combo module. An individual power budget for each wireless module may be modified based on the performance of the wireless module such that wireless modules that may benefit from additional power consumption may receive additional power budget from other wireless modules that may be consuming less power than currently allocated. In this way, power budgets may be cooperatively shared among wireless modules to facilitate optimized wireless communications. Various techniques may be used to configure a wireless module to operate within or at certain power values, including adjusting a transmission speed and/or a time interval for sending backoffs to attain a desired power consumption.
US09357492B2

Operations for a WLAN-capable remote control device and a controlled device are disclosed. A first network device (e.g., remote control) may receive a user input for controlling operation of a second network device (e.g., controlled device) of a communication network. The first network device may transition to an active operating state in response to receiving the user input. The first network device may transmit the first user input to the second network device. The first network device may exit the active operating state in response to successfully transmitting the first user input to the second network device.
US09357485B2

The present invention relates to a method for determining an operational channel c_op of a communication network comprising at least two potential proxies for an energy-restricted device to join the network, and a set C of radio channels, wherein an energy-restricted device is to join the network, the method comprising the following steps: —the energy-restricted device transmitting a first beacon message on a first channel succ(m−1)(c) in MAC broadcast, wherein c belongs to the set C, and switching to receiving mode on channel listen(c), wherein succ and listen is an arithmetical function, from C to C, and m is a positive integer, —the proxies receiving the beacon message sent on channel succ(m−1)(c), —the temporary master device switching its radio receiver to channel succm(c), —the energy-restricted device transmitting a second beacon message on a second channel succ(c) and switching to receiving mode on channel listen (succm(c)), —upon receipt of the second beacon, the temporary master device transmitting a response on a channel listen listen(succm(c)), 20 —the energy-restricted device receiving the beacon response on a channel listen listen(succm(c)), determining that c=c_op. The invention also relates to an energy-restricted device and a proxy device therefor.
US09357483B2

A method and a device for energy saving control in the home base station environment are provided to solve the problem of energy saving control in the home base station environment. In the present invention, a source base station sends an energy saving control request to a target home base station, wherein the energy saving control request comprises the information of the target base station, the information of the source base station, and the type of the energy saving control request. After receiving the energy saving control request, the target home base station performs an energy saving control processing operation, and sends a result of the energy saving control processing to the source base station through an energy saving control response. If the energy saving control processing fails, the energy saving control response further comprises a reason for the failure and/or a wait time. In the present invention, by exchanging energy saving control related messages between the source base station and the target home base station, energy saving control can be implemented on a home base station in time, and the home base station can sleep or be awakened, and thereby effective energy saving of a network in the home base station environment is achieved.
US09357478B2

A method and apparatus for a wireless device that can adapt a rate of related wireless network unit scans for adjacent networks is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wireless device can include a wireless network unit and a co-located geo-location signal receiver, and a processor. The processor can determine the position and speed of the wireless device from data received from the geo-location signal receiver. The processor can configure the wireless network unit to adapt the rate of related wireless network scans based upon determined speed and position. In one embodiment, the wireless network unit scans can be wireless scans for other nearby networks for roaming or location based services.
US09357475B2

A method and a system of controlling a public land mobile network (PLMN) scan rate (PCR) in a vehicle telematics unit. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: (a) determining a power condition that includes a powered mode, an unpowered mode, and a discontinuous reception (DRx) mode; (b) determining whether the telematics unit is scanning one or more home networks or one or more visitor networks; and (c) setting the PCR based on the determined power condition and the determined network, including: (c1) when in the powered mode and scanning a visitor network, the PCR is set to a first scan rate; (c2) when in the powered mode and scanning a home network, the PCR is set to a second scan rate that is slower than the first rate; and (c3) when in the DRx mode, the PCR is set to a third scan rate that is slower than the second rate.