US09394806B2

The invention relates to a guide apparatus for turbomachines, in particular for Francis or Kaplan turbines or pumps or pump turbines having a plurality of guide blades which can be actuated via in each case one link on a common adjusting member. Here, every guide blade or every second guide blade can be equipped with a bending element. A bending-failure link can have a screw connection and a bending body element. The screw connection is prestressed and is configured with a defined fracture cross section. The triggering force on the bending-failure link and the holding force after a fracture of the bending element can therefore be selected independently of one another. The guide blades are protected against damage by foreign bodies in the guide apparatus.
US09394799B1

An air riding seal between a rotor and a stator in a turbine of a gas turbine engine, where an annular piston is movable in an axial direction within a housing that extends from the stator, and a bellows is secured to the annular piston to form a flexible air passageway from a compressed air inlet through the annular piston and into a cushion cavity that forms an air riding seal between the annular piston and the rotor sealing surface. In another embodiment, a flexible seal secured to and extending from the annular piston forms a sealing surface between the annular piston chamber and the annular piston to provide a seal and allow for axial movement.
US09394797B2

Various embodiments include a steam turbine nozzle and turbomachinery including such a nozzle. In various particular embodiments, a steam turbine nozzle includes: a body having: a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; a pressure side and a suction side each extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and a leading edge section at a first junction of the pressure side and the suction side, and a trailing edge section at a second junction of the pressure side and the suction side; and a bypass fluid conduit including: a channel having an opening to at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall; and an outlet passageway fluidly connected with the channel between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the outlet passageway including a first opening on at least one of the pressure side of the body, the suction side of the body or the trailing edge section.
US09394796B2

A turbine component is provided. The turbine component includes an airfoil having a first surface and a second surface. A thermal barrier coating is coupled to the second surface, wherein the thermal barrier coating includes a first portion, a second portion and a trench defined between the first and second portions. A channel is coupled in flow communication to the first surface and the trench, wherein the channel includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite of the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls extend from the first surface and toward the trench at an angle. The turbine component includes a cover coupled to the second surface, wherein the cover includes a first end coupled to the first portion and a second end extending into the trench and spaced from the second portion.
US09394795B1

A spar and shell turbine rotor blade with a spar and a tip cap formed as a single piece, the spar includes a bottom end with dovetail or fir tree slots that engage with slots on a top end of a root section, and a platform includes an opening on a top surface for insertion of the spar in which a shell made from an exotic high temperature resistant material is secured between the tip cap and the platform. The spar is tapered to form thinner walls at the tip end to further reduce the weight and therefore a pulling force due to blade rotation. The spar and tip cap piece is made from a NiAL material to further reduce the weight and the pulling force.
US09394794B2

A blade for use in a fluid-flow machine, where at least one of the meridional flow line profile sections MSLi and MSLo is provided at a distance of max. 35% of the main flow path width from the respective inner and outer main flow path boundaries. The blade has in at least parts of a central area a multi-profile configuration such that at least two partial profiles (7, 9, 10) arranged one behind the other in the flow direction are provided, of which each has substantially the shape of a blade profile, where a passage (8) is provided between each two partial profiles and is passed through by fluid from the blade pressure side to the blade suction side.
US09394792B2

A system for minimizing non-integral vibrations in rotor blades located in a compressor section of a gas turbine engine includes a casing having a plurality of bleed slots, at least one of the bleed slots being located in close proximity to a row of rotor blades, a plurality of structural ligaments, at least one of the structural ligaments extending between two adjacent ones of the bleed slots; and a channel for reducing the height of at least one of the structural ligaments so as to minimize the non-integral vibrations in the rotor blades in the row.
US09394791B2

A rotor of a charging device may include at least two parts fastened to each other and configured to enclose a hollow space. The two parts may be fastened to each other via a negative pressure within the hollow space.
US09394788B2

A mine ventilation structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a deck including a plurality of elongate sheet metal panels. Each panel is generally of inverted channel shape in transverse cross-section, having a top web and first and second sides extending down from the top web. The panels are connected by tongue-and-groove connections between adjacent sides of adjacent panels. A mine ventilation deck panel of desired construction is also disclosed.
US09394781B2

Logging-while-drilling tools incorporating an electronic radiation generator, such as an electronic X-ray generator, and a method for using the same are provided. One example of such a logging-while-drilling tool may include a circumferential drill collar, a chassis disposed radially interior to the drill collar, and an electronic X-ray generator and an X-ray detector disposed within the chassis. The electronic X-ray generator may emit X-rays out of the logging-while-drilling tool into a subterranean formation. The X-ray detector may detect X-rays that return to the logging-while-drilling tool after scattering in the subterranean formation, which may be used to determine a density and/or a lithology of the subterranean formation.
US09394777B2

A frac sleeve system includes an outer sleeve with openings, an inner sleeve with ports, a pressure seat, a bottom locking device and a spring device. In a closed configuration of the inner sleeve, the openings and ports are not aligned for any fluid connection. In an opened configuration, at least one opening is aligned with at least one port for a fluid connection through the system. The inner sleeve shifts back and forth between configurations according to the pressure seat and the spring. The interaction of a guide pin on the outer sleeve and the guide slot on the inner sleeve controls the rotational and longitudinal movement of the inner sleeve along the common axis of the inner sleeve and outer sleeve so that there is unlimited shifting between configurations. The locking devices and spring device are also reuseable for the multiple shifting.
US09394774B2

The present invention provides a method of optimizing the placement of fractures along deviated wellbores by hydraulically fracturing a well to form a complex fracture network of hydraulically connected fractures.
US09394768B2

Proposed devices provide for a jetting process of formation critical areas after opening up a column, increasing a perforator's punch power and reliability, significantly preventing accidents. A hydro-mechanical piercing-type perforator includes a casing containing a hydraulic cylinder with a pusher, an operating tool radially movable and capable of interaction with the pusher. The tool is designed as a puncher, placed on a piston (plunger), mounted in a camera. The tool includes at least one through hydraulic channel and a jet. The camera is hydraulically connected with the cylinder. A proposed method for operating the perforator includes supplying a working fluid to the perforator through the column, creating pressure of the working fluid for an extension mechanism actuating the tool, extending the tool by applying the pressure through a piston rod system, to the piston with the puncher, and applying pressure to the piston through the hydraulic cylinder to the chamber.
US09394760B2

A clutch employed in a tool string includes an annular housing and an annular sleeve arranged and moveable within the housing. The sleeve is configured to move into engagement with the housing to inhibit relative rotation and axial translation between the housing and the sleeve.
US09394754B2

The present invention relates to a kick over tool (5) for manipulating and installing devices into and removing devices from a side pocket mandrel (2), where the kick over tool is designed to enable multiple operations in the same run. The kick over tool comprises a tubular carrier housing (6) adapted for passage through a full opening bore of a production string, at least a first and second setting device (8,9) that is arranged in said carrier housing, the first and second setting device being pivotally connected to a first and second articulated linkage mechanism (12,13) comprising a coupling device for the well bore device.
US09394751B2

Systems, devices, and methods include a racker device and a catwalk structurally arranged to move a tubular or stand about a drilling rig site. A sensing arrangement is cooperatively associated with at least one of the racker device and the catwalk and is configured to sense an aspect of a tubular while the tubular is being handled at the drilling rig and output a signal representative of the aspect of the tubular. A tubular validation system is configured to receive the sensed aspect of the tubular obtained by the sensing arrangement and determine a specification characteristic of the tubular based on the sensed aspect. This may be compared to specification standards to determine whether the tubular or stand should be discarded.
US09394745B2

A technique facilitates controlling the direction of drilling when using a rotary steerable system to drill a borehole. The method comprises processing parameters related to operation of a rotatable collar of the rotary steerable system. The parameters are used in cooperation with characteristics of actuators to control the positioning of an actuator tool face which, in turn, controls the drilling orientation of the rotary steerable system.
US09394740B2

Systems and techniques are presented for enabling fail-safe operation of an automatic pedestrian access control gate during a health and safety event. Gateline sensor data is received from at least one gateline sensor. The gateline sensor data indicates that an event concerning health and safety has occurred. An alert is generated in response to receiving the gateline sensor data. The alert is transmitted to a remote monitoring device that is remote from the access control gate. A determination is made that a preset amount of time has elapsed since transmitting the alert. A further determination is made that an acknowledgement of the alert has not been received. Based on determining that the preset amount of time has elapsed and determining that the acknowledgement has not been received, a predefined action is triggered.
US09394738B2

A system for opening and closing a motor vehicle, the flap is swivalably mounted along one of its edge areas at a stationary structural component part about a horizontal swiveling axis. A first drive device and a second drive device act in parallel to more like flap from a closed position into an open position. The first drive device is a non-self-locking drive device, and the second drive device comprises a cylinder filled with a fluid under pressure. An interior of the second drive device is divided by a piston into a first work chamber and a second work chamber, wherein a piston rod of the piston is guided outward through the first work chamber. A valve arrangement in the piston closes a flow connection between the first work chamber and the second work chamber in a stationary operating state of the flap.
US09394735B2

A self-locking and releasing dual-axis hinge automatically locks when unfolded, and automatically unlocks when folded in a determined sequence. The sequence for folding entails rotating about one axis of rotation to release a movable locking element and then rotating about the other axis of rotation. Such unlocking is automatic. The hinge is well suited for a wide range of applications including folding furniture.
US09394730B2

A safety lock is disclosed and comprises a body, a bolt and a handle. The body is securable to one member. The bolt is mounted to the body for reciprocation between projecting and retracted positions. In the projecting position, a bolt end portion protrudes beyond the body and is engageable in another member, to prevent relative movement of the members. In the retracted position, the end portion is incapable of engagement in the other member, to permit said relative movement. The handle is releasably engageable to the bolt. The handle, body and bolt are adapted such that when the handle is engaged to the bolt, the handle permits manual reciprocation of the bolt, and are further adapted such that when the handle is disengaged from the bolt and the bolt end portion is inaccessible for manual manipulation, the bolt is inaccessible for said manual reciprocation.
US09394724B2

A mounting and securing device for a handgun or other article. The device has a cylindrical locking member that is securable to a post. Radially-extending change pins disposed in the sidewall of the locking member engage and move a plurality of control pins axially within pin bores. A tumbler disposed between each control pin and the central post is moved into and out of engagement with a groove in the post, in response to the axial movement of the control pin.
US09394709B2

An apparatus and method for a swimming pool cover is provided. At least two stationary support members are located proximate to a swimming pool and rises vertically above the swimming pool. A substantially rigid cover element frame is supported by said support members and is movable in a substantially vertical direction between a lowered position proximate to the top surface of the swimming pool and a raised position remote from the top surface of the swimming pool. A flexible cover element is supported by said cover element frame, wherein the flexible cover element is stretched proximate to said cover element frame. A collapsible upper vertex is formed within the cover element to prevent a quantity of precipitation from collecting on top of the cover element. A vertical movement control system is located partially within at least one of the support members and controls movement of the cover element frame.
US09394708B2

The articulated floor structure is for use in a mobile stage framework having a horizontally-extending elongated base. The floor structure includes at least two pairs of adjacent elongated floor panels forming altogether a set of at least four successive floor panels that are pivotally attached in juxtaposition at corresponding major lateral side edges using a plurality of concealed panel hinges. The floor panels are movable between a vertical transport position and a horizontal working position using actuators and linkage assemblies. The floor structure also includes spaced-apart joists that are positioned underneath the floor panels when the floor structure is in a deployed working configuration.
US09394695B1

An adjustable bracket device for selectively mounting on buildings a plurality of rain gutters of different sizes and shapes, includes a base having an elongate mounting member and an integral arm member projecting outwardly therefrom. An extension member is attachable to the arm member in multiple overlapping relationships forming the assembled arm and extension members of differing collective lengths. The base is disposed within a selected gutter in a substantially vertical orientation with the mounting member abutted against the back wall of the gutter and is secured to a vertical building wall via a fastener penetrated through mounting member and through the back wall of the gutter. The collective overlapping length of the arm and extension members is selected to conform to the width of the selected gutter to extend laterally across the full channel width of the gutter into supporting engagement with the front wall of the gutter.
US09394693B2

A roof vent for supporting a solar panel is provided. The roof vent includes a vent member and a solar panel support element. The vent member is sized and shaped to mimic the appearance of a roof cover element. The vent member includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion separated from the lower portion by a gap. The solar panel support element is attached to the vent member.
US09394677B2

Remediation materials are stored and treated within remediation cells constructed within a pond. The remediation materials originate from a variety of sources including the pond in which the remediation cells are constructed. The volume of the remediation cells is relatively small compared to the total volume of the pond and thus, the total active volume of the pond to handle stormwater flood events is not significantly diminished. Remediation of the remediation materials in the cells is accomplished through a variety of processes, including dewatering and/or by bioremediation therein. The water level in the remediation cells during normal operation outside flood events is maintained at levels which support the remediation processes. When the remediation cells are filled over time, remediated material can be removed for use in constructing other remediation cells, wetlands or marshes in the same or other ponds or can be located to areas remote from the pond.
US09394675B2

An electronic faucet comprises a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a single capacitive sensor coupled to a portion of the faucet. The single capacitive sensor provides both a touch sensor and a proximity sensor for the electronic faucet.
US09394658B1

An apparatus including a main housing and a cartridge enclosure including a first connector to removably couple the cartridge enclosure to a cartridge including a container having an opening across a plane, at least one drawstring disposed around the opening to close the opening upon the at least one drawstring being pulled, and a rigid support disposed around the plane of the opening to maintain the opening across the plane as the opening is being closed. The apparatus further includes an arm including a second connector to removably couple the arm to the at least one drawstring. A first spring between the arm and the cartridge is disposed to allow the arm to move away from the cartridge a predetermined distance which pulls the at least one drawstring to close the opening.
US09394653B2

The present disclosure relates to a road finishing machine with a thermographic device releasably fixed to a portion of the machine for recording a georeferenced thermographic data record of at least one region of a pavement layer. The thermographic device includes a housing in which a detection unit for detecting a thermographic data record and a further detection unit for detecting a space-related data record for the thermographic data record are disposed.
US09394649B2

A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a defibrating unit configured to defibrate a defibration object containing fibers in the air, a supply unit configured to supply additive agents to defibrated material that has been defibrated in the defibrating unit, a deposition unit configured to deposit the defibrated material and the additive agents, and a heating unit configured to heat a web deposited by the deposition unit. The supply unit has a moisture adding unit configured to add moisture to the additive agents.
US09394646B2

The present technology provides a carbon fiber reinforced plastic that includes carbon fibers covalently bonded to an energetic polymer and a polymer matrix. Also described is a method for recycling carbon fibers from the carbon fiber reinforced plastic material using microwave energy to separate the carbon fibers from the polymer matrix.
US09394643B2

A dynamic balancer device for a laundry treating appliance includes, among other things, a first raceway piece having an L-shaped cross section defining a first annular channel and a second raceway piece having an L-shaped cross section defining a second annular channel. The first raceway piece is attached to the second raceway piece with the first annular channel facing the second annular channel to define a raceway. The dynamic balancer device also includes a mass disposed in the annular raceway and movable therein.
US09394642B2

A basket assembly (24) for a washing machine includes a basket and a support bracket (36) adjacent the basket. The basket has a first end (54) and a second end (56) and defines a cavity at the first end for receiving laundry. The support bracket (36) includes a base (40) having a front side (42) and at least two attachment portions (60) extending from the front side. The attachment portions are spaced from each other and are connected to the second end (56) of the basket. At least two fins (74) integrally extend from the front side of the base toward the first end of the basket. The fins (74) are integral with the attachment portions (60) of the support bracket (36) for reinforcing the attachment portions.
US09394641B2

A washing machine includes an inner tub arranged in an outer tub and a rotatable wave wheel. As every 1 kg load is increased, the height difference h1 between the clothes and water satisfies the formula h1=(πD2h−4V1)/(KπD2), wherein D is the diameter of the inner tub, h is the height of the wave wheel, V1 is the volume of the wave wheel, and K is the optimal clothes load between the wave wheel and the inner tub within the wave wheel height. The clothes overturn periodically while rotating along with the wave wheel. The clothes move towards the center of the wave wheel along the wave wheel while moving upward, overturn outwards in a uniform wobble way after reaching the climax of the wave wheel and fall to the bottom of the inner tub along the inner tub wall, and move towards the center of the wave wheel again.
US09394633B2

A fiber bundle is provided that strikes an excellent balance among the properties and performance of the web and articles manufactured using this web, the productivity, processability, and cost. The fiber bundle comprising continuous fibers aligned in one direction is characterized in that the continuous fibers have crimps that form peaks and valleys in the width direction of the fiber bundle, and these crimps have a characteristic value A, defined as the absolute value of a slope with respect to the length direction of the fiber bundle of a straight line that connects the vertex of the peak with the vertex of the valley of adjacent crimps present in a single continuous fiber, of at least 0.3.
US09394628B2

A method of forming a fiber made of peptide nanostructures is disclosed. The method comprises: providing peptide nanostructures in solution, and fiberizing the solution thereby forming at least one fiber of the peptide nanostructures. Also disclosed are methods of forming films and other articles using the peptide nanostructures.
US09394627B2

Described herein are apparatuses and methods of creating fibers, such as microfibers and nanofibers. The methods discussed herein employ centrifugal forces to transform material into fibers. Apparatuses that may be used to create fibers are also described. Described herein are fiber producing devices that have various types of outlet elements coupled to the fiber producing device.
US09394626B2

The invention relates to a method for treating a monomer, pre-polymer, polymer or a corresponding mixture, in particular for producing a dope for producing a polymer fiber, in particular a p-aramide fiber, in which the monomer, pre-polymer, polymer, additives or a corresponding mixture is admixed with a solvent, blended, fused, homogenized and/or degassed and then discharged, which takes place at least partially in a reactor (7), is to force-feed the monomer, pre-polymer, polymer or a corresponding mixture into the reactor (7) using a force-feed device (4).
US09394624B2

A method for forming a topological insulator structure is provided. A strontium titanate substrate having a surface (111) is used. The surface (111) of the strontium titanate substrate is cleaned by heat-treating the strontium titanate substrate in the molecular beam epitaxy chamber. The strontium titanate substrate is heated and Bi beam, Sb beam, Cr beam, and Te beam are formed in the molecular beam epitaxy chamber in a controlled ratio achieved by controlling flow rates of the Bi beam, Sb beam, Cr beam, and Te beam. The magnetically doped topological insulator quantum well film is formed on the surface (111) of the strontium titanate substrate. The amount of the hole type charge carriers introduced by the doping with Cr is substantially equal to the amount of the electron type charge carriers introduced by the doping with Bi.
US09394622B2

The device 1 according to the invention is suggested for gentle treatment of a flat material B to be treated with a treatment liquid F. The device 1 has the following components: at least one treatment chamber 20, in which the treatment liquid F can be accumulated up to a bath level M, at least one supply device 7 for the supply of the treatment liquid F into the at least one treatment chamber 20, at least one transport device 30, with which the material B to be treated can be transported in the horizontal position in a transport plane E below the bath level M through the at least one treatment chamber 20, at least one reception area 4 for the treatment liquid F, and at least one discharge device 40 with, respectively, at least one discharge opening 41 for the treatment liquid F for conveying it from the at least one treatment chamber 20 with a respective discharge rate into the at least one reception area 4. The at least one discharge device 40 respectively has at least one regulating system 43, with which the discharge rate of the treatment liquid F is adjustable through the at least one discharge opening 41.
US09394621B2

A metal surface treatment method for a metal base material in order to improve the uniformity of a cathodic electrodeposition coating film, the method including: a surface treatment step for forming a chemical conversion film on a metal base material by contacting the metal base material with a metal surface treatment composition including zirconium and/or titanium ions and an adhesive imparting agent characterized in being at least one selected from the group consisting of (A) silicon-containing compound, (B) adhesive imparting metal ion, and (C) adhesive imparting resin; and a heating/drying step to heat and dry the metal base material, on which the chemical conversion film is formed, at 60° C. to 190° C. for at least 30 seconds.
US09394618B1

Methods and systems are disclosed for removing cuprous oxide deposits from a copper-containing water-based cooling system, such as those used to cool stators in industrial generators, without disrupting operation of the cooling system. A complexing agent, such as a 1,10-phenanthroline, e.g., 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (neocuproine), a 2,2-bipyridine compound, or the like can be introduced into the coolant fluid to facilitate dissolution of the deposits by forming a complex with the cuprous ions. The complexing agent can be dissolved in an alcohol at a concentration of about 4-5%, and then added to the coolant fluid to a concentration of about 6e-3 M or less to avoid undesirable precipitation of the agent. The complexing agent can be recovered by flowing the coolant mixture through an adsorbent material such as activated carbon, and the copper can be removed from the agent by reacting it with sodium sulfide.
US09394614B2

A novel method for forming projections and depressions is provided. A novel sealing structure is provided. A novel light-emitting device is provided. A first step of forming a film containing at least two kinds of metals having different etching rates over a surface; a second step of heating the film so that the metal having a lower etching rate segregates; a third step of selectively etching the metal having a higher etching rate; and a fourth step of selectively etching the surface using a residue containing the metal having a lower etching rate are included.
US09394609B2

Methods are provided for depositing thin films by vapor deposition using two different metal halide reactants. In some embodiments aluminum fluoride thin films are deposited by atomic layer deposition methods in which a substrate is alternately and sequentially contacted with a first metal halide reactant comprising aluminum, such as AlCl3, and a second metal halide reactant comprising fluorine, such as TiF4.
US09394608B2

A reactor having a housing that encloses a gas delivery system operatively connected to a reaction chamber and an exhaust assembly. The gas delivery system includes a plurality of gas lines for providing at least one process gas to the reaction chamber. The gas delivery system further includes a mixer for receiving the at least one process gas. The mixer is operatively connected to a diffuser that is configured to diffuse process gases. The diffuser is attached directly to an upper surface of the reaction chamber, thereby forming a diffuser volume therebetween. The diffuser includes at least one distribution surface that is configured to provide a flow restriction to the process gases as they pass through the diffuser volume before being introduced into the reaction chamber.
US09394603B2

A sputtering method and apparatus having at least one set of dual rotatable cylindrical sputtering targets mounted in a vacuum chamber. Magnet assemblies in hollow target cylinders provide erosion zones running long the parallel sides of a racetrack that act as target flux sources towards a substrate. These parallel erosion zones have a highly concentrated plasma density for rapid sputtering of the target and any reactive material. Features include the angular distance between normals to adjacent parallel erosion zones, the angle greater than 45° subtended at the center of the cylindrical target, placement of the substrate with respect to the targets, and pointing angles (orientation or tilt) of the racetracks toward the substrate and/or each other. These parameters form a relatively wide and efficient constant flux deposition region at the substrate, and allows for high deposition rates at constant reactive gas partial pressures with substantially uniform film stoichiometry and thickness.
US09394576B2

The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention provides a method for breeding cotton plants containing one or more quantitative trait loci that are associated with resistance to Root Knot Nematode (RKN), a disease associated with Meloidogyne incognita. The invention further provides germplasm and the use of germplasm containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring disease resistance for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program, thus producing novel elite germplasm comprising one or more RKN resistance QTL.
US09394549B2

TPA-DHD can be produced by using, as a raw material, terephthalic acid salt that contains 0.5 times or more and twice or less the amount of potassium based on all of the terephthalic acids contained in the terephthalic acid salt in terms of moles and by using a microorganism expressing terephthalate 1,2-dioxygenase. Further, TPA-DHD can be converted into protocatechuic acid by TPA-DHD dehydrogenase and protocatechuic acid can be converted into gallic acid by para-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase. In addition, by subjecting waste polyesters to heat treatment in an ethylene glycol solvent or 1-butanol solvent containing potassium hydroxide, such polyesters can be efficiently depolymerized, and potassium terephthalate suitable to chemical production by the microorganism can be prepared.
US09394544B2

Disclosed herein are methods, compounds and compositions designed for ameliorating oxidative stress in cells. In particular, disclosed are viral vectors that express RNA interfering molecules for inhibiting expression or activity of Nox1 or RAC1. Depending on the location of administration, expression of inhibiting molecules can reduce oxidative stress in neurons associated with a particular neurodegenerative condition.
US09394533B2

The present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide comprising an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide having alpha-amylase activity, the polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 70% identity with amino acids 22 to 450 of SEQ ID NO: 4; b) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 70% identity with the polypeptide encoded by the amylase encoding part of the polynucleotide inserted into a plasmid present in the E. coli host deposited under the Budapest Treaty with DSMZ under accession number DSM 15334; c) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence which has at least 70% identity with the sequence shown from position 68 to 1417 in SEQ ID NO: 3; and d) a fragment of (a), (b) or (c) that has alpha-amylase activity.
US09394529B2

In alternative embodiments, the invention provides phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzymes, nucleic acids encoding them, antibodies that bind specifically to them, and methods for making and using them. Industrial methods and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of non hydratable phospholipids (NHPs) within a lipid matrix. The methods enable migration of NHPs to an oil-water interface thereby allowing the NHPs to be reacted and/or removed from the lipids. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for removing NHPs, hydratable phospholipids, and lecithins from vegetable oils to produce a degummed oil or fat product that can be used for food production and/or non-food applications. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of NHPs followed by enzymatic treatment and removal of various phospholipids and lecithins. The methods provided herein can be practiced on either crude or water-degummed oils.
US09394525B2

Disclosure of a mammalian cytoplasmic donor cell line. Disclosure of a patient specific cell line. Methods to obtain a mammalian cytoplasmic donor cell line by fusing a differentiated mammalian cell and a functionally enucleated mammalian embryonic cell line. Methods to obtain a mammalian cytoplasmic donor cell line by fusing a differentiated mammalian cell and a functionally enucleated human cancer cell. Methods to obtain a patient specific cell line of a cell type similar to a mammalian cytoplasmic donor cell line by functionally enucleating the mammalian cytoplasmic donor cell line and fusing the functionally enucleated mammalian cytoplasmic donor cell line with a differentiated cell obtained from the patient. A method of treatment of a human patient by administering the patient-specific cell line to the patient.
US09394521B2

A cell preparation containing mesenchymal stem cells whose immunosuppression ability is maintained is produced by means of a serum-free or low-serum culture. A method for producing a cell preparation containing mesenchymal stem cells, comprising the steps of: (A) proliferating mesenchymal stem cells in a serum-free medium “A” containing an FGF, a PDGF, a TGF-β, an HGF, an EGF, at least one phospholipid, and at least one fatty acid; and (B) screening mesenchymal stem cells whose immunosuppression ability is maintained or improved, from the mesenchymal stem cells thus proliferated in the step (A).
US09394513B2

For the purpose of providing a method of safely and inexpensively producing a fermented plant extract containing an immunopotentiator at a high concentration, the method for fermentation and culture of the present invention ferments a plant component such as wheat flour using Pantoea agglomerans which is a gram negative bacterium which lives in a symbiotic relationship with a plant such as wheat and apple. It becomes possible to remarkably augment an immunopotentiation action which the plant has. In addition, these are not contaminated with impurities derived from animal components, and thus these are highly safe.
US09394510B2

The present invention provides an apparatus for simultaneously producing different cannabinoids in different ratios. Specifically, the apparatus according to the invention produces tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabichormenic acid (CBCA) or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in different ratios, and it comprises a bioreactor that comprises a first automated supply system configured to deliver a substrate and a cannabinoid acid synthase, and a second automated system to cease the reaction; an extractor configured to recover the cannabionoids so produced; and a controller configured to modify at least on property of the reaction.
US09394507B2

Methods of cleaning equipment such as hand tools dirtied by bituminous mixture. A biodiesel emulsion comprising biodiesel, water and emulsifier(s), is applied to the surface of the equipment for a period of time (e.g., at least about 15 minutes) and optionally agitated. The biodiesel emulsion produces cleaning properties comparable to straight biodiesel, at a cost reduction, due to the replacement of biodiesel with water.
US09394501B2

Provided herein are grease compositions comprising at least one estolide compound of formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; m is an integer equal to or greater than 2; R1, independently for each occurrence, is selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R3 and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched. Also provided are methods of making estolide-based grease products.
US09394500B2

The present invention provides a grease composition capable of effectively preventing a rolling surface from having hydrogen brittleness-caused peeling, a grease-enclosed bearing in which the grease composition is enclosed, and a one-way clutch in which the grease composition is enclosed at a sliding portion. The grease composition contains a base grease consisting of a base oil and a thickener and an additive added to the base grease. The grease composition is capable of preventing hydrogen brittleness-caused peeling from occurring on a frictionally worn surface of a bearing portion containing an iron-based metal material or a newly generated surface consisting of the iron-based metal material exposed owing to wear. The additive contains at least one aluminum-based additive selected from among an aluminum powder and inorganic aluminum compounds. The mixing ratio of the aluminum-based additive to 100 parts by weight of the base grease is set to 0.05 to 10 parts by weight.
US09394498B2

Pelletized fuel products, methods, and apparatuses are provided. The method includes pelletizing at least partially carbonized biomass in an inert atmosphere. The apparatus includes a feeder of at least partially carbonized biomass, a pelletizer configured to receive and pelletize the at least partially carbonized biomass, and an inert gas source configured to provide inert gas to the pelletizer.
US09394491B2

Hydrocarbon feedstocks are desulfurized by conversion of organosulfur compounds in a mixture of hydrocarbons into sulfoxides and/or sulfones. The oxidant used to promote oxidation of organosulfur-compounds is electrosynthesized in-situ.
US09394485B2

A method to produce biofuels from biomass is provide by contacting the biomass with an aqueous media to form an extracted biomass, separating at least a portion of an aqueous liquor from the extracted biomass thereby providing the aqueous liquor stream comprising soluble carbohydrates; contacting the aqueous liquor stream with a purification substrate effective to remove sulfur compounds and nitrogen compounds thereby producing a treated carbohydrate stream having less than 35% of the sulfur content and less than 35% of the nitrogen content of the untreated aqueous liquor feed, based on the untreated aqueous liquor stream, then contacting the treated carbohydrate stream with an aqueous phase reforming catalyst to form a plurality of oxygenated intermediates; and processing at least a portion of the oxygenated intermediates to form a liquid fuel.
US09394474B2

Methods, fluids, and compositions are provided for treating subterranean formations. The fluids can be servicing or drilling fluids including a base fluid and a particulate agent or biocide precursor particulate agent. The particulate agent can seal flow paths in the subterranean formation and subsequently can be degraded to allow flow to resume. The particulate agent may be a reaction product of a urea containing compound and an aldehyde containing compound. An example of such a reaction product is a methylene urea.
US09394471B2

Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles. Optional further improvement of the heat resistance and environmental resistance of said particles via post-polymerization heat treatment; processes for the manufacture of said particles; and use of said particles in the construction, drilling, completion and/or fracture stimulation of oil and natural gas wells are described.
US09394468B2

A thermohardenable structural adhesive material that upon curing has an elongation at break of at least 10% and has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 80° C. or higher and is useful as a structural adhesive in automobiles to reduce the deformation of bonds particularly during accidents, the adhesive is dry to the touch at ambient temperature and can be melt processed at temperature below that at which thermohardening occurs. The adhesives are useful in applications requiring a combination of high strain to failure, glass transition temperature more than 80° C., high stiffness and high strength. This combination is of particular interest in the aerospace and automotive industries.
US09394467B2

Efficiently produced is a release liner including a plant-derived film as a substrate and having a good appearance, releasability, and adhesion. A method according to the present invention produces a release liner having a plant-derived film substrate and, on at least one side thereof, a release coat layer derived from a thermosetting silicone resin. The method includes the steps as follows: Step A of applying a thermosetting silicone release agent to at least one side of a plant-derived film substrate, the release agent containing 100 parts by weight of a thermosetting silicone resin and 0.05 to 0.55 part by weight of a curing catalyst; Step B of drying at 40° C. to 90° C. for 10 to 60 seconds after Step A; Step C of applying an ultraviolet ray at 50 to 300 mJ/cm2 after Step B; and Step D of aging at 30° C. to 70° C. for 12 to 240 hours after Step C.
US09394466B2

Methods of making cut adhesive articles are described. The methods involve: providing a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on a substrate, embossing a surface of the crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer to form a microstructured crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a microstructured adhesive surface, and die cutting the microstructured crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer.
US09394464B2

Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that comprises a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on one surface of the carrier sheet, and a protective coating layer on the adhesive layer. The protective coating layer comprises a highly reflective protective coating layer operative to bond to concrete cast against it, particularly one that is produced from an aqueous coating comprising an acrylic emulsion, a filler, and a white pigment. The pigment volume concentration of the filler plus white pigment is greater than or equal to 40% by volume. The protective coating layer protects the membrane against weather exposure, tolerates foot traffic and strongly adheres to concrete cast against it. The protective coating comprises an acrylic polymer with a unique multi-domain morphology (i.e., at least two distinct polymer domains).
US09394456B2

Latex emulsions are disclosed which can be used in the formation of coating compositions that are not water sensitive, have good blush resistance and retortability. In some embodiments, the coating compositions are used to coat substrates such as cans and packaging materials for the storage of food and beverages. Coating compositions can be prepared by mixing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer component and a stabilizer comprising a strong acid, in a carrier to form a monomer emulsion, reacting the monomer emulsion with an initiator to form the latex emulsion, and reacting the latex emulsion with a neutralizer. Methods of coating substrates with the coating compositions, and substrates coated with the coating compositions are also disclosed. The latex emulsions can be prepared by mixing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer component and a stabilizer comprising a strong acid, in a carrier to form a monomer emulsion, and reacting the monomer emulsion with an initiator to form the latex emulsion, wherein the stabilizer is present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 2.0 by weight polymeric solids.
US09394453B2

A white inkjet ink includes an anionic surfactant having a molecular weight less than 10,000, a white pigment, a latex particle, and a balance of water. The white pigment has i) a density less than 3 g/cm3, and ii) a substantially constant particle size over a predetermined time period. The substantially constant particle size ranges from about 100 nm to about 300 nm.
US09394444B2

In a method of producing a polymer composite, a polymer is provided in a liquid state such as a molten state. A plant material, such as soymeal, is provided that includes protein and carbohydrate. The plant material has a particle size less than 50 microns. A reactive protein denaturant is also provided. A dispersion of the plant material and the reactive protein denaturant is formed in a matrix of the liquid polymer. The plant material is reacted to bond with the reactive protein denaturant, and the reactive protein denaturant is reacted to bond with the polymer. The polymer is solidified to produce the polymer composite.
US09394421B2

A method for forming a dispersion includes mixing graphene particles, a fluorosilane coupling agent and a first solvent to produce a first dispersion wherein the graphene particles are from about 0.1 to about 0.8 weight percent of the first dispersion. The method includes concentrating the first dispersion by removing the first solvent to produce a second dispersion wherein the graphene particles are from about 2.0 to about 10.0 weight percent of the concentrated dispersion. The concentrated dispersion is mixed with a fluoropolymer dispersion including a second solvent, a surfactant, and fluoropolymer particles wherein the fluoropolymer dispersion has a solids content of about 30 weight percent to about 50 weight percent to form a second dispersion. A polymer binder in a third solvent is mixed with the second dispersion to form the coating dispersion.
US09394417B2

A process for the production of PET foams includes the extrusion of a mixture of PET, epoxy resin, catalyst consisting of imidazole, derivatives of imidazole or mixtures thereof plus a blowing agent, wherein the homopolymerization reaction of the epoxy phase is performed in the extruder, upstream of the introduction of the blowing agent. Compared to the methods of the known art, a process according to the invention offers the advantage of providing a stable PET foam, in which the structure of the polymer chains is kept unaltered. The system therefore has viscoelasticity characteristics which allow the PET/epoxy homopolymer to receive the expanding action of the blowing agent, as far as the innermost and deepest layers of foam also even if they have a significant thickness.
US09394406B2

The present invention relates to polymers containing substituted benzodithiophene units and to blends which comprise the polymers according to the invention. The invention is also directed to the use of the polymers and blends according to the invention in organic electronic devices and to these devices themselves.
US09394403B2

The polycarbonate resin of the present invention comprises: a repeating unit represented by formula 1 of claim 1; and a repeating unit represented by formula 2 of claim 1. The polycarbonate resin has excellent scratch resistance, transparency and tensile elongation.
US09394396B2

An effective hydrogen sulfide scavenger that produces little corrosion may be prepared by reacting glyoxal with a compound having at least two primary or secondary amine groups. The subject hydrogen sulfide scavengers may be used with both the production of crude oil and natural gas, and the refining of same.
US09394394B2

Methods for the synthesis of CTFE-based block copolymers through iodine transfer polymerization are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes reacting a fluoromonomer “M” with a chain transfer agent of the formula X—Y or Y—X—Y, wherein X represents a C1-C3 hydrocarbon, a C1-C6 hydrofluorocarbon, C1-C6 hydrochlorofluorocarbon, or C1-C6 fluorocarbon and Y represents iodine or bromine, in the presence of a radical initiator, to form a macro-initiator of the formula: X-poly(M)-Y or Y-poly(M)-X-poly(M)-Y, wherein poly(M) represents a polymer of the fluoromonomer. The method further includes reacting the macro-initiator with chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) in the presence of a radical initiator to form a diblock or a triblock CTFE-based block copolymer of the formula: X-poly(M)-block-poly(CTFE) or PCTFE-block-poly(M)-X-poly(M)-block-PCTFE.
US09394392B2

A polymerization process including the use of a first Ziegler-Natta type procatalyst having no internal electron donor and a second Ziegler-Natta type procatalyst including an internal electron donor is provided.
US09394391B2

Provided are: surface modification method for imparting slidability to surface of elastic body such as vulcanized rubber or thermoplastic elastomer without using expensive self-lubricating resin; surface-modified elastic body with polymer brush formed on its surface; and gasket for injector and injector formed of surface-modified elastic body. The surface modification method applies to surface of thermoplastic elastomer or vulcanized rubber. The surface modification method comprises the step of forming hydroxyl group on surface of to-be-modified object such as rubber so that water contact angle of the surface becomes 8 to 50 degrees smaller than original water contact angle in unmodified condition, the step of forming polymerization initiation site by subjecting the hydroxyl group to action of secondary or tertiary organic halide, and the step of growing polymer brush on the surface of to-be-modified object by subjecting monomer to radical polymerization at the polymerization initiation site acting as a point of initiation.
US09394386B1

Disclosed are polymerizable mixtures comprising a functionalized ionic gemini surfactant and a thiol-ene crosslinking agent. The polymerizable mixtures that further comprise a polar solvent may be used to form the surfactant into a triply periodic multiply continuous lyotropic phase in the presence of the crosslinking agent. Upon crosslinking, the lyotropic phase morphology is substantially retained.
US09394385B2

A polymer reactor-blend comprising at least a first component having a polydispersity index of greater than about 20 and is present in an amount of from about 1 wt. % to about 99 wt. % based on the total weight of the polymer and a second component having a polydispersity index of less than about 20 and is present in an amount of from about 1 wt. % to about 99 wt. % based on the total weight of the polymer wherein a molecular weight distribution of the second component lies within a molecular weight distribution of the first component.
US09394379B2

The present invention provides a water-soluble modified HA practically used as a drug carrier and a production method thereof. The present invention provides: a water-soluble modified hyaluronic acid, the residence time in blood of which is elongated to a practical level, which is produced by introducing a substituent into the carboxy group of the glucuronic acid of hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof, via an amide bond, at a lower limit of an introduction ratio of 5 mole % or more, using a BOP condensing agent in an aprotic polar solvent; and a production method thereof. Moreover, by cross-linking the modified hyaluronic acid, the present invention provides a hyaluronic acid gel capable of extremely long drug sustained-release even at the same cross-linking functional group introduction ratio as that of the conventionally known gel.
US09394370B2

The present invention provides an antibody to human IL-3Rα chain, which does not inhibit IL-3 signaling and binds to B domain of the human IL-3Rα chain but does not bind to C domain of the human IL-3Rα chain; a composition for preventing or treating a blood tumor in which a cell expressing IL-3Rα is found in bone marrow or peripheral blood of a subject, which comprises the antibody to human IL-3Rα as an active ingredient; and a method for treating a blood tumor in which a cell expressing IL-3Rα is found in bone marrow or peripheral blood, which comprises administering, to a subject, a composition comprising the IL-3Rα antibody as an active ingredient.
US09394369B2

The disclosure relates to immunizing agents and devices.
US09394359B2

The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, and methods of treating, hepatocellular carcinoma in a subject. The invention also relates to polypeptide antagonists of PLVAP proteins, including humanized and chimeric antibodies that specifically bind PLVAP proteins, as well as compositions and kits comprising such polypeptide antagonists.
US09394352B2

POTE has recently been identified as a tumor antigen expressed in a variety of human cancers, including colon, ovarian, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer. Described herein are immunogenic POTE polypeptides, including modified POTE polypeptides, that bind MHC class I molecules. The immunogenic POTE polypeptides are capable of inducing an immune response against POTE-expressing tumor cells. Thus, provided herein is a method of eliciting an immune response in a subject, such as a subject having a type of cancer that expresses POTE.
US09394350B2

A peptide or composition comprising at least one HLA-A2 epitope or analog from CEA, HER2/neu, MAGE2, MAGE3, or p53.
US09394338B2

The invention provides compounds of formula (I): (I) or salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3 Z, and X have any of the values defined herein, as well as compositions comprising such compounds. The compounds and compositions are useful for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
US09394337B2

Herein is reported a method for producing a polypeptide in monomeric form comprising the following step: recovering the polypeptide in monomeric form from an ion exchange chromatography material by applying a solution comprising a non-ionic polymer and an additive.
US09394327B1

The uses of antifreeze proteins (AFPs), including polypeptides, peptides, fragments of AFPs, and mimicries of AFPs, as highly efficient additives for crystal growth control are provided. AFPs are demonstrated to efficiently inhibit the nucleation of commercially and pharmaceutically important compounds (e.g., nucleosides, sugars, salts), increase the supersaturation of their solutions, modify their crystal habits, and result in novel morphologies.
US09394323B2

The present invention relates to antisense antiviral compounds and methods of their use and production in inhibition of growth of viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family and in the treatment of a viral infection. The compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of influenza virus infection in a mammal. Exemplary antisense antiviral compounds are substantially uncharged, or partially positively charged, morpholino oligonucleotides having 1) a nuclease resistant backbone, 2) 12-40 nucleotide bases, and 3) a targeting sequence of at least 12 bases in length that hybridizes to a target region selected from the following: a) the 5′ or 3′ terminal 25 bases of the negative sense viral RNA segment of Influenzavirus A, Influenzavirus B and Influenzavirus C; b) the terminal 30 bases of the 5′ or 3′ terminus of the positive sense vcRNA; c) the 45 bases surrounding the AUG start codon of an influenza viral mRNA and; d) 50 bases surrounding the splice donor or acceptor sites of influenza mRNAs subject to alternative splicing.
US09394322B2

A method for making the compound is set forth utilizing the starting material
US09394318B2

Embodiments of the invention provide solid forms of magnesium glycinate dihydrate and compositions thereof, which are useful for treating hyperphosphatemia and which exhibit desirable characteristics for the same. The invention further provides processes for the production of solid forms of magnesium glycinate dihydrate.
US09394314B2

8′-Hydroxy-Dihydroergotamine (8′-OH DHE) medicinal compounds, compositions, and dosage forms containing such compositions are provided. Also provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of migraine disorders using the compounds, compositions, dosage forms and administration techniques disclosed herein.
US09394312B1

Prodrugs of ibrutinib, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the prodrugs, and methods of using the prodrugs and pharmaceutical compositions for treating autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions are disclosed.
US09394306B2

The present invention is related to pyrazoline dione derivatives of Formula (I), pharmaceutical composition thereof and to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders or conditions related to Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH Oxidase).
US09394301B2

The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds, and more specifically to certain triazolo compounds (referred to herein as TAZ compounds), and especially certain [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine compounds, which, inter alia, inhibit AXL receptor tyrosine kinase function. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit AXL receptor tyrosine kinase function, and in the treatment of diseases and conditions that are mediated by AXL receptor tyrosine kinase, that are ameliorated by the inhibition of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase function, etc., including proliferative conditions such as cancer, etc.
US09394286B2

The present invention relates to new kinase inhibitors, more specifically ROCK inhibitors, compositions, in particular pharmaceuticals, comprising such inhibitors, and to uses of such inhibitors in the treatment and prophylaxis of disease. In particular, the present invention relates to new ROCK inhibitors, compositions, in particular pharmaceuticals, comprising such inhibitors, and to uses of such inhibitors in the treatment and prophylaxis of disease. In addition, the invention relates to methods of treatment and use of said compounds in the manufacture of a medicament for the application to a number of therapeutic indications including sexual dysfunction, inflammatory diseases, ophthalmic diseases and Respiratory diseases. Compounds of the invention display soft drug characteristics, i.e. they are rapidly inactivated upon entry in the systemic circulation. Therefore, they allow for reduced systemic exposure to functionally active ROCK inhibitors.
US09394271B2

A liquid composition containing at least 2 mole % of water, at least 50 mole % of polyhydroxyl compounds, at least 3 mole % of cyclic compounds, and at least 0.01 mole % of a homogeneous acid catalyst. The mole percentages are based on the moles of all liquids in the composition. The liquid composition optionally contains up to 20 mole % of carbonyl compounds, based on the number of moles of the cyclic compounds. The cumulative amount of any other liquid ingredient in the liquid composition does not exceed 10 mole %. The cyclic compounds include cyclic acetals, cyclic ketals, or a combination thereof. The liquid composition is derived from a process for making cyclic compounds by feeding aldehyde or ketone compounds and polyhydroxyl compounds to a reaction vessel at a molar ratio of polyhydroxyl compounds to aldehyde or ketone compounds of at least 3:1, reacting these compounds in the presence of a homogeneous acid catalyst to generate a liquid phase homogeneous reaction mixture containing the acid catalyst without separating water from the reaction mixture as it is being formed in the reaction mixture, withdrawing the liquid phase homogeneous reaction mixture from the reaction vessel as a liquid product stream, and feeding the liquid reaction product stream to a distillation column to separate cyclic acetal or ketal compounds from unreacted polyhydroxyl compounds.
US09394266B2

The invention relates to solid state forms of Cabazitaxel and processes for preparing the solid state forms. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions and formulations comprising one or more of the solid state forms.
US09394260B2

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): (I) as defined in the specification and compositions comprising any of such novel compounds. These compounds are endothelial lipase inhibitors which may be used as medicaments.
US09394256B2

The present invention features benzhydrol-pyrazole derivatives and related compounds having kinase inhibitory activity. The compounds of the invention, alone or in combination with other pharmaceutically active agents, can be used for treating or preventing various medical conditions, such as cancers, inflammatory disorders, or autoimmune disorders.
US09394247B2

The present invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous sulfonimide compound of the formula (Rf1—SO2)(Rf2—SO2)NH, wherein Rf1 and Rf2 are independently selected from the group comprising: a fluorine atom and groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms selected from the perfluoroalkyl, fluoroalkyl, fluoroalkenyl and fluoroallyl groups, from a mixture M1 including (Rf1—SO2)(Rf2—SO2)NH, Rf1SO2H and/or Rf2SO2H, Rf1SO2NH2 and/or Rf2SO2NH2, characterized in that said method includes an oxidation step of said mixture M1 using an oxidizing agent in order to obtain a mixture M2 including (Rf1—SO2)(Rf2—SO2)NH, Rf1SO3H and/or Rf2SO3H and Rf1SO2NH2and/or Rf2SO2NH2.
US09394239B2

The present invention relates to new biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid modulators of beta-3-adrenoceptor activity, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof.
US09394232B2

The present invention provides a simple, cost effective and time saving one step method for synthesizing triarylamines comprising two alkyl alcohol without the need for the protection and the deprotection steps. More particularly, the invention provides an improved method of producing triarylamine compounds having two alkyl alcohol groups by reaction of a primary arylamine (aniline) with a halogenated aryl alkyl alcohol. The reaction proceeds in one step, whereby a primary arylamine is reacted with two equivalents of a halogenated aryl alkyl alcohol in the presence of a catalytic amount of palladium, ligand, solvent and base.
US09394211B2

A process for isolating at least one target compound, such as manool, geranyl linalool, ethyl guaiacol, eugenol, veratraldehyde, squalene, terpin, cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, stigmastenol and dehydroabietic acid, from biomass, the process including steps of: obtaining a condensate from a recovery evaporator, a reverse osmosis retentate of a condensate of a pulp and paper mill, or both, the condensate, retentate or both being substantially free of higher molecular weight (approximately >1000 Da) cellulose and/or lignin and/or lignin-derived material; optionally pH adjusting and filtering the condensate to collect insoluble material; extracting the condensate, the collected insoluble material, or both, with solid phase extraction (SPE), liquid-liquid extraction or solid-liquid extraction to produce an extract containing the at least one target compound; and optionally purifying the extract containing the at least one target compound by thermal fractionation, chromatographic separation, recrystallization ion exchange, chelation, adsorption/desorption, lyophilization and sublimation or combinations thereof. The method is particularly useful for isolating the target compounds from wastewaters produced in a kraft pulp and paper mill, especially from recovery evaporator condensates produced during the treatment of black liquor.
US09394210B2

This invention relates to an improved urea-nitrogen stabilizer composition and methods, systems and apparatti for making thereof. The nitrogen stabilizer composition is incorporated into molten urea to result in a composition that contains less biuret, NMP, nitrogen stabilizer and/or impurities and provides an effective solid fertilizer. These compositions are useful in odor control.
US09394205B2

A method for preparing ceramic powders in the presence of a carbon powder including a step which consists in homogenizing a mixture of particles capable of resulting in a ceramic by heat treatment. Said method can be carried out in the presence of an accelerated solvent and provides, at reduced energy consumption, carbon-coated ceramic powders and then ceramics.
US09394199B2

A surface-modified fibrous material is provided for incorporation in a thermoplastic matrix to form a fiber-reinforced composite article. Good binding between the fibrous material and the thermoplastic matrix is achieved through the presence of finely roughened surfaces on the fibers of nanoparticles of an inorganic material. Such nanoparticles are provided from an alkaline aqueous size composition containing the nanoparticles dispersed therein (as described). The fibrous material may be provided in continuous or discontinuous form. In a preferred embodiment glass fibers are initially provided in continuous form followed by cutting into discontinuous lengths and drying with the retention of the nanoparticles on the surfaces of the fibers. The surface-roughened fibrous material is incorporated in a thermoplastic matrix as fibrous reinforcement with the application of heat whereby the thermoplastic matrix is rendered melt processable. In preferred embodiments injection or compression molding is utilized. Improved long-fiber thermoplastics also may be formed to advantage.
US09394198B2

Embodiments provided herein describe abrasion resistant glass coatings and methods for forming abrasion resistant glass coatings. A glass body is provided. An abrasion resistant layer is formed above the glass body. The abrasion resistant layer includes an amorphous carbon. A pull-up layer is formed above the abrasion resistant layer. A protective layer is formed above the pull-up layer. The protective layer may include a titanium-based nitride. The pull-up lay may include tungsten oxide, zirconium oxide, manganese oxide, molybdenum oxide, titanium oxide, or a combination thereof.
US09394194B2

An optical glass is oxide glass wherein Si4++B3+ ranges from 10-60 cation %, La3++Gd3++Y3++Yb3+ ranges from 25-70 cation %, Ti4++Nb5++W6++Bi3+ ranges from 10-20 cation %, Li+ content ranges from 0-5.0 cation %, Ge content is lower than 5.0 mass % as quantity of GeO2 based on oxides, no Pb included, a cation ratio, Si4+/B3+, is equal or lower than 0.70, a cation ratio, (La3++Gd3++Y3++Yb3+)/(Ti4++Nb5++W6++Bi3+), ranges from 1.90-7.00, a cation ratio, Y3+/(La3++Gd3++Y3++Yb3+), is equal or lower than 0.180, and Nb5+ is an essential component, with Ti4+/Nb5+ being equal or lower than 4.00, with nd of higher than 1.920 and equal or lower than 2.000, vd ranging from 28.0-34.0, and yield point higher than 645° C., and a deviation ΔPg,F from normal line of partial dispersion ratio Pg,F being equal or lower than 0.0005.
US09394189B2

A system for performing ozone water treatment comprises a voltage supply circuit and a plasma eductor reactor. The voltage supply circuit includes an H-bridge controller and driver, a transformer, and an output port. The H-bridge controller and driver are configured to switch the electrical polarity of a pair of terminals. A primary of the transformer is connected to the H-bridge driver and controller. A secondary of the transformer connects in parallel with a first capacitor and in series with an inductor and a second capacitor. The output port connects in parallel with the second capacitor. The plasma eductor reactor includes an electric field generator, a flow spreader, and a diffuser. The electric field generator includes a pair of electrodes that generate an electric field. The flow spreader supplies a stream of oxygen. The diffuser supplies a stream of water. The streams of water and oxygen pass through the electric field.
US09394188B2

One exemplary embodiment can be a process for oxidizing sulfides. The process can include passing an alkaline stream having about 1-about 30%, by weight, of an alkaline material and one or more sulfide compounds to a reaction zone having a metal phthalocyanine catalyst.
US09394184B1

A method of regulating water hardness for an aquatic recreational body of water by the steps of determining the water hardness, preferably determining the calcium ion content, and reducing the water hardness, preferably removing the calcium ions, based on a function of the determined water hardness and a target water hardness range using electrochemically assisted ion exchange technique. A system for regulating water hardness for an aquatic recreational body of water comprising a water hardness sensor, a water hardness reduction unit, and a control circuit in communication with the sensor and the water hardness reduction unit. Preferably the water hardness reduction unit uses an electrochemically assisted ion exchange process.
US09394183B2

Disclosed is a method for producing a high-purity nanometer zinc oxide from electrolytic zinc acid leaching residues by ammonia decarburization. The method comprises: adding 0.3-0.5 kg of sodium fluorosilicate to per cubic meter of ammonia water-ammonium bicarbonate solution when leaching, and then adding 30-60 kg of slaked lime to per cubic meter of a leached solution for carrying out decarburization and refining treatment. The present invention obtained nanometer zinc oxide powder has purity of 99.7% or up, uniform particle size distribution (average particle size of 10-30 nm), specific surface area of 105 m2/g or up, good fluidity and good dispersity. The treatment method is characterized by low energy consumption and high efficiency; all valuable and harmful heavy metals in the electrolytic zinc acid leaching residues are leached out to be reasonably utilized and cleaned with water, so that the obtained final leached residues are converted from electrolytic zinc acid leaching residues as high hazard wastes into ordinary solid wastes. It obtained good economic benefit and social benefit.
US09394182B2

Evaporative crystallization process to make salt compositions which comprises a step wherein a mother liquor is formed containing water and the salt to be crystallized and 1-5 ppm of an additive, based on the weight of the mother liquor, said additive being a water-soluble acrylic polymer, and a further step of evaporating the water to form crystallized salt.
US09394166B1

An increased plasmon resonance frequency stability drawn from a refractive index gradient spanning negative and positive values includes a two-dimensional array of tapered nanowells. A multilayer of alternating materials is associated with the two-dimensional array of tapered nanowells. The multilayer of alternating materials are alternating layers of electrical conductors and electrical insulators.
US09394164B2

MEMS structures and methods utilizing a locker film are provided. In an embodiment a locker film is utilized to hold and support a moveable mass region during the release of the moveable mass region from a surrounding substrate. By providing additional support during the release of the moveable mass, the locker film can reduce the amount of undesired movement that can occur during the release of the moveable mass, and preventing undesired etching of the sidewalls of the moveable mass.
US09394162B2

Micromachined ultrasonic transducers integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) substrates are described, as well as methods of fabricating such devices. Fabrication may involve two separate wafer bonding steps. Wafer bonding may be used to fabricate sealed cavities in a substrate. Wafer bonding may also be used to bond the substrate to another substrate, such as a CMOS wafer. At least the second wafer bonding may be performed at a low temperature.
US09394156B2

To provide an oil filling nozzle with vapor recovery function capable of controlling opening degree of a vapor passage depending on flow rate and adjusting recovery rate. The oil filling nozzle includes a discharge pipe 3 mounted to a front end of a nozzle; a vapor control valve 21 arranged in a middle of a pipe, which connects a vapor collector 19 mounted so as to cover a circumference of the discharge pipe and a vapor passage 22, the vapor control valve 21 being opened and closed by liquid pressure in a nozzle main body 2; and a means for adjusting vapor recovery rate by adjusting opening degree of the vapor control valve 21.
US09394155B2

A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser includes a flow rate controller including a processor disposed within the interior volume of said housing and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The dispenser also includes a user interface including user-selectable indicia for providing data to the processor. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit, and is based on data provided to the processor by a user operation of the user interface.
US09394150B2

A material handling system for supporting and retaining a cylindrical object being transported, such as on the forks of a lift truck. Each support includes a backplane having a curved or wedge-shaped portion on opposing ends. The resilient material of the support or cradle conforms to a range of diameters to retain the position of the object on the forks, as well as to displace the weight of the object over a extended area. Straps may be used to further bind the object to the lifting system.
US09394145B2

A method and device are provided for lifting and conveying bale rubber from a pallet. The method may include rotationally driving a plurality of claws about a support shaft inside a claw housing case and gripping the bale rubber by protruding the plurality of claws from the case and piercing the plurality of claws into the upper surface of the bale rubber while the case is abutted against the bale rubber. A contact sensor may be provided for detecting contact of the case with the bale rubber, and with a contact signal thereof, a grip safety mechanism of the drive mechanism is disabled to allow the claws to be driven. Furthermore, a press sensor that detects a pressing load applied to the transfer place of the bale rubber may be provided so as to provide a release safety mechanism that allows gripping of the bale rubber to be released.
US09394131B2

The present invention provides a paper feed/convey/separation roller in which the inner layer is firmly fixed to the outer layer without use of an adhesive and slipping between the inner layer and the outer layer is suppressed, and which ensures required running torque, and a method for producing the roller. In the paper feed/convey/separation roller having a shaft and at least two rubber elastic layers formed on the shaft, said at least two layers including an outermost layer formed of non-foamed polyurethane, and an inner layer disposed under the outermost layer and formed of foamed rubber, wherein the polyurethane outermost layer has an inner surface having unevenness at least along the circumferential direction, which unevenness is provided through molding.
US09394130B2

A method for accurately controlling a medium displacement in an inkjet printer is provided by accurately determining a relation between an actuation signal for a drive motor and a medium displacement. The method comprises the steps of establishing a set of calibration actuation signals each corresponding to a nominal calibration step and determining an achieved medium displacement step for each calibration actuation signal in the set. The set comprises at least one calibration actuation signal for actuating the drive motor to make one full revolution and at least one calibration actuation signal for actuating the drive motor to make a rotation larger than one full revolution, but smaller than two full revolutions. Both a cyclic deviation and a local deviation of the nominal displacement relation is determined based on a finite series of basis functions.
US09394127B2

A low profile, alignment assembly for a media feed roll assembly using torsion spring biasing. The alignment assembly has a first and a second spaced bushings mountable to a frame. Each bushing has a circular collar and a cradle positioned along a common centerline for rotatably holding a driven first and an opposed second shaft on the common centerline. A first and a second torsion spring mount around the second shaft adjacent to the first and second bushing, respectively, and each has a pair of legs extending tangentially therefrom, attachable to the frame or respective bushing and forming a substantially planar profile. Each torsion spring biases the second shaft toward the first shaft along the common centerline and, as a media sheet moves between the first and second shafts, allows the second shaft to move within the cradles radially away from the first shaft along the common centerline.
US09394125B2

A print medium feed unit includes: a first feed roller including a first end portion and a second end portion and configured to pick up a print medium by rotating about a rotational axis extending in a first direction; a first support portion configured to rotationally support the first end portion; and a second support portion configured to rotationally support the second end portion. At least one of the first support portion and the second support portion includes a separation structure including a first portion and a second portion which are separable from each other in a radial direction of the first feed roller.
US09394121B2

A system for transporting containers between different stations is presented. The containers are accommodated in container carriers. The system comprises a control unit for controlling the transport of the container carriers, a transport area divided into subareas and on which the container carriers can be movably arranged, and a drive. The drive is activated by the control unit and each subarea is assigned a respective drive. Each drive applies a drive force to an associated container carrier.
US09394115B2

A two belt inverter includes an integrated drive system that reorients the belts (via rotation) to both invert sheets and quickly reorients the belts (via rotation) to an in-line bypass configuration from job to job.
US09394113B2

A machine for processing and/or packaging objects, said machine having horizontal conveying section for conveying articles, packages, and/or packaging units, which conveying section includes a first horizontal conveying device with a conveyor for a first operating mode and replaceable by a further horizontal conveying device with a second conveyor different from the first conveyor to establish a further operating mode. A method for modifying a conveying section of a machine for processing and/or packaging objects, wherein articles, packages, and/or packaging units are conveyed essentially horizontally on the conveying section using of a first horizontal conveying device with at least one conveyor in a first operating mode, and wherein at least one further operating mode is established by replacing the first horizontal conveying device with a further horizontal conveying device including at least one second conveyor which is different from the first conveying means conveyor.
US09394109B2

A spiral conveyor for positively driving a hinged, modular conveyor belt along a helical path. The spiral conveyor includes a rotating cylindrical tower with parallel drive members extending from the bottom to the top of the tower on its periphery. Each drive member includes an outwardly protruding ridge extending from the bottom to the top of the tower for engaging the inside edges of the belt. In one version, the ridges at the entrance end of the spiral are movable to provide a gradually decreasing spacing between consecutive ridges as the belt enters the spiral. In another version, alignment elements at the entrance end align belt-edge structure with the tip ends of associated ridges to help engagement. In another version, the ridges at a discharge end of the tower are retractable between an extended position driving the belt and a retracted position.
US09394108B2

A wheel lifter and tipper includes a hook end with a plurality of notches that are each configured for different wheel manipulations and/or for different types of wheels. Each of the plurality of notches is configured to tip wheels into an upright position without deflating or breaking a bead of a tire of the wheel. The device further includes a u-shaped bend configured to support a wheel during a wheel loading manipulation, and a pad end rotationally mounted to a body of the device. During the loading manipulation, the pad end remains stationary and acts as a fulcrum and the body with the u-shaped bend acts as a lever arm. The device is passed through a center of the wheel, and the lever arm is raised or lowered in order to raise or lower the wheel to or from a raised surface, respectively.
US09394096B2

An actuator cap for dispensing a liquid product, the cap comprising a rotatable outer body and an associated actuator button and a non-rotatable chassis and associated spray channel assembly; the outer body and actuator button being rotatable between: a first position in which the actuator button is non-elevated, the actuator button being incapable of depression in this position; a second position in which the actuator button is elevated across its full length and width relative to top surface of the outer body, the button still being incapable of depression in this position; and a third position in which the actuator button is elevated across its full length and width and tilted relative to top surface of the outer body, the button being capable of depression in this position; depression of the actuator button causing release of liquid product from an associated container through the spray channel assembly.
US09394095B2

A transaction product assembly includes a perimeter frame defining a footprint, a plurality of parts maintained within the footprint of the perimeter frame, a transaction card, and a plurality of sprues. The transaction card includes a machine-readable account identifier linking the transaction card to an account or record, wherein the transaction card is maintained within the footprint of the perimeter frame. The plurality of sprues extend between the perimeter frame, the plurality of parts, and the transaction card to hold perimeter frame, the plurality of parts, and the transaction card together as a single piece. Areas within the footprint of the perimeter frame other than the plurality of parts, the transaction card, and the plurality of sprues remain substantially open and free of material.
US09394090B2

A device for packaging, conserving, and extemporaneously preparing a plurality of active principles, including a reservoir having a compartment for containing a volume of liquid, the reservoir including a neck defining a dispenser opening; a head that is movable relative to the reservoir between a first distal position for conservation and a second proximate position for preparation; a leaktight closure mechanism; and a rupture mechanism for rupturing the closure mechanism. The closure mechanism is formed by a blister that contains at least two active principles and has at least two compartments, each compartment containing an active principle. The blister is fastened on the neck of the reservoir so as to close it, such that after opening the blister by the rupture mechanism, the active principles enter into contact with the liquid and dissolve therein.
US09394088B2

A tap for a flexible package having a dosing dispenser. The tap can be coupled to a spout of a flexible bag (such as the type that is provided for bag in box packaging). The tap permits the application of metered doses from the flexible bag. As the flexible bag is emptied, the flexible bag collapses, as the dosing dispenser generally prohibits the passage of air back into the flexible bag when the flowable material is emptied therefrom.
US09394087B2

A fluid flow control device having plurality of flexible fluid flow control elements disposed in spaced apart relation about the periphery of a solid body which insertably secured in a container provides a plurality of apertures in spaced apart relation about the periphery of the solid body which control the flow rate of an amount of fluid from the container.
US09394085B2

A package (1) of the present invention has a container (3) containing a packaged material (2), a covering sheet (4) fixed to so as to cover a dispensing slot (31) of the container (3), and a reseal label (5) stuck so as to cover a dispensing slot (41) of the covering sheet (4). The reseal label (5) has a fixed portion (51) and a reseal portion (52) capable of being peeled and lifted. The container (3) has a projecting container cutting line (32) to form the dispensing slot (31). The covering sheet (4) has, outside the container cutting line (32), a projecting covering-sheet cutting line (42) to form the dispensing slot (41). When the reseal portion (52) of the reseal label (5) is lifted, a root portion (52a) of the reseal portion (52) has a three-layered portion composed of the reseal label (5), a separation piece (420) separated along the covering-sheet cutting line (42), and a separation piece (320) separated along the container cutting line (32).
US09394076B2

A package for solid pourable product includes a blank one-piece pattern having several flaps, several side panels and a slide. The slide has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is connected to a top flap and the lower portion extends into the box. A support is provided, connected to a flap of the box, for resiliently engaging the lower portion. One of the side panels has an opening covered by the lower portion. The support holds the lower portion against the opening when the slide is closed. Preferably the lower portion slides between the support and the panel having the opening. The fold line between second top flap and the support is set back from the panel having the opening thereby helping the support resiliently push against the lower portion.
US09394075B1

A package unitarily formed from a cardboard blank for storing a product comprises a back wall, a first hinged lid section and a second hinged lid section to set the package in an open or a closed position. The first and the second hinged lid sections are opposite the back wall when the package is set in the closed position. The package further comprises a first pair of side walls and a second pair of side walls. The side walls of the first pair are arranged opposite each other and extend from the back wall. The first hinged lid section extends from one of the side walls of the first pair and the second hinged lid section extends from the other side wall of the first pair. The side walls of the second pair are arranged opposite each other and extend from the back wall. A panel comprising at least one aperture for receiving the product extends from one of the side walls of the second pair to the other side wall of the second pair and is arranged between the back wall and the first and the second hinged lid sections when the package is set in the closed position. At least one of the side walls of the second pair comprises an extension that forms a stiffening member. The stiffening member comprises a first leg, a second leg and a base extending between the first leg and the second leg. The first leg extends from the side wall and is attached to the back wall, and the second leg extends from the base and is attached to the panel.
US09394073B2

Extrusion blow molded bottle comprising a propylene copolymer having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) of 2.0 to 6.0 g/10 min, a xylene cold soluble content of 20.0 to 40.0 wt.-%, and a comonomer content of more than 4.5 to 12.0 wt.-%, wherein the comonomer content of xylene cold soluble fraction of the extrusion blow molded article is of 16.0 to 28.0 wt.-%.
US09394070B2

A system for packaging unit doses of medication. One pill packaging system comprises a feeding assembly, a pill packaging assembly, and a pill guide. The pill guide may be positioned between the feeding assembly and packaging assembly and comprise a body having inlet and outlet apertures, whereby a pill traveling through the pill guide exits the outlet aperture oriented such that a leading edge of the pill points toward one side of the pill package and the trailing edge of the pill is inclined toward an opposite side of the pill package. Another pill packaging system comprises a pill feeding assembly comprising a pill disk with circumferentially positioned pill slots, a pill packaging assembly, and a sensor, such as a camera, to determine whether more than one pill is positioned in a pill slot on the pill disk.
US09394059B2

A method for monitoring an autonomous accelerated pushback process in an aircraft equipped with an engines-off taxi system is provided to maximize safety and facilitate the accelerated pushback process. The aircraft is equipped with a monitoring system including a number of different kinds of sensors and monitoring devices positioned to maximally monitor the aircraft's exterior ground environment and communicate the presence or absence of obstructions in the aircraft's path while the pilot is controlling the engines-off taxi system to drive the aircraft in reverse away from a terminal gate and then turn in place at a selected location before driving forward to a taxiway. The sensors and monitoring devices may be a combination of cameras, ultrasound, global positioning, radar, and LiDAR or LADAR devices, and proximity sensors located at varying heights adapted to continuously or intermittently scan or sweep the aircraft exterior and ground environment during aircraft ground movement.
US09394048B2

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.
US09394041B2

A device for righting a boat or other water vessel following a capsize. The device has an inflatable body which can be stowed in a collapsed state when uninflated. Compressed gas inflates the body following a capsize. The inflatable body has a flexible skin which forms at least first and second inflatable chambers. A valve arrangement causes the chambers to be inflated in a predetermined sequence. The first chamber securely mounts the valve upon the vessel. The second chamber is coupled to the first, supported by the first chamber when the device is deployed. Due to its buoyancy when submerged, the second chamber applies a righting moment to the vessel. The first chamber transmits this moment to the vessel. The staged inflation of the body alleviates its tendency to “pop up” to the surface before it is adequately inflated.
US09394037B1

The present invention describes a Sports board 1, preferably a kiteboard or a wakeboard with adjustable flexural strength. The sports board 1 includes a tensioning apparatus 10 which is arranged between two foot straps 2 mounted on an upper surface 1a of the sports board 1. The tensioning device 10 consists at least of a central actuating device 11 and at least one tensioning element 12 which extends from the actuating device 11 to both of the foot straps 2, wherein the tensioning element (12) is connected either with the upper surface 1a of the sports board 1 near the foot straps 2, or with the foot straps 2. A tension on the at least one tensioning element 12 is varied by the actuating device 11.
US09394025B2

A heated bottle cage for a bicycle is provided. The bottle cage includes a main body having an elongated spine configured for mounting to an adjacent portion of a bicycle frame, a base tab extending from the elongated spine, and at least one band extending from the elongated spine at a position spaced from the base tab. The bottle cage further includes a heating element for applying heat to a bottle positioned within the bottle cage. The bottle cage may also include a housing configured to house a power source that is operatively connected to the heating element for providing energy to the heating element.
US09394021B2

There is provided a conveyance device that can convey a conveyance truck composed of two truck bodies on which a worker rides and does a work in a widthwise direction of a large conveyance object, using a friction type drive unit disposed on a linear route or a curved route, which can improve workability and reduce manufacturing cost.A conveyance device includes a connecting device C for connecting conveyance trucks 1 on front and rear positions. Each of the trucks 1 is configured so that a first truck body 1A whose front and rear end surfaces are arc-shaped projections in plan view and a second truck body 1B whose front and rear end surfaces are arc-shaped recesses in plan view are connected to be capable of curving in a horizontal direction, and upper surfaces of the first truck body 1A and the second truck body 1B are approximately horizontal surfaces. Portions of the second truck body 1B that are radially inside a curved route and forms the arc-shaped recesses are composed of oscillation piece 2 as mobile bodies that make side surfaces of the first truck body 1A and the second truck body 1B approximately linear on a linear route and touch the side surface of the first truck body 1A to move on the curved route.
US09394019B2

A vehicle body structure includes a toe board panel that extends in a width direction of the vehicle body rotatably supporting wheels of the vehicle and that divides the vehicle body into a front compartment and a passenger compartment, and an A-pillar connected with the toe board panel in a part corresponding to a front corner or a rear corner of the passenger compartment in a side part of the vehicle body. The toe board panel has an inner flange provided on an end thereof in the width direction. The A-pillar has an outer flange. The toe board panel and the A-pillar are joined such that a joined section joining the inner flange and the outer flange is bent outward in the width direction.
US09394016B2

A self-propelled device operates to interpret an input corresponding to a set of actions that are performed on a controller device.
US09394003B2

A vehicle framework structure includes: a side rail that is placed on an outer side, in a vehicle width direction, of a vehicle lower portion of a vehicle with a frame, and that is extended along a vehicle front-rear direction, a dimension, in a vehicle width direction, between front sides of the side rails in a vehicle front-rear direction being shorter than that between rear sides thereof, and the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction being connected to the rear side by a bending portion; an outrigger provided in the bending portion and projecting outward in the vehicle width direction; and a load transmission member provided in the side rail, the load transmission member overlapping with the outrigger in a vehicle side view.
US09393991B2

A power steering pumping apparatus for a vehicle may include a driving motor, a power steering pump connected to a first side of a shaft of the driving motor, a compressor connected to a second side of the shaft of the driving motor, and a clutch disposed between the driving motor and the compressor and intermitting power between the driving motor and the compressor.
US09393986B1

A clamping mechanism for a steering column assembly includes an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position, and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion. At least a portion of the outboard cam is shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.
US09393985B2

A steering wheel having a heating element is manufactured by directly transferring a transfer film on which an esthetic decoration pattern is printed. The heating element is an electrically conductive paste on a surface of a rim, and includes heating lines that are electrically separated from each other, and a connection unit that electrically short-circuits ends of the heating lines. Power is supplied to the heating element through the connection unit.
US09393981B1

A foldable cart assembly having a user tracking arrangement so as to autonomously precede the movement of a user or follow movement instructions of the user during motion over a field. The cart assembly has a plurality of ultrasound and RF sensors in communication with corresponding sensors in a remote handset transmission device carried by the user. The sensors provide timing, direction and distance information to a central processor on the cart for instructing individual electrical motors empowering the respective direction and speed of rotation of the cart's wheels.
US09393977B2

A viewing system for trains that makes real time visual information in the form of images or video of the vicinity of the end of a train available to a locomotive operator or distant user. The system gathers images or video of the vicinity of the end of a train and transmits and displays the images or video to a remote display on a locomotive or at a remote location off the train. The invention also records the images or video such that the images or video can be recalled and used at a later time.
US09393972B2

A modular support frame assembly for attachment to a railway vehicle body is provided. The modular support frame assembly generally includes a support frame comprising a plurality of tubular frame members and a plurality of connecting brackets connecting the tubular frame members to form a three-dimensional structure. The connecting brackets comprise flange elements to accept respective ends of the tubular frame members to form the three-dimensional structure. The ends of the tubular frame members are swaged to the flange elements of the connecting brackets. A mechanical device is supported by the tubular frame members, such as an air compressor driven by a driving motor.
US09393971B2

A vehicle body, in particular a rail vehicle body, includes at least one body shell profile and at least one interior fitting connected to the body shell profile. The interior fitting is held on the body shell profile by at least one fastening element which is slipped or pushed onto the body shell profile using a clip section and clamped there.
US09393958B2

A method for validating information, wherein a first information item is detected essentially continuously, at least for the duration of its relevance, by a vehicle-to-X communication device, wherein a second information item is detected at the same time as the first information item by at least an individual sensor or a group of sensors, wherein the at least one individual sensor or the group of sensors is coupled at the data level to the vehicle-to-X communication device and wherein the first and/or second information items are validated by reconciling an information content of the first and second information items in the case of corresponding information content. The method is distinguished by the fact that the second information item is detected in an essentially discontinuous fashion.
US09393953B2

A transmission for vehicle includes: a transmission mechanism including a first engagement device configured to block/allow power transmission between an engine and a first input shaft of a first gear stage group, and a second engagement device configured to block/allow power transmission between the engine and a second input shaft of a second gear stage group; a differential mechanism; and a control device. The first gear stage group includes a starting stage used at a time the vehicle starts traveling, and the control device performs travel starting control to start traveling of the vehicle by: putting the second engagement device into an engaged state while the engine is operating before the vehicle starts traveling; and putting the second engagement device into a disengaged state, thereafter controlling rotation of a rotational machine and putting the first engagement device into an engaged state at the time the vehicle starts traveling.
US09393952B2

An approaching vehicle detection apparatus includes: a sound information detection unit configured to detect sound information around an own vehicle; a sound source detection unit configured to detect a sound source around the own vehicle based on the detected sound information; an approaching vehicle determination unit configured to determine whether the sound source is a vehicle approaching the own vehicle; and a vehicle state changing unit configured to change a vehicle state of the own vehicle to a vehicle state where the own vehicle sound is able to be suppressed when the own vehicle sound generated from the own vehicle is able to be suppressed by changing the vehicle state of the own vehicle.
US09393948B2

An object is to provide a vehicle start-up control, mechanism capable of preventing the occurrence of clutch judder with no need of paying excessive attention thereto for a driver. For this purpose, the present invention is provided with a clutch judder detection device (1) for detecting the occurrence of clutch judder, a clutch state detection, device (3) for detecting a partially engaged clutch state, and a control unit, (10), wherein the control unit (10) has a function, for storing an accelerator opening (position) in the partially engaged clutch state in a case where the clutch judder has occurred during start-up and a function, for comparing an accelerator opening during next start-up with an accelerator opening in case where the clutch judder has occurred during previous start-up.
US09393946B2

A method of operating a brake system comprises monitoring a vacuum pressure sensor with an ECU to determine an actual vacuum pressure in a vacuum booster for the brake system. The actual vacuum pressure is compared to a modeled vacuum pressure for the vacuum booster. When the actual vacuum pressure is different from the modeled vacuum pressure by a predetermined threshold difference the ECU determines either a booster leak to atmosphere or a booster checkball is malfunctioning. When the ECU determines that the booster is leaking to atmosphere or the booster checkball is malfunctioning an alert is provided.
US09393939B2

It is determined whether or not there is a “wheel to be subject to the vehicle stability control, in which a braking force is decreased with respect to a braking force corresponding to the pressing force of the brake pad due to fade or the like” (reduced braking force wheel) during vehicle stability control. When there is a reduced braking force wheel, a “wheel with a highest order of priority determined in advance for wheels for which a braking force needs to be generated in order to enhance the travel stability in the vehicle stability control” (first braking force allocated wheel) is identified among wheels excluding the reduced braking force wheel, and the pressing force of the brake pad of the first braking force allocated wheel is increased based on a lack of the braking force in the reduced braking force wheel.
US09393931B2

An occupant protection apparatus for a vehicle includes a door sensor that detects a defamation of a side door in a side collision and an occupant position detection sensor that detects a lumbar position of the occupant. A pretensioner is activated when it is determined from detection by the door sensor and the occupant position detection sensor that an intruding-object collision rear-end position in the side door is located in front of the lumbar position, and the pretensioner is prohibited from activation when it is determined that the intruding-object collision rear-end position is not located in front of the lumbar position. When there is a possibility that a clearance between the lumbar of the occupant and the deformed side door is insufficient, the pretensioner is prohibited from activation to allow the occupant to move at the early stage of a collision.
US09393930B2

A pedestrian safety device for a motor vehicle includes an inflatable airbag that has a volume portion and a gas inlet channel connected with the volume portion. The volume portion is adapted in such a manner that in the inflated state, it extends over a windshield of the motor vehicle. The pedestrian safety device is configured in such a manner that the inflated volume portion is displaceable in an impact direction in the event of an impact of a person on the inflated volume portion.
US09393926B2

A belt for restraining an occupant in a vehicle includes a first and second layers extending from a first end of the belt to a second end of the belt, and a seal joining the first and second layers to form an inflatable portion of the belt. The inflatable portion includes a first wing, a second wing, and a tear seam. The first and second wings are disposed within the inflatable portion. The first wing has a first width and the second wing has a second width that, in one example, is different than the first width. The tear seam separates the interior of the inflatable portion from the interiors of the first and second wings. The tear seam is configured to tear when the belt is inflated, allowing gas to fill the first and second wings and expand the first and second wings laterally outward.
US09393924B2

An airbag device for a vehicle may include a main vent hole disposed in an airbag cushion and emit expansion gas therein, a cover disposed on an outer side of the airbag cushion, to be switched between an opened state and a closed state, by a tension force applied thereto, and provided with an auxiliary vent hole through which the expansion gas inside the airbag cushion may be emitted, a tether having a first one end connected to the cover through the main vent hole and a second end fixed inside the airbag cushion to provide the tension force to the cover, and a tether guide disposed on an inner side of the airbag cushion to support the tether and make the tether pass therethrough while being slid on the inner side of the airbag cushion.
US09393916B2

A rotary assembly includes a shaft, a rotary member, a fixing member, a sliding member, and a shank. The shaft defines a latching groove. The rotary member defines a plurality of notched grooves. The fixing member is coupled to the rotary member. The sliding member secures the shaft and the rotary member, the sliding member protruding a resisting block. The shank includes a plurality of teeth. The rotary member passes through the sliding member to rotate around the shaft and the fixing member, the resisting block engages the latching groove, and the plurality of teeth engage the plurality of notched grooves.
US09393913B2

A load carrier for a vehicle, such as a bike carrier, including two load receiving sections each including at least one arm, e.g. a pivot arm. A center piece is positioned between the two load receiving sections. The center piece includes a first and a second connection portion and a bridging portion between the first and the second connection portion. The bridging portion and/or the load receiving sections includes a framework structure for improving the torsional rigidity while maintaining a low weight structure.
US09393909B2

A mirror pane, a mirror pane carrying element, a cover, and a supporting device associated with the carrying element and the cover includes supporting elements formed on an inner surface of the cover extending perpendicular to an inner surface of the mirror pane. It may also include reinforcing ribs in portions of the mirror pane to be received into slots of the carrying element. A clipping device is provided for coupling the mirror pane to the carrying element which includes a number of flanges and a number of corresponding openings whose plane is mutually perpendicular.
US09393897B2

A system for alerting a person when a child has been left unattended comprising at least one sensor pad configured to send a first signal to a transmitter which in turn simultaneously relays the first signal to a plurality of receiver modules, wherein said plurality of receiver modules are configured to notify a person that a child has been left unattended if communication between the sensor pad and at least one of the plurality of receiver modules ceases. In addition, a method is provided for alerting a person when a child has been left unattended comprising the steps of sending a first signal, via a sensor pad, to a transmitter; simultaneously relaying the first signal to a plurality of receiver modules; and notifying a person that a child has been left unattended if communication between the sensor pad and at least one of the plurality of receiver modules ceases.
US09393895B2

A track fitting assembly for engagement with an L-track is disclosed herein. The track fitting assembly includes an anchor with at least one, but preferably three track engaging lugs extending from each side of the anchor. The anchor includes a load beam whose cross-section is larger than the anchor portion not comprising the load beam. The top surface of the load beam rises above the top surface of the track. A stud extending upwards from the load beam, and because it sits above the track, the diameter of the stud is not limited by the narrowed portions of the L-Track or the load beam. The track fitting assembly also includes a locking mechanism comprising at least one index member on each side, wherein the index members fit between the lugs of the anchor. The locking mechanism comprises an opening for receiving one or both of the load beam and the stud. A nut secures hardware to the track fitting assembly through engagement with the stud.
US09393892B1

An adjustable headrest that provides both support and comfort to the user and one that can be used in connection with various types of passenger vehicles. The headrest includes slide mechanisms for permitting easy height adjustment of the headrest and also includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the headrest forwardly and rearwardly. Further, the headrest includes easily adjustable, wing-like, side-support members that are pivotally connected to a centrally located, vertically adjustable head support member by specially designed hinges.
US09393883B2

A seat adjustment apparatus includes a first rail and a second rail each having a plurality of openings that extend along a longitudinal axis, the openings being defined by spaced-apart locking surfaces. A locking mechanism having first and second locking portions is configured to engage the first and second rails. The first and second locking portions are selectively rotatable between a released position and a locked position. In the locked position, the first and second locking portions are configured for relative axial movement along the longitudinal axis such that the interaction of the locking mechanism with portions of the first and second rails attenuates longitudinal freeplay therebetween.
US09393882B2

A conveyance seat includes a lower rail, an upper rail, and a reinforcing member disposed on the lower rails to inhibit deformation of the lower rail. The reinforcing member is disposed in a rear end portion of the lower rail and extended rearwardly from the rear end portion of the lower rail, an upper surface pressing portion of the reinforcing member is disposed forwardly from the rear end portion of the lower rail, and a bent portion of the reinforcing member is disposed rearwardly from the rear end portion of the lower rail and adjacent to a tip portion of the lower rail.
US09393878B1

Disclosures herein are related to improving energy transfer with vehicles.
US09393869B2

A total certainty factor indicating a total degree of certainty of the parking frame certainty degree and the parking frame entering certainty degree is calculated based on a parking frame certainty degree indicating the degree of certainty that a parking frame is present in a travel direction of a vehicle, and a parking frame entering certainty degree indicating the degree of certainty that the vehicle enters the parking frame. When the total certainty factor is low, acceleration of the vehicle controlled according to an operation amount of an accelerator pedal for instructing a driving force by operation of a driver is suppressed with a low suppression degree, as compared with a case where the total certainty factor is high. Further, the acceleration of the vehicle is suppressed with a lower suppression degree as the vehicle speed of the vehicle is higher.
US09393867B2

A hand control throttle system includes an actuating mechanism and a sensor. The system is mounted to a standard steering wheel for a vehicle, so that a disabled driver can operate the throttle using a single hand (either right or left) while the hand is also holding the steering wheel.
US09393864B2

A fueling portion structure of a fuel tank can reliably close a fueling port, and at which pulling-out of a fueling gun from the fueling port is easier. A center of a rotation shaft and a contact position when valve is closed, that a spring for the flapper valve contacts when a flapper valve is at a closed-valve position, are connected, and a reference segment when the valve is closed is assumed. The center of the rotation shaft and a contact position when the valve is open, at a time when the flapper valve is at open-valve position HP, are connected, and a reference segment when the valve is open is assumed. A spring shaft is provided further toward the contact position when valve is closed side than a bisector of an angle formed by the reference segment when valve is closed and the reference segment when valve is open.
US09393861B2

A vehicle grille apparatus includes: a first cover member that includes a plurality of fixed fins which are disposed to be lined up in an opening portion of a front grille; a second cover member that includes a plurality of movable fins which are connected to each other in such a manner as to be able to integrally move, and configured such that the movable fins are disposed in a line to alternate with the fixed fins; and a drive mechanism that changes the degree of opening of the front grille by driving the second cover member such that the movable fins retract behind the respective fixed fins.
US09393859B2

The invention relates to a wheel provided with electric driving means in the wheel, the electric driving means comprising a rotor and a stator coaxially within the rotor and connectable to a vehicle, with an air gap provided between said rotor and said stator, wherein said wheel is provided with an air gap controlling bearing.
US09393856B2

A vehicle window cover features a flexible sheet attachable to a vehicle door over a window space thereof. A window opening in the sheet is provided overlies the window space of the vehicle door with the sheet in the installed position. A mesh screen is attached to the sheet in a position spanning over the window opening therein, and a movable canopy is connected to the sheet at an area thereof spanning across a top end of the window opening. The canopy is movable between a deployed position reaching outwardly from the sheet over the window opening and a collapsed position retracted back toward the sheet from the deployed position. An elastic perimeter member is stretched around a perimeter of the door to secure the cover in place over a entirety of the door's exterior. Tether lines are staked to the ground to anchor the canopy in the deployed positions.
US09393851B2

A stabilizer arrangement in a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle includes a rotatably supported center part oriented in the vehicle transverse direction, and at least one leg projecting from the center part in the vehicle longitudinal direction and articulated via a substantially vertically extending rod with a control arm of the wheel suspension. A joint connection is arranged between the rod and the control arm outside a vehicle longitudinal member by a transverse clearance in the vehicle transverse direction, when the vehicle is in the compressed state. The rod is articulated to the control arm such that its force vector extending through the joint connections of the rod extends through the center axis defined by the control arm bearings.
US09393849B2

A vehicle height adjustment apparatus includes: vehicle height adjustment units respectively provided to correspond to wheels of a vehicle body, and adjusting a vehicle height in response to the supply and discharge of a working fluid; a supply source of the working fluid; opening and closing valves interposed between the vehicle height adjustment units and the supply source; and a control unit adjusting the vehicle height for the vehicle height adjustment unit in a storage vehicle height range which is present within a vehicle height adjustable range of the vehicle height adjustment unit, and is set to be lower than a center value of a travelling vehicle height range attainable while travelling, wherein when a predetermined vehicle stop condition is satisfied, the control unit adjusts the vehicle height for the vehicle height adjustment unit to any position in the storage vehicle height range.
US09393839B2

The pneumatic tire 1 satisfies both SW≦175 mm and OD/SW≧3.6, where SW is the width of the pneumatic tire 1 and OD is the outer diameter of the pneumatic tire 1. Moreover, the pneumatic tire 1 satisfies both SW≦175 mm and OD/RD≦1.4, where SW is the width, OD is the outer diameter, and RD is the inner diameter of the pneumatic tire 1, which is the diameter of a portion of the pneumatic tire 1 (an end portion of a bead portion) in contact with a wheel in a state where the pneumatic tire 1 is fitted to the wheel.
US09393837B2

An elastomer composition having a self-sealing property includes: a blend of at least two solid elastomers, in which “elastomer A” is a polybutadiene or butadiene copolymer elastomer, in which “elastomer B” is a natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene elastomer, and in which an elastomer A:elastomer B weight ratio is within a range from 10:90 to 90:10; between 30 and 90 phr of a hydrocarbon resin, with phr meaning parts by weight per 100 parts of solid elastomer; and from 0 to less than 120 phr of filler, which includes from 0 to less than 30 phr of reinforcing filler. The composition may be used to form a puncture-resistant layer in an inflatable article, such as a tire. The puncture-resistant layer may be used in combination with an airtight layer to form an airtight and puncture-resistant laminate for the inflatable article.
US09393829B2

A stamping device is configured to perform stamping on various processing targets that are significantly different in thickness. The stamping device that forms a stamping indentation on a surface of a processing target includes a processing tool configured to be movable in three axis directions perpendicular to one another, a first base member that supports the processing tool, and a second base member including a securing member configured to secure the processing target, detachably attached thereto and is detachably attached to first base member. The processing tool is located above the second base member.
US09393828B2

According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus which has a function of performing an erasing process of erasing an image formed on a recording medium and an image forming process of forming an image on the recording medium is provided. The image forming apparatus automatically performs the erasing process when a state where an operation panel does not receive a process request from a user continues during a predetermined time or more.
US09393818B2

A printer includes a fixed blade block and a movable blade block. The fixed blade block includes an installing member including a rotation shaft, a fixed blade installed in the installing member, a retaining member, and a spring attached to the installing member in a rotatable state with respect to the rotation shaft. The spring includes a first contact part that contacts with the fixed blade and a second contact part that contacts with the retaining member. The movable blade block includes a movable blade that is movable toward the fixed blade. When the fixed blade block and the movable blade block are connected, the retaining member presses the second contact part, causing the spring to rotate and push the fixed blade toward the movable blade.
US09393806B2

There is provided a transport belt to transport a medium by adhering to an adhesive layer which is on a surface of the transport belt, a liquid discharge section configured to discharge a liquid toward a surface of the transport belt, a sensor configured to detect a presence or absence of floating being generated in the medium on the transport belt, a flattening section configured to carry out an action of flattening with regard to the medium on the transport belt, and a control section configured to control an operation of the flattening section based on detecting information from the sensor.
US09393803B2

A recording apparatus includes a discharge head which discharges a radiation curable ink to a recording medium, an ink container which stores the radiation curable ink to be supplied to the discharge head, an ink circulation flow path which is formed so that the radiation curable ink supplied from the ink container returns back to the ink container, and is connected to the discharge head, a degassing module which is provided in the middle of the ink circulation flow path, and a vacuum controller which controls the degree of vacuum of the degassing module, and the vacuum controller controls the degree of vacuum so that the degree of vacuum is −60 kPa to −20 kPa.
US09393800B2

An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, particularly a continuous ink jet printer, has a manifold assembly of two parts that are brought together at interfacing surfaces. At least one of the surfaces has a plurality of ink flow channels for conveying ink around an ink circuit between components. The other of the interfacing surfaces is configured to close and seal the channels. A plurality of ports is provided in fluid communication with the channels, the circuit components being connectable to the ports. The manifold assembly provides for a compact and neat arrangement free of many tubes and pipes. The lower number of connections significantly reduces the risk of leakage.
US09393799B2

Disclosed is a system and method for verifying a chip having a memory. Remanufacturers of imaging devices, such as inkjet printers or electrostatic printers, often have to use a replacement chip in order to reuse an imaging cartridge. It is desirable to have a system and method for determining if the replacement chip is suitable for use with a specific imaging cartridge. Also, it may be desirable to confirm that the chip was manufactured by a specific manufacturer. The disclosed system and method allow the remanufacturer a reliable and efficient way to verify chips.
US09393795B2

A fluid discharge device, a printing device, and a control method for a fluid discharge device enable accurately detecting an empty fluid state and suppressing fluid waste. An inkjet printer 1 has an ink cartridge in which ink is stored, a subtank that draws ink from the ink cartridge, an inkjet head to which ink is supplied from the subtank, a movable carriage on which the inkjet head and subtank are mounted, an ink pump unit that draws the ink supplied to the inkjet head from the ink cartridge by movement of the carriage, and a control unit that determines if ink is in the ink cartridge based on the load required to move the carriage.
US09393788B2

A wiper device of a printer has four wiper units arranged in a line to wipe the nozzle faces of an inkjet head. Each wiper unit has a first intermittent gear and a second intermittent gear which sequentially mesh with first and second drive gears and sequentially transverse axis X a wiping operation and a cleaning operation. The wipers move vertically to the nozzle faces. A wiper cleaner lever rocks between a closed position covering the wiper and an open position not touching the wiper, moves through a path not interfering with the wiper in an opening operation, and through a path wiping the wiper and removing ink and other accretions from the wiper in a closing operation.
US09393787B2

[Object] To provide a method and apparatus for discharging a liquid material, which can solve the problems regarding the occurrence of a satellite and accuracy of a landing position. [Solving Means] In a method for discharging a liquid material in the state of a liquid droplet through a discharge orifice by applying inertial force to the liquid material, the method is characterized in comprising the steps of measuring a distance A from a lower end of the discharge orifice to a lower end of the liquid material having flowed out from the discharge orifice at the time when the liquid material having flowed out from the discharge orifice separates from the discharge orifice, and setting a distance B between the lower end of the discharge orifice and a work surface to be approximately the same as the distance A. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
US09393785B2

A flexible cable includes a portion that is covered by a solder resist and an exposed portion that is not covered by the solder resist, in which the exposed portion contains a wiring terminal and at least continues to a position closer to an outside than an opening of a wiring member insertion side of a wiring vacant portion in a state in which the wiring terminal portion is connected to an element terminal of a piezoelectric element side and in which the wiring vacant portion is filled with an electrically insulating filling material in a state of covering a joining portion between the element terminal and the wiring terminal within the wiring vacant portion, and in a state in which a protective substrate, which forms the wiring vacant portion by partitioning, and the exposed portion of the flexible cable are not in contact with one another.
US09393783B2

Provided is a liquid ejecting head which includes a head main body which has liquid ejection surface through which liquid is ejected, a flexible wiring substrate which is connected to the head main body, and a flow-path member having flow path through which liquid is supplied to the head main body. The flow-path member has an opening portion through which the substrate is inserted. The substrate extends to the flow-path member, with respect to the head main body. The substrate is inclined in a direction directed toward a first surface side of both surfaces of the substrate. In an area on a second surface side of both surfaces of the substrate, the flow path has a portion extending along the head main body.
US09393782B2

A liquid discharge head includes a substrate on the surface of which a liquid supply port opens, and a sealing material that is in contact with a side surface of the substrate and that seals the side surface of the substrate. On the surface of the substrate, an opening of the liquid supply port extends in a longitudinal direction. In a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the sealing material has a narrow region and a wide region. When the width of the narrow region is denoted as W1, and the width of the wide region is denoted as W2, W1
US09393781B2

A liquid-discharging head includes a substrate; a flow passage wall-forming layer bonded to the substrate so as to form a flow passage for liquid between the substrate and the flow passage wall-forming layer, the flow passage communicating with a discharge port configured to discharge the liquid; an element configured to generate energy used for discharging the liquid from the discharge port and provided on the flow passage wall-forming layer; a metal layer provided with the discharge port so as to correspond to the element; and a projecting portion made of a metal and extending from the metal layer through the flow passage wall-forming layer and projecting in the direction of the substrate.
US09393777B2

An image forming device includes an ink-jet head; a procuring ultraviolet irradiation device; a head unit in which is installed the ink-jet head and the procuring ultraviolet irradiation device; a medium holding unit that holds a medium; a transfer sheet unit holding unit that holds a transfer sheet unit, in which a transfer sheet is mounted to a transfer sheet holder; an elastic pad unit; a final curing ultraviolet irradiation device; a cleaning unit; and a control unit. The ink-jet head applies ink to the transfer sheet and the pad unit pushes the transfer sheet against the medium, thus providing a pressure transfer of the ink applied to the transfer sheet to the medium.
US09393775B2

A screen printing machine includes a paste supply apparatus which supplies paste on a mask by using a paste pot including an inner lid movable in a container. The paste supply apparatus includes: a pot holder which holds the paste pot such that a through hole of the container faces downward; an ejecting member which abuts on the inner lid of the paste pot; an ejecting member lifting unit which presses down the ejecting member to eject the paste from the through hole; and a detector which detects a state in which the ejecting member reaches a predetermined press-down limit position in the container. After the detector detects the state in which the ejecting member reaches the press-down limit position in the container, the ejecting member lifting unit continues to press down the ejecting member to further eject the paste.
US09393770B2

A 3D object (the “New Object”) is fabricated layer by layer by 3D printing. The shape and relative dimensions of the various parts of the New Object match that of another 3D object (the “Target Object”). In addition, the exterior of the New Object appears to be a photographic likeness of the Target Object. The “photographic” likeness is created by variations in visual characteristics of materials in the layers comprising the New Object, and in particular by variations at or near the surface of the New Object. Thus, the photographic likeness is an integral part of these layers comprising the New Object. An object is scanned, from which a texture map is obtained. A CAD model is sliced into slices (bit maps files) which are then colored by a program with the boundary to match the color or gray scale to color the appropriate pixels, derived from the texture map.
US09393769B2

A flexible display panel peeling apparatus for peeling a flexible display panel attached to a top surface of a substrate includes a stage fixed to the substrate and a peeling plate comprising a bottom surface that is convex toward the flexible display panel and a plurality of adsorption units defined in the bottom surface to adsorb the flexible display panel to the bottom surface. Since the flexible display panel is successively peeled through the peeling plate, the flexible display panel may be peeled from the substrate without being damaged.
US09393768B2

A repair patch for reworking an inconsistent area of a composite structure includes a patch body adapted to cover the inconsistent area and having a first patch region, a second patch region outside the first patch region and a first separation zone between the first patch region and the second patch region, with the first patch region, the first separation zone and the second patch region having increasing interlaminar fracture toughness from a center to an edge of the patch body; and a layer of adhesive for bonding the patch body to the composite structure.
US09393765B2

A miter clamp is provided which includes a paddle with a non-slip surface that can be placed on a miter-cut piece of material. The paddle is connected to a channel structure that has disposed therein a shaft assembly, which has connected to it a lower material holding structure that holds a second miter-cut piece of material. The shaft assembly is locked into place by a position lock that is attached to the paddle, with a position lock tab that contacts the shaft assembly and restricts movement of the shaft assembly. The relative position of the shaft assembly to the paddle can be changed such that the first and second miter-cut pieces can be brought in contact with each other. Other structures allowing for the fine movement of the shaft assembly are disclosed.
US09393763B2

A sealed container containing a foodstuff or beverage has a lid that includes a heat-sealable, composite film that includes a polymeric substrate layer having a first and second surface, a primer layer that includes PVdC disposed on the first surface, and a heat-sealable polymeric layer extrusion coated on the primer layer. The heat-sealable polymeric layer is 12 μm thick or less and includes a copolymer having repeating monomeric units of ethylene and at least a second type of repeating monomeric unit having the formula [—CH2C(R1)(X)—] wherein: X is selected from —COOR2 and —OC(O)CH3; R1 =H or methyl; and R2 is H, C1-10 alkyl or a counterion M.
US09393750B2

Disclosed herein are a method of coating a sealant composition to an inner surface of a tire, and a tire manufactured by the same. The method includes extracting coordinates for coating a sealant composition with reference to a central point of a target tire using a computer-aided design (CAD) file of the target tire; setting robot moving coordinates and setting a coating width based on the extracted coordinates; and coating the sealant composition while moving a nozzle provided to a robot arm and ejecting the sealant composition toward the set coordinates.
US09393748B2

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a practical direct-blow molded container having excellent barrier property against fuels, chemicals, various gases including oxygen. The method of manufacturing a practical direct-blow molded container containing the metaxylylene group-containing polyamide (C) being dispersed and layered in the polyolefin (A) includes using a die provided with a die body having a flow hole in which the melted resin extruded from an extruder flows and a cylindrical hollow having an opening in the lower side and the flow hole in the upper side, the opening and the flow hole opening downward and upward, respectively, a mandrel having a tip in the upper side, the tip pointing to the opening of the tip of the flow hole, a flow path clearance formed between the hollow of the die body and the mandrel, the flow path clearance defining a resin flow path, and a support part formed in the flow path clearance, the support part holding the mandrel in the hollow of the die body.
US09393744B2

Apparatus for producing a composite filler includes at least one die and a device for moving a stack of reinforced ply strips through the die. The die has peripheral die face adapted for forming the ply strip stack into a desired cross sectional shape. The cross section of the die face may vary around the periphery of the die.
US09393737B2

Disclosed is a resin mold for nanoimprinting, which has a resin layer having fine depressions and protrusions formed on the surface, wherein the resin layer is formed from 1 to 49 parts by weight of a silicone-based macromonomer and/or a fluorine-based macromonomer and 99 to 51 parts by weight of at least one polymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of a (meth)acrylic monomer, a styrene-based monomer, an epoxy-based monomer, an olefin-based monomer and a polycarbonate-based resin-forming monomer. The silicone-based macromonomer and/or the fluorine-based macromonomer has a molecular weight of 600 to 10000 and has, at an end of molecule, a reactive group copolymerizable with the polymerizable monomer, and when the reactive group is copolymerized with the polymerizable group, silicone-based units or fluorine-based units that constitute the macromonomer form side chains on a trunk polymer formed from the polymerizable monomer and the macromonomer.
US09393736B2

A film (F) is transported with one end side in a width direction moved relatively in a preceding manner and the other end side moved relatively in a delayed manner and thus the film (F) is stretched in an oblique direction with respect to the width direction. In the individual positions of the film (F) in the width direction, the film (F) is asymmetrically heated in the width direction such that the amount of displacement (ΔL) of an orientation angle from a desired angle caused by bowing (Bo) asymmetrically produced in the width direction by the stretching of the film (F) in the oblique direction is reduced, and thus a maximum value in the temperature distribution of the film (F) is present between a center portion in the width direction and any one of end portions.
US09393721B2

In the present invention, (i) a polyamic acid solution for forming a thermoplastic polyimide layer to be in no contact with a support contains no chemical dehydrating agent or imidization catalyst, (ii) a polyamic acid solution for forming a thermoplastic polyimide layer to be in contact with the support contains an imidization catalyst, and (iii) a polyamic acid solution for forming a non-thermoplastic polyimide layer contains a chemical dehydrating agent and an imidization catalyst. This arrangement eliminates a property difference between the thermoplastic polyimide layers.
US09393720B2

A polyimide film, which is produced by the reaction of a tetracarboxylic acid component comprising 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride as the main component and a diamine component comprising p-phenylenediamine as the main component, is heated at a temperature of from 460° C. to 550° C., and then water or an alkaline aqueous solution is sprayed on a surface of the polyimide film for surface treatment, thereby improving adhesiveness, while maintaining the excellent properties inherent in the polyimide film.
US09393716B2

Disclosed apparatus and method to extrude a honeycomb, providing correction in bowing of the extruded honeycomb structure, employs a deflector device having a base plate including an opening aligned in a direction parallel to the extrusion axis through which the plastic material is conveyed to the die. The deflector device includes a bow plate movably mounted to the downstream or upstream side of the base plate. The bow plate includes a constant area aperture. The deflector device positioned upstream of extrusion die imparts a degree of bow reduction by the position of the constant area aperture over the opening imparting a pressure drop gradient on the flow stream entering the die.
US09393715B2

The invention provides novel railroad ties manufactured from novel composite materials that possess excellent physical and performance characteristics matching or exceeding existing concrete RRTs. The RRTs of the invention can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production with improved energy consumption and more desirable carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact.
US09393714B2

The invention provides a method for method for producing construction timber planks, construction timber and laminated planks or beams. The method includes the steps of sawing debarked and plantation dried logs from Eucalyptus trees having a moisture content of 18% or higher into planks having lengths suitable for the next step as described below. The planks are cross cut into lengths of about 0.5 m to 2.5 m and their end edges are profiled for finger jointing. The end edges of a series of profiled planks are joined by longitudinally pressing end edges together using a polyurethane glue to lengths required for construction timber planks.
US09393711B2

A hand-held knockout punch driver for use with a punch and a die. The hand-held knockout punch driver having a body with a handle portion and a contact surface, a motor positioned within the body, a draw stud moveable with respect to the body, and a magnetic coupling member configured to releaseably couple the die to the contact surface of the body.
US09393710B2

A mechanism for storing nesting cutting tools includes a hood to house and at least partially cover at least some of the cutting tools nested within one another. The hood includes locking mechanisms on a household electrical appliance for preparing food. The mechanism includes a securing ring for cutting tools nested in the hood, with the locking mechanisms for the hood designed to come into contact with additional locking mechanisms of the securing ring which also contain at least one locking stop for the nested cutting tools relative to the ring which holds the tools at least partially inside the hood.
US09393708B2

A smoothing tool includes a grip part and a blade part accommodated therein. The grip part is formed as a light metal hollow profile and has two brackets clasping the blade part, and the blade part has at least one support rib and one or two clamping ribs at least partially clasping a respective one of the brackets of the grip part. A process for manufacturing the composite smoothing tool includes providing the blade part as a tailored cold drawn steel part.
US09393705B2

A scissors for cutting a layer of material having a seam with an acute angle includes a first blade and a second blade. The first blade extends to a first tip and has a first cutting edge. The second blade extends to a second tip and has a second cutting edge and an outer edge. The second blade is operatively connected to the first blade to selectively move between an open position and a closed position. The outer edge includes a linear portion extending from the second tip to a curvilinear portion, which defines a fin. The linear portion and the second cutting edge define an acute angle therebetween.
US09393697B1

The present disclosure discloses a system and method for creating a customized guest experience at an amusement park. In one example, the method includes capturing by a foot sensor a first foot shape corresponding to at least one foot in a pair of feet of a guest and capturing by a camera a first foot appearance corresponding to at least one foot in the first pair of feet receiving guest data from the guest. The method also includes generating a first foot model using the first foot shape and the first foot appearance and tagging the first foot model with the guest data. The foot model can be used to identify a particular guest and the guest data can be used to output a customized guest experience to the guest.
US09393696B2

A robot system includes a robot body, a camera mounted on the robot body and capable of photographing a work piece; and a control device for driving and controlling the robot body based on a trajectory to an instruction point, which is set in advance, and, when the camera arrives at an area in which the camera is capable of photographing the work piece during this driving and controlling, driving and controlling the robot body so that the camera moves linearly toward the work piece, taking an image of the work piece with the camera while the camera is moving linearly, and measuring a position of the work piece from the taken image.
US09393690B2

An apparatus for inputting teaching data for a robot includes a first input interface configured to input teaching data of a path layer; and a second input interface configured to input teaching data of a task layer.
US09393682B2

A folding knife includes a handle assembly, a blade, and a secondary tool. The blade is pivotally connected to the handle assembly and is configured to pivot from a closed position to an opened position. The secondary tool is pivotally connected to the handle assembly and is configured to pivot from a closed position to an opened position. The secondary tool includes a locking member that traps the blade in the closed position when the secondary tool is in the opened position but allows the blade to pivot to the opened position when the secondary tool is in the closed position.
US09393677B2

An anvil is disclosed having wings with additional surface area compared to prior art impact wrench anvils. The wings engage respective hammers in a radial direction, and overlap with one another in an axial direction across the interface between the two hammers. The hammers can each include a recess so that one wing does not engage the hammer associated with the other wing. In an embodiment, the surface of the wing can be angled to increase the amount of material extending over the hammer interface.
US09393665B2

A polishing method and a polishing system are provided. By means of adjusting a rotational center of a polishing article corresponding to positions of a polishing pad or polishing pads, a polishing rate of the polishing article surface has a better uniformity, resulted from compensation of polishing rates at the rotational center of the polishing article.
US09393664B2

An automatic sheet grinding apparatus includes a stationary stage positioned at a lower portion of the automatic sheet grinding apparatus, a sheet holder positioned on the stationary stage to grip the sheet, and a grinding head part having a chuck assembly fixed to the grinding head part through a spindle, spaced apart from the sheet holder, positioned on the stationary stage, and having a grinding disc attached to the chuck assembly to grind the sheet provided in the sheet holder. The grinding head part includes a thickness measuring unit to measure a thickness of the sheet, and a hardness measuring unit to measure hardness of the sheet. The automatic sheet grinding apparatus further includes rails positioned on the stationary stage and extending in parallel to each other. In this case, the sheet holder is securely and movably provided on the rails positioned on the stationary stage to grip the sheet.
US09393656B1

Adjusting the height of a gripping device above the surface of a fixture by providing a separate riser between the gripping device and the working surface of a fixture. The risers can be stacked as needed to raise the gripping device to an elevation to effectively grip the workpiece. The guide in the riser blocks for the gripping devices will direct the gripping device in a central predetermined position of the part to be machined or welded, thus saving time on the unclamping and clamping of the parts resulting in a great cost saving of time and labor. Additionally, risers of different sizes can be more easily manufactured than the gripping device itself.
US09393649B2

The present invention relates to a blade for cutting machines and to a method for producing such a blade. The blade has a main body made of a first material and a cutting body made of a second material and having at least one cutting edge formed thereon. The second material has a higher hardness than the first material. The cutting body is joined along a joining line to the main body. According to the invention, the blade is produced by: a) providing a support made of a third material of high thermal conductivity; b) placing the main body on the support such that a base area of the main body and a surface of the support lie substantially parallel to each other and the joining line is adjacent the surface of the support; c) generating the cutting body by build-up welding of the second material onto the first material along the joining line, the support being arranged for mechanically supporting the second material used for build-up welding and d) sharpening the cutting body to form the at least one cutting edge.
US09393646B2

A ternary magnetic braze alloy and method for applying the braze alloy in areas having limited access. The magnetic braze alloy is a nickel-based braze alloy from the perminvar region of the Ni, Fe, Co phase diagram. The braze alloy includes, by weight percent 8-45% Fe, 0-78% Co, 2.0-4.0% of an element selected from the group consisting of B and Si and combinations thereof, and the balance Ni. The nickel-based braze alloy is characterized by a brazing temperature in the range of 1850-2100° F. The nickel-based braze alloy is magnetic below its Curie temperature.
US09393641B2

A method of aligning a subject tooling element of a material handling system of an ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing an overlay defining a relative position of at least a portion of a reference tooling element; b) viewing an image of at least a portion of the subject tooling element combined with a corresponding portion of the overlay; and c) adjusting a position of at least a portion of the subject tooling element by referring to the overlay in the image.
US09393639B2

The invention relates to a spot welding cap changer (1) with a cap puller (2) and two cap magazines (3, 3A), the cap puller (2) having a gripper (20) with spring-loaded, pivotable jaws (21, 22), which in response to a turning and axial pulling-off movement detaches a spot welding cap (K) of a pincer spot welding head introduced into it from a shaft of the pincer welding head in such a way that it is clamped to prevent it twisting, and the cap magazines (3, 3A) holding spot welding caps respectively in a round cap carrier (31) such that they are circularly arranged in a directed and oriented manner and are respectively transported individually one after the other into an access position against a stop (32) by an advancing force (P).
US09393635B2

An electric arc welding device for performing a pulse welding process by a current between an advancing electrode and workpiece where the welder comprises a short detecting circuit for creating a short signal upon occurrence of a short circuit between the advancing electrode and the workpiece and a boost circuit to create a plasma boost pulse after the short circuit is cleared during the time period when the welder is not outputting the peak pulse current. The peak pulse current to background current ratio is high and the duration of the peak pulse is short.
US09393634B2

A power supply device includes a main body defining a receiving cavity which has an opening, a battery and a metallic plate both disposed in the receiving cavity, a metallic ring mounted around the opening, and a cover disposed at the opening. The metallic ring is positioned between the cover and the main body and heated by the high-frequency heating for fusion of the cover and the main body to seal up the battery in the receiving cavity. The metallic plate is located between the battery and acting parts by the high-frequency heating to separate the energy of the high-frequency heating from the battery. The main body or the cover are provided with a connecting element of which one end is exposed in the receiving cavity to electrically connect the battery and the other end is exposed outside the power supply device to electrically connect an external electronic product.
US09393621B2

To provide a half bearing which has excellent abrasion resistance and surely forms an oil film under boundary lubrication in which it is difficult to form any oil film. A half bearing 1 formed on a circular arc along a direction in which the member to be slid swings is provided with a porous layer 4 composed of Cu—Sn series alloy, which is formed on a surface of a metal substrate 3, and a sliding layer 2 in which the porous layer 4 is covered with resin material 5 including at least polytetrafluoroethylene and a carbon fiber. An uneven surface 6 having a height which maintains oil to form an oil film and maintains the oil so that the oil film is formed against abrasion when a member to be slid is sliding, is formed on a surface of the sliding layer 2 slidably bearing the member to be slid.
US09393620B2

A gas turbine airfoil having internal cooling passages is formed by additive manufacturing. Layers of superalloy powder are fused by an energy beam using a two-dimensional pattern providing unmelted areas forming passageways therein. Layers of the powder are added and fused using sufficient two-dimensional patterns to form the entire airfoil with the desired pattern of internal cooling passages. After completion of the formation of the airfoil, it may be hot isostatic pressed, directionally recrystallized, bond coated, and covered with a thermal barrier layer.
US09393618B2

The present disclosure relates to a method of making a sintered cutting body having a side with binder metal capping and another side without binder metal capping. The disclosure also relates to a sintered cutting body produced according to the method.
US09393616B2

A spreading device (10) for the spreading of bulk material on a circular surface comprises a distribution plate (12) mounted about a central shaft (14); at least one radially extending slit (16) arranged in the distribution plate (12); and a scraper device (24) for spreading the bulk material over the length of the slit (16). The bulk material is preferably granular or powdered covering material to be deposited as an insulation layer on the top layer of a casting mold containing molten steel or metal. According to the present invention, a rectangular distribution trough (22) mounted on the distribution plate (12), the slit (16) being arranged within the distribution trough (22). Furthermore, a feed pipe (30) is arranged so as to feed bulk material into the distribution trough (22) onto an area corresponding to the rotational center (18) of the distribution plate. The slit (16) extends from the rotational center (18) of the distribution plate (12) to the edge (20) thereof. Finally, the scraper device (24) comprises at least one linearly displaceable scraper (28) arranged within the distribution trough (22) so as to feed the bulk material through the distribution trough (22) radially outwards from the rotational center (18) of the distribution plate (12). The invention also relates to a method for applying a homogeneous layer of material onto a circular surface by using such a spreading device (10).
US09393614B2

A continuous casting mold for casting a strand of metal includes a sidewall having an inner circumference to define a mold cavity which has a pouring opening for liquid metal and an outlet opening for a cast strand. The mold cavity has a cross section sized to correspond to a basic shape of the cast strand. The sidewall is provided with a profiling in the form of a corrugation that extends in a casting direction and forms grooves extending in substantial parallel relationship from the pouring opening to the outlet opening of the mold cavity. A ratio of the inner circumference of the mold cavity to a width of each of the grooves is greater than 30, and the width of the groove is in the range of 1.5 mm to 30 mm.
US09393592B2

The present invention discloses a process for forming a multiple layered coating film in three wet coating method, which the multiple layered coating film has excellent chipping resistance while maintaining smoothness between the coating films.The present invention provides a process for forming a multiple layered coating film comprising the steps of forming an uncured first base coating film; an uncured second base coating film and an uncured clear coating film in order on an automobile body having an electrodeposition coating film on the surface thereof, and then simultaneously heating and curing the uncured coating films to form a multiple layered coating film, wherein the multiple layered coating film comprising the first base coating film having the dry coating film thickness of 25 μm, the second base coating film having the dry coating film thickness of 10 μm and the clear coating film having the dry coating film thickness of 30 μm has an elongation at 20° C. of 40 to 60%, a tensile strength at 20° C. of 400 to 600 kgf/m2 and a ratio of viscous term to elastic term (tan δ) at −20° C. of 0.04 to 0.06.
US09393581B2

A method for controlling a temperature of a jetting device, the jetting device being configured to jet droplets of a fluid at a high temperature, the fluid comprising an electrically conductive fluid, wherein at least a part of the fluid is positioned in a magnetic field, includes heating the jetting device to an operating temperature, being defined as the temperature suitable for jetting droplets, using a heat jetting droplets by providing an electrical actuation current in the part of the fluid positioned in the magnetic field, thereby generating a force in the conductive fluid; determining upcoming jetting conditions, the upcoming jetting conditions being defined as the jetting conditions corresponding to droplets to be jetted at a time (t1) which is later than the present time (t0); determining settings for the heat based on the determined upcoming jetting conditions; controlling the heating of the jetting device using the heat in accordance with the determined settings.
US09393577B2

Lowering of process quality of a sample is prevented even when a rotor is slowly decelerated taking a long time upon finishing a centrifugal process. A centrifuge having a steady operation mode of rotating a rotor at an inputted steady rotation speed and a deceleration stop mode of stopping the rotor by deceleration. When a remaining time of the steady operation mode is within a stop preparation time, a target controlled temperature of the rotor chamber is set from a first target controlled temperature to a second target controlled temperature that is higher than the first target controlled temperature. By setting the target controlled temperature of the rotor chamber high before switching to the deceleration stop mode, temperature of the rotor chamber is controlled to be close to a set temperature of the rotor and thus excessive cooling of a sample loaded to the rotor can be prevented.
US09393574B1

A horizontal decanter centrifuge has a centrifuge bowl with a solids discharge opening, a sleeve having to an interior of the centrifuge bowl and an opposite end opening at an exterior of the centrifuge bowl, and a retainer affixed to the exterior of the centrifuge bowl. The retainer has the sleeve extending therethrough. The retainer serves to removably secure the sleeve in a fixed position with respect to the centrifuge bowl. The sleeve has an interior wall formed of a carbide material.
US09393573B2

A belt for use in a belt separation apparatus and a method to separate a particle mixture based on tribo-electric charging of particles is disclosed. The belt is particularly suitable for tribo-electric separation of particles that tend to accumulate on the edges of the belt separation apparatus and/or tend to compound, or blend, with the belt material. The belt comprises impermeable longitudinal edges, apertures interior to the longitudinal edges of the belt, and periodic notches formed in the longitudinal edges of the belt at periodic locations in the edge of the belt.
US09393571B2

In a coolant system, the interior of a reservoir frame storing the coolant discharged from a machine tool is partitioned by a partition member into an outer peripheral coolant tub and a central coolant tub. The partition member is formed with a silt that extends in the depth direction to make the outer peripheral coolant tub communicate with the central coolant tub. A suction port of a pump that feeds the coolant in the central coolant tub to a filtering device is arranged in the central coolant tub. The coolant discharged from the machine tool is supplied to the central coolant tub without passing through the outer peripheral coolant tub. At least a part of the coolant filtered by the filtering device is supplied to the outer peripheral coolant tub without passing through the central coolant tub.
US09393565B2

Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.
US09393564B2

The present invention relates to portable systems and devices, and corresponding methods, for detecting bioagents. In particular, the present invention provides systems, devices, and methods that utilize one or more of a sample preparation component, sample analysis component employing broad range primers, and sample detection component.
US09393550B2

In one aspect, a method of making non-covalently bonded carbon-titania nanocomposite thin films includes: forming a carbon-based ink; forming a titania (TiO2) solution; blade-coating a mechanical mixture of the carbon-based ink and the titania solution onto a substrate; and annealing the blade-coated substrate at a first temperature for a first period of time to obtain the carbon-based titania nanocomposite thin films. In certain embodiments, the carbon-based titania nanocomposite thin films may include solvent-exfoliated graphene titania (SEG-TiO2) nanocomposite thin films, or single walled carbon nanotube titania (SWCNT-TiO2) nanocomposite thin films.
US09393545B1

The apparatus for treating food waste comprising an apparatus housing with a food waste input port formed on a top surface thereof; an open/close door that opens and closes the food waste input port; an open/close door operating device that operates the open/close door to be opened so as to open the food waste input port, or closed so as to close the food waste input port; and an automatic input device that enables at least part of an entrance of a food waste collection container to face with the food waste input port, in correspondence with the state of the open/close door.
US09393543B2

A system with a non-thermal, repetitively-pulsed gliding discharge reactor for converting gaseous hydrocarbons into liquid fuels efficiently. The system optionally contains a gas separator for removing non-hydrocarbon components from the gaseous hydrocarbon feed to improve efficiency of the system. The system may optionally reclaim hydrogen gas from the product gas for storage, transportation or power generation.
US09393538B2

The process and apparatus of the present invention selectively hydrogenates a heavier olefinic naphtha stream in an upstream catalyst bed and the hydrogenated effluent and a lighter olefinic naphtha stream in a downstream catalyst bed. The heavier di-alkenes are less re-active and are contacted with more hydrogenation catalyst than the lighter di-alkenes which are more re-active.
US09393526B2

An exemplary embodiment can be a process for removing one or more sulfur compounds in a gas hydrocarbon stream. The process may include feeding the gas hydrocarbon stream to a prewash zone containing an alkali stream and passing the gas hydrocarbon stream from the prewash zone to an extraction zone. Usually, the gas hydrocarbon stream includes one or more sulfur compounds and the prewash zone includes a hollow fiber membrane.
US09393525B2

A forward osmosis method for desalination includes recyclable driving solutes which are easy to remove and recycle, have a high rejection by forward osmosis membranes, have low toxicity and are cost efficient.
US09393522B2

Provided is a particulate combustion catalyst including a carrier formed of monoclinic zirconium oxide particles, and metallic Ag or Ag oxide, which serves as a catalyst component and is supported on the carrier, wherein the amount of the catalyst component is 0.5 to 10 mass %, as reduced to metallic Ag, on the basis of the mass of the carrier, and preferably, the catalyst has a BET specific surface area of 8 to 21 m2/g. Also provided are a particulate filter coated with the particulate combustion catalyst; and an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus including a particulate filter coated with the particulate combustion catalyst.
US09393520B2

A method for reducing sulfur and lowering viscosity in bunker oil by the steps of passing bunker oil over a core that ionizes the bunker oil with an electrostatic charge. The core consists of a metal bar being made of an alloy comprising, by weight, 40-70% copper, 10-32% nickel, 15-40% zinc, 2-20% tin and 0.05-10% silver. The metal bar of the core comprises a plurality of grooves, which allows the bunker oil to be agitated as it comes in contact with the core, activating an electrostatic charge. The electrostatic charge of the core creates a magnetic catalytic reaction that causes: (1) a molecular separation in molecular chains within the bunker oil thereby lowering the viscosity of the bunker oil and (2) sulfur to merge with metals and create metal sulfides in the bunker oil thereby reducing the sulfur in the bunker oil.
US09393519B2

The waste disposal system disclosed herein includes a chamber operated at high ampere and low voltage, the chamber configured to inject smoke on a stream of free radicals. In one implementation, the stream of free radicals is generated from a plasma igniter and the smoke is generated from waste products, such as hospital waste products.
US09393498B2

A PeaceKin figurine has a three-dimensional head, neck, body, left and right arms, left and right spherical magnet hands, as well as a substantially flat base. The spherical magnet hands allow PeaceKin to attach to one another and appear to “hold hands” without having to interlock any components. PeaceKin can be easily pulled apart simply by pulling a PeaceKin away from another, and then reattached by placing the hands in proximity to each other. When two PeaceKin are facing each other with hands attached, they appear to be hugging because they are slightly leaning forward. When three or more are placed hand-to-hand, they form a circle of PeaceKin, each holding the hands of its neighbors. The PeaceKin can each be customized to appear like a person from a given country, nationality, ethnic group, profession, sports team, holiday costume, historical figure, celebrity, religious figure, archetypal figure, etc.
US09393493B2

A user input device includes a housing, a user input element adapted to be operated by a user and configured to send a signal to a processor when operated by the user, and an actuator coupled to the user input element. The actuator is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a haptic effect to the user input element in response to the control signal from the processor. A vibration isolation barrier is disposed between the user input element and the housing, wherein the vibration isolation barrier substantially mechanically isolates the user input element from the housing. The user input element may be a joystick, button, or trigger.
US09393465B2

A golf club head comprising a ribbed region on at least one of a heel portion, a toe portion, sole, or crown. The ribbed region comprises a ribbed wall with an interior surface facing an interior of the golf club head, and a ribbed wall exterior facing an exterior of the golf club head. The ribbed region further comprises at least one rib protruding from the ribbed region. The first rib comprises a first rib length measured along a rib centerline of the first rib, a first rib interior section located at the ribbed wall interior surface, and a first rib exterior section located at the ribbed wall exterior surface.
US09393456B2

This invention relates to a lateral foot sliding mechanism in the field of sport activities, training devices, and more particularly exercise machines, especially adapted to lower extremities. The lateral foot sliding mechanism includes a low platform (1) with a profiled groove (5) in the mid along the platform (1), in which two foot sliding mechanisms move (2), which have two foot supports (6,7) and are equipped with elements (11), which enable lateral movement of the slide mechanisms (2) along the platform (1). In the support (10) of the sliding mechanism (2), a magnetic insert is positioned (16), which can be, with the positioned sliding mechanism (2) in the platform (1), moved forward or backward by the mechanism by means of which you act on the simple end of the magnetic insert (16) and which is equipped with a button (18) through which an exerciser may move inward and outward the magnetic insert (16), thus adjusting the load—that is the brake force of each sliding mechanism (2)—with moving the magnetic insert (16) towards or from the platform (1).
US09393455B2

A bed exercise device adapted to be mounted to a bed includes a rail with a plurality of openings there through by which exercise components can be mounted. First and second legs extend from opposite ends of the rail. The first and second legs attach at a first end of each of the first and second legs to the opposite ends of the rail and at a second end of each of the first and second legs to first and second brackets, respectively. The first and second brackets are adapted to attach to a frame of the bed. According to an alternative embodiment, a triangular frame is attached to the lower portion of the first and second legs to support an assembly of a rail, first and second arching portions, and first and second legs.
US09393451B2

The present system provides an integrated fire suppression system that includes all components other than system piping to nozzles or emitters in a single integrated panel. The system allows the entire panel to be inspected and analyzed, and installed, repaired, or maintained in a single operation, dramatically reducing time spent on site and reducing the qualifying process as well. The assembly of the panel is off-site, typically under the inspection of any qualifying agencies. Once assembled, the system can remain qualified for rapid installation at any future time, allowing easy replacement of faulty panels or consumables.
US09393447B2

Compositions and methods for their use in treating human or other mammalian skin and hair. Non-ionic, salt-free non-solidifying formulations of Lauroyl N methyl glucamide and alkyl glycosides are disclosed that impart beneficial barrier properties to skin and hair.
US09393443B2

A treatment planning system is provided which, with irradiation parameters varied over time, performs highly accurate dose distribution calculations based on information about tumor movements included in 4D CT images. The system is characterized by the ability to read CT images furnished with timing information and associate the status of the irradiation target corresponding to an elapsed time from the beginning of irradiation with positions being irradiated at corresponding elapsed time points so as to calculate the dose distribution.
US09393442B2

The invention relates to a device for determining illumination distributions (18) for IMRT. A layered graph structure is used, which considers which extensions of an illumination distribution along a respective line and thus which illumination distributions are realizable, for determining extensions for the illumination distributions. Moreover, second weights defining fluences of the illumination distributions are determined such that a deviation between a provided fluence map and a fluence map formed by a combination of illumination distributions, which are defined by the respective determined extensions and the respective second weight, is minimized. This determination procedure leads to illumination distributions, which very well correspond to the provided fluence map and which are automatically realizable by the radiation device. This leads to an improved IMRT, wherein a post-processing of the determined illumination distributions for ensuring that the determined illumination distributions are really realizable is not necessarily required.
US09393440B2

The invention relates to a radiation emitting device (1) for application near mammal tissue (2), comprising: a substrate (3) having a front surface (4) and an opposing back surface (5), said substrate accommodating at least one radiation source (6) on said front surface (4). Said at least one radiation source (6) is arranged for applying energy on said mammal tissue (2). A heat spreading section (7) is arranged on said back surface (5) of said substrate (3) in thermal contact with said at least one radiation source (6). Said heat spreading section (7) has an extended area (8) extending beyond said substrate (3) in a direction substantially parallel to said substrate (3). Said extended area (8) of said heat spreading section (7) is arranged in thermal contact with said mammal tissue (2).
US09393439B2

The invention discloses a method of treating cancer in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a radiation sensitizer selected from nitroimidazoles in an amount effective to sensitize a patient to radiation and subjecting the patient to radiation therapy. In certain embodiments the radiation sensitizer is etanidazole or doranidazole.
US09393438B2

A sleep mask is configured to provide light therapy to a subject. The sleep mask may provide a comfortable delivery mechanism for the light therapy, and may deliver the light therapy to the subject while the subject is asleep, in the process of going to sleep, and/or waking from sleep. In one embodiment, the sleep mask includes one or more of a shield, a strap, a first lighting module, and/or a second lighting module.
US09393435B2

An implant unit delivery tool is disclosed having an implant tool and an implant activator. The implant tool may be configured to retain an implant unit during an implantation procedure in which the implant unit is fixated to tissue. The implant activator may be associated with the implant tool. Additionally, the implant activator may be configured to selectively transfer power to the implant unit during the implantation procedure to cause modulation of at least one nerve in the body of a subject prior to final fixation of the implant unit to the tissue.
US09393429B2

A system and method for cardiac rhythm management using a programmable cardiac rhythm management device is described, wherein the method includes storing parameter interaction constraints between different programmable parameters, storing programmable parameters for the device, wherein each programmable parameter has a predefined set of possible values, wherein one programmable parameter is a delay value, and calculating initial seed values for user-set delay range input fields, wherein the seed values do not violate any parameter interaction constraints and maximize the difference between ends of the user-set delay range, wherein the user-set delay range provides the outer limits of a programmed delay value. The method further includes presenting an input screen to the user on a user display device, wherein the input screen comprises user-set delay range input fields containing the initial seed values. The method further includes receiving values from a user for the user-set delay range, collecting patient data including ambulatory patient data, and determining a recommended delay value based on the ambulatory patient data.
US09393421B2

Systems of techniques for controlling charge flow during the electrical stimulation of tissue. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a charge setting describing an amount of charge that is to flow during a stimulation pulse that electrically stimulates a tissue, and generating and delivering the stimulation pulse in a manner such that an amount of charge delivered to the tissue during the stimulation pulse accords with the charge setting.
US09393420B2

A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to an internal anatomical feature of a patient includes an implantable component and an external component. The medical device can be checked for safety issues by periodically initiating a sequence of tests of an H-bridge circuit, and, during each test, monitoring a current flow through a sensing resistor electrically connected between a sensing connection of the H-bridge circuit and a ground. Current flow through the sensing resistor indicates that both series electrical switches within at least one of the two pairs of series electrical switches are active during that test.
US09393417B2

A device embodiment is configured to deliver vagal stimulation therapy (VST) to a vagus nerve of a patient. The device embodiment includes a neural stimulator, an implantable pressure sensor, and a pressure analyzer. The neural stimulator is configured to deliver the VST to the vagus nerve in a cervical region of the patient. The implantable pressure sensor is configured to be implanted in the cervical region and to detect pressure changes in the cervical region caused by laryngeal vibrations. The pressure sensor is configured to generate sensed pressure values. The pressure analyzer is configured to analyze the sensed pressure values generated by the pressure sensor. The analyzer is configured to detect laryngeal vibrations or cough from the sensed pressure values.
US09393413B2

A system and method are described for generating electrode stimulation signals for electrode contacts in a cochlear implant electrode array. An input audio signal is processed to generate band pass channel signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies. From each channel signal channel, audio information is extracted including a channel signal envelope reflecting channel signal energy. Initial electrode stimulation pulses are then generated based on the band pass signal envelopes. A gating function is applied to the initial electrode stimulation pulses based on a gating feedback signal characterizing preceding stimulation signals to produce gated electrode stimulation pulses. The gated electrode stimulation pulses are set to the initial electrode stimulation signals when the band pass signal envelopes are greater than the gating feedback signal, and otherwise are set to zero.
US09393410B2

A posture correction apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain information related to a muscle condition in a body, a determination unit configured to determine muscle stimulation to be provided to the body, based on the obtained information, and a stimulation unit configured to provide the determined muscle stimulation to the body.
US09393407B2

A fully implantable cardiac pacemaker system is provided. The pacemaker system includes a pacemaker having an electrode sub-assembly containing an electrode and a base into which the electrode is embedded. It also includes an implantable package that has electronic components for providing electrical pulses to a patient's heart. The pacemaker also has a power supply and a flexible electrically conductive lead that connects the electronic components to the electrode. In addition to the pacemaker, the pacemaker system includes a removable insertion casing that is physically attached to the base portion of the electrode sub-assembly. Upon insertion of the pacemaker into a patient's heart, the pacemaker is detached from the removable insertion casing and deployed fully in the patient's chest. The pacemaker system has particular use in fetal applications.
US09393404B2

A lead for use in neural stimulation comprises a core section having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of electrodes is coupled to the core section proximate the distal end. At least one contact is coupled to the core section proximate the proximal end. At least one thin film is wound around the core section from the proximal end to the distal end and electrically coupling the at least one contact and the plurality of electrodes. The at least one thin film forms a curved substantially planar shape in a relaxed state before being wound around the core section.
US09393400B2

The present disclosure relates to a coupling, in particular a hub (2 a-i), with a base body (23 a-i) having a proximal end (24 a-i), embodied as a connecting region (25 a-i) for an applicator (26 a-i), and a distal end (27 a-i), embodied as connecting region (28 a-i) for a delivery device (29 a-i) with a tubular member (30 a-i) for delivering a medical device (31 a-1) into a part of an animal or human body, and having a recess (9 a-i) extending between the proximal end (24 a-i) and the distal end (27 a-i). It is provided that the recess (9 a-i) is positioned eccentrically from an outer diameter (20 a-i) of the base body (23 a-i) and a central axis (18 a-i) of the recess (9 a-i) is nonparallel in respect to a central axis (32 a-i) of the outer diameter (20 a-i) of the base body (23 a-i).
US09393394B2

The invention relates to trans-epithelial frictionally abrasive tissue sampling devices for performing biopsies and methods of inducing an immune response against a pathogen, wherein epithelial cells containing the pathogen are disrupted with the frictionally abrasive tissue sampling device to introduce the pathogen into the bloodstream of a patient.
US09393382B2

A high-volume peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter and method includes an elongate stylet removably disposed in the lumen of an elongate catheter with the stylet having a beveled distal end forming a piercing tip that protrudes from the outlet port of the catheter. The catheter has a proximal cylindrical shape from the inlet port transitioning at a transition to an inner lumen conical taper terminating at the outlet port, and having a larger internal diameter at the inlet port and a tapering smaller internal diameter between the transition and the outlet port. A plurality of side outlet ports is formed laterally through the catheter in the inner lumen conical taper. A cross-sectional area of the outlet port and the side outlet ports together is equal or greater than a cross-sectional area of the inlet port.
US09393377B2

A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.
US09393364B2

Arrangements and methods for delivering bioactive agents and/or cells into an extended volume of tissue are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cell-delivering needle arrangement has a tube positioned within a tube and fixedly attached to a wall thereof. In one exemplary method, a cell-delivering needle is advanced into tissue, a suspension of cells is passed through a first lumen and out of side ports, and a suspension of cells is passed through a second lumen and out of a distal opening. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09393357B2

An extracorporeal blood perfusion system includes a disposable assembly and a control unit having a control interface region. The interface region includes pump assemblies for selective pumping of venous blood, arterial blood, cardioplegia solution, suctioned blood and blood removed from the left ventricle. Valve assemblies control the flow of fluids through the assembly and to/from the patient and sensors monitor various fluid parameters including temperature and pressure within the various fluid circuits. The user interface is a functional screen interface for effecting the operation of the control unit and valve assemblies. The screen interface may be a touch screen having objects that corresponds to the component interface region. The display may be selectively controlled to provide graphic depictions of disposable assembly components with corresponding narrative instructions.
US09393348B2

An implant comprises a substrate and a coating on a surface of the substrate, and the coating comprises silicon nitride and has a thickness of from about 1 to about 15 micrometer. A method of providing the implant comprises coating a surface of the implant substrate with the coating comprising silicon nitride and having a thickness of from about 1 to about 15 micrometer by physical vapor deposition.
US09393339B2

The present invention relates to an antimicrobial filter adopting optical fibers and to an air cleaner comprising the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antimicrobial filter using optical fibers and to an air cleaner comprising the same, in which ultraviolet rays, visible light or natural light is emitted directly through the surface of optical fibers contained in a filtering material, thus effectively killing, in a short time, microorganisms collected in the filtering material, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses, which are harmful to the human body. Furthermore, a photocatalyst may be coated on the surface of the filtering material to achieve an improved sterilization effect. Thus, the deterioration of the sterilization effect caused by dust particles being continuously collected at the surface of filter fiber, which are disadvantages of existing antimicrobial filters, can be overcome.
US09393332B2

A filter holder, for a sterilization container (1), has a wall area (5) with ventilation openings (7), through which an exchange of air takes place between the interior space of the sterilization container and the surrounding area, covered by a filter sheet (10) to form a sterile barrier, sterilizing air entering the interior space. The filter sheet is held on the wall area (5, 6) by an air-permeable pressing disk. A holding pin (20), with a mounting hole (34), by which the pressing disk (12) can be pressed against the wall area in the axial direction (41), can be attached to a mounting pin (11), which is stationary relative to the wall area. The holding pin (20) is connected with the mounting pin in a pressed position via a detachable positive-locking connection (19, 51). The connection can be secured by an adjusting sleeve (21) mounted displaceably on the holding pin.
US09393330B2

The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds comprising a cyclic peptide wherein the compound binds to a MSH receptor to image and treat cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous melanoma cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states.
US09393329B2

The present disclosure is directed to compounds, diagnostic agents, and related methods. In some cases, methods for treating patients are provided. More specifically, the disclosure provides compounds, diagnostic agents, and kits for detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring elastin rich tissues. In addition, the disclosure provides methods of detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring the presence of coronary plaque, carotid plaque, iliac/femoral plaque, aortic plaque, renal artery plaque, plaque of any arterial vessel, aneurism, vasculitis, other diseases of the arterial wall, and/or damage or structural changes in ligaments, uterus, lungs or skin, as indicated by changes in total vessel wall area, internal lumen size, and exterior arterial perimeter.
US09393326B2

There is provided signal modifying compositions for medical imaging comprising a carrier and signal modifying agents specific for two or more imaging modalities. The compositions are characterized by retention efficiency, with respect of the signal modifying agents that enables prolonged contrast imaging without significant depletion of the signal modifying agent from the carrier. The carriers of the present invention are lipid based or polymer based the physico-chemical properties of which can be modified to entrap or chelate different signal modifying agents and mixtures thereof and to target specific organs or tumors or tissues within a mammal.
US09393325B2

Materials and methods for delivering materials for filling aneurysms in which the materials comprise a glycosaminoglycan and optionally, contrast media and physiological buffers and in which delivery methods include percutaneous delivery with a balloon catheter or a needle catheter.
US09393318B2

The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by administering a) a composition comprising nanoparticles that comprise paclitaxel and an albumin and b) a platinum-based agent (e.g., carboplatin). The present application also provides methods of treating prostate cancer by administering to the individual a) an effective amount of a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising docetaxel and an albumin; and b) an effective amount of a steroid.
US09393317B2

Conjugates for the efficient delivery of sequence-specific antisense to cells of a selected type for the inhibition of a target protein have the general formula: peptide-HBL-antisense in which the peptide is a homing peptide which directs the conjugate to cells of a particular type, antisense is an antisense oligonucleotide having a sequence selected to provide sequence-specific inhibition of the target protein, and HBL is a heterobifunctional linker having reactivity towards amino and sulfhydryl groups.
US09393316B2

A peptide targeted conjugate is disclosed. The conjugate comprises: (a) an isolated or a synthetic targeting peptide of less than 15 amino acid residues in length, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2 and 3; and (b) a component, to which the targeting peptide is conjugated, the component being selected from the group consisting of a drug delivery vehicle, an anti-cancer drug, a micelle, a nanoparticle, liposomes, a polymer, a lipid, an oligonucleotide, a peptide, a polypeptide, a protein, a cell, an imaging agent, and a labeling agent. The conjugate may further comprise an anti-cancer agent encapsulated within the drug delivery vehicle. Compositions and methods of treating cancer are also disclosed.
US09393312B2

The present invention relates to a novel amphiphilic block copolymer and the preparation method thereof, as well as a micellar drug-loaded system formed by said copolymer and an anti-tumor drug. Said amphiphilic block copolymer comprises a hydrophilic segment and a hydrophobic segment, and the end group of said hydrophobic segment is end-capped with a hydrophobic group. Methoxypolyethylene glycol (or polyethylene glycol)-polyester block copolymer which has recognized safety is used as a fundamental material of the amphiphilic block copolymer of the present invention, and the terminal hydroxyl group of the polyester segment is modified with a hydrophobic group, whereby the compatibility between the drug molecule and the hydrophobic segments of the block copolymer is improved, and the interaction therebetween is enhanced. Moreover, a larger space for accommodating the drug molecules is provided. Said micelles are more effective in restricting the drug molecules inside the micellar core and preventing the drug from dissolved out of the micelles. Therefore, a drug-loaded micelle with high stability is obtained.
US09393308B2

Disclosed herein are a nanopreparation having a micelle structure for diagnosis or treatment of cancer diseases, and a method of preparing the same, and more particularly, a nanopreparation having a micelle structure available for diagonosis or treatment of cancer diseases and a method for preparing the same, wherein the nanopreparation is prepared by encapsulating a photosensitizer by forming micelle with polymeric lipid DSPE-mPEG. The nanopreparation having the micelle structure according to the present invention has a size of 12 nm or less by encapsulating hypericin, which is a photosensitizer, by forming micelle with polymeric lipid DSPE-mPEG having a molecular weight of 1500 to 2500. Resultingly, the nanopreparation easily overcomes a blood-tumor barrier (BTB) and an interstitial fluid pressure and has light induced cytotoxicity efficiency that is about more than 2.5 times higher than that of the case where hypericin is used alone.
US09393305B2

The invention provides stabilized aqueous pharmaceutical etanercept compositions suitable for long-term storage of etanercept, methods of manufacture of these compositions, methods of administration, and kits containing same.
US09393297B2

In some embodiments the present invention provides influenza hemagglutinin (“HA”) polypeptides, proteins, and protein complexes that comprise a stalk domain that is engineered to facilitate maintenance of its native trimeric conformation, even if the head domain of the HA protein is removed or disrupted. In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising such polypeptides, proteins, and protein complexes, and methods of use of such proteins and compositions, for example as vaccine immunogens.
US09393282B1

A topical antiseptic composition includes a mixture consisting of apple vinegar, wintergreen alcohol, cayenne pepper extract, vitamin E, olive oil and menthol.
US09393281B2

Compositions including combinations of β-glucan and Withania somnifera for increasing the immune activity of certain target cytokines and phagocytosis, and reducing cortisol or corticosterone. Methods of improving immunity activity under periods of stress including chronic stress with a combination of β-glucan and Withania somnifera are also described. Particular combinations of β-glucan and Withania somnifera synergistically increases the immune activity of the cytokines IL-12 and IL-6 over expected values.
US09393279B2

A multiparticulate composition is formed from a plurality of individual cores including a hydrophobic phase containing peppermint oil dispersed in a microcrystalline cellulose-based gel and a hydrophilic phase containing a hydrogel. An enteric coating is over the individual cores. The multiparticulate composition can be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders.
US09393277B2

The present invention discloses an Albizzia chinensis extract used in the preparation of a drug for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Specifically, it discloses an Albizzia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr extract and its preparation method including the stems bark of Albizzia chinensis was successively grounded, extracted, concentrated and purificated, as well as a pharmaceutical composition comprising the Albizzia chinensis extract. Through pharmacological test, it has been demonstrated that, the Albizzia chinensis extract showed strong inhibition activity against proton pumps, and it can be used for the treatment of gastric ulcers, chronic gastritis and other acid-related diseases, and its anti-ulcer effect is significant, quick, safe and reliable.
US09393276B2

The present invention provides relates to an edible composition for anti-diabetic benefit. Diabetes is one of the major and commonly occurring health problems in today's world. Pharmaceuticals companies are very active in this field to develop new medicines for preventing and controlling diabetes. There are several medicines available in the market for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. There are also prior arts which describes composition for the prevention of glucose intolerance and/or diabetes. We have found that though prior that discloses compositions for prevention of glucose intolerance and/or diabetes, it is not that effective for preventing diabetes. The present inventors while working extensively for providing an edible composition for preventing diabetes have surprisingly found that a particular combination of Inula racemosa and theobromine is effective for controlling and/or preventive diabetes thereby satisfying one or more of the aforesaid objects.
US09393275B2

Methods for improving the health of agricultural poultry are provided. For example, methods including selecting specific bacteria to form a probiotic for the administration with coccidiosis vaccines for the reduction of adverse effects associated with the coccidiosis vaccines are disclosed. In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, a bacterial isolate, probiotic and or treatment may be obtained by novel screening methods resulting in products that are advantageously administered with or about the same time as a coccidiosis vaccine.
US09393274B2

The invention describes the use of a microbial preparation of one or more bacteria, for example of the genus Bacillus in the manufacture of a formulation as a medicament for the treatment and prevention of infestation of sucking lice from the order Phthiraptera, Anoplura, Rhynchophthirina and/or Pediculidae. The medicament can be applied to plumage, pelage or hair to control sucking lice.
US09393271B2

Disclosed herein are compositions of GHRH agonists and peptides, and methods to treat diabetes. In one embodiment, a method of promoting survival of grafted cells and/or tissues may involve exposing the cells and/or tissues to an effective amount of at least one agonist of GHRH. In some embodiments, the grafted cells and/or tissues may be pancreatic cells. In some embodiments, the grafted cells may be islet cells co-cultured with non-pancreatic cells. In a further embodiment, a method of treating a patient diagnosed with diabetes involves transplanting and/or grafting the islet cells and/or tissues comprising islet cells into a patient, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agonist of GHRH to the patient. In some embodiments, the islet cells and/or tissues comprising islet cells may be optionally exposed to GHRH and/or at least one agonist of GHRH prior to transplantation into a patient. In some embodiments, the at least one agonist of GHRH is administered pre-transplantation, concurrently with transplantation, post-transplantation or any combinations thereof.
US09393268B2

Isolated pluralities of T cells which recognize at least one epitope of an intestinal cancer antigen or CNS cancer antigen and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are disclosed. Methods of making a plurality of T cells that recognize at least one epitope of an intestinal cancer antigen or CNS cancer antigen are also disclosed. Methods of treating an individual who has been diagnosed with cancer of a mucosal tissue or preventing such cancer in an individual at elevated risk are disclosed as are nucleic acid molecules that comprise a nucleotide sequence that encode proteins that recognize at least one epitope of an intestinal cancer antigen or CNS cancer antigen and T cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules.
US09393260B2

Exopolysaccharide of a bacterial strain for its use in treatment and/or care of the skin, mucous membranes, hair and/or nails, as well as its cosmetic and/or dermopharmaceutical compositions. In particular, for the aging of skin and in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of wrinkles.
US09393249B2

The present invention relates to an improved antimicrobial composition comprising a hydrogen peroxide source and one or more antimicrobial agents. Ideally, the invention relates to an antimicrobial composition comprising (i) hydrogen peroxide source and (ii) an antimicrobial agent and its associated use in therapy, particularly in the treatment of antimicrobial infections.
US09393244B2

Provided herein are methods of promoting parkin activity in a subject, comprising: selecting a subject with a disorder associated with decreased Parkin activity; and administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition that increases parkin activity, wherein the composition is an inhibitor of a deubiquitinating enzyme.
US09393238B2

Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing cancer as well as and diseases and disorders associated with, or characterized by, undesired angiogenesis are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound alone or in combination with a second active ingredient. The invention further relates to methods of reducing or avoiding adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy which comprise the administration of an immunomodulatory compound. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US09393229B2

A method for treating an abnormal polyglutamine-mediated disease is disclosed, wherein indole and an indole-based compound contained in a pharmaceutical composition used in the method of the present invention can reduce the polyglutamine aggregation through decreasing reactive oxygen species production and increasing the activity of chaperone and autophagy.
US09393227B2

The invention is directed to biocompatible conjugated polymer nanoparticles including a copolymer backbone, a plurality of sidechains covalently linked to said backbone, and a plurality of platinum compounds dissociably linked to said backbone. The invention is also directed to dicarbonyl-lipid compounds wherein a platinum compound is dissociably linked to the dicarbonyl compound. The invention is also directed to methods of treating cancer or metastasis. The methods includes selecting a subject in need of treatment for cancer or metastasis and administering to the subject an effective amount of any of the nanoparticles, compounds, or compositions of the invention.
US09393225B2

Disclosed herein are methods and uses for preventing melanoma, reducing progression of atypical nevi, and inducing cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis in a melanoma cell through oral and enteral administration of sulforaphane to subjects indicated to be at risk due to factor(s) such as medical history of atypical nevi, melanoma, or UV exposure. Sulforaphane can be administered orally as a safe and well-tolerated natural agent as a chemopreventive strategy in individuals with atypical melanocytic nevi.
US09393222B2

The present invention provides methods of ameliorating or reducing the extent of ischemic injury, reperfusion injury, and myocardial infarction, by administering an inhibitor of histone deacetylase enzyme (HDAC) or an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase enzyme (DNMT).
US09393217B2

Provided are systems for controlled release of proteins from decomposable thin films constructed by layer-by-layer deposition. Such films generally comprise alternating layers of polymers and proteins, and may further comprise additional layers of polyions. In some embodiments, decomposable thin films and methods of using such films allow proteins to be released over an extended period of time and/or retention of as much as 100% of function of released protein.
US09393214B2

A nanocomposite includes carbon-encapsulated transition metal oxide nanoparticles. The carbon-encapsulated transition metal oxide nanoparticles comprise a transition metal oxide core having a diameter of from 5 nm to 50 nm covered by a graphitic coating having a thickness of from 1 nm to 5 nm.
US09393205B2

The present invention relates to a gastroretentive tablet comprising pregabalin, at least one swellable polymer, and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. It further relates to a process for the preparation of same.
US09393203B2

An oral osmotic pharmaceutical delivery system comprises a highly water-soluble drug exhibiting an erratic or an incomplete release profile when formulated in an elementary osmotic pump delivery system and at least one release enhancing agent.
US09393200B2

The invention provides new lipopolyamines of spermine type of the general formula I, wherein X is C—N bond or aminopolyethyleneglycolcarboxamide linker or o-hydroxy-alkylcarboxamide linker or ω-hydroxyalkylcarboxamidopolyethyleneglycol-carboxamide linker, and wherein a hydrophobic domain Y is an acyl symmetrically branched in the position C(2) or cholesteryl. The invention further provides a method of preparation of said lipopolyamines and their use for construction of polycationic liposomal drug carriers.
US09393193B2

The present invention relates to ivermectin formulations for administration to pet and domestic animals. These formulations provide long term protection against Dirofilaria parasites, without the risks for secondary adverse of conventional formulations. Preferred formulations are collars, collar strips, or medallions, attachments for collars, ear tags, bands which are affixed to limbs or parts of the body, adhesive strips and films, and peel-off films, or spot-on or pour-on forms which are administered at least twice a year up to around once a year.
US09393190B2

The invention relates to the use of an oral composition comprising steviol, a steviol precursors or Stevia extract as skin tanning agent. It further relates methods of enhancing the natural skin tan by oral administration of an effective amount of Steviol, a Steviol precursor or Stevia extract.
US09393187B2

Compounds of general formula (I): R1-Wn-Xm-AA1-AA2-AA3-AA4-AA5-AA6-Yp-Zq-R2 (I) their stereoisomers, mixtures thereof, their cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or its functionally equivalent variants, preparation processes, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions which contain them and their use in medicine, particularly in the treatment and/or prevention of pain, inflammation, itching, neurological, compulsive and/or neuropsychiatric diseases and/or disorders and in processes of treatment and/or care of the skin, hair and/or mucous membranes mediated by neuronal exocytosis.
US09393185B2

Present invention relates to an aqueous cleansing composition for keratin fibres, especially human hair, comprising at least one mono ester anionic surfactant, at least one anionic amide surfactant, at least one anionic surfactant which is different from the foregoing two surfactants and the composition is substantially free from amphoteric surfactant.
US09393183B2

Personal care compositions comprising three liquid layers, particular useful for treating hair. The compositions are visually three separate layers. One layer comprises an oil phase, one layer comprises a polyol phase, and one layer comprises a silicone phase. The compositions can be mixed homogenously upon shaking, and remain homogenous for a sufficient period of time to allow the consumer to use the product, before it separates into three distinct layers again. The compositions do not have substantial amounts of surfactants or emulsifiers, and no more than 1% of salts or mineral oil.
US09393182B2

The present invention is directed to an anti-aging product, a single use multi-chamber packaging and a method of using the anti-aging product for reducing and/or preventing age-related skin symptoms. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a single use multi-chamber packet that has at least two chambers or compartments each containing at least one portion of an anti-aging composition, wherein said portions can be combined prior to application to the skin for reducing and/or preventing age-related skin symptoms.In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an anti-aging kit comprising at least two or more single use multi-chamber packets, each having at a different composition for reducing and/or preventing age-related skin symptoms.
US09393179B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a medicine supply apparatus including a hopper in which medicine is not likely to remain. The medicine supply apparatus of the present invention includes a hopper and a deforming operation portion. A part of a lower portion of the hopper is configured as a deformable portion having flexibility. The deformable portion is deformable so as to open and close a passage. The deforming operation portion deforms the deformable portion to thereby open and close the passage, and applies vibrations to the deformable portion. The medicine adhering to an inner surface of the deformable portion is processed by the vibrations.
US09393178B2

A tablet supplying portion of a medicine supply apparatus includes: a tablet supplying portion body including a supply cell; a bottom plate; and a bottom plate supporting member. A lower opening portion of the supply cell is opened and closed by the bottom plate. The bottom plate supporting member can restrict a pivotal movement of the bottom plate. The tablet supplying portion body and the bottom plate supporting member are relatively movable in a horizontal direction. The bottom plate pivotally moves between a state where the lower opening portion is blocked from opening and an opened state, along with this relative movement. In a state where the bottom plate closes the lower opening portion, at least part of an upper surface of the bottom plate is located higher than a lower surface in a periphery of the lower opening portion.
US09393175B2

A device for sexual stimulation includes: a support structure defining a centerline; a first vibratory actuator including a first motor, a first output shaft, and a first eccentric mass coupled to the first output shaft, the first vibratory actuator elastically coupled to the support structure opposite the first eccentric mass in a cantilever configuration; a second vibratory actuator including a second motor, a second output shaft, and a second eccentric mass coupled to the second output shaft, the second vibratory actuator elastically coupled to the support structure opposite the second eccentric mass in a cantilever configuration, the first vibratory actuator and the second vibratory actuator substantially parallel and arranged on opposing sides of the centerline; and a sheath including a first section arranged over the first vibratory actuator, a second section arranged over the second vibratory actuator, and a third section arranged over a portion of the support structure.
US09393173B1

A rehabilitation and walking assisting assembly includes a pair of plates each having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral ledge and a second lateral edge. The plates have an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of straps is attached to and extends between the pair of plates. A plurality of legs defines a first set of legs and a second set of legs. The first set of the legs is attached to the outer surface of one of the plates and the second set of legs is attached to the outer surface of the other one of the plates. Each of the legs includes a lower end terminating with a wheel. The plates are positionable on opposite sides of a torso of a person such that the legs assist the person while walking.
US09393172B2

A spinal decompression machine includes a portable frame, a user support element, a laterally positioned handle extending from the frame, and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the handle. A force bar operatively coupled to the drive mechanism extends longitudinally beyond a longitudinal end of the frame. A harness is attached to the first force bar. The drive mechanism causes the force bar to move longitudinally upon rotation of the handle. A method of providing traction includes positioning a person in a face up position upon the user support element, attaching a harness to a neck or pelvis of the person, the harness attached to a cervical traction bar or a pelvic traction bar, and moving the cervical fraction bar and pelvic fraction bar simultaneously in a common longitudinal direction by moving a handle.
US09393170B2

A novel method of displaying cremated remains of a human or animal decedent is presented, where a portion of decedent cremains is encased within a transparent device with an etched memento of the decedent on the outside of the device. The memento can be a human fingerprint or the nose print of an animal.
US09393165B2

A method and system for calibrating a control profile of a controller having at least one output variable used to control the operation of a mobility device. The calibration system controls the mobility device according to a prescribed routine under a range of changes of values of the output variable. One or more sensors provided, either temporarily or permanently, on the mobility device sense operational parameters of the mobility device and send sensed data to the calibration system. The calibration system determines mobility device stability associated with the changes of the at least one output variable based on the sensed data and produces a control profile that restricts a controller from outputting changes of values of the output variable associated with mobility device instability.
US09393151B2

An apparatus for thermal therapy treatment of male genitalia includes a contoured cup for receiving the male genitalia in a close, confronting, confining relationship therein, and an adjustable body harness connected to the cup for holding and maintaining the cup in a treatment position in which pressure is exerted against the genitalia. The cup has a contoured inner shell for receiving the genitalia, a contoured outer shell permanently and irremovably sealed to the inner shell, and a thermal medium permanently sealed in an internal chamber between the shells.
US09393144B2

An orthopedic device is provided for treating complications of the hip and has means for trochanter compression, pelvis support, lumbar compression, variously directed straps, and thigh support. The trochanter compression and an internal/external rotation strap provide pain relief through compression and skin protection, unloading of joints through compression and sealing, and unloading by load transfer. Means for adjustably dosing of straps enables pain management and ease of use.
US09393140B2

A reconfigurable delivery system is disclosed having a multi-lumen delivery catheter configuration that permits the delivery and staged release of a self-expanding main vessel stent-graft and a delivery sheath configuration that permits the introduction of various medical devices for the delivery and implantation of various branch vessel stent-grafts that are to be mated with the main vessel stent-graft. A method is disclosed wherein the delivery system is first used in the multi-lumen delivery catheter configuration to deliver and release a main vessel stent-graft that is configured for placement in the abdominal aorta for treatment of short-neck infrarenal, juxtarenal, and/or suprarenal aneurysms and then used in the delivery sheath configuration to facilitate the delivery of branch vessel stent-grafts that are configured to extend from the main vessel stent-graft into a respective renal artery.
US09393139B2

A system for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen is disclosed. The system comprises a catheter having functional zones for stability, protection, flexibility, trackability and pushability. The system further comprises a device for deploying an implantable medical device with the catheter. A method for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen using the system is also disclosed.
US09393135B2

A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices, including stents. The stents may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as radiopaque agents. By preferential mechanical deformation of the polymer, the polymer chains may be oriented to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics. The stent has a plurality of hoop components interconnected by a plurality of flexible connectors. The hoop components are formed as a continuous series of substantially longitudinally or axially oriented radial strut members and alternating substantially circumferentially oriented radial arc members. The geometry of the struts and arcs is such that when the stent is expanded, it has very high strains within a relatively small region. This strain localization results in what is often referred to as “hinging”, where the hinge is the small region within which the strains are very high.
US09393128B2

The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and a gear member. The gear member may be axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member may threadedly engage a threaded portion of the inner member to translate the inner member. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
US09393125B2

A tibial tuberosity advancement implant and method includes a spacer body made of biocompatible, biodegradable material and having a main section with at least one bony growth orifice therethrough and a proximal slot and at least one fin extending from the main section by at least one connector. A metal clip is slideable into the proximal slot of the spacer body main section and includes spaced screw holes for securing the spacer body to the advanced tibial tuberosity and the tibia when the implant is placed in the space between the advanced tibial tuberosity and the tibia.
US09393123B2

Total joint replacements for implants include a first member configured to attach to a first bone, a second member configured to reside in an adjacent second bone and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to (i) lock the first and second members in alignment for full extension or other defined stabilized configuration and (ii) unlock to allow the first and second members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending.
US09393121B2

A prosthesis comprising: an inner layer formed from a polyaryletherketone; a first outer layer adjacent to said inner layer formed from a porous polyaryletherketone, at least some of said pores having located therein material to promote osteointegration; and a second outer layer adjacent to said first outer layer formed from a porous polyaryletherketone, a portion of said pores being free of material to promote osteointegration. The invention also relates to a method of manufacture of the prosthesis. In an alternative arrangement, the prosthesis comprises: an inner layer formed from a polyaryletherketone; a first outer layer adjacent to said inner layer formed from a porous polyaryletherketone, at least some of said pores having located therein material to promote osteointegration having a crystallinity of from about 60% to about 90%; and a second outer layer adjacent to said first outer layer formed from a porous polyaryletherketone.
US09393114B2

An apparatus for endovascular replacement of a heart valve may include first and second members which are releasably attached to each other such that the second member participates in engaging the first member with a locking element which cooperates with the first member to lock an expandable anchor of the replacement heart valve in a deployed configuration. Prior to locking and removal of the second member, the locking element may be prevented from engaging the first member by a portion of the second member. Following locking, the second member may be removed.
US09393113B2

A method for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor in an unexpanded configuration within a catheter to a vicinity of the heart valve; deploying the anchor from the catheter; expanding the anchor to contact tissue at an anchor site; and retrieving the anchor into the catheter. The invention also includes an apparatus for endovascularly replacing a heart valve, including: a catheter; a replacement valve configured to be disposed within the catheter for delivery to a vicinity of the heart valve; and an expandable anchor configured to be disposed within the catheter for delivery to a vicinity of the heart valve, to be deployed from the catheter, to be expanded to contact tissue at an anchor site and to be retrieved back into the catheter after having been expanded.
US09393108B2

An intraocular lens, and a system and method of providing an intraocular lens, having at least one characteristic of the intraocular lens customized in accordance with a modified regression that includes a modification for corneal spherical aberration. The lens, system and method may indicate measuring at least one biometric parameter of an eye at a desired light level, determining a desired postoperative condition of the eye, obtaining a corneal spherical aberration of the eye, applying at least one empirically derived regression calculation, and predictively estimating, in accordance with an output of the at least one empirically derived regression calculation, the at least one characteristic of the intraocular lens to obtain the desired postoperative condition. The empirically derived regression calculation includes at least a product of the corneal spherical aberration with an empirically derived corneal spherical aberration constant, and a mathematical indication of the at least one biometric parameter or one of the paraxial regression formulas commonly used in clinical practice to calculate IOL power in normal patients.
US09393105B2

The disclosure describes implantable medical products, that include dry or partially hydrated biocompatible constructs comprising collagen fibers configured to expand in situ after implantation to frictionally engage a bone tunnel wall to thereby affix the construct in the bone tunnel.
US09393103B2

A tendon repair implant for treatment of a partial thickness tear in the supraspinatus tendon of the shoulder is provided. The implant may incorporate features of rapid deployment and fixation by arthroscopic means that compliment current procedures; tensile properties that result in desired sharing of anatomical load between the implant and native tendon during rehabilitation; selected porosity and longitudinal pathways for tissue in-growth; sufficient cyclic straining of the implant in the longitudinal direction to promote remodeling of new tissue to tendon-like tissue; and, may include a bioresorbable construction to provide transfer of additional load to new tendon-like tissue and native tendon over time.
US09393099B2

An orthotopic artificial bladder endoprosthesis includes a first portion connectable to a urethra of a patient and a second portion connectable to the ureters of the patient; the first portion including a collapsible cover made of a multi-layered silicone membrane having an external surface and an internal surface both coated with pyrolytic turbostratic carbon; the second portion including a resorbable cap including a fabric of PGA fibers and a frame, coupled with the cap, made using PGA/PLA copolymer; the cover and the cap being connected together along their respective edges, to define an enclosure.
US09393096B2

A filter device for trapping embolic debris comprises a bag which is deployed by everting it from an end of a delivery catheter. After release from the catheter, with the assistance of a pusher member, the open end of the bag self-expands against the walls of a body lumen. In one method of removal after use, the device is withdrawn into catheter by pulling on a wire attached to the closed end of the bag.
US09393091B2

A suture-less pelvic implant system and method is provided for treating pelvic conditions, such as incontinence or vaginal prolapse. The implant can include a fixation portion, rectangular or suture line, having a plurality of fixation elements, e.g., barbs, extending therefrom to fixate within target pelvic tissue, such as the vaginal apex. In a sacralcolpopexy, an opposing end or anchor of the implant is fixated within the sacrum or like structure to stabilize, raise, support or reposition the vaginal apex.
US09393090B2

A non-expandable pessary device, the pessary device having a top, a base, a sidewall that extends between the top and the base, a length measured from the top to the base, a longitudinal axis, a maximum diameter, and a minimum diameter that is less than the maximum diameter, the sidewall, top and base forming an enclosed outer periphery defining a total area of the device. The pessary device has radial symmetry about the longitudinal axis and has a pressure region adapted to extend between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of a user to provide pressure on the user's urethra through the anterior vaginal wall.
US09393089B1

The stabilizing device for dental crowns includes a U-shaped base, an elongate bottom member extending from the base, and opposing upright members extending from the ends of the bottom member. A clamp assembly is rotatably supported between the upright members. The clamp assembly includes a spindle stock with a holder shaft extending from one of the upright members. The distal end of the holder shaft supports a master model of a patient's tooth. A tail stock with a tail shaft extends from the other upright member. A resilient tip is attached to the distal end of the tail shaft to support a crown thereon. The tail shaft is biased to enable clamping and holding of the crown and master model together via reciprocation of the tail shaft with respect to the holder shaft. Measurement scans may be performed at multiple angular positions through selective rotation of the clamp assembly.
US09393085B2

An orthodontic appliance includes a first connector member, selected from one of a connector element and an element receiver, and a second connector member, selected from the other of the connector element and the element receiver, is coupled to a patient. The connector element and element receiver cooperate to secure and release the orthodontic appliance to and from the patient. The connector receiver includes a housing and a clip, wherein the housing receives the connector element and the clip is movable along an axis between a release and blocked positions, but is biased toward the blocked position. The connector element is capable of being inserted into and removed from the housing when the clip is in the release position, and the connector element is captured within the housing when the clip is in the blocked position. A method for coupling an orthodontic appliance to a patient is also disclosed.
US09393082B2

A viscous material container that makes it unlikely that air remains in a housing when a piston is inserted from an insertion port of the housing. A first section of the housing is formed with two groove portions communicating with a first passage to discharge air in the first passage when a piston is inserted from an insertion port. The two groove portions communicate with the insertion port, and extend along a first imaginary center line.
US09393080B2

To improve the overall navigation process for minimally invasive repair of heart valve leaflets, an augmented reality technique capable of providing a robust three-dimensional context for transesophogeal echocardiography data has been developed. In the context of various embodiment of the invention, augmented reality essentially refers to a system in which the primary environment is virtual but the environment is augmented by real elements. In this real-time environment, the surgeon can easily and intuitively identify the tool, surgical targets, and high risk areas, and view tool trajectories and orientations.
US09393079B2

A method and an image processing system for the evaluation of projection images generated by an X-ray imaging system, wherein the images may show different instruments of a given set of interventional instruments like catheters or guide wires. The instruments are equipped with markers such that their configuration is characteristic of the corresponding instrument. Preferably three markers are arranged on a straight line, the ratio of the distances between them being characteristic for the corresponding instrument. The image processing system may then identify the instruments present in a given projection and provide functionalities for a user that correspond to said instruments. Moreover, the system may be used to locate an instrument of interest in a projection image if the marker configuration of that instrument is known a priori.
US09393073B2

A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.
US09393070B2

Systems, devices, and methods for treating a patient having a sympathetically mediated disease associated at least in part with augmented peripheral chemoreflex or heightened sympathetic activation. The treatments include ablating one or more peripheral chemoreceptors or associated afferent nerves to reduce or remove afferent neural signals from the peripheral chemoreceptor.
US09393066B2

Surgical tools and methods are disclosed. The surgical tool has a first configuration wherein the first tip and the second tip operate as forceps. The surgical tool has a second configuration wherein the first tip and the second tip operate as scissors, wherein rotating the first tip and the second tip about a longitudinal axis of the surgical tool transitions the surgical tool between the first configuration and second configuration. A method of using a surgical tool is disclosed that includes providing a surgical tool having a first tip and a second tip, wherein the first and second tips are configured for use as forceps. The method includes rotating the first tip relative to a longitudinal axis of the surgical tool and the second tip relative to the longitudinal axis of the surgical tool, wherein the rotation reconfigures the first and second tips for use as scissors.
US09393065B2

Provided is an ablation catheter system with a balloon which can improve the effect of therapy by ablation by eliminating variation in the surface temperature of a balloon in the ablation catheter with a balloon which cauterizes the tissue. An ablation catheter system with a balloon comprising a catheter shaft, a balloon fixed to the catheter shaft, a lumen which penetrates the catheter shaft in the direction of the long axis and communicates with the interior of the balloon, a heating electrode arranged in the balloon, a heating device which applies electrical energy to the heating electrode, and a vibration imparting device which imparts a vibration to the heating liquid by periodically repeating suction and ejection of the heating liquid from the lumen. Also provided is a stirring method for stirring the heating liquid by vibration wherein the vibration is imparted in such a manner that the value obtained by dividing the volume of the heating liquid being ejected toward the balloon by single ejection by the expansion volume of the balloon and then multiplying the quotient by 100 becomes 2-9.
US09393061B2

A vertebral augmentation system and methods for vertebral augmentation and/or fusion using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet or needle with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target a site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height, to reinforce the bone structure, and/or to fuse two, three, or more adjacent vertebrae. An expandable member such as, for example, a balloon can be used to create a plurality of voids by displacing bone material, where the voids can be filled with curable material to augment the vertebrae and intervening space can be filled to fuse those adjacent vertebrae.
US09393060B2

A biodegradable medical device including at least one biodegradable material and having an initial shape and at least one evolved shape. The evolved shape is different from the initial shape. The initial shape is adapted to change towards the evolved shape due to an external stimulus. The medical device has a tension loaded to a predetermined tension level. The medical device is adapted to restore the tension to the predetermined tension level for at least 2 weeks in physiological conditions, or conditions simulating the physiological conditions.
US09393051B2

This is a system and an assembly for tensioning a flexible strip (3) to hold a bony element on an implant, comprising a shank (15) and means (42) for adjustably immobilizing a component (29) that is capable of translational movement with respect to a portion (25) of the device. The shank (15) comprises a handle (23) for gripping at its second end (24), the portion (25) of the device (14) making an angle with the shank (15), the flexible strip (3) having two free ends. The component (29) capable of movement comprises a wheel (31) free to rotate with respect to a pivot pin (32) perpendicular to the portion (25), for guiding the strip (3) around its rounded periphery (33) comprising two distinct elements (34, 35) for anchoring the flexible strip (3).
US09393050B2

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for spinal fixation. In one example embodiment, a minimally invasive crosslink apparatus with an elongated shaft portion, a self-drilling tip portion, and a posterolateral delivery device is provided. In this example embodiment, the elongated shaft portion is configured to connect to at least one of a vertical fixation rod and a pedicle screw head.
US09393046B2

A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.
US09393044B2

A post that is configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation element that is attached to a bone part can include a post body that is elongate along a first direction and defines a proximal end and a distal end that is spaced from the proximal end along the first direction. The post body can include an internal surface that defines a socket at the distal end. The socket can be configured to receive the head of the bone fixation element. The post can further include a locking member that is disposed within the socket such that when the socket receives the head of the bone fixation element the locking member couples the post body to the bone fixation element. The post body is polyaxially pivotable relative to the head when the post body is coupled to the bone fixation element.
US09393042B2

An instrument seal of a surgical access device is provided and includes a plurality of nested coaxial seals arranged to cooperate and form a complete, circumferential seal around an inserted instrument.
US09393041B2

An expandable medical sheath is configured to be introduced into a body in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and expanded to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by structures or elements within the sheath wall that maintain a collapsed shape. Upon expansion with a dilator, the sheath maintains a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration by elements or structures within the sheath tubing wall that resist re-collapse. The sheath includes a nose cone or tapered fairing to deflect tissue from entering the collapsed distal end of the sheath during introduction. The fairing collapses following expansion and subsequent deflation of the dilator, thus allowing the tapered fairing to be withdrawn proximally through the central lumen of the sheath. In one application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as percutaneous nephrostomy or urinary bladder access.
US09393034B2

In one embodiment, a filter includes a first spiral support member having a first end and a second end; a second spiral support member positioned adjacent the first spiral support member to form a loop between the first end and the second end; a material covering a portion of the first and the second spiral support members; and a structure attached to the loop.
US09393033B2

Embodiments of a medical device and related methods of use are provided for extracting tissue. The device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. Two or more channels may extend through the elongate member from the proximal end to the distal end, and a morcellating device may be included in one of the channels. In addition, one of the channels may be configured as a return channel for extracting the morcellated tissue.
US09393026B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise compression devices and methods for applying intermittent and localized vessel compression. The compression devices and methods as described herein can improve fistula circuit maturity rates by promoting vein dilation. An aspect of the present disclosure is directed toward depressor designs actuated using actuator wire(s).
US09393017B2

Systems and methods are provided for detecting misfire of a surgical staple cartridge and for indicating such misfire to a user on a user interface. An actuation force applied to a staple cartridge is measured and compared to a threshold actuation force. In response to the comparison, a controller determines if there has been a misfire of the surgical staple cartridge. A determination that misfire has occurred is made when the measured actuation force is greater than a maximum threshold force or less than a minimum threshold force, and under such circumstances, the controller terminates the staple firing sequence.
US09393015B2

A surgical fastener apparatus including a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector comprising a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position, and a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners. An electrically activated reverse mechanism for moving the elongated member from a distal most position within the end effector to a proximal position, the electrically activated reverse mechanism moves the elongated member proximally after the elongated member has moved to the distal most position by moving the trigger to the open position, and wherein after activation of the reverse mechanism proximal movement of the elongated member can be stopped by returning the trigger to its closed position.
US09393011B2

A trocar wound closure system includes a suture passing needle and a guide for directing the needle through the wound site. A distal portion of the needle includes a capture rod with a slot. An obturator tube with a cutout section can be axially actuated to align the cutout section with the slot, and then moved out of alignment so as to capture the suture. The guide includes at least two tracks for directing the needle through the tissue track. A snare loop is located adjacent to the exit of each track, and configured to be actuated from a radially extended configuration to a retracted configuration so as to capture the suture section inserted through each loop. Radially expandable arms at distal section are movable between an expanded configuration and a slender configuration.
US09393008B2

Among other things, there is disclosed embodiments of devices to hold sutures extending from the skin, such as suture portions of a suture anchor. Methods of using such devices are also disclosed.
US09393004B2

A protective tissue cover having a sleeve configuration to slide onto the working portion of a surgical instrument, such as a retractor. At least the contact side of the protective tissue cover is constructed from smooth antimicrobial material that minimizes contact irritation with tissue. Alternative embodiments include various multiple-ply constructions that incorporate an antimicrobial layer, an absorbent layer, and other medical layers to assist in surgical procedures.
US09393001B2

Disclosed is an operation method of an endoscope, the method comprising: a sheath insertion step of percutaneously inserting at least one sheath in a pericardial cavity of a heart; an insertion step of inserting a rigid scope in the sheath; a view field securing step for securing the view field for a surgical site within the pericardial cavity; a guide step for guiding the rigid scope to the surgical site; and an observation step of observing the surgical site with the rigid scope.
US09392997B2

The invention relates to a device (1) for determining a fertile phase of a woman by ascertaining a CO2 partial pressure in a respiratory gas of the woman in several consecutive breaths, comprising an inlet for receiving the respiratory gas, and an outlet, a sample chamber (2), into which the respiratory gas can be conducted, a measuring module (3) with a measuring element (4) with which a CO2 concentration in the respiratory gas in the sample chamber (2) can be measured, optionally a pressure sensor (5) for measuring an air pressure, a processor (7) for processing measured data obtained by means of the measuring module (3) and the pressure sensor (5), and at least one output unit (9) for outputting a result of the measured data. So that the method can be carried out by a woman herself quickly and nevertheless with high precision, it is provided according to the invention that the device (1) is embodied as a hand-held device and an algorithm is stored in the processor (7), with which with a measurement based on several immediately consecutive breaths a predetermined reproducibility criterion regarding an end expiratory CO2 partial pressure of the respiratory gas can be tested, wherein, if the reproducibility criterion is met, the at least one output unit (9) outputs and/or signals and/or displays whether a fertile phase applies. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining a fertile phase of a woman by ascertaining an end expiratory CO2 partial pressure in a respiratory gas and comparison of the measured data thus obtained with measured data in the follicle phase outside the fertile phase.
US09392994B2

Apparatus and method for detecting ultrasound images from a body under examination. The apparatus comprises a unit emitting ultrasound pulses and a unit receiving ultrasound pulses. The emitting unit and the receiving unit face each other and are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. These units are arranged at opposite sides of a cavity housing the body under examination. The ultrasound pulses emitted from the emitting unit are received by the receiving unit after passing through the body under examination and are transformed into transmission signals. Included is a control unit for the emitting unit, a unit processing the received signals, image generating device and image displaying device. The processing unit comprises a unit comparing the values of a propagation speed of ultrasound pulses and/or of the attenuation of ultrasound pulses with predetermined threshold values.
US09392980B2

A two-dimensional look-up-table (LUT) storage unit stores a two-dimensional LUT in which each combination of two input values is associated with an output value for outputting a different color tone. A registration unit registers Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images of examination 1 and examination 2 by using X-ray CT images of the examination 1 and the examination 2; and an output-image creating unit acquires from the two-dimensional LUT an output value where input values are a combination of pixel values of corresponding pixels between the registered PET images, and creates an output image. Moreover, the output-image creating unit creates the output image from output values within a setting range specified on the two-dimensional LUT, among acquired output values. A display control unit controls display such that an output image or a composite image of an output image and an X-ray CT image created by a composite-image creating unit is to be displayed on a monitor.
US09392978B2

An intraoperative tissue oximetry device includes a tissue marker that includes one or more pens or one or more similar ink sources, such that the tissue marker can mark tissue according to oxygen saturation measurements made by the tissue oximetry device, thereby visually delineating regions of potentially viable tissue from regions of potentially nonviable tissue.
US09392972B2

An initial set of parameters for operating one or more detection tools is automatically derived and subsequently adjusted so that each detection tool is more or less sensitive to signal characteristics in a region of interest. Detection tool(s) may be applied to physiological signals sensed from a patient (such as EEG signals) and may be configured to run in an implanted medical device that is programmable with the parameters to look for rhythmic activity, spiking, and power changes in the sensed signals, etc. A detection tool may be selected and parameter values derived in a logical sequence and/or in pairs based on a graphical representation of an activity type which may be selected by a user, for example, by clicking and dragging on the graphic via a GUI. Displayed simulations allow a user to assess what will be detected with a derived parameter set and then to adjust the sensitivity of the set or start over as desired.
US09392971B2

A method and device for modulating the autonomic nervous system adjacent a pericardial space to treat cardiac arrhythmia includes a treatment source arranged to supply a treatment medium, a catheter having an end sized for insertion into the pericardial space, a medium delivery assembly having a distal end arranged to be positioned by the catheter into the pericardium, with the distal end of the delivery assembly comprising a delivery tip arranged to extend away from the distal end of the catheter into the pericardial space. A connector operatively couples the delivery tip of the medium delivery assembly to the treatment source, and the delivery tip of the medium delivery assembly including a plurality of delivery points for delivering the treatment medium at a plurality of treatment areas within the pericardial space. The device performs modulation or ablation of the autonomic nervous system at selected treatment areas within the pericardium.
US09392968B2

Assembly for use on a device includes a member comprising a plurality of lancet needles arranged generally parallel to each other and one of a cap comprising a single lancet opening structured and arranged to receive therein an end portion of a finger tip and a cap comprising a plurality of openings which are each sized to allow one of the lancet needles to pass therethrough. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US09392957B1

An apparatus and method for improved S/N measurements useful for electron paramagnetic resonance imaging in situ and in vivo, using high-isolation transmit/receive surface coils and temporally spaced pulses of RF energy (e.g., in some embodiments, a RF pi pulse) having an amplitude sufficient to rotate the magnetization by 180 degrees followed after varied delays, by a second RF pulse having an amplitude half that of the initial pulse to rotate the magnetization by, e.g., 90 degrees (a pi/2 pulse), to the plane orthogonal to the static field where it evolves for a short time. Then a third RF pi pulse sufficient to rotate the magnetization by, e.g., 180 degrees, forms an echo (in some embodiments, the second and third pulses are from the same signal as the first pulse but are phase shifted by 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees to reduce signal artifact), to image human body.
US09392951B2

Catheter systems for measuring at least one electrical property, e.g., impedance, of cardiac tissue of a living being are disclosed. The system includes a catheter having a tip with a sensing electrode, a guard electrode and an electrical shield. The sensing electrode is arranged to engage the cardiac tissue and is coupled to circuitry for measuring the at least one electrical property of the cardiac tissue, shielding the sensing electrode from bulk blood adjacent the cardiac tissue. The measurement can gated to the cardiac cycle. Additional embodiments include multi-electrode sensor catheter tips for high density mapping. Moreover, such tips may be dynamically configurable, i.e., their electrodes can be variably assigned as sensor electrodes or guard electrodes by associated circuitry. Such multi-electrode configuration and reconfiguration can be gated to the cardiac cycle.
US09392950B2

This device includes a sensor of endocardiac acceleration EA and one or more circuits configured for: extracting from the EA signal a predetermined EA parameter, determining a period of sleep, evaluating the clinical condition of the patient based on the EA parameter variations on this sleep period, and issuing an alert of worsening of the patient's condition. The device further determines a variability index of the EA parameter on the sleep period, and then calculates a ratio between this calculated variability index and a reference value, and delivers this ratio as a clinical status index. The alert signal is generated by the crossing by this ratio of a predetermined alert threshold.
US09392945B2

Automated critical congenital heart defect (“CCHD”) screening systems and processes are described. A caregiver may be guided to use a single or dual sensor pulse oximeter to obtain pre- and post-ductal blood oxygenation measurements. A delta of the measurements indicates the possible existence or nonexistence of a CCHD. Errors in the measurements are reduced by a configurable measurement confidence threshold based on, for example, a perfusion index. Measurement data may be stored and retrieved from a remote data processing center for repeated screenings.
US09392926B2

Washing rotor (10) for a washer machine such as a dishwasher or a machine for washing objects, comprising at least an oblong body (12) having a mainly longitudinal direction of development (X) and having two opposite ends (13). The oblong body (12) has an internal cavity which develops from one to the other of said opposite ends (13), so that a washing fluid can pass, wherein at least one end (13) has a service aperture (17) for access into said internal cavity. The washing rotor (10) comprises a closing member (14) for the selective closing of said service aperture (17). The closing member (14) is formed by at least two elements (18, 30), of which a first attachment element (18) is removably attached to the corresponding end (13) by means of attachment means, and a second closing element (30) is constrained to the first element (18) and is movable with respect thereto between a first position, or closed position, in which it cooperates with the first element (18) in order to close the service aperture (17), and a second position, or open position, in which it allows access through the service aperture (17).
US09392922B2

A surface cleaning apparatus has a supply tank for holding a supply of cleaning solution, a spray tip in fluid communication with the supply tank for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned, and a spray tip receiver. A removable connection between the spray tip and spray tip receiver removably mounts the spray tip to the spray tip receiver.
US09392909B2

A juicer having a smoothie making function including: a lid having a feed tube; a feed screw having a rotating shaft and feeding input food downwards while cutting, crushing and squeezing the food; a housing having a juice outlet and a residue outlet on an outer surface, with a housing discharge hole formed in the bottom of the housing and communicating with the residue outlet; a net drum having an entirely or partially meshed sidewall, with a net drum discharge hole formed in the net drum and communicating with the residue outlet; a motor unit having a housing seat and a drive shaft for rotating the feed screw; and a juice control unit for opening or closing the juice outlet. While in operation, input food circulates through the upper and lower portions of the net drum while being cut, crushed or squeezed, and residue collects in the net drum.
US09392906B2

An appliance includes a plurality of electrical loads and a load control circuit including at least a clock enable circuit and a full power timer. The clock enable circuit is configured and operatively connected to activate the full power timer when all of the loads are energized, and the full power timer is configured and operatively connected to de-energize at least one load selected from the plurality of loads on reaching a predetermined full power time limit.
US09392902B2

A brewing unit (1) of a beverage preparation machine has: a seat (11) for receiving a capsule (2) having an electrically conductive material (21, 22, 23, 24); and a capsule sensing electric circuit with first and second electric connectors (A, B). The first electric connector (A) and the second electric connector (B) are electrically connected through the electrically conductive material of the capsule (2) when the capsule is present in the seat (11) and electrically disconnected when the capsule is not in the seat so as to close and interrupt, respectively, the capsule sensing electric circuit (A, Aa, a, B, Bb, b, abc).
US09392901B2

The invention relates to a device for extracting a cap comprising a first part, a second part which is movable with respect to the second part which is provided with a space for the cap and defines the cap extracting position in a closed position thereof, an introduction and positioning part comprising the cap guiding elements which are arranged in such a way that it is possible to insert it in an intermediate position and a beverage pouring system in which the second movable part displaces the cap from the intermediate position to the extraction position.
US09392890B1

A method of using a hanger and marking device includes holding an article adjacent to the wall and determining the exact desired location on the wall for hanging the article; exerting pressure on the article so as to cause a support marker of the device to create a small indent in the wall at the desired location; temporarily anchoring the article to the wall with the support marker; stepping back from the wall and observing the temporarily anchored article on the wall; removing the article from the wall; nailing the nail into the wall at the location marked by the device; hanging the article on the wall by mounting the device with picture onto the wall-mounted nail; exerting pressure on the article so as to cause the support marker of the device to anchor into the wall while the device with article is mounted onto the wall-mounted nail.
US09392873B2

This invention, a portable foot and leg rest which allows a person to sit on a standard couch with unattached cushions all while having person's legs rest horizontally on the portable foot and leg rest. The portable foot and leg rest is horizontally adjustable with telescoping parts to accommodate different leg lengths of users. This device has a cushion that can be taken off, and the frame of the device can be reduced to a smaller size by telescoping, in order to be mainly hidden underneath couch cushion while not in use. The portable foot and leg rest is not a complex device and not bulky. Therefore this lightweight device can be transported from one sitting area to another without being permanently attached to a couch.
US09392870B2

A height-adjustable support apparatus supports items above a user's lap while seated or reclining. The apparatus includes a bottom panel with optional pillow for resting on a seated user's lap, a top panel with upright rests configured to support items (such as electronic devices) at a desired angle of use, a four-bar linkage for moving the top panel between height-adjusted positions while maintaining a same horizontal orientation, and a lock engaging slots in the bottom panel for fixing a selected height-adjusted position of the top panel. Rests on the top panel are made of bent wire and can be selectively pivoted to upright positions for supporting devices, such as a cell phone, tablet computers, books, game displays, etc. A cup holder engages a rest on the top panel to support either a handled container (such as a mug) or no-handle container (such as a soda can).
US09392862B1

A bottle includes a track extending along a rear surface for the attachment of a clip to hold the bottle to a waistband, with the clip being attached to the bottle as the clip is moved upward along the bottle and released from the bottle as the clip is moved downward along the bottle. Preferably, the clip additionally includes a concave cylindrical surface for adhesive attachment to another type of bottle.
US09392859B2

A cervical spine and head supporting device is described herein for supporting a user's head when extended at least partially over the sink or basin. The device maintains alignment of the head with the neck or spine particularly as the user moves their head relative to the device or sink to prevent or minimize straining of the user's neck while washing their hair. The device generally comprises a base which is shaped for positioning within a sink or basin, a support column adjustable attached to the base, a supporting member extending from the support column, and a head support which is shaped to support a posterior region of a head of a user, where the head support is pivotably coupled to the supporting member such that the head support is adjustable with a movement of the head when the head is moved relative to the supporting member.
US09392849B1

A pierced earring may also be used to decorate an end cap of a bangle or bracelet in which the end cap has an aperture through which the post of the earring is slid with the end cap holding the pierced earring decorative head in place thereby providing an additional environment in which the pierced earring may serve a decorative purpose.
US09392848B2

A magnetic adornment assembly for improving aesthetic appeal of an item, such as a personal or commercial item, consists of top and bottom members which can be reversibly magnetically coupled to one another. The personal or commercial item is placed between concentrically aligned top and bottom members such that magnetic attraction between the members is established, thereby securing the magnetic adornment assembly to the personal or commercial item. A decoration layer is provided on an outer viewable surface of the personal or commercial item and may be ornamental or informational.
US09392843B2

An article of footwear with an undulating sole provides a different and unique ride and/or feel to the article of footwear, while also providing a unique aesthetic appeal and adequate cushioning and support. The midsole has an undulating shape substantially similar to a sine wave with a series of alternating peaks and troughs.
US09392842B2

The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section that provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front sole section and the back sole section of the sole.
US09392832B2

A helmet including a lighting system integrated into said helmet, the lighting system comprising a first layer; light emitting means mounted to said first layer; controller means mounted to said first layer for controlling said light emitting means; wiring means for linking said light emitting means to said controller means; a second layer fixably attached to said first layer thereby providing an area between said first and second layer for said light emitting means, controller means, and wiring means; power means fixably attached to said second layer for powering said controller and light emitting means; and operating means functionally linked to said controller means for operating said controller means. The application also discloses lighting system contained in a shell that that can be attached to an existing helmet. This application also discloses a lighting system contained in a flexible material that can be fitted onto an existing helmet.
US09392819B2

A method and machine for producing paperless filter rods for smoking articles, according to which a tow band of hardening-material-impregnated filtering material is fed along a forming beam having a first portion along which the tow band is injected with steam to cause the hardening material to react, and a second portion along which the tow band is dried with air, coming out from the forming beam, a continuous paperless rigid rod filter, which is fed to a cutting device; the steam blowing being performed at a plurality of stations arranged in series along the first portion; and the steam being fed, at each station, into an accumulation chamber surrounding the forming channel and communicating with the forming channel through an annular nozzle arranged on a transverse plane to the forming channel and having a constant width, measured along an axis of the forming channel, of 0.3 to 0.9 mm.
US09392815B2

An ozone-based disinfecting device is provided comprising a mixer (2) having a generally hollow body with a water inlet for water under pressure, a spray nozzle (8) for generating a generally conical spray of water introduced by way of the water inlet, a contact chamber (7) communicating with a gas inlet (5) for ozone rich gases, and an outlet aperture (12) from the contact chamber. The outlet aperture is coaxial with the spray nozzle and axially spaced apart therefrom. The diameter of the outlet aperture corresponds substantially to the diameter of the conical spray at that position so that substantially no free space exists between the outside of the conical spray and the periphery of the outlet, in use. The contact chamber generally has a larger cross-sectional size than the diameter of the outlet aperture.
US09392806B2

Provided is a fat or oil composition that may reduce degradation odor to a less extent at the time of cooking even though comprising α-linolenic acid in a large amount, and is capable of improving the taste and flavor of the cooked food. The fat or oil composition comprises the following components (A) and (B): (A) a fat or oil whose constituent fatty acids comprise from 10 to 50 mass % of α-linolenic acid; and (B) 0.05 to 1.8 mass % of a free type triterpene alcohol.
US09392798B2

A rounding device for rounding food dough is provided with a conveyance device (9) which conveys the food dough (7) and a pair of forming plates (11, 13), which, on the upper face of the conveyance device (9), are arranged so as to extend along the conveyance direction (R) of the conveyance device (9). The forming plates (11, 13) at least opposed sloped surfaces (18B, 22B). The sloped surfaces are tilted outward from the lower side to the upper side so that the gap between the sloped surfaces is narrow on the lower side and wide on the upper side. The rounding device rounds the food dough using the sloped surfaces (18B, 22B) of the pair of the forming plates (11, 13). The pair of the forming plates (11, 13) has longitudinal components which move longitudinal relative to each other in the opposite directions, and the pair of forming plates (11, 13) also has a lateral component which move relative to each other in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction so as to approach and separate from each other. The pair of forming palates (11, 13) can move along a movement path in which the distance of movement according to longitudinal components is greater that the distance of movement according to the lateral component.
US09392797B2

Fungicidal mixtures, comprising 1) a fungicidal strain (I) selected from a) the Bacillus substilis strain with NRRL Accession No. B-21661, and b) the Bacillus pumilus strain with NRRL Accession No. B-30087, or a mutant of these strains having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, or a metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against plant pathogenic fungi, and 2) at least one chemical compound (II), selected from the active compound groups A) to F): A) azoles; B) strobilurins; C) carboxamides; D) heterocyclic compounds; E) carbamates; F) other fungicides; in a synergistically effective amount, methods for controlling harmful fungi using compositions of components 1) and 2), the use of a component 1) with a component 2) for preparing such compositions, and also fungicidal agents and seed comprising such compositions.
US09392792B1

The present invention relates to a liquid topical veterinary pharmaceutical composition consisting of fipronil, permethrin at high concentration and pyriproxyfen such that it does not crystallize when it is applied to the coat of an animal, and to the use thereof in the prevention and/or treatment of infestations of domestic animals by external parasites. The present invention also relates to the use of pyriproxyfen as an inhibitor of the crystallization of a liquid formulation comprising fipronil and permethrin at high concentration.
US09392791B2

Amide compounds and methods of using the amide compounds for pest control are provided. In particular, amide compounds of formula (1) below show excellent effects in controlling pests
US09392786B2

The present disclosure describes a formulation including a nanoparticle including a polymer-associated mectin and/or milbemycin compounds with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte, and a dispersant or a wetting agent. The disclosure describes various formulations and formulating agents that can be included in the formulations. Additionally, the disclosure describes application to various plants and pests as well as advantages of the disclosed formulations.
US09392776B2

The present invention relates to transgenic green ornamental fish, as well as methods of making such fish by in vitro fertilization techniques. Also disclosed are methods of establishing a population of such transgenic fish and methods of providing them to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing.
US09392767B2

An insert for use with animal feed or water containers has a bowl shaped body, a wide rim so the insert can be supported by the container, and at least one lifting tab extending from the rim by at least 0.5 inch.
US09392764B1

Herein provided is a new soybean variety designated ‘G12PR-63R2’ as well as the seeds, plants and derivatives of the new soybean variety ‘G12PR-63R2’. Also provided are tissue cultures of the new soybean variety ‘G12PR-63R2’ and the plants regenerated therefrom. Methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the new soybean variety ‘G12PR-63R2’ with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods are also provided.
US09392763B1

The soybean variety ER22295 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ER22295 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ER22295 and to plants of ER22295 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ER22295.
US09392758B2

The invention relates to methods and compositions for genetic transformation of both juvenile and mature citrus. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods and compositions for genetic transformation of citrus using Rhizobia-mediated DNA delivery, and also methods of enhancing the frequency of genetic transformation of mature citrus by any DNA transfer method, including Sinorhizobium. Internodal stem sections prepared from epicotyls of citrus seedlings or freshly emerging shoots of mature citrus plants (e.g., first shoots from buds of mature plants following grafting onto rootstock or very young shoots of mature plants) are preconditioned for transformation by inducing callus formation on an artificial medium. All callus and any developing meristematic regions in immediately adjacent tissue are substantially or completely removed and the preconditioned explants are then transformed by Sinorhizobium or other known methods. Whole plants or shoots to be grafted onto rootstocks are subsequently regenerated from the transformed cells.
US09392753B2

The invention provides an interface (20) for converting a desired physiological plant response into control instructions for at least one lighting system (4,5) which has an adjustable lighting property, said interface (20) comprising: a receiver for receiving a desired physiological plant response; a processor functionally coupled to said receiver for converting said desired physiological plant response into said control instructions, and a transmitter (7), functionally coupled to said processor for transmitting said control instructions to said at least one lighting system (4,5) wherein said desired physiological plant response is defined as a set point in a multi-dimensional horticulture action space.
US09392748B2

A baler having a reciprocating plunger within a main bale chamber for compressing crop material into bales. The plunger has a first guide mechanism for permitting linear movement within the main bale chamber that allows a pivoting of an end face. A second guide mechanism includes a slot allowing the plunger to be oriented so that the second edge of the end face compresses crop material first and then subsequently pivots to compress equally and finally to have the second edge leading the first edge of the end face away from the bale to provide greater bale compression without additional force.
US09392746B2

A system and method for transferring agricultural material from a transferring vehicle to a storage portion of a receiving vehicle, and detecting and filling void areas of the agricultural material is disclosed. A transferring vehicle having a spout transfers agricultural material to a storage portion of a receiving vehicle. An imaging device associated with the transferring vehicle and facing towards the storage portion of the receiving vehicle collects imaging data. An image processing module is operable to, based on the imaging data, estimate fill levels of agricultural material within the storage portion; identify an area of the storage portion as targeted to fill; and identify a first void within the targeted area. A controller in communication with the image processing module is configured to command the spout to a position to direct agricultural material to the first void.
US09392745B2

An agricultural implement is provided having mechanical activation and hydraulic engines for different sets and for functioning attached to a conventional tractor having a power outlet and a hydraulic system, thus enabling for the harvesting and windrowing of different plants.
US09392737B2

A wavy disc blade is provided. The wavy disc blade includes a first side, a second side, a central portion having at least one opening, and a wavy portion adjacent to, extending radially from and circumferentially about the central portion. The wavy portion includes a plurality of waves extending from the central portion to an edge portion, the waves forming a plurality of crests and valleys between the central portion and the edge portion. The wavy disc blade also includes a plurality of teeth formed along the edge portion. At least one of a first beveled portion may be formed on the first side at and along the edge portion and a second beveled portion may be formed on the second side at and along the edge portion.
US09398736B2

A mounting apparatus bonds an electrode of an electronic component and an electrode of a substrate with thermally fusible bond metal to mount the component on a substrate. The apparatus includes a heater base that moves on a path to and from the substrate, a bonding tool, a pedestal to hold the electronic component by vacuum. The bonding tool is heated with a ceramic heater in the heater base to thermally bond the electronic component retained on the pedestal. The bonding tool includes a cooling flow passage providing communication between the upper surface and a side surface of the pedestal. This offers the advantage of shortening the time for cooling during mounting of the electronic component.
US09398734B2

Provided is a method of managing a component mounting substrate that can be used in a roll-to-roll process, without breaking or deteriorating electronic components mounted thereon. In the method of winding, around a core, a flexible component mounting substrate on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted and managing the component mounting substrate as a roll, the roll is held such that the core of the roll is parallel to a vertical direction.
US09398719B2

Embodiments of the invention provide a swing-out wall rack for mounting electrical equipment. The swing-out wall rack can include a frame configured to couple to a wall and a rack. The frame can include a vertical member and a horizontal arm. The rack can extend a width and a height. The rack can include a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite from the first side. The rack can further include a mid-point, the mid-point being approximately equidistant from the first side and the second side. The rack can be rotatably coupled to the horizontal arm of the frame substantially about the mid-point of the rack.
US09398717B2

An integrated platform assembled with different electrical cabinets and components mounted on a framework in order to provide a complete datacenter critical power distribution package. The integrated platform supports the weight of cabinet enclosures and UPSs mounted onto a skeletal framework, which acts as an equipment support structure and a cable routing support system. Main and redundant power supply wiring is routed along the skeletal framework to and between the cabinet enclosures and the UPSs mounted thereon. Electrical connections between the cabinets are internally connected via bus bars as switchgear cabinets. The skeletal framework has top and bottom rails run substantially parallel to each other with cross bars connecting the top and bottom rails and a top horizontal surface to which one or more of the cabinet enclosures are mounted. The skeletal framework and cabinet enclosures are fabricated prior to installation and installed as a monolithic pre-wired pre-assembled integrated platform.
US09398707B2

An expansion platform is disclosed. The expansion platform includes a main body, a moving element, a first elastic element, and a positioning device. The moving element moveably combines with the main body and includes at least one fixed element and a sliding slot. The positioning device includes a second elastic element and a positioning element connected to the main body and passing through the sliding slot. The positioning element is pressed by the insertion of the portable electronic apparatus to be removed from a fixed state between the positioning element and the sliding slot, and the moving element is moved to fix the portable electronic apparatus. When the moving element moves reversely to an unlocked position, the portable electronic apparatus detaches from the main body, and the positioning element moves to an initial position and then is fixed by the sliding slot to stop the moving element.
US09398700B2

Microelectronic assemblies and methods for making the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of forming a microelectronic assembly comprises assembling first and second components to have first major surfaces of the first and second components facing one another and spaced apart from one another by a predetermined spacing, the first component having first and second oppositely-facing major surfaces, a first thickness extending in a first direction between the first and second major surfaces, and a plurality of first metal connection elements at the first major surface, the second component having a plurality of second metal connection elements at the first major surface of the second component; and plating a plurality of metal connector regions each connecting and extending continuously between a respective first connection element and a corresponding second connection element opposite the respective first connection element in the first direction.
US09398695B2

Methods and apparatus are provided to fabricate massive monolithic arrays of individually addressable light emitting diodes, assemble a plurality of such massive monolithic arrays of individually addressable light emitting diodes, control each individual light emitting diode, and to assemble the same in manner to achieve the accuracy and stability for a massive number of individually controlled light emitting diodes that can then be focused using projection optics on to a photoreceptive surface. In addition methods and apparatus are provided to move the imaging system thus described relative to the photoreceptive surface in two axes orthogonal to each other thus exposing the photoreceptive surface.
US09398693B2

A capacitor arrangement structure includes: a first wiring pattern; a second wiring pattern; a first electrode pattern that protrudes from the first wiring pattern toward the second wiring pattern; a second electrode pattern that protrudes from the second wiring pattern toward the first wiring pattern so as to run in parallel to the first electrode pattern; and a plurality of capacitors that are arranged in parallel between the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern.
US09398681B2

A microwave circuit for a linear accelerator includes multiple monolithic metallic cell plates stacked upon each other so that the beam axis passes vertically through a central acceleration cavity of each plate. Each plate has a directional coupler with coupling arms. A first coupling slot couples the directional coupler to an adjacent directional coupler of an adjacent cell plate, and a second coupling slot couples the directional coupler to the central acceleration cavity. Each directional coupler also has an iris protrusion spaced from corners joining the arms, a convex rounded corner at a first corner joining the arms, and a corner protrusion at a second corner joining the arms.
US09398665B2

Disclosed is a constant current drive for an LED light source, including a main power supply loop and at least one backup power supply loop. The main power supply loop at least includes a power conversion circuit. The power conversion circuit outputs a constant current to an LED light source. The backup power supply loop at least includes a power conversion backup circuit. The power conversion backup circuit outputs a constant current to the LED light source. When the power conversion circuit and the power conversion backup circuit operate normally, any one thereof operates in a nominal state or a derating state, and the output ends thereof are connected in parallel and then supply power to the LED light source simultaneously. When any one of the power conversion circuit and the power conversion backup circuit is invalid, the invalid circuit will not affect the normal operation of the remaining circuit. The constant current drive for an LED light source in the present invention can improve the reliability of the constant current drive for an LED light source due to having a backup power supply loop.
US09398659B2

An integrated LED lamp and a data transmission circuit and a synchronization circuit thereof are provided. Integrated LEDs of the present invention only need two pins, such that the originally existing LED package method can be adopted. In addition, by using two pins, the present invention can synchronize the LEDs or further update a displayed pattern. Because the old package technology has been well developed, the present invention can avoid the risk of the yield reduction caused by the new package technology in addition to reductions of the wire and the manufacturing cost.
US09398640B2

A multi-use thermal cup device is provided that includes a cup, a sensor, a thermometer, a user interface, and an electronic controller. The cup has at least one heating element disposed between its inner and outer walls. Electro-mechanical connection points are included on the outer wall of the cup and the electronic controller, which are sized to allow the controller to be connected to the cup at a distance sufficient to insulate the controller from heat dispersed from the cup. An insulating air gap is formed between the cup and the electronic controller to protect the controller from any dissipating heat. The controller is programmable to direct the power supply to the heat conductors and to control the function of any device connected to the sensor in response to information received from the sensor and the user-defined sampling parameters.
US09398635B1

A method for synchronously adapting radio frequency channel selection based on an application which can range from low bandwidth applications such as instant messaging to high bandwidth applications such as streaming video selected by an end user cellular telecommunications device involves providing end user devices with synchronous adaptive radio selection (SARS) modules. The SARS modules perform as sensory agents for identifying usage by the end user device of applications and thus permit monitoring for interference, congestion and the like in the cellular telecommunications network. The sensory agents preferably determine their location and altitude for comparison with reference topographic relief maps of a geographic area surrounding a base station. Control reference test stations collect information from the sensory agents and further receive updates on security alerts and network administration policies from a base station, for example, equipped with a base station scheduler. The reference test stations periodically output channel control information including a reference clock frequency, its identity, interference levels, policies and security updates for the base stations and end user devices to optimize radio frequency selection based on utilized applications. Consequently, the control reference stations oversee channel characteristics in a centralized manner and provide guidelines to base stations for optimized traffic flows and altimetry enhanced application performance.
US09398610B2

A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes a step of a mobile station UE transmitting a connection setup request signal containing a radio access capability of the mobile station eNB to a radio network controller RNC of a UMTS scheme, upon detecting a predetermined trigger while camping on in a cell of the first communication scheme, a step of the radio network controller RNC of the UMTS scheme transmitting an instruction signal for instructing setup of a connection in a cell of an LTE scheme to the mobile station UE, in a case where the radio access capability of the mobile station UE is contained in the received connection setup request signal, and a step of the mobile station UE setting up the connection in the cell of the LTE scheme in response to the received instruction signal.
US09398609B2

The present disclosure relates to a method for a base station (BS) BS (re)configuring a user equipment (UE) to switch from a fixed uplink-downlink time division duplex (UL-DL TDD) configuration to a flexible UL-DL TDD configuration. In the method, a signaling message to switch the UE from the fixed UL-DL TDD configuration to the flexible UL-DL TDD configuration is sent to the UE. Then, a set of DL subframes is determined based on the fixed UL-DL TDD configuration and a reference DL TDD configuration of the flexible UL-DL TDD configuration. Thereafter, DL transmissions for the UE are scheduled only within the determined set of DL subframes. The present disclosure also relates to a BS for implementing the method.
US09398606B2

A method in a wireless communication system for reporting buffer information includes selecting a format for a buffer report based on a number of radio bearer groups, k, for which data is available for transmission by a user equipment. The buffer report indicates a respective buffer fill level for one or more radio bearer groups associated with the user equipment. The method also include encoding a buffer fill level for one or more radio bearer groups in a buffer report in accordance with the selected format and transmitting the buffer report.
US09398591B2

Methods and apparatus for improved utilization of air link resources are discussed in wireless communications systems employing multi-sector base stations and wireless terminals with multiple antennas. Timing synchronization is maintained across the base station sectors, and the same set of tones are used in adjacent sectors. In a sector boundary region, which is typically a high interference region, a wireless terminal is set to a sector pair state and operated in a MIMO mode of operation, communicating with two adjacent base station antenna faces of the same base station concurrently, the two different adjacent base station antenna faces corresponding to different adjacent sectors. Thus, typically high interference sector boundary regions, are converted into high capacity regions by having the sectors coordinated and utilizing MIMO techniques.
US09398589B2

A method for resource assignment, base station and terminal equipment. The method includes: determining resource block group sizes or numbers of resource block subsets to which a stand-alone carrier and a carrier segment correspond; and assigning a resource to terminal equipment according to the resource block group sizes or the numbers of the resource block subsets. With this method, waste of RBs in the resource assignment type 0 may be avoided on the one hand, and on the other hand, a solution for resource assignment of the resource assignment type 1 is provided.
US09398582B2

In a system where two or more bands the channel state information of which is to be measured can be configured, measurement target of the channel state or the transmission resource is flexibly configured. In a mobile communication system in which a base station apparatus and a mobile station apparatus communicate with each other using a plurality of component carriers configured by the base station apparatus, the base station apparatus transmits, to the mobile station apparatus, a downlink control information format which is used for scheduling of a physical uplink shared channel on a certain uplink component carrier and, the mobile station apparatus transmits, to the base station apparatus, the channel state information for a downlink component carrier corresponding to the certain uplink component carrier in case that downlink control information included in the downlink control information format is set to request a transmission of the channel state information.
US09398573B2

Methods and apparatus for a User Equipment (UE) to determine a number of coded modulation symbols per spatial layer for an Uplink Control Information (UCI) type it multiplexes in a Physical Uplink Shared CHannel (PUSCH) is provided. The UE communicates with different sets of Reception Points (RPs) in different Transmission Time Intervals (TTIs) wherein two RPs in a same set of RPs have a communication latency that is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value and two RPs in two different respective sets of RPs have a communication latency that is larger than a predetermined value.
US09398560B2

A method of performing paging by a first D2D terminal in a wireless communication system supporting D2D communication includes: obtaining information on a paging slot, the paging slot being designated to be dedicated to the first D2D terminal for the D2D communication and including a plurality of paging sections; monitoring whether a signal for the first D2D terminal is transmitted in a first paging section in the obtained paging slot through a region assigned to the first D2D terminal; monitoring whether a paging request message is transmitted in a paging region only for the first D2D terminal in a second paging section if the signal is detected; and transmitting a paging response message through a third paging section to the second D2D terminal that transmits the paging request signal, as a response to the paging request message, if the paging request message is detected.
US09398557B2

A method of determining location of a user of a mobile device based on Call Detail Records (CDRs) includes determining data in CDRs related to the user; determining base stations associated with communication locations of the user and corresponding statistical data about communication frequency according to the determined data in the CDRs; and determining location of the user based on at least three determined base stations and the corresponding statistical data about communication frequency as well as physical coordinates of the three base stations.
US09398548B2

A method for an eNB to control inter-cell interference in a wireless communication system includes receiving information on a plurality of time-domain interference patterns corresponding to sub-frequency-domain interference control information on a plurality of sub-frequency domains constituting a system frequency domain, the plurality of time-domain interference control patterns indicating interference control for subframes of the plurality of sub-frequency domains, and transmitting, to a UE, scheduling information about the UE based on information on at least one of the plurality of time-domain interference control patterns, wherein each of the plurality of time-domain interference control patterns is configured to have more subframes for which transmission power restriction is set (referred to as “transmission power-restricted subframes” hereinafter) as an inter-cell interference level indicated by the sub-frequency-domain interference control information increases.
US09398547B2

A method in a base station for calculating a power relating to a first radio access is provided. The power is to be shared with a second radio access within the base station. The base station communicates with a number of user equipments using the first radio access. When the base station has estimated a statistic power distribution of transmit power to said user equipments during a time interval, it calculates a margin of power not to be shared with the second radio access, based on the estimated statistic power distribution. The base station further calculates a power to be shared with the second radio access, based on said margin of power.
US09398541B2

A communication device for handling uplink power control comprises the instructions comprise determining a power level of a first uplink (UL) subframe of a first base station and a first power level of a second UL subframe of a second base station according to an initial power level of the first UL subframe and an initial power level of the second UL subframe, wherein a starting boundary of the second UL subframe is within the first UL subframe; and determining a second power level of the second UL subframe of the second base station and a first power level of a third UL subframe of the first base station according to the first power level of the second UL subframe and an initial power level of the third UL subframe, wherein a starting boundary of the third UL subframe is within the second UL subframe.
US09398539B2

Provided are a method of transmitting a signal of a multi-node system. The method includes: transmitting a first signal to a user equipment via the plurality nodes by applying a first power factor; receiving power feedback information as a feedback from the user equipment; and transmitting a second signal to the user equipment via at least one node among the plurality of nodes by applying a second power factor, wherein the first power factor and the second power factor are elements for determining transmit power to be applied to the plurality of nodes, wherein the power factor information includes information for transmit power applicable to each of the plurality of nodes by measuring the first signal, and wherein the second power factor is determined based on the power factor information.
US09398532B2

An enhanced paging mechanism is provided for UEs waking up from a very long paging cycle to improve paging robustness and flexibility. Enhanced paging includes absolute time paging (ATP) and paging with extended wakeup time. For absolute time paging, a UE receives ATP configuration and uses the actual wall time to calculate paging occasion if a condition is satisfied. In one embodiment, the wall time is acquired from at least one of an internal UE clock, a GPS time, information broadcasted from the network, or information from a higher layer signaling. For paging with extended wakeup time, a UE applies a long paging cycle followed by multiple normal paging cycles after waking up from the long paging cycle. In one embodiment, the long paging cycle is infinite and the UE enters normal paging cycle only upon TAU-triggered paging or uplink traffic.
US09398526B2

An apparatus includes a memory to store one or more identifiers for respective one or more home service providers, circuitry coupled to the memory, and a network access component for execution on the circuitry to automatically identify a set of access points that can provide wireless service to a device based upon the one or more identifiers, and select an access point from the identified set of access points to establish a wireless connection. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US09398525B2

Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for a wireless device to select a network. The wireless device receives a request from a user to access a network site. The wireless device then selects a network based upon a predefined weighted criteria setting that was previously selected by the user.
US09398518B2

Concepts and technologies are described herein for cell broadcast for signaling resource load from one or more radio access networks (“RANs”). According to one aspect disclosed herein, a base station can collect signaling load information of the base station. The base station can also generate a cell broadcast message that includes the signaling load information. The base station can also send the cell broadcast message to a target mobile device. The target mobile device can be configured to determine, based at least in part upon the signaling load information, to which radio access network of a plurality of radio access networks to connect.
US09398517B2

Local IP Access (LIPA) allows an IP-capable user equipment (UE) connected via a femto cell direct access to other IP-capable devices in the local IP network. Selected IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO) is used to offload selected types of IP traffic towards a defined IP network close to the UE's point of attachment to the access network. LIPA PDN Connectivity indicates a PDP Context or a PDN Connection that gives access to services located in the local IP network of the femto cell subsystem. SIPTO PDN Connectivity indicates a PDP Context or PDN Connection that allows offload of selected types of IP traffic towards a defined IP network close to the UE's point of attachment to the access network. Systems, devices and methods are described herein that enable the identification of the type of connectivity available to a UE and enable session continuity for local cellular coverage.
US09398501B1

Aspects disclosed herein relate to determining frequencies for measuring cells in reselection. A set of frequencies over which to measure cells for reselection can be prioritized, wherein one or more first frequencies in the set of frequencies correspond to frequencies of previously visited closed subscriber group (CSG) cells, multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) frequencies, etc. A command to deprioritize one or more second frequencies for reselection can be received, and it can be determined whether to deprioritize the one or more second frequencies in the prioritized set of frequencies based at least in part on the command. One or more cells can be measured over the prioritized set of frequencies based at least in part on respective priorities of the set of frequencies and may be evaluated for reselection.
US09398486B2

A method provided in one embodiment includes receiving, at a first network element, a first data packet of a data flow, wherein the data flow is associated with a subscriber. The method further includes receiving subscriber information associated with the subscriber, and encapsulating the subscriber information with the first data packet to form an encapsulated data packet. The method still further includes determining a service chain including one or more services to which the encapsulated data packet is to be forwarded, and forwarding the encapsulated data packet to the service chain.
US09398485B2

A wireless sensor network system includes: sensor terminals and a management terminal. A sensor terminal sends a join request at a first transmission power; and the management terminal calculates the traffic load of nodes on the reception path of the join request. If the number of hops and the traffic load are both within respective permissible ranges, the management terminal sets the reception path as the communication route of the sensor terminal. If the number of hops and/or the load is not within the permissible rage, the management terminal reconstructs the communication path by outputting an instruction to the sensor terminal to make direct connection to the management terminal or a specified node with a low traffic load, at a second transmission power greater than the first transmission power. When receiving the instruction, the sensor terminal transmits to the management terminal or the specified node at the second transmission power.
US09398481B2

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a measurement method based on channel state information-reference signal CSI-RS resources, a base station, a user equipment UE, and a method for inter-cell CSI-RS resource sharing. The measurement method includes: sending, by a first base station, information of at least one CSI-RS configuration set to a user equipment UE; receiving, by the first base station, a result of measurement performed by the UE on a subset or a full set of measurement resources corresponding to the CSI-RS configuration set, wherein the CSI-RS configuration set includes at least two CSI-RS configurations. The technical solution for measurement provided in the embodiments of the present invention implements CSI-RS measurement over multiple CSI-RS configurations, thereby overcoming the problem that REs of a CSI-RS are sparse, and improving the measurement precision of a UE.
US09398480B2

Systems and methods for obtaining effective measurements in a cellular communications network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a node (i.e., a measuring node) in a cellular communications network performs a reference measurement at the node, where the reference measurement contains one or more interference components. The node then mitigates at least one of the interference components contained in the reference measurement to thereby provide an effective measurement. In one embodiment, the effective measurement is used by the measuring node, reported to another node, or both used by the measuring node and reported to another node.
US09398475B2

A method, a device, and a system for monitoring quality of an Internet access service of a mobile terminal are provided. The method includes collecting, by a mobile terminal, an IP data packet of an Internet access service, identifying, by the mobile terminal, an Internet access service type corresponding to the IP data packet, performing, by the mobile terminal, deep packet resolution on the IP data packet to obtain a resolution result, collecting statistics, by the mobile terminal, on a key quality indicator of the Internet access service corresponding to the Internet access service type according to the resolution result of the IP data packet, and uploading, by the mobile terminal, the key quality indicator obtained by means of statistics to a network server, so that the network server monitors quality of the Internet access service of the mobile terminal according to the key quality indicator.
US09398472B2

Method and arrangements in a first network node (101) and a user equipment (102) for handling replacement of a first area identifier (A1) of a cell (110) served by the first network node (101) with a second area identifier (A2) is provided. An area identifier replacement period has been introduced in order to allow the first and second area identifiers to be operated simultaneously in a cell that is being updated. Furthermore, a method and arrangement in a second network node for handling paging of user equipments during the area identifier replacement period is provided.
US09398470B2

A method for deploying a policy from a 3GPP core network to a non-3GPP access network. The policy relates to a connection established from a mobile terminal to the 3GPP core network via the non-3GPP access network. A local IP address acquired by the mobile terminal during establishment of the connection is received at the 3GPP core network. At the 3GPP core network, establishment of a policy control session is initiated from the 3GPP core network to the non-3GPP access network. The received local IP address is used to determine the non-3GPP access network used for the connection with reference to shared IP addressing information. At the 3GPP core network, the policy is provided to the non-3GPP access network using the policy control session established as a result of the policy control session initiation step. The policy is for deployment in the non-3GPP access network in relation to the established connection.
US09398467B2

An approach is provided for causing an extension of secure emergency network resources via one or more trusted point of presence. The approach involves determining a networking context, wherein the networking context initiates a request to join an extension mesh network to a currently trusted network. The approach also involves determining a target network trust level associated with the networking context, the currently trusted network, or a combination thereof. The approach further involves selecting the extension mesh network based on the target network trust level. The approach also involves initiating a joining of the extension mesh network to the currently trusted network.
US09398450B2

A system includes a server computing device executing code to provide a privacy-enabled service to users, and a mobile computing device able to access the server. The mobile device further able to open a user interface on the mobile device, receive a user name and password through the user interface, determine that the application is privacy-enabled, notify the user that the application is privacy-enabled and prompting the user for an application passcode, and receive the passcode from the user.
US09398447B2

Techniques pertaining to mobile terminating network failure forwarding for LTE circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) are described. In one aspect, a method includes a first telecommunications device of a pool of telecommunications devices receiving a reply message from a mobile user device forwarded to the first telecommunications device by a radio access device. The reply message is provided by the mobile user device in response to the mobile user device receiving a request message from a second telecommunications device of the pool of telecommunications devices. The method also includes the first telecommunications device establishing a voice call for the mobile user device based at least in part on information in the reply message.
US09398437B2

Embodiments enable discovery of services in a wireless communications medium. In example embodiments, a method comprises inserting, by an apparatus, an indication associated with a service available from the apparatus to an apparatus address field of a wireless advertisement packet; and transmitting, by the apparatus, the wireless advertisement packet including the inserted indication associated with the available service. The packet may be a Bluetooth Low Energy ADV_IND PDU packet or a Bluetooth Low Energy ADV_SCAN_IND PDU packet. The apparatus's address field may be a non-resolvable private address format in an AdvA field of either the Bluetooth Low Energy ADV_IND PDU packet or the Bluetooth Low Energy ADV_SCAN_IND PDU packet. The apparatus may be functioning as either a subscriber or a publisher in a Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) network.
US09398433B2

A wireless mobile communication device may include a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit MMS messages over a wireless network communication system. The device may also include a plurality of user applications. Each user application may be of a different type and configured to generate content for an MMS message based on input to the wireless mobile communication device. The mobile communication device may include an MMS client configured to generate MMS messages based on content supplied by the user applications. The MMS client may be configured to generate a value for a field of information within each MMS message that is indicative of the type of user application which supplies content for the MMS message. The value may be different for each different type of user application.
US09398429B2

A communication device comprises logic and an input device coupled to the logic. The input device is adapted to permit a user to select a communication type. The logic receives a communication in a first communication type and permits a user to reply to the communication using any of a plurality of user-selectable communication types.
US09398428B2

A messaging device receives configuration information from a configuration device. The messaging device identifies application configuration information, associated with a first user device, based on the configuration information and sends the application configuration information to the first user device for configuring a messaging application on the first user device. The messaging device receives an incoming message, including message information, from the messaging application on the first user device. The messaging device identifies, based on the message information and the configuration information, a second user device and a message format associated with the second user device. The messaging device sends, in the message format associated with the second user device, an outgoing message, based on the message information and the configuration information, to the second user device.
US09398427B2

A resource efficient approach for push-to-talk (PTT) services over a mobile communications network is provided. A remote terminal (UT) receives a command for initiating a PTT session. The UT generates a RAB binding create message, including a PTT session identifier and RAB binding information, and transmits the RAB binding create message to a wireless gateway. The UT receives a RAB binding response from the wireless gateway, and performs a protocol signaling process for establishing PDP bearers, and for establishing the PTT session on a PTT server. The UT receives a command for initiation of media transmission for the PTT session, generates talk burst (TB) request message, and transmits the request message to the wireless gateway (the TB request message is transmitted via media access control (MAC) layer control messaging). In response, the UT receives a talk burst grant message from the wireless gateway.
US09398426B2

A method and apparatus is provided for transmitting a cell broadcast message in a mobile communication network comprising in a message control node receiving a initiation request identifying a first message payload segment to be transmitted, determining an authentication group for which the first message payload segment is intended and determining a first encryption key associated with the determined authentication group. The first message payload segment is encrypted using the first encryption key. A message payload is aggregated comprising the encrypted first message payload segment and at least a second message payload segment. The cell broadcast message comprising the aggregated message payload for message broadcast is transmitted within at least a part of the communication network. A method and apparatus is also provided for decrypting a cell broadcast message at a mobile terminal.
US09398418B2

A facility for determining the location of a mobile device when a location determination of a desired accuracy is desired. If available, the facility determines the location of the mobile device using a device-based technique or using a location determination technique that is accessible over a macronetwork. Macronetworks are networks that are designed to cover relatively large areas. If a location determination technique of desired accuracy is not available on the device or over a macronetwork, the facility attempts to use a location determination technique that is accessible over a micronetwork to determine the location of the mobile device. Micronetworks are networks that are designed to cover smaller areas. By forcing a switch from a macronetwork-based location determination technique to a micronetwork-based location determination technique, the facility ensures that a location determination is made for the mobile device of a desired accuracy, time to fix (TTF), and/or yield.
US09398416B2

In one form, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprises instructions that, when provided to and executed by a processor associated with a mobile device of a first user, cause the processor to periodically transmit a profile identifier and location information of the first user to a remote server and receive a match confirmation and a public profile associated with a second user from the remote server. In response to receiving the match confirmation, the instructions cause the processor to display at least a portion of the public profile associated with the second user on the mobile device, and query the first user about whether to open a dialog with the second user. In another form, the instructions can cause the processor to receive a profile identifier and a public profile from a second user using a location-based communication protocol supported by the mobile device.
US09398400B2

Provided is a communication device which, during communication with a first communication device, can further receive separate service offerings by communicating with second communication devices. Even if a wireless connection with the first communication device has been established, when not communicating prescribed content with the first communication device, this communication device gives priority to establishing a wireless connection with a second communication device which has newly entered into the communication range. On the other hand, when communicating prescribed content with the first communication device, the communication device does not immediately establish a wireless connection with a second communication device.
US09398398B2

A Machine-to-Machine (M2M) services enablement architecture (95) for a cellular Access Network (AN) (84) that allows the cellular AN operator to not only deploy its M2M Services Capabilities (SC) as an M2M SC Server (141) within its network domain, but to also use its M2M SC to work as an M2M SC Proxy (100) when communicating with an M2M Service Provider (SP) network (82) that also deploys an M2M SC Server (102). The M2M SC Proxy in the cellular AN relays all signaling plane communications between an M2M device's/gateway's SC (165) and the SP's M2M SC Server. The M2M SC Proxy provides the cellular AN with an access to all of the Across-Layers (Transport and Service Layers) information needed for the M2M services enablement in the cellular AN. This proxy-based solution allows the cellular AN to serve all types of M2M SPs, and relieves the M2M SP from the need to support different cellular AN interworking interfaces.
US09398394B2

The present invention provides methods and systems for digitally processing audio signals in two-channel audio systems and/or applications. In particular, the present invention includes a first filter structured to split a two-channel audio input signal into a low frequency signal and a higher frequency signal. A M/S splitter is then structured to split the higher frequency signal into a middle and a side signal. A detection module is then configured to create a detection signal from the middle signal, which is used in a compression module configured to modulate the side signal to create a gain-modulated side signal. A processing module is then structured to combine the low frequency signal, middle signal, and the gain-modulated side signal to form a final output signal.
US09398388B2

The present invention relates to a method and a circuit for testing a tweeter. The tweeter is part of a loudspeaker system. The method includes the steps of: applying a high-frequency voltage signal to one terminal of the tweeter, whereby the high-frequency voltage signal is generated by first electronic means. The method also includes applying a constant voltage signal to the other terminal of the tweeter, whereby the constant voltage signal is generated by second electronic means. The method includes measuring a current (Iload) that flows through the tweeter into the second electronic means and determining a connect/disconnect state of the tweeter from the value of the current.
US09398373B2

When an indication is received from a user input, a name of an audio source from an ordered list of audio sources to which a headset is currently connected is output. Whenever a successive indication is received within a predefined amount of time, the name of the next wireless audio source in the list is output. If the next wireless audio source in the list is the last wireless audio source in the list, and the successive indication from the user input is received before the elapsed time exceeds the predefined value, the name of the audio source to which the headset is currently connected is output as the next selected wireless audio source in the list. When an amount of time greater than the predefined value elapses without a successive indication from the user input, the last wireless audio source that had its name output is connected.
US09398369B2

The present invention provides an improved speaker structure, which includes a speaker body, a resonance body and at least one sound guiding portion. The resonance body includes a resonance film and a resonance film frame. The sound guiding portion includes a first sound guiding member, a second sound guiding member and a back frame unit. The speaker structure forms a sealed sound chamber by combining the speaker body, the resonance body and the at least one sound guiding portion. When the speaker body generates a front sound wave and a guiding sound wave, the front sound wave is transmitted within the sound chamber to the resonance film to enhance low frequency sound effect, and the guiding sound wave is transmitted within the resonance cavity and forms a back sound wave, thus reducing noise in the sound region and enabling better extension of the sound wave towards low frequency range.
US09398368B2

A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes a display module, a first cover configured to support the display module and a second cover placed opposed to the first cover and selectively detachably coupled to the first cover. The device also includes a volume changer configured to connect the first and second covers and define an inner space, having a volume, with the first and second covers, wherein the volume changer has an adjustable length extending from the second cover to the first cover, and wherein the volume changer is configured to change the volume of the inner space when the length is adjusted. The device further includes at least one exciter mounted in the inner space and configured to generate sound.
US09398367B1

Aspects of the disclosure provide suspension of noise cancellation at a noise-cancelling device using keyword spotting. In one aspect, a predetermined word or phrase can be spotted within an utterance received at the noise-cancelling device, and in response, noise cancellation can be suspended or otherwise terminated. The predetermined word or phrase can be specific to an end-user that utilizes the noise-cancelling device and/or a person that interacts with the end-user. In another aspect, interaction between an operator and the noise-cancelling device can be monitored after noise cancellation is suspended, and based at least on such interaction, a model for keyword spotting can be refined. In certain aspects, noise cancellation at the noise-cancelling device can be suspended or otherwise terminated in response to receiving a suspension directive via an electronic non-audio signal, for example, from a peripheral device. In other aspects, the noise-cancelling device can resume noise cancellation in response to a control signal.
US09398362B2

An earpiece designed to fit a substantial majority (over 90%) of people without customization to the outer ears, i.e., without the need to make customized measurements or a mold of the actual ear of an individual. The device is generally C-shaped and contacts the outer ear in four locations.
US09398361B1

A headset providing audio input and output for a mobile device includes a microphone and speaker. An RF transceiver performs wireless communication with the mobile device. One or more buttons are configured for push operations to control operation of the headset, the mobile device, or both. A processor is configured to process a signal input from the microphone and output the processed signal to the RF transceiver, process a signal received from the RF transceiver and output the processed signal to the speaker, and process a signal input according to the push operations of the one or more buttons. At least one of the buttons is configurable to actuate a selected function. A memory associated with the processor stores program instructions for executing a plurality of functions, wherein the selected plurality of function is selected in response to user input via a user interface on the mobile device.
US09398351B2

A method and an apparatus for converting content by a terminal in a multimedia system are provided. The method includes acquiring reference information for converting a first content based on a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) transport stream to a second content based on a media file format and converting the first content to the second content using the reference information.
US09398347B2

A method for measuring quality of experience for media streaming in a network is provided, the method includes: identifying a media stream; detecting an event related to the media stream indicative of a quality of experience (QoE) as perceived by a subscriber; measuring a metric relating to the detected event; and determining a quality of experience measurement based on the metric. A system for measuring quality of experience for media streaming as perceived by subscribers in a network is provided, the system having: a media flow recognition module configured to identify a media stream; a QoE event handler operatively connected to the media flow recognition module and configured to detect an event related to the media stream indicative of a quality of experience as perceived by a subscriber; a metric measurement module operatively connected to the QoE event handler and configured to measure a metric relating to the detected event; and a quality of experience calculation module operatively connected to the metric measurement module and configured to determine a quality of experience measurement based on the metric.
US09398336B2

Methods and apparatus for selecting digital (network) interface technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration. A business and operational rules engine is also optionally employed to control the operation of the foregoing processes to accomplish particular business or operational goals.
US09398332B2

A device may be configured to store content. The device may store a copy count that indicates a quantity of copies of the content that are checked out from the device. The device may receive a request to provide a first copy of the content to a requesting device. The device may select a client device to which to send a check-in message based on the copy count failing to satisfy a threshold count. The client device may store a second copy of the content that is checked out from the device. The device may send the check-in message to the client device. The device may receive a check-in response from the client device that checks in the second copy of the content. The device may provide the first copy of the content to the requesting device based on an updated copy count satisfying the threshold count.
US09398327B2

Various arrangements for managing digital video recorder timers are presented. A timer management computer system may receive a timer associated with a user account, wherein the timer specifies a television channel, a date, and a time period for recording. The timer management computer system may determine one or more television receivers associated with the user account. In response to the received timer, the one or more television receivers may be notified of the timer.
US09398326B2

A method of identifying a representative image of a video stream is provided. Similarity between video frames of a primary video stream relative to video frames of a different secondary video stream having similar content is evaluated and a video frame from the primary video stream having a greatest extent of similarity relative to a video frame of the secondary video stream is identified. The identified video frame is selected as an image representative of the primary video stream and may be used as an informative thumbnail image for the primary video stream. A video processing electronic device and at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon for performing the method are also provided.
US09398321B2

This system provides wired and/or wireless access throughout a multimedia network built on a distributed architecture which can be transparent to the user. This multimedia network includes content which is imported or generated within the network. The system allows for the content provider to determine the license status of content and update the license status of content which was previously provided by that provider. The external content can be accessed in real time or downloaded and stored within the system for later access at the convenience of the user. The usage of some content is controlled by the use of encryption and other protection methods. The system allows for storage of live video by storing the digitized video and allowing the user to control how, when and where the content is viewed. The system makes available multiple multimedia services to all users in the network or connected via the internet.
US09398312B2

A method for compressing an image including one or more blocks, each of the one or more blocks including an x channel, a y channel, and a z channel, the method including, for each of the one or more blocks: performing a frequency domain transform, by a processor, on each of the x, y, and z channels; ordering, by the processor, the transformed x, y, and z channels into first, second, and third transformed channels; performing an inter-channel transform in accordance with the order of the first transformed channel, the second transformed channel, and the third transformed channel; and encoding the inter-channel transformed channels.
US09398311B2

Described herein are techniques related to motion and quality adaptive rolling intra (I) macro-block (MB) that is used to encode a particular image frame. In particular, the rolling I MB configuration may be based upon global motion direction, quantization parameter (QP) value, complexity based roll, and/or QP saturation based roll.
US09398310B2

Embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for super resolution video coding using compressive measurements. The method includes receiving, by a decoder, a set of measurements, where the set of measurements represents encoded video data having original video data with an original display resolution. The method further includes determining, by the decoder, a display resolution, where the display resolution is higher than the original display resolution, and determining a reduction matrix based on at least a number of pixels for the determined display resolution, where the reduction matrix includes a pattern of values. The method further includes reconstructing, by the decoder, the video data or a portion of the video data using the determined reduction matrix and the received set of measurements such that the original display resolution is enlarged to the determined display resolution.
US09398309B2

An apparatus and method for skipping fractional motion estimation (FME) in high efficiency video coding (HEVC) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a current sum of absolute differences (SAD) acquisition unit, a redundancy determination unit, and a motion estimation skip unit. The SAD acquisition unit acquires the SAD from an integer motion estimation (IME) unit when the IME unit performs IME on a coding tree block (CTB). The redundancy determination unit determines whether or not the CTB is an estimated redundant block using the current SAD. The motion estimation skip unit provides an FME unit with an FME skip signal of the CTB depending on whether or the CTB is an estimated redundant block.
US09398302B2

An image encoding method with rate control includes at least the following steps: defining a plurality of candidate bit budgets corresponding to different pre-defined maximum encoded bit lengths for one coding unit respectively; when encoding pixel data of a plurality of pixels within a current coding unit of an access unit of a frame, determining a target bit budget selected from the candidate bit budgets and allocating the target bit budget to the current coding unit; and outputting encoded pixel data of the pixels within the current coding unit that is generated from the encoder, wherein a bit length of the encoded pixel data is smaller than or equal to the target bit budget.
US09398301B2

Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for encoding chunks of a video file in parallel. Embodiments may divide a source video file into a plurality of chunks, and may encode each chunk at a rate based upon complexity data associated with the chunk. The encoded chunks may then be reassembled to produce an encoded video file.
US09398300B2

A method, apparatus and system for a video encoder for selecting a block of intermediate size from a set of block sizes for intra-prediction estimation for encoding a video signal. A set of neighboring blocks with the intermediate size are tested for combining. If the set of neighboring blocks are determined to be combinable, the video encoder selects a larger block size formed by the tested neighboring blocks for encoding. On the other hand, if the set of neighboring blocks are determined to be not combinable, the video encoder selects a smaller block size from the set of tested neighboring blocks for prediction. Furthermore, intra-prediction is determined by first intra-predicting a block with intermediate modes in a set of modes. Then the intra-predictions are performed for the neighboring modes of at least one intermediate mode.
US09398299B2

In a video processing system, a method and system for generating a transform size syntax element for video decoding are provided. For high profile mode video decoding operations, the transform sizes may be selected based on the prediction macroblock type and the contents of the macroblock. A set of rules may be utilized to select from a 4×4 or an 8×8 transform size during the encoding operation. Dynamic selection of transform size may be performed on intra-predicted macroblocks, inter-predicted macroblocks, and/or direct mode inter-predicted macroblocks. The encoding operation may generate a transform size syntax element to indicate the transform size that may be used in reconstructing the encoded macroblock. The transform size syntax element may be transmitted to a decoder as part of the encoded video information bit stream.
US09398293B2

An example method of decoding video data includes receiving, in a message associated with a picture, information indicating a refreshed region of the picture, determining whether the picture comprises a last picture in a gradual decoder refresh (GDR) set, determining whether the picture comprises a recovery point picture, and responsive to determining that the picture comprises the last picture in the GDR set and the recovery point picture, determining that the message indicates that the entire picture belongs to the refreshed region of the picture.
US09398292B2

A reconstructed image is provided within the framework of predictive coding. The reconstructed image is compressed according to a coding mode of an image coding device and stored in a reference image memory.
Patent Agency Ranking