US09422811B2
A tool is to be used within a wellbore including a wall and extending into a formation with formation fluid. The tool includes a packer expandable against the wellbore wall with ports included within the packer to enable formation fluid to flow into the tool from the formation. The ports are arranged in a first port configuration optimized based upon a first predetermined formation property.
US09422805B2
A pressure-sensing device is for use in an underground well. The pressure-sensing device includes a pressure sensor arranged at least to sense whether a pressure in the well is below or above a given limit value, and a signal generator arranged to generate an acoustic signal in a well body in the well in response to a sensed pressure from the pressure sensor exceeding said limit value. A method is for measuring pressure in an underground well. A use of a pressure-sensing device is to monitor the pressure between two spaced-apart barrier elements in an underground well.
US09422804B2
A boring tool that is moved by a drill string to form an underground bore. A transmitter transmits a time varying dipole field as a homing field from the boring tool. A pitch sensor detects a pitch orientation of the boring tool. A homing receiver is positionable at a target location for detecting the homing field to produce a set of flux measurements. A processing arrangement uses the pitch orientation and flux measurements with a determined length of the drill string to determine a vertical homing command for use in controlling depth in directing the boring tool to the target location such that the vertical homing command is generated with a particular accuracy at a given range between the transmitter and the homing receiver and which would otherwise be generated with the particular accuracy for a standard range, different from the particular range. An associated system and method are described.
US09422799B2
A plasma source for generating nonlinear, wide-band, periodic, directed, elastic oscillations in a fluid medium. The plasma source includes a plasma emitter having two electrodes defining a gap, a delivery device for introducing a metal conductor into the gap, and a high voltage transformer for powering the plasma emitter. A system and method for stimulating wells, deposits, and boreholes through controlled periodic oscillations generated using the plasma source. The system includes the plasma source, a ground control unit, and a support cable. In the method, the plasma source is submerged in the fluid medium of a well, deposit, or borehole and is used to create a metallic plasma in the gap. The metallic plasma emits a pressure pulse and shockwaves, which are directed into the fluid medium. Nonlinear, wide-band, periodic and elastic oscillations are generated in the fluid medium, including resonant oscillations by passage of the shockwaves.
US09422795B2
The invention provides a method and system for radially expanding a tubular element below a previous tubular element.
US09422793B2
A technique provides a system and methodology for detecting and monitoring erosion in various environments, including downhole environments. A tracer element is located in a component such that sufficient erosion of the component due to fluid flow exposes the tracer element. A monitoring system is disposed for cooperation with the tracer element such that exposure of the tracer element is detected by the monitoring system. The monitoring system outputs appropriate data indicative of the erosion to enable adjustments to the fluid flow.
US09422771B2
A drill bit assembly for boring including a drill bit and a bit sub. A front bit end has a plurality cutting elements at a forward face of the front bit end and a first fluid return passage extending through the drill bit to a rear bit end. The bit sub couples to the rear bit end. The bit sub includes a bore disposed at a front sub end sized and shaped to receive the rear bit end of the drill bit. A plurality of legs extends from a mid-sub region toward the front sub end between pairs of cutting elements. The plurality of legs has a fluid delivery passage disposed therein with the fluid delivery passage extending from the plurality of legs to a rear sub bit end. The bit sub has a second fluid return passage connecting the first fluid return passage to the rear sub bit end.
US09422767B2
Ladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a first assembly hingedly coupled with a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with one or more rungs. The second assembly includes a pair of space apart rails with one or more bracing members extending therebetween. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. Upon rotation of the two assemblies relative to one another into a stowed condition, components of the second assembly engage undersurfaces of the rungs effecting rotation of at least a portion of each rung relative to the rails of the first assembly.
US09422766B2
A handle is releasably secured to a rail wall by means of fasteners extending from inside the rail. An actuator shaft pushes against a contact plate to move a movable braking member to stop the rotation of a rod inside the rail.
US09422764B2
A three-door structure suitable for rotation type coating mixer may include an upper lid cover, symmetrically arranged front doors, a door movement support frame, and linear straight guide rails. The upper lid cover may be located at the top of the machine casing and fixedly arranged on the door movement support frame. The front doors may be symmetrically arranged on the front side of the machine casing. The linear straight guide rails may be installed on the housing of the machine casing through a guide rail fixing base. The door movement support frame may be symmetrically connected on two sides to sliding blocks arranged on the guide rails. The front doors may be connected to two sides of the door movement support frame. The lower ends front doors may be engaged with a fixing base at the bottom of the machine casing through a joining part.
US09422763B2
A tilt latch system that comprises an actuator movable from a first position to a second position; a lock-out member movable from a retracted position to an extended position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position; and an engagement member movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position is provided. The actuator and the engagement member are maintained in the second and disengaged positions, respectively, when the lock-out member is in the extended position. The actuator and the engagement member are automatically biased to the first position and the engaged position, respectively, upon movement of the lock-out member from the extended to the retracted position. The tilt latch system may further comprise a lock-out device and/or be optionally utilized in a modular configuration.
US09422758B2
The present invention provides a horizontal door closer structure, comprising an outer sleeve pipe and an inner pipe which can slide relatively, wherein an end of the outer sleeve pipe is provided with a buffer device, an adjustment component for adjusting total inlet and outlet air, and a buffer assembly are arranged on the buffer device; a spring is arranged in the inner pipe, one end of the spring is connected to the inner pipe, and the other end thereof is connected to the buffer device; and the front end of the outer sleeve pipe and an end of the inner pipe are provided with locating components which are mutually matched. In the door closer structure, the compression spring is arranged in the inner pipe, thereby saving the space of a door closer, and the adopted buffer device plays a buffering role by adjusting the total inlet and outlet air, and can control the speed of opening a door.
US09422757B2
A door hinge including a fixed element coupled to a wall; and a movable element coupled to the door. The fixed and movable elements are rotatably coupled to rotate between open and closed positions about a first axis. One of the movable and fixed elements includes a hinge body; the other of the movable and fixed elements includes a pivot and cam means. The hinge body includes a working chamber defining a second axis, which includes follower means interacting with the cam means to slide between first and second end-stroke positions. The cam means includes a flat face parallel to the first axis. The follower means includes an elastic element and an interface element having a first end interacting with the elastic element and a second end including a planar operating surface to come in contact with the flat face of the cam means to remain in contact and parallel.
US09422754B2
A lock including a catch mechanism made up of a rotary latch and catch for latching the rotary latch. The rotary latch and catch have blocking surfaces for latching purposes. In the latched state, the blocking surface of the rotary latch rests on the blocking surface of the catch, and this prevents the rotary latch from being able to rotate in the direction of the open position. The lock also includes a component with an abutment surface, against which the blocking surface of the rotary latch butts in the open position of the catch mechanism. This abutment prevents the situation where, in the open position, dust can pass onto the blocking surface of the rotary latch. In addition, the abutment reduces the penetration of dust into the catch mechanism. An increase in the opening forces as service life increases is thus avoided.
US09422751B1
The lockout device has a body with one or more continuous sidewalls, an open end and a bottom defining an interior volume. It also has a lid pivotally attached to at least one of the sidewalls and moveable between an open and closed position. The lid is located to cover at least a portion of the open end of the body when in the closed position. The device also has a closure mechanism capable of holding the lid in a closed position. A pin extends at a downward angle from one of the side across a gap in the lid.
US09422745B2
A safe. A safe lid is connected to a safe box via a hinge attachment. The safe is locked shut by utilization of a latch assembly. A Nitinol wire is connected to a latch assembly opening device. The latch assembly opening device is connected to the latch assembly. A user can open the safe by inputting the correct pass code into a keypad. An electrical signal is then transferred to the Nitinol wire causing the Nitinol wire to shorten. The shortening of the Nitinol wire causes the latch assembly opening device to open the latch assembly. In a preferred embodiment a key lock is also configured to control the latch assembly opening device and the key lock may be used as another method to open the safe.
US09422740B2
A system for retrofitting energy supply modules in the region of a traffic route is provided. Supporting cables extend transversely over the traffic route and support a plurality of solar panels, which can be mounted on the transverse supporting cables. Elongated mounting elements fastened to each support mast act to reinforce the support masts and accommodate electronic system components. The solar panels are adjusted about a horizontal and/or a vertical axis by means of cable sheaves. The supporting cables are fastened at a lower region of the support masts for instance with micropiles so that they can be tensioned. The forces exerted by the solar panels on the transverse support cables are conducted through the transverse supporting cables via at least one first redirection element and into the lower region of the support mast.
US09422737B2
A retractable cover for use over an opening such as a swimming pool is described. The cover comprises a number i (i≧3) of supporting joist means, each joist having a top and bottom surface; an even number j (j
US09422735B1
An inflatable hose is folded over onto itself at least once to form inflatable hose sections. When a pressurized media is introduced into the hose, the hose sections expand in volume. The expansion in volume can be used to apply a force to a structure which can be used to, for example, move the structure in a desired direction or maintain the structure at a height or position. The force(s) can be applied to the structure in a vertical direction (for example vertically upward or vertically downward), a horizontal direction (for example to move or maintain the structure in a sideways direction) or any angle between vertical and horizontal.
US09422734B1
An improved a system for straightening and/or supporting a wall is provided. The system includes an elongated vertical member and an elongated horizontal member positioned to abut the wall. The elongated horizontal member has a first end and a second end, the former being positioned adjacent to the elongated vertical member. A cinch plate having at least two plates is provided. One of the plates is connected to the elongated vertical member. A driving member can be movably coupled to the other plates of the cinch plate and configured to force the elongated horizontal member to move relative to the elongated vertical member. Movement of the elongated horizontal member applies a corresponding force to the wall. The elongated horizontal member may not be connected to the elongated vertical member, but rather a compressive force applied between the driving member and the wall can vertically support the elongated horizontal member.
US09422711B1
A support assembly for providing a high degree of lateral strength and integrity is presented herein. The support assembly includes a beam support bracket having at least one laterally disposed elongated portion that is slidingly engaged with a corresponding lateral beam. The elongated portion of the beam support bracket is defined by spaced apart first and second extension members each including oppositely disposed edges which will mate with corresponding ledges, protrusion or reinforced corners within the lateral beam.
US09422707B2
A drain assembly for providing a drain in a floor. The drain assembly includes a drain conduit, a strainer and an adaptor. The drain conduit has an inner surface that defines a fluid flow path and an outer surface. The strainer is disposed above the drain conduit and has openings in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the drain conduit. The adaptor may be securable in the drain conduit and may be connected to the strainer. Prior to securing the adaptor in the drain conduit, a position of the adaptor in the drain conduit may be moveable to allow a top surface of the strainer to be substantially aligned with the floor. A method of assembly is also disclosed.
US09422705B2
A portable toilet system for people with mobility problems is provided. The system includes a stationary docking unit having a sewer port and a water tank with a flush mechanism, and a mobile toilet unit having a toilet bowl formed on a mobile base. The mobile toilet unit is configured to be attached to the stationary docking unit after used by a user so that the toilet bowl is flushed with water from the water tank by activating the flush mechanism so as to remove waste from the toilet bowl and discharge the waste through the sewer port of the stationary unit.
US09422696B2
A system is provided for mounting a mixing valve on a support surface to connect the mixing valve (101) to supply pipes (109, 111) projecting from the support surface. The system includes a mounting plate (103) for securing to the support surface so that the supply pipes (109, 111) pass through openings in the mounting plate (103). Sleeves (159, 161) fit over the projecting ends of the supply pipes (109, 111) for reception in inlets of the mixing valve (101) to thereby compress the sleeves (159, 161) to grip and retain the pipes (109, 111) in the inlets. The mixing valve (101) is releasably secured to the mounting plate (103) allowing the mixing valve (101) to be detached and the sleeves (159, 161) and mounting plate (103) to be removed from the pipes (109, 111).
US09422690B2
A BAS plow creates a V-trench along the linear route of a pipeline path and an instrumented bottle moving with the BAS plow collects BAS data indicative of the pitch, roll, heading, yaw, three dimensional positioning, speed and depth of the chassis, the shearing force applied to the seabed material and the applied tow force. The bottle can be swapped to collect the acquired data or an umbilical can be used to provide a real time stream of data. The Bas plow can simultaneously backfill the created trench, leaving an undisrupted seabed, or the pipeline can be laid in the BAS trench, which can also be made deeper and wider by additional trench cutting passes, significantly reducing the total time required for combined BAS and pipeline laying processes. The BAS plow can be released and retrieved over-the-stem of a towing vessel.
US09422689B2
A shovel according to an embodiment of the present invention is a shovel including a boom cylinder and an arm cylinder. The shovel includes a hydraulic motor driven by hydraulic oil flowing out of the boom cylinder, a regenerating oil passage configured to supply the hydraulic oil flowing out of the boom cylinder to the hydraulic motor, a reusing oil passage configured to supply the hydraulic oil flowing out of the boom cylinder to the arm cylinder, and a reusing flow control valve configured to control a flow rate of hydraulic oil flowing in the reusing oil passage.
US09422684B2
A beach erosion mitigation device is provided that includes an elongated, tubular member configured to be tethered to the shoreline and attenuate wave energy. The tubular member comprises a corrugated construction having enclosed air pockets that afford buoyancy. The ends of the tubular member are open, while along its length are disposed a set of overflow openings and a set of venturi openings. The venturi openings receive incoming water from the breaking wave and direct it axially along the interior of the tubular member. The overflow openings and the open ends allow water to escape prior to the next wave arrival. The device is placed alone, or in groups, along a shorefront to directly receive the energy of breaking waves. The energy thereof is attenuated by the structure of the device and via its redirection therethrough, thereby combating beach erosion caused by storm swells and high energy waves.
US09422676B2
A fluid delivery device for an injection device for introducing a fluid into a work chamber of a ground milling machine, comprising a fluid supply chamber having at least one outlet opening, the outlet opening being closable by a linearly displaceable tappet. The tappet includes an opening region in which it has a smaller cross-sectional area than the minimum cross-sectional area of the outlet opening, and a tappet head for the closure of the outlet opening, the tappet head having a cross-sectional area that includes the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. Further, the fluid delivery device comprises a displacement device for moving the tappet between a closed position, in which the outlet opening is closed by the tappet, and an open position, in which the outlet opening is open for delivering fluid outward out of the fluid supply chamber. The tappet is configured such that the tappet head closes the outlet opening from the outside in the closed position, and that the opening region is at least partially arranged in the outlet opening and the tappet head at least partially opens the outlet opening in the open position.
US09422660B2
Laundry washing machine (1) includes an outer casing (2) and, inside said outer casing (2), a washing tub (3) which is arranged inside the casing (2) with its opening or mouth directly facing a laundry loading/unloading opening which is realized in the front wall (2a) of the casing (2) substantially astride of the vertical center-plane (M) of the casing (2). A rotatable drum is arranged in axially rotating manner inside the washing tub (3) and is structured for receiving the laundry to be washed. A detergent dispensing assembly (9) is structured for supplying detergent into the washing tub (3). A main fresh-water supply circuit (10) is structured for selectively channeling a flow of fresh water from the water mains towards the detergent dispensing assembly (9) and/or the washing tub (3). A water softening device (11) is arranged/located along the main fresh-water supply circuit (10) so as to be crossed by the fresh water flowing from the water mains to the detergent dispensing assembly (9) and/or the washing tub (3) and is structured for reducing the hardness degree of the fresh water supplied to the washing tub (3). The laundry washing machine (1) is characterized in that the detergent dispensing assembly (9) and the water softening device (11) are provided with respective loading inlets or mouths (19; 32a) which are exposed or exposable to the outside on the front wall (2a) of casing (2), and are arranged inside the casing (2) so that the loading inlet or mouth (19a) of the detergent dispensing assembly (9) and the loading inlet or mouth (32a) of the water softening device (11) are located on the front wall (2a) of the casing (2), on opposite sides of the vertical center-plane (M) of the casing (2).
US09422653B2
Methods and apparatus including a chamber having a substantially open lower end positioned above a collector surface, at least one fiber inlet positioned above the lower end, a first multiplicity of rollers positioned within the chamber wherein each roller has a multiplicity of projections extending outwardly from a circumferential surface surrounding a center axis of rotation, a second multiplicity of rollers positioned within the chamber above the first multiplicity of rollers wherein each of the second multiplicity of rollers has a multiplicity of projections extending outwardly from a circumferential surface surrounding a center axis of rotation, the second multiplicity of rollers positioned so at least a portion of the projections extending outwardly from the circumferential surfaces of each of the second multiplicity of rollers vertically overlaps with at least a portion of the projections extending outwardly from the circumferential surface of at least one of the first multiplicity of rollers.
US09422643B2
Provided are a heat-fusible fiber having excellent heat resistance, flame retardancy and dimensional stability; a fiber structure comprising the heat-fusible fiber; and a molded article produced by applying a heat fusion treatment to the fiber structure and having excellent heat resistance. The heat-fusible fiber comprises an amorphous PES type polymer (A) not substantially having a melting point and an amorphous PEI type polymer (B) in the mixture ratio (weight) of (A)/(B)=5/95 to 95/5, the fiber having a single glass transition temperature in the range between 80° C. and 200° C., and being amorphous. The fiber structure comprises 10% by weight or higher of the amorphous heat-fusible fiber. The molded article comprises at least a fiber structure comprising 10% by weight or higher of the amorphous heat-fusible fiber, to be fusion-bonded at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the amorphous heat-fusible fiber.
US09422642B2
A dispersion spun fluoropolymer fiber prepared from non-melt-processible polytetrafluoroethylene particles and aluminum oxide particles. The concentration of Al2O3 in the aqueous dispersion may range from between about 0.1% to about 5%, with specific concentration of 0.1%, 1.0. The aqueous dispersion is mixed with an aqueous matrix polymer solution containing a matrix polymer and then extruded into a coagulation bath containing a concentration of ions which coagulate the matrix polymer to form an intermediate fiber structure which carries ionic species. The intermediate fiber structure is sintered to decompose the matrix polymer and coalesce the polytetrafluoroethylene particles and the Al2O3 particles into a blended fiber. The resulting, blended fluoropolymer fiber exhibits improved properties relative to 100% dispersion spun polytetrafluoroethylene fibers.
US09422632B2
The present invention relates to a device for the continuous monitoring of current distribution in the cathodes and anodes of an electrolyzer comprised of at least two adjacent electrolytic cells, each containing a multiplicity of said cathodes and anodes. The device according to the invention is composed essentially of at least one current-collecting bus-bar having housings suitable for supporting the electrodes and a base of insulating material whereon the bus-bar abuts. The base has integrated probes for measuring voltage. The invention also relates to a permanent monitoring system allowing to evaluate in continuous current distribution on each electrode in cells used in particular in metal electrowinning or electrorefining. The invention also relates to a method for retrofitting of an electrolyzer comprising the replacement of an existing insulating base with a new base element having integrated probes for measuring voltage.
US09422630B2
Method and system for generating electrical energy from a volume of water.
US09422627B2
Provided is a hard film for a cutting tool formed on a surface of a base material, the hard film being comprised of a nano multi-layered structure formed by sequentially stacking a thin layer A, a thin layer B, a thin layer C and a thin layer D or being comprised of a structure formed by repeatedly stacking the nano multi-layered structure at least twice, wherein the thin layer A is comprised of TixAl1-xN (0.5≦x≦0.7); the thin layer B is comprised of Al1-y-zTiyMezN (0.4≦y≦0.7, 0
US09422611B2
Provided is a method of producing an Al—Sc based alloy suitable for production of an Al—Sc based alloy that: eliminates the needs for equipment for heating in an inert gas atmosphere or a vacuum atmosphere, a reducing agent such as metal Ca, and equipment and power for molten salt electrolysis; can be performed adequately by heating up to 1,050° C.; and enables continuous operation. The method of producing an Al—Sc based alloy includes: loading into a reaction vessel metal aluminum (Al), a metal fluoride salt, and a scandium compound; elevating a temperature of a reaction system to from 700 to 1,050° C. to form a molten metal layer including molten metal aluminum serving as a lower layer and a molten salt layer in which the metal fluoride salt and the scandium compound are melted serving as an upper layer; and transferring a scandium ion (Sc3+) generated in the molten salt layer side to the molten metal layer side. The metal fluoride salt has a melting temperature lower than the reaction temperature and has a density in a range of from 70 to 95% of the density of the molten metal aluminum, at the reaction temperature.
US09422599B2
The present invention provides cold shock protein-containing compositions for improved DNA synthesis reactions with improved reactivity, methods for synthesizing DNA using such compositions, kits for use in such methods, and DNA compositions yielded by such methods. The present invention further provides cold shock protein-containing compositions for the identification of endoribonuclease cleavage sites, methods for identifying endoribonuclease cleavage sites using such compositions, and kits for use in such methods.
US09422595B2
The present invention provides an endonuclease I or enzymatically active fragment thereof wherein said endonuclease I has the sequence of SEQ ID No. 4 or a sequence which is at least 70% identical thereto and wherein the amino acid residue which is immediately N-terminal of the FYCGC pentapeptide motif has been substituted with a residue which is negatively charged as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding these enzymes and methods of removing contaminating polynucleotides from a sample using these enzyme.
US09422593B2
Methods and materials for determining the presence of at least one nucleic acid in a sample are provided, said methods comprising (1) a purification step using sequence specific hybrid capture; (2) an amplification step; and (3) a detection step comprising contacting the target nucleic acid with a plurality of detectably labeled nucleic acid detection probes, wherein each (a) bears a different detectable label from the other detection probes, and/or (b) has a different melting temperature from probes bearing the same detectable label. Also disclosed are compositions and kits for use in such a method.
US09422589B2
The present invention relates to assays for monitoring activity of Mina53 and NO66 activities, in particular, to assays for identifying modulators of Mina53 and NO66 activities. The invention also relates to assays to monitor the histidinyl hydroxylase activity of Mina53 and NO66 on their substrates, the human ribosomal protein Rpl27a and Rpl8 respectively. The invention also enables the introduction of S-3-hydroxyhistidinyl residues into peptides and proteins.
US09422586B2
A method of rapid, genome and proteome based identification of unknown pathogenic or non-pathogenic organisms in a complex sample. The entire sample is analyzed by creating millions of emulsion encapsulated microdroplets, each containing a single pathogenic or non-pathogenic organism sized particle and appropriate reagents for amplification. Following amplification, the amplified product is analyzed.
US09422583B2
Stereospecific carbonyl reductases SCR1, SCR2, and SCR3 are described herein as are nucleotide sequences that encode these reductases. These stereospecific carbonyl reductases have anti-Prelog selectivity and have specificities that are useful for fine biochemical synthesis.
US09422579B2
Described is a process for the conversion of halophytic plant biomass containing saline organic solids into biogas through anaerobic digestion. Operation of the process with saline (e.g., seawater) as liquid media under the method conditions taught leads to biological conversion of the organic matter into biogas. Additionally described is a method for pretreatment of the biomass under mild physicochemical conditions to increase the bioavailable fraction of the biomass for conversion.
US09422575B2
Provided herein are methods of producing a genetically modified cell by introducing a polydnavirus delivery construct to a target cell. The polydnavirus delivery construct can comprise an exogenous nucleic acid to form a genetically modified cell comprising the exogenous nucleic acid. Also provided are polydnavirus delivery constructs comprising an exogenous nucleic acid, as well as polydnavirus virions and genetically modified cells comprising the same. Further provided are in vitro methods of identifying a transformed cell. The methods comprise introducing a vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a glc polypeptide to an adherent cell and cultivating the cell under conditions that allow for the expression of the glc polypeptide. Expression of the glc polypeptide results in a transformed cell that is identified by a loss of adherency.
US09422572B2
Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs useful for conferring drought tolerance, compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter that is functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a PRE2 polypeptide.
US09422568B2
A process for preparing L-amino acids employing coryneform bacteria in which the AmtR regulator has been attenuated is provided. Recombinant bacteria, polynucleotides and vectors corresponding to or having the attenuated AmtR regulator are disclosed.
US09422567B2
The present invention provides improved polysaccharides (e.g., gellan and diutan) produced by mutant gene R, M or N Sphingomonas strains containing at least one genetic modification that favors slime-forming polysaccaride production. Methods of making the mutant Sphingomonas strains and the culture broth containing such mutant Sphingomonas strains are also provided.
US09422562B2
The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) compositions targeting the CD274/PD-L1 gene, and methods of using such dsRNA compositions to inhibit expression of CD274/PD-L1.
US09422555B2
An antisense molecule capable of binding to a selected target site to induce exon skipping in the dystrophin gene, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 202.
US09422554B2
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that have important regulatory roles in multicellular organisms. The public miRNA database contains 321 human miRNA sequences, 234 of which have been experimentally verified. To explore the possibility that additional miRNAs are present in the human genome, we have developed an experimental approach called miRNA serial analysis of gene expression (miRAGE) and used it to perform the largest experimental analysis of human miRNAs to date. Sequence analysis of 273,966 small RNA tags from human colorectal cells allowed us to identify 200 known mature miRNAs, 133 novel miRNA candidates, and 112 previously uncharacterized miRNA* forms. To aid in the evaluation of candidate miRNAs, we disrupted the Dicer locus in three human colorectal cancer cell lines and examined known and novel miRNAs in these cells. The miRNAs are useful to diagnose and treat cancers.
US09422545B2
A vaccine and method of vaccination for conferring immunity to Q fever is described. The vaccine comprises a polypeptide with a sequence of SLTWHKHELHRK (SEQ ID NO: 7) (m1E41920) or SPPWHKHELHRK (SEQ ID NO: 8) (m1E44), or at least 90% identity to m1E41920 or m1E44. Constructs are also provided for use in vaccination and treatment of Q fever. A method to identify and generate new vaccines to prevent diseases caused by intracellular Gram-negative bacteria is also described.
US09422544B2
Methods and materials are disclosed for use in recovering a biopolymer from a solution. In particular, the invention provides methods for extraction and isolation of nucleic acids from biological materials. The nucleic acids can be separated by forming a stable complex with soluble polysaccharide polymers and magnetic particles, in the presence of detergents and solvent. When the particles are magnetically separated out of the solution, the nucleic acids are separated with them. The nucleic acids can subsequently be released and separated from the particles. The nucleic acid preparation is useful for achieving efficient and accurate results in downstream molecular techniques such as quantification, identification of the source of the nucleic acids, and genotyping.
US09422543B2
A method for isolating a nucleic acid comprises: binding the nucleic acid to a solid phase at a first pH in the presence of a binding buffer, washing the bound nucleic acid with a wash solution, and eluting the nucleic acid from the solid phase at a second pH which is higher than the first pH. The wash solution comprises a buffer with a buffering range that encompasses a pH that is higher than the first pH, and the wash solution is at a pH that is within a buffering range of the binding buffer but lower than the buffering range of the buffer of the wash solution. Solutions, compositions, and kits for use in the methods are described.
US09422529B2
Embodiments are directed compositions related to Eilat virus and uses thereof. Certain aspects are directed to the detection of non-Eilat entities using a chimeric Eilat alphavirus as a capture agent.
US09422525B2
According to the invention there is provided methods for inducing pluripotent stem cells in vitro, comprising introducing a gene or polypeptide of a nuclear receptor and one or more gene or polypeptide selected from the group consisting of Sox, Krüppel-like factor or the myc family, to cells in vitro. The present invention also provides vectors and compositions for producing the same and methods for using the induced pluripotent stem cell for treating a patient in need of a pluripotent stem cell treatment.
US09422524B2
The invention is directed to a treatment of diabetes, a scaffold and a method of preparing a scaffold. In a first aspect, this object is met by providing a scaffold comprising beta cell aggregates, wherein the aggregates are distributed over the scaffold in a predetermined pattern.
US09422518B2
A reactor apparatus including: an internal mixing chamber including a first chamber section having a cross-sectional area expanding from a biomass inlet to the internal mixing chamber to the a second chamber section; the second chamber section having a substantially uniform internal cross-sectional area from the opposite end of the first chamber section to a discharge end of the mixing chamber; the biomass inlet is coupled to a source of pre-treated biomass external to the reactor vessel, and a rotating mixing device in the internal mixing chamber and coaxial with an axis of the first chamber section.
US09422514B2
A point-of-production brewing system which utilizes commercially available ocean and over-the-road shipping containers as a means to create a modular brewing system. Point-of-production brewing system is comprised of a system of modules for transporting and producing an alcoholic beverage and includes a wort production equipment module, a fermentation/maturation equipment module and a packaging module. The modular design allows for the system to be rapidly deployed and utilized to produce an alcoholic beverage on site.
US09422513B2
Metal and dielectric compatible sacrificial anti-reflective coating cleaning and removal composition
A liquid removal composition and process for removing sacrificial anti-reflective coating (SARC) material from a substrate having same thereon. The liquid removal composition includes at least one fluoride-containing compound, at least one organic solvent, optionally water, and optionally at least one chelating agent. The composition achieves at least partial removal of SARC material in the manufacture of integrated circuitry with minimal etching of metal species on the substrate, such as aluminum, copper and cobalt alloys, and without damage to low-k dielectric materials employed in the semiconductor architecture.
US09422506B2
A method of dewaxing a citrus oil by subjecting the oil to a filtration process, in which the oil is caused to flow parallel to a porous membrane during which process it is maintained at a temperature of less than about 11° C., said membrane having an average pore size of from about 0.05-5 micrometers. The method produces citrus oils that are dewaxed to an unusually high extent.
US09422500B2
The invention provides a grease composition capable of smoothly operating the lubricated parts even under wide-ranging temperature conditions, and at the same time, exhibiting excellent noise reducing effect on the lubricated parts. The grease composition containing a base oil and a thickener is provided, wherein the base oil includes at least one first base oil selected from the group consisting of poly-α-olefins and ethylene-α-olefin oligomers and at least one second base oil selected from the group consisting of polybutene, polyisobutylene, polymethacrylate, and styrene based copolymers, with the first base oil being contained in an amount of 65 mass % or more and the second base oil being contained in an amount of 1 mass % or more and less than 35 mass % based on the total mass of the base oil, the base oil having a kinematic viscosity of 350 to 1400 mm2/s at 40° C., the first base oil having a kinematic viscosity of 300 to 1200 mm2/s at 40° C., and the second base oil having a kinematic viscosity of 1500 to 200,000 mm2/s at 40° C.
US09422498B2
A composition containing one or more sulfur-containing compounds represented by the formula (R1)a(X)(R2)b wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and are the residue of an olefin (e.g., vinyl ether, acrylate, methacrylate, or vinyl ester) having from 4 to 40 carbon atoms, X is the residue of a thiol or polythiol, a is a value from 1 to 6, and b is a value from 0 to 6. The composition has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. (Kv100) from 2 to 300 cst, a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. (Kv40) from 5 to 4000 cst, a viscosity index (VI) from −100 to 300, and a Noack volatility of no greater than 90 percent. A process for producing the composition, a lubricating oil base stock and lubricating oil containing the composition, and a method for improving one or more of solubility and dispersancy of polar additives in a lubricating oil containing the composition.
US09422491B2
The invention relates to a shaft gasifier for producing fuel gas from solid carbonaceous material. The shaft gasifier comprising a shaft wall surrounding a shaft gasifier interior, a pyrolysis zone disposed in the shaft gasifier interior, the pyrolysis zone comprising a solid material feed opening for feeding solid carbonaceous material into the shaft gasifier and a solid material discharge opening for discharging partially gasified solid carbonaceous material and a gas discharge opening for pyrolysis gas, an oxidation zone which is disposed in the shaft gasifier interior and which is in thermal contact with the pyrolysis zone, the oxidation zone comprising a gas feed opening connected to the gas discharge opening of the pyrolysis zone for discharging pyrolysis gas out of the pyrolysis zone, and a gas discharge opening. The oxidation zone is disposed between the pyrolysis zone and the shaft wall.
US09422473B2
The invention relates to a luminescent composition which is based on yttrium oxide sulfide and other oxide sulfides and to which at least one doping agent is added. The inventive composition has a characteristic emission spectrum and can optionally be used along with a reading system that is adjusted to the emission spectrum in order to mark substances or *substance mixtures.
US09422470B2
A method of determining the suitability of a surfactant for use in a formation can include sampling water in the formation, providing at least two surfactants, and mixing each of the surfactants with the formation water to form surfactant/water samples. The method can further include determining the solubility of each surfactant with the formation water, comparing the solubility of each surfactant with the other surfactant, and assigning a solubility performance value for each surfactant based on its solubility in the formation water sample compared to the other surfactant.
US09422466B2
Temperature-stable adhesive compound, comprising (i) block copolymers having a construction A-B-A, (A-B)n, (A-B)nX, or (A-B-A)nX, where X is the radical of a coupling reagent, n is an integer between 2 and 10, A is a polymer block of a vinylaromatic, and B is a polymer block of an alkene or diene, at least some of the A blocks being sulfonated, and optionally diblock copolymers of the form A-B, and (ii) at least one tackifier resin, and (iii) at least one metal complex with a substitutable complexing agent.
US09422459B2
An apparatus includes a first steel component having a first surface, a second steel component having a second surface, a corrosion resistant coating on at least one of the first and second surfaces, and an adhesive bonding the first and second components together. The corrosion resistant coating can be electrically conductive.
US09422451B2
Low-density compositions and sealants prepared from sulfur-containing prepolymer compositions that exhibit enhanced fuel resistance are disclosed. The low density and enhanced fuel resistance is realized by using polyphenylene sulfide fillers.
US09422445B2
Provided are sulfonamide-containing compositions, topcoat polymers, and additive polymers for use in lithographic processes that have improved static receding water contact angles over those known in the art. The sulfonamide-containing topcoat polymers and additive polymers of the present invention include sulfonamide-substituted repeat units with branched linking group as shown in Formula (I):
US09422441B2
An inkjet ink includes: an ink vehicle; a colorant; and an acetylenic compound having an alkoxylated hydroxyl group, wherein the hydroxyl group is a primary or secondary hydroxyl group and the acetylenic compound is absent a lipophilic group. Printheads having resistive heater elements exposed to such inks have prolonged lifetimes compared to reference inks.
US09422436B2
Ink compositions are prepared by processes that include acoustically mixing a plurality of components at a resonance frequency. This encourages mixing of the components over a large range of viscosities with a minimal temperature rise and also shortens mixing time.
US09422434B2
A coating reducers containing low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to improve adverse environmental impacts, where the reducers may be water or solvent based and include mixtures of VOC exempt solvents and/or low vapor pressure (LVP) solvents and paints, lacquers, and varnishes diluted with the reducers.
US09422428B2
An oil resistant polymer composition is disclosed that contains a thermoplastic elastomer combined with an olefin and vinyl acetate copolymer on an oleophobic agent. In one embodiment, the composition contains a thermoplastic polyester elastomer combined with an ethylene and vinyl acetate copolymer. In order to render the polymer composition oil resistant, the polymer composition can further contain an UHMW silicone, a fluoropolymer, and optionally a crosslinking agent and/or an antiplasticizer.
US09422426B2
Disclosed are a transparent thermoplastic resin composition including (A) about 5 to about 40 wt % of an impact-reinforcing agent having a core-shell structure where an acrylic-based compound is grafted on a rubber core including a copolymer of an acrylic-based monomer and a diene-based monomer, to form a shell, and (B) about 60 to about 95 wt % of an acrylic-based resin, and a molded article using the same.
US09422425B2
The present invention is a method for producing a film particularly well suited for shrink film applications, said method comprising the steps of selecting a target polyethylene resin and then increasing the melt strength of the polyethylene resin by reacting the polyethylene resin with an alkoxy amine derivative, and then forming a film from the reacted target polyethylene.
US09422423B2
Compression molded articles containing a polymer component and optionally distributed therein between about 1% and about 45% by weight of a glass bead or fiber reinforcing component based on the weight of the finished composite article, wherein the polymer component contains between about 80% and about 100% by weight of HDPE based on the weight of the polymer component, in which at least about 20% or more by weight of said HDPE is post-consumer HDPE. Plastic panels, uses thereof and methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.
US09422414B2
An organic-inorganic composite material contains a cured material of an organic-inorganic composition containing a resin component, fine particles of a transparent conductive substance, and a polymerization initiator. Refractive properties of the Abbe number νd and anomalous dispersion θg, F of the organic-inorganic composite material are within a range surrounded by (νd, θg, F)=(16, 0.50), (16, 0.40), (23, 0.50), (23, 0.47). The content of the fine particles of the transparent conductive substance in the organic-inorganic composite material is from 7.7% to 20.0% by volume. The resin component contains a compound represented by the following formula: where R1 and R2 represent a hydrogen atom or a moiety containing a polymerizable functional group such as an acrylic group, a methacrylic group, an allyl group, a vinyl group, or an epoxy group or one or both of R1 and R2 represent the moiety containing the polymerizable functional group.
US09422409B2
Active devices such as pumps and mixers have been fabricated in plastic-PDMS hybrid devices. By utilizing functionalized bis-silane primers, bond strength between Polycarbonate or PMMA and PDMS improved in dry and aqueous environments. Plastic-primer-PDMS layers exposed to acid and base solutions at 70° C. for 2 hours showed no signs of delamination at 30 psi for pH −1 to 15 and 60 psi for pH 0 to 15. A peristaltic pump fabricated in polycarbonate achieved consistent flow rates up to peristaltic cycle frequencies of 10 Hz in water, 1OM HCl, and 1OM NaOH solutions.
US09422401B2
The various embodiments of the invention relate to recyclable polyarylene sulfide that may exhibit and maintain excellent mechanical properties, particularly does not exhibit decrease in melt viscosity when it is molten, and thus exhibit little deterioration of mechanical properties, and a method for preparing the dame. The polyarylene sulfide has initial melt viscosity measured at 300° C. of 300 to 6000 poise, and melt viscosity after heat treated and molten at 300° C., equal to or greater than the initial melt viscosity.
US09422397B2
The disclosure pertains to amphiphilic block copolymers comprising an aliphatic polycarbonate chain coupled to a hydrophilic polymer. Such amphiphilic polymers may have the formula A-L-B, where A- is a polycarbonate or polyethercarbonate chain having from about 3 to about 500 repeating units, L is a linker moiety and -B is a hydrophilic oligomer having from about 4 to about 200 repeating units. Provided copolymers are useful as surfactants capable of emulsifying aqueous solutions and supercritical carbon dioxide. Provided copolymers also have utility as additives for use in enhanced oil recovery methods.
US09422382B2
This invention relates to a catalyst system comprising a half sandwich chromocene compound featuring a tethered N-donor, with an alumoxane and consequent supportation on silica produces a catalyst that produces ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and that further supportation of a catalyst capable of producing linear low density polyethylene produces a multiple-catalyst system on the same support, capable of producing polyethylene with a bimodal molecular weight distribution and excellent molecular weight.
US09422359B2
Certain embodiments provide a GPCR fusion protein. In particular embodiments, the GPCR fusion protein comprises: a) a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR); and b) an autonomously folding stable domain, where the autonomously folding stable domain is N-terminal to the GPCR and is heterologous to the GPCR. The GPCR fusion protein is characterized in that is crystallizable under lipidic cubic phase crystallization conditions. In certain embodiments, the GPCR fusion protein may be crystallizable in a complex with a G-protein or in a complex with an antibody that binds to the IC3 loop of the GPCR.
US09422355B2
Purified genes encoding cytokines from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding this molecule are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.
US09422342B2
The invention relates to inhibitory nucleotide signal sequences or “INS” sequences in the genomes of lentiviruses. In particular the invention relates to the AGG motif present in all viral genomes. The AGG motif may have an inhibitory effect on a virus, for example by reducing the levels of, or maintaining low steady-state levels of, viral RNAs in host cells, and inducing and/or maintaining in viral latency. In one aspect, the invention provides vaccines that contain, or are produced from, viral nucleic acids in which the AGG sequences have been mutated. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for affecting the function of the AGG motif, and methods for identifying other INS sequences in viral genomes.
US09422341B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel method for producing cereulide and a derivative thereof; an intermediate for cereulide; and a novel cereulide derivative. A novel didepsipeptide, a novel tetradepsipeptide, a novel octadepsipeptide and a novel dodecadepsipeptide are prepared. A linear precursor of cereulide or a derivative thereof, which is composed of any one of the novel depsipeptides, is cyclized by forming an intramolecular amide bond.
US09422339B2
The present invention relates to novel cyclic compounds as therapeutic agents capable of inhibiting the programmed cell death 1 (PD1) signalling pathway. The invention also relates to derivatives of the therapeutic agents. The invention also encompasses the use of the said therapeutic agents and derivatives for treatment of disorders via immunopotentiation comprising inhibition of immunosuppressive signal induced due to PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2 and therapies using them.
US09422338B2
The present invention provides mimetics of erythropoietin that bind to the erythropoietin receptor and that are suitable for use in pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also provides methods of treatment using the mimetics of erythropoietin as well as methods of making the mimetics of erythropoietin.
US09422335B2
The present invention provides modified TLR2 ligands useful for modulating inflammatory responses. In particular, the ligands comprise (a) a fatty acid di- or tri-linoleate and (b) a GM1-binding peptide. The linoleate provides the anti-inflammatory function, while the GM1-binding peptide facilitates endocytosis.
US09422327B2
The invention relates to a novel process for preparing crystalline ciclesonide with an advantageous particle size and to the use for producing pharmaceutical preparations, in particular for topical use. The crystalline ciclesonide obtained by the novel process has advantageous aerodynamic properties, and can be further processed to inhalable or nasally administered pharmaceutical preparations without further mechanical micronization.
US09422325B2
Provided are methods for the preparation of glycosylation products, including those represented by formula I: Sugar-O—R′ I comprising the step of combining R′—OH, a glycosyl sulfide glycosyl donor (“thioglycoside donor”), a hypervalent iodine alkyl-transfer activating reagent, and a base. In an embodiment, the hypervalent iodine alkyl-transfer activating reagent is (phenyl(trifluoroethyl)iodonium triflimide).
US09422319B2
The present disclosure provides metallocene catalysts for use in polymerization processes. Such catalysts may be used to generate polymers with low branching and high molecular weights. Also, the present disclosure provides methods of bimodal polymerization resulting in a duality of average molecular weight polymers being simultaneously produced. In the system, the size of the polymers produced can be controlled by modifying the type and amount of catalyst activator.
US09422308B2
The invention provides derivatives of DEA which have increased potency and hydrolysis resistance as compared to DEA, and compositions thereof, as well as methods of using these derivatives to promote neurogenesis, neurite growth and/or length, and/or promote synaptogenesis.
US09422305B2
The present invention relates to a curable bicyclic compound derived from biomass, solvent-free curable composition and a method for preparing thereof. The curable compound derived from biomass according to the invention comprises a bicycle structure, to which one of two epoxide functional groups are bonded.
US09422302B2
An opioid narcotics used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain that primarily exert their analgesic effects through μ receptors. Although, traditional μ agonists can cause undesired side effects, including tolerance, addition of δ antagonists can attenuate said side effects. The present invention includes 4a,9-dihydroxy-7a-(hydroxymethyl)-3-methyl-2,3,4,4a,5,6-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7(7aH)-one (UMB 425) a 5,14-bridged morphinan-based orvinol precursor, along with analogs of morphine, dihydromorphine, hydromorphone, codeine, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone and ethylmorphine. Although UMB 425 lacks δ-specific motifs, conformationally sampled pharmacophore models for μ and δ receptors predict it to have efficacy similar to morphine at μ receptors and similar to naltrexone at δ receptors, due to the compound sampling conformations in which the hydroxyl moiety interacts with the receptors similar to orvinols. UMB 425 exhibits a mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist profile as determined in receptor binding. UMB 425 has mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist properties in vitro that translate to reduced tolerance liabilities in vivo.
US09422290B2
Disclosed are compounds of general formula (I) wherein the groups R1 to R3 have the meanings given in the claims and in the specification. The compounds of the invention are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation pharmaceutical preparations containing such compounds and their uses as a medicament.
US09422285B2
The present application relates to novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-3-carboxamides, to processes for preparation thereof, to the use thereof, alone or in combinations, for treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and to the use thereof for production of medicaments for treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially for treatment and/or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disorders.
US09422265B2
This disclosure relates to the field of preparation of 3-(3-chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine and intermediates therefrom. These intermediates are useful in the preparation of certain pesticides.
US09422264B2
The present invention relates to novel carbamate-substituted oxindole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and their use for the treatment of vasopressin-dependent disorders.
US09422261B2
The invention relates to a compound of general formula (I) characterized in that: R1 is a C1-C4 alkyl group, and R2 is an optionally substituted nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen containing heteroaromatic ring.
US09422253B2
A method of treating a disorder such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and uveitis, cerebral traumas and cerebral ischaemias, stroke, head injury, spinal cord injury, surgical trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, motorneurone disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, chronic inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, migraine, bipolar disorder, mood, anxiety and cognitive disorders, schizophrenia, or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. The method includes administering to a subject in need thereof substituted 1,2,4-triazine compounds of formula (I): Each of A, N*, X, Y, Z, R1, and R2 is defined herein. Also disclosed are compounds of the formula and a pharmaceutical composition containing such a compound.
US09422252B2
Compounds of formula (I) are of use in the modulation of Kv3.1, Kv.3.2 and Kv3.3 channels and have utility in the treatment or prevention of related disorders.
US09422251B2
A ligand, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer, or ester thereof, may be represented as: In the formula, X is selected from the group consisting of —(CH2)n—, —(CH2)n—O—, —(CH2)n—N(Rg)—, —(CH2)n—N(Rg)—C(O)— and —O—; Rg is hydrogen or (C1-C6)alkyl; G is —(CH(Rm))n—Rh—, or —(CH2)p—C(O)—Rh; G′ is —(CH(Rm))n—Rh—, or —(CH2)p—C(O)—Rh; Rh is —H, —OH, NRaRb, or —CO2H; Rm is —H, —COOH, or substituted or unsubstituted —COO(C1-C6)alkyl; Ra and Rb are each independently H, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C8)alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted carboxy(C1-C8)alkylene; m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; and p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.
US09422249B2
The present invention relates to a new synthetic intermediate, namely the compound of formula I-2 or a salt thereof. Said compound of formula I-2 or its salt can be used to prepare the compound of formula I-3 which is an important synthetic intermediate used in the preparation of macitentan.
US09422246B2
A novel compound which has excellent ultraviolet-absorbing function (especially UVA absorbing function) and excellent hydrophilicity. A benzylidene azolidine derivative represented by structural formula (I) or a salt thereof. In structural formula (I), n represents an integer of 1-5; A1 represents O, S or N-A4; and each of A2, A3 and A4 independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may be substituted by a hydroxyl group and has 1-8 carbon atoms, or the like (provided that at least one of A2, A3 and A4 contains one or more hydroxyl groups). In this connection, when n is an integer of 2-5, the plurality of A3O— moieties may be the same as or different.
US09422243B2
There are provided substituted 3-phenyl-isoquinolin-1(2H)-one derivatives which selectively inhibit the activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase PARP-1 with respect to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase PARP-2. The compounds of the present invention are therefore useful in treating diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system injury and different forms of inflammation. The present invention also provides methods for preparing these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of treating diseases utilizing pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
US09422242B2
The invention provides for compounds that are phosphodiesterase inhibitors. The invention further provides for a method for screening compounds that bind to and modulate a phosphosdiesterase protein. The invention also provides methods for treating conditions associated with accumulated amyloid-beta peptide deposit accumulations by administering a phosphodiesterase-binding compound to a subject.
US09422240B2
There are provided compounds having a superior PHD2 inhibitory effect that are represented by general formula (I′): (in the above-mentioned general formula (I′), W, Y, R2, R3, R4, and Y4 are as described hereinabove), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US09422237B2
The present invention relates generally to molecular printing techniques for use in sensors, arrays, and integrated optics and electronics. The invention features described give rise to the ability to immobilize biological probes by force-induced patterning, while still maintaining the conductivity of the graphene substrate. Most particularly, the present invention relates to covalent patterning of graphene surface using a force-accelerated reaction.
US09422227B2
Provided are compounds and processes of making compounds of the formula: wherein x=4 to 8, R is H, C1 to C4 alkyl, —C(O)OR1 or —OC(O)R1, y=4 to 8, R′ is H, C1 to C4 alkyl, and at least one R′ is —C(O)OR1 or —OC(O)R1, wherein R1 is a branched C4 to C14 alkyl, and their use in polymer compositions.
US09422207B2
The present invention is directed to the preparation of oxygenated, unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds, such as derivatives of furfural or hydroxymethyl furfural produced by aldol condensation with a ketone or a ketoester, as well as methods of deoxidatively reducing those compounds with hydrogen under acidic conditions to provide saturated hydrocarbons useful as fuels.
US09422198B1
Described are articles having, at least, an outer surface comprising unalloyed oxidized Zirconium with Niobium having a thickness and configurations suitable for sports equipment, golf clubs, aircraft, boat hulls, motor vehicle, propellers, helicopter rotors, and various other non-medical applications.
US09422195B1
Refractory foundry ladle liners made from castable magnesium oxide-based compositions are disclosed. The liner compositions include MgO-containing aggregate, Al2O3-containing aggregate, and an inorganic binder. The ladle liners are cast into shape, placed into ladle shells, and packed with sand. The foundry ladle assemblies, including the pre-cast MgO-based ladle liners, are reusable for multiple foundry operations.
US09422192B2
The invention relates to a vertical-shaft kiln (2) for manufacturing a clinker, including: a tubular enclosure (4) comprising from top to bottom: a feeder section (14); a decarbonatation section (16) exhibiting a slanted lower surface (16a); a clinkering section (18) exhibiting a slanted lower surface (18a); a first collection section (20) extending substantially vertically; first extraction means (42) arranged for extracting the clinker from the first collection section (20); means arranged for generating a first gas exhibiting a temperature ranging between 950° C. and 1250° C., and for supplying the first gas in the decarbonatation section (16); means arranged for generating a second oxidizing gas exhibiting a temperature ranging between 1250° C. and 1450° C., and for supplying the second oxidizing gas in the clinkering section (18); and first suction means for suctioning the first and second gas from the feeder section (14).
US09422189B2
Certain example embodiments relate to substrates or assemblies having laser-fused fits, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a pattern is formed or written on a stock glass sheet by laser fusing frit material to the glass sheet. An optional thin film coating is disposed on and supported by the stock glass sheet. The stock glass sheet with the pattern and the optional thin film coating is cut prior to heat treatment (e.g., heat strengthening and/or thermal tempering). A YAG or other type of laser source may be used to directly or indirectly heat the frit material, which may be wet applied to the substrate. In certain instances, the laser firing of the frit raises the temperature of the glass substrate to no more than 100 degrees C. and, preferably, the temperature is kept even lower.
US09422183B2
A glass tempering furnace for heating glass sheets (5). The glass sheet (5) is led in the glass tempering furnace (1), and the glass sheet (5) is heated in the glass tempering furnace (1) by blowing heating air on the surface of the glass sheet (5) with at least two separate heating air streams in the substantially transverse direction in relation to the direction of travel of the glass sheet (5).
US09422180B2
A method for treatment of coke wastewater, including (1) introducing wastewater into a regulating reservoir into which an acid liquor is added until the pH value of the wastewater ranges between about 5.5 and about 6.5; (2) introducing the wastewater into a three-dimensional electrode treatment device for electrolysis treatment; and (3) introducing the wastewater into a coagulation reaction tank into which an alkali liquor is added until the pH value of the wastewater ranges between 8 and 10, and as a coagulant polysilicate ferric magnesium is added into the wastewater for a hybrid reaction of between 5 and 15 mins; allowing the wastewater to flow into a sedimentation basin for plain sedimentation of between 4 and 6 hrs; and extracting a supernatant liquor to yield a processed effluent.
US09422171B2
A filter assembly for a water treatment system includes a first end cap and a second end cap that secure about the ends of a filter. A central member extends through a central void in the filter. The filter assembly has corresponding non-adhesive locking mechanisms that interact to secure the filter assembly together. Two gaskets may sandwich the filter and a reflector may be positioned within the central member. An ultraviolet lamp may also be positioned within the central member.
US09422170B2
The invention relates to a method for treating water laden with pollutants for the purpose of making the water drinkable, said method including: an elimination step consisting of contacting said water laden with pollutants, within a stirred contact tank (2), with an active particulate material (19) using a predetermined concentration of the active particulate material (19) in said water; an extraction step consisting of continuously extracting from said contact tank (2) a mixture consisting of water and of active particulate material (19); a separation step consisting of continuously separating said active particulate material (19) from said mixture. According to the invention, the separation step consists in particular of feeding the mixture of water and active particulate material into a filter drum (4).
US09422167B2
The present disclosure provides a novel method to fabricate the basic nickel carbonate particulates. The nickel content in the basic nickel carbonate particulates fabricated by this invention (51-53 mass %) is higher than the present commercialized products (44-46 mass %). Basic nickel carbonate is an important intermediate to prepare NiO and pure Ni particles, and NiO and pure Ni particles are important materials in electronic industrial. Therefore, basic nickel carbonate has its potential market.
US09422164B2
A method of producing nano-scaled graphene platelets with an average thickness smaller than 30 nm from a layered graphite material. The method comprises (a) forming a carboxylic acid-intercalated graphite compound by an electrochemical reaction; (b) exposing the intercalated graphite compound to a thermal shock to produce exfoliated graphite; and (c) subjecting the exfoliated graphite to a mechanical shearing treatment to produce the nano-scaled graphene platelets. Preferred carboxylic acids are formic acid and acetic acid. The exfoliation step in the instant invention does not involve the evolution of undesirable species, such as NOx and SOx, which are common by-products of exfoliating conventional sulfuric or nitric acid-intercalated graphite compounds. The nano-scaled platelets are candidate reinforcement fillers for polymer nanocomposites. Nano-scaled graphene platelets are much lower-cost alternatives to carbon nano-tubes or carbon nano-fibers.
US09422160B1
Pigments comprising chemochromic metal oxide microparticles or nanoparticles the surfaces of which are superficially coated with nanoparticles of catalyst material. The pigments are prepared by mechanical or wet chemical processes.
US09422142B2
The subject invention includes a lift system including a first scissor-type lift assembly and a second scissor-type lift assembly spaced from the first scissor-type lift assembly. The first scissor-type lift assembly includes a first base and a first platform coupled to the first base for movement between elevated and lowered states. The first scissor-type lift assembly includes a first motor operatively mounted to the first base. The second scissor-type lift assembly includes a second base and a second platform coupled to the second base for movement between elevated and lowered states. The second scissor-type lift assembly includes a second motor operatively mounted to the second base. The first and second motors move the first and second platforms between the elevated and lowered states. The lift system includes a controller in communication with the first and second scissor-type lift assemblies to synchronize operation of the first and second motors.
US09422136B2
A method for replacing the elevator ropes in an elevator provided with at least a hoisting machine, a traction sheave and a counterweight, in which the elevator car is supported with elevator ropes and which elevator comprises compensating ropes. In connection with the first rope replacement the compensating ropes are converted into the hoisting ropes of the elevator and at least a part of the hoisting ropes are converted into the compensating ropes of the elevator.
US09422134B2
A rope terminal assembly of an elevator fixing an elevator rope to a fixing base such as an elevator unit, the elevator being suitable for transporting passengers and/or goods, includes an elevator rope, whose width is larger than its thickness in a rope transverse direction, with at least one end having an end face, a rope end block attached to the rope end, one or more wedge elements, a wedge housing, where the terminal assembly includes a rope gap through which the elevator rope passes and the wedge element is arranged to wedge between the rope and the wedge housing thus locking the elevator rope in the gap, and the rope end block is attached on the end face side of the elevator rope with respect to the wedge element, and an elevator.
US09422129B2
A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer. The turf cutter device is used prior to infill extraction, while the turf wind up device may be used before or after infill extraction, depending on whether infill extraction takes place at the field or at a remote site, respectively.
US09422124B2
The inventive sheet conveying roller has a double-layer structure including a tubular outer layer and an inner layer inserted directly in the tubular outer layer without the intervention of an adhesive agent. The sheet conveying roller includes a roller body of a double-layer structure including a tubular outer layer (6) of a urethane thermoplastic elastomer and an inner layer (7) of a rubber such as IIR inserted directly in the tubular outer layer (6) without the intervention of an adhesive agent. The outer layer (6) has a Type-A Durometer hardness of not less than 40 and not greater than 65, and the inner layer (7) has a Type-A Durometer hardness of greater than 10 and not greater than 25.
US09422116B1
A two-level hierarchical communication architecture for segmented material conveyors having separate motor zones for sensing and control is presented herein. The architecture utilizes peer-to-peer serial communications among a plurality of motor zones to coordinate the article handling actions of those zones. Specific communications connectivity and message content schemes are used to better provide ZPA functionality that is performed in prior art conveyors by discrete contact-logic single bit “look-ahead” wiring. Additional features of the present invention include variations on placements of one or more barcode, tag reader or article presence sensors; a variable speed ZPA scheme; and a token-passing scheme for relaying pre-arranged article routing decisions among zone controllers.
US09422115B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for a roller cover that can be installed in a conveyor system that includes a conveyor. The roller cover is positioned over a passive roller of the conveyor system. The conveyor transports the item. The speed of the item is reduced using the roller cover.
US09422113B2
An apparatus for transferring containers to a handling machine that handles the containers cyclically in groups, comprising a conveying unit for transporting the containers in a conveying direction, wherein the conveying unit has a sliding section in which a group of containers is displaceable towards the handling machine in a sliding direction oriented transversely to the conveying direction, a sliding device for displacing the group of containers from the conveying unit to the handling machine in the sliding direction, and having a screw conveyor for setting a pitch spacing between the containers, the pitch spacing being required for handling the group of containers in the handling machine, the screw conveyor is oriented along the conveying unit, wherein the screw conveyor projects at least partially into the sliding section, and the screw conveyor has at least one gap region in which the screw conveyor has a reduced outer circumference.
US09422106B2
The present invention provides a water-based coating system that can be used to form a durable, abrasion resistant, tough, protective coating on a wide range of substrates, including the underbody of transport vehicles, storage units, and the like. The coating composition includes an asphaltic component and advantageously has excellent adhesion properties when coated onto metal surfaces, including the underbody of transport vehicles, storage units and the like. The coating system is particularly effective for protecting metal or metal-containing substrates forming the underbody of an intermodal cargo container. The resultant coatings are flexible and impact resistant.
US09422104B2
A cartridge (10) for preparing a liquid product, for example a beverage such as coffee by introducing liquid and/or steam into the cartridge (10) contains a dose (12) of at least one substance, such as for example powdered coffee, which is able to form the aforesaid product using said liquid and/or steam. The dose is enclosed between foils (14, 16) that can be traversed by the aforesaid liquid and/or steam, said foils (14, 16) being connected together around the dose (12). The aforesaid foils (14, 16) are made of compostable material, i.e., a material that can be recovered by composting and biodegradation, and are connected together around the dose (12) using a connecting material (30), which is also compostable. The cartridge as a whole can hence be recovered by composting and biodegradation, in compliance with the European Norm UNI EN 13432:2002 and/or subsequent modifications and integrations thereof.
US09422098B2
The present disclosure provides a pouch for holding a fresh produce item and a method. The pouch includes (A) a body composed of at least one flexible multilayer film having a haze value less than 20%. The body further includes a front wall, a rear wall, and a gusset panel that form a closed chamber. (B) The gusset panel includes a rim. (C) A fresh produce item is located in the closed chamber. (D) The pouch has a chamber-to-rim ratio (mm) from 6:1 to 200:1. At least a portion of at least one wall is transparent permitting a person to see the fresh produce item in the pouch. The method includes displaying the fresh produce item through at least one of the front wall or the rear wall at a chamber-to-rim ratio from 6:1 to 200:1.
US09422092B2
An inner container for transporting and storing liquids includes an outlet neck and a bottom wall. The bottom wall connects two side walls, one rear wall and one front wall of the inner container to one another. The outlet neck is arranged in a funnel bottom of an outlet funnel embodied in the bottom wall, and includes one front funnel wall, two lateral funnel walls and one rear funnel wall, wherein the lateral funnel walls are inclined from a lower edge of a side wall towards the funnel bottom in each case, in such a way that the outlet funnel has the shape of a truncated pyramid above the funnel bottom.
US09422085B2
A system for stacking freight within a shipping container is disclosed. The system comprises a first pallet configured to be removably affixed below and have vertical relief from a second pallet when the system is in a fully assembled state. The system also includes a second pallet configured to be removably affixed on top of and have vertical relief from the first pallet. The system also includes a plurality of support members vertically arranged to support the second pallet on top of the first pallet and provide vertical relief between the first and second pallets when the movable modular system is in the fully assembled state. A plurality of fasteners are used to removably attach the ends of crossing support members to the vertically arranged support members when the system is in the fully assembled state.
US09422078B2
A transport packaging (100) for transporting an object (24) comprises a container (10) that is open at least at first on one side and has a bottom (12) and at least two opposing sidewalls (14). It is suggested that the two opposing sidewalk (14) have at least one material weakening (20) starting from the free end (18), and that the transport packaging (100) comprises a tightening strap (28) that is tightened around the container (10) in the area of the material weakening (20) and penetrates the sidewall (14) in the area of the material weakening (20).
US09422069B2
A vapor plate for covering a manhole of a cargo transport tanker includes a plate member and one or more push rod assemblies. Each push rod assembly includes a guide tube extending through the plate member and a push rod extending through the guide member. A rod of the push rod moves linearly and rotationally within the guide tube. An adjustable collar of a resistance mechanism may be fixed to the rod so that the collar engages a spring allowing a user to generate a resistive clamping force by pushing downward on the push rod. A user may clamp the rim of a manhole between a lower handle of the push rod and the plate member with the resistive force by positioning the lower handle underneath the rim after generating the resistance force. The push rod assembly is sealed to prevent vapor leakage.
US09422066B2
A grounding sleeve for grounding an electrically insulated element disposed between two metal components includes an annular body extending between a first end and a second end. At least one window is formed in the annular body between the first end and the second end.
US09422065B2
A static discharge device includes a body and an electrical path carried in the body for discharging static electricity. Carried on the body is visual indicia indicating a present operational status of the electrical path to discharge static electricity effectively. The visual indicia is observable to an airplane operator or technician to quickly determine the operational or non-operational status of the static discharge device.
US09422061B2
A device for controlling the power of an engine and of a thrust reverser device. The invention includes a frame on which a primary cam track is formed, a thrust lever hinged to the frame, a thrust reverser lever hinged to the thrust lever, a bearing face arranged on the thrust reverser lever, a locking lever hinged to the thrust lever and comprising a first end and a second end. When the thrust lever has been pivoted by a predefined angle relative to the idle position of same, actuation of the thrust reverser lever is blocked, both by the second end of the locking lever pressing against the bearing face of the thrust reverser lever, and by the first end of the locking lever pressing against the primary cam track.
US09422054B2
An aircraft electromechanical braking system comprising a braking control unit 10 and at least one electromechanical brake 1, the brake 1 being fitted with at least one electromechanical actuator 4 having a pusher 6 suitable for being moved by means of an electric motor 7. The actuator 4 also has a blocking member 8 for blocking the pusher 6 in position. The control unit 10 is adapted to cause the braking system to operate in an additional braking mode referred to as “combined” mode, in which the motor 7 is activated to bring the pusher 6 into a position in which it exerts a given holding force, and then the blocking member 8 is activated, while activation of the motor 7 is maintained.
US09422052B2
An electro hydrostatic actuator system for retracting/extending a landing gear includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators, a plurality of hydraulic supply sources each including a single hydraulic pump and a single electric motor, provided in parallel to each other and joined at the downstream ends, a plurality of switching valves provided in parallel on a supply path that connects the hydraulic actuators to a junction of the hydraulic supply sources, and a controller configured to sequentially operate the hydraulic actuators. The hydraulic supply sources each include a check valve which prevents operation oil from flowing toward the hydraulic pump. In a normal state, the hydraulic supply sources together supply operation oil sequentially to the hydraulic actuators. When any of the hydraulic supply sources is failed, the other hydraulic supply source(s) other than the failed hydraulic supply source supplies operation oil sequentially to the hydraulic actuators.
US09422042B2
A cantilevered rotatable carcass carrier includes a main carcass and two secondary carcasses. The two secondary carcasses are pivotally connected to two sides of the main carcass through two first cantilevers. The secondary carcasses are further pivotally connected with second cantilevers. The secondary carcasses further pivotally connected with an airtight cabin through the second cantilevers. By turning the secondary carcasses, the airtight cabin can be located under the main carcass to form a submarine mode or located above the main carcass to form a watch mode, broadening the recreation space on the water, such that the recreation space on the water is not limited to the type of two-dimensional space on the water. The present invention provides a novel water recreational carrier for the demands of different situations.
US09422032B2
A line-handling apparatus for use in assembling a line being deployed from a vessel is disclosed. The line includes at least two sections of, for example, chain and wire in longitudinal sequence. A hang-off carriage has at least one line support adapted to support the line. The line support is capable of supporting a length of line hanging from the carriage via that support. The carriage is movable around a horizontal area located beneath separate line deployment locations on the vessel spaced horizontally from each other, to align the line support with each line deployment location, and to move the supported length of line between the line deployment locations for connection of subsequent sections of the line.
US09422031B2
A movable platform structure including a base structure, a platform and an articulated system which connects the platform to the base structure, wherein the platform is movable between a raised position which is horizontally adjacent to the base structure and a lowered position which is horizontally far from the base structure. The platform assembly further includes a latching device switchable into a stable locking position for locking the platform against the base structure when the platform is in the raised position.
US09422027B2
A spar hull centerwell arrangement wherein an adjustable buoyancy centerwell device (ABCD) is disposed within the centerwell of the structure. The adjustable buoyancy centerwell device is rigidly connected to the interior walls of the hard tank and defines an adjustable buoyancy centerwell device within the centerwell. The adjustable variable buoyancy unit is a water and airtight buoyancy chamber that allows the interior ballast to be changed as required. This device can also be used as a storage unit for on board fluids and other produced hydrocarbons.
US09422026B1
A toothed sprocket hub with elastic centering element comprising an input shaft having a receiving portion and a cylindrical outer surface, a sprocket engagable with the input shaft, the sprocket comprising at least two first surfaces each disposed on a bending beam such that each first surface is elastically moveable in a radial direction, the two first surfaces bearing upon the outer surface, the two first surfaces each having a radius d that is less than a radius D of the outer surface, at least one second surface that is radially moveable to a lesser extent than a first surface, the second surface engaging the receiving portion to prevent a relative rotation of the sprocket with the input shaft, and a third surface in cooperative relation to the second surface, the third surface bearing upon the outer surface of the input shaft, the third surface having a clearance fit with the outer surface.
US09422022B2
A light weight and portable personal mobility device, having an energy source capable of propelling an adult rider within an urban indoor and/or outdoor environment that is small enough to be easy to bring onto public transport vehicles. The energy source may be electricity or the rider themselves. The device, powered or non-powered, compresses from a small scooter in ride mode to, in a transportable state, a briefcase sized device. The outer casing of the device includes space within it for the integral components of the device and provides a means of housing components and transporting the device. A further embodiment/mode of the device, in addition to the retracted “briefcase mode”, and the deployed “ride mode”, would be a “trolley mode”, whereas the device, when in “trolley mode”, is pulled by a long handle, similar to the way “wheeled airline type luggage devices” are pulled around airports and numerous other locations.
US09422019B2
A bladder formed inside or positioned on a seat accounts for variations in personal anatomy with changes in the configurations of multiple chambers in the bladder and may also allow for changes to the constriction between the chambers in the bladder. The bladder forms a cushioning device that is used for seating applications which involve movement and continuously changes softness between the chambers by using the movement of the rider. Rider movement results in the interchange of pressures through variable-sized orifices between variable-displacement chambers. The number and size of the chambers can be varied according to a desired seating configuration. The orifice size can be changed with a variable constriction mechanism. Different fastening configurations can change the number and shape of the chambers. The cushioning device can be used in retrofitting existing seats and can be produced in new seats.
US09422018B2
A system including: a seat post; a user interface operatively connected with the seat post, the user interface configured for receiving instructions associated with a height of the seat post and for communicating received instructions to at least one controller coupled with a motive source of the seat post; and a valve assembly in communication with the motive source, the valve assembly regulating fluid flow within a variable finite positioning seat post height mode in response to a translation of the received instructions by the motive source.
US09422016B2
A method for mounting side doors on motor-vehicle bodies involves detecting—by means of optoelectronic systems—a plurality of dimensions measured along coordinates X, Y, Z, on the body and on the door units, with the aid of the proper references, for qualifying the geometric conditions of the coupling between the doors and the cooperating door receiving seats. On the basis of the detected dimensions, the method determines the mounting positions of each pair of hinge elements to be secured to the body and to the doors for accurate fit. The method involves mounting the hinge elements on the body in the determined positions, and mounting the doors on the body by connecting the body hinge elements and the door hinge elements to each other by simultaneously inserting articulation pins in seats, without requiring further operations for adjusting and recording geometrical settings.
US09422014B1
An axle lift system and a method of control. The axle lift system may include a liftable axle assembly and an axle securing unit. The axle securing unit may selectively secure the liftable axle assembly in a secured position in which the tires of the liftable axle assembly may not support the vehicle.
US09422004B2
There is provided a vehicle body front section structure including: a dash panel; and a front side member comprising a side member front section, and a side member rear section, wherein the side member front section includes: a front side; a rear side; and a weakened portion that is formed to a side wall of the side member front section at a vehicle body up-down direction upper side of a boundary between the front side location and the rear side location, and that is set such that a crush amount at an upper side of the weakened portion is greater than a crush amount at a lower side of the weakened portion when collision load is input from the vehicle body front side.
US09421992B2
A stroller (201) is provided which includes a chassis (203, 205) having first (211) and second (213) opposing frame elements. The chassis is supported on a plurality of wheels (223, 224, 225, 226). A seat (231) is suspended from the chassis by way of a support element (241). The seat includes upper (233) and lower (235) portions and is adapted to accommodate a child such that the back of the child rests against the upper portion and such that the legs of the child rest against the lower portion. The support element has first and second ends which are rotatably attached to first (243) and second (245) pivots mounted, respectively, on the first and second frame elements. The first pivot rotates about a first axis, and the seat is disposed between the first axis and the plurality of wheels. A first motor (271) is provided which rotates the first pivot.
US09421980B2
A vehicle-installed apparatus detects relative positions of other vehicles which are running ahead of the host vehicle of the apparatus, and, for each of these other vehicles, derives a value of probability that the vehicle is located in the same travel path as the host vehicle. A signal indicative of the yaw rate of the host vehicle is utilized in deriving the probabilities, and is filtered to exclude a range of high-frequency signal components, with the excluded range being widened when it is judged that the yaw rate is varying excessively rapidly.
US09421978B2
A continuously variable transmission includes a variator, a sub-transmission mechanism, target value setting means configured to set a speed ratio corresponding to a select gear position as a target value of a through speed ratio which is an overall speed ratio of the variator and the sub-transmission mechanism, shift control means configured to perform a variator shift of downshifting the variator so that the through speed ratio reaches the target value and a coordinated shift of upshifting the variator to maintain the through speed ratio while downshifting the sub-transmission mechanism immediately after the variator is downshifted, and torque increasing means configured to increase a torque input to the continuously variable transmission from the power source more than a torque before the determination of the downshift instruction during the coordinated shift.
US09421974B2
When a temperature T detected by a thermistor built inside a camera unit exceeds a preset temperature T1, at least a process, among processes executed by a CPU built inside the camera unit, that relates only to LKA or AHB (such as a white line recognizing process) is stopped. Then, the amount of heat generated by the CPU decreases, whereby the temperature inside the housing also decreases. In this way, even when the PCS control is continuously performed by continuing electric power supply to an imaging element in the camera unit, performance of the imaging element can be maintained in some cases, thus allowing the electric power supply to the imaging element to continue in a satisfactory manner for a long period.
US09421964B2
A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine, an electric motor, and a clutch disposed in a power transmitting path between the engine and the electric motor, a drive mode of the hybrid vehicle being switched on the basis of a required drive force of the hybrid vehicle, between a first drive mode in which said engine is placed in an operated state while said clutch is placed in an engaged state, and a second drive mode in which said electric motor is exclusively used as a drive power source to run the hybrid vehicle while said engine is placed in a rest state and while said clutch is placed in a released state; and a range in which said second drive mode is established being narrower when a temperature of said clutch is comparatively high, than when said temperature is comparatively low.
US09421948B2
The invention is based on a wiper blade (10) with a supporting bracket system which can be connected to a wiper arm in an articulated manner and has at least one main bracket (12, 24) and a plurality of secondary brackets (24, 28) which are connected pivotably to one another by means of joints (20, 26), wherein, in the region of at least one joint (20, 26), the main bracket (12, 24) has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile, the side walls (18, 44) of which laterally enclose the secondary brackets (24, 28), and, on the insides of the side walls (44), has pivots (50) which, together with lateral clip cutouts (54) on the secondary bracket (28), form a clip connection and a bearing point, while the secondary bracket (28) is supported via a rolling bearing (34, 66) on a top wall (58) of the main bracket (24). It is proposed that the pair of brackets (12, 24 or 24, 28), which in this way are connected to each other in an articulated manner, is manufactured from plastic in an injection-moulding process, with the pivots (50) being integrally cast on the insides of the side walls (18, 44) of the main bracket (18, 24).
US09421946B2
An arrangement to reduce refreezing of meltable snow includes a wiper arm configured to wipe the meltable snow from an ambient-facing surface of a window positioned on a vehicle. The arrangement also includes a sensor coupled to the wiper arm that is configured to gather and transmit a parameter on the vehicle and environment. The arrangement also includes a processor that is configured to receiving the parameter, determining refreezability of the meltable snow based on the parameter, and defining an action to be performed by the wiper arm.
US09421941B2
A cushion of a curtain air bag device including: a single-layer chamber receiving gas from an inflator and spreading to form a single gas layer, when a vehicle is involved in a collision; a multilayer chamber having a structure in which a plurality of layers overlap each other, and communicating with the single-layer chamber; a sealing part sealing edges of the single-layer chamber and the multilayer chamber; and a coupling part integrally connecting an overlapping part of the sealing part formed at the edge of the multilayer chamber.
US09421938B2
A vehicle interior panel (10) includes a decorative covering (16) with a non-visible tear seam that forms a deployment opening through the covering during airbag deployment. The tear seam is formed by mechanical piercing of a skin layer (20) of the covering using a piercing tool (30) having a compound chamfer (40). Such piercing tools allow the mechanical piercing process to produce non-visible and functional tear seams in polymeric materials and non-polymeric materials such as leather, including materials with relatively low elastic recovery characteristics. Tear seams formed in this manner can offer larger processing windows, lower manufacturing and equipment cost, and/or shorter cycle times when compared to other methods such as laser scoring.
US09421933B1
An active glove box door is provided for a vehicle passenger compartment. A plastic-molded inner door liner forms a reaction plate. A plastic-molded front trim wall deploys toward a passenger in the passenger compartment. A plastic-molded bladder member is joined along an outer perimeter with the trim wall by a hot weld seam to form an inflatable bladder. The bladder member includes at least one substantially circumferential pleat adjacent the weld seam and a central attachment region with a plurality of attachment bosses joined to the inner door liner. A skeleton member is mounted to the inner door liner between the bladder member and the inner door liner, wherein the skeleton member has a lattice structure for reducing flexing of the inner door liner. The skeleton member has at least one aperture receiving a respective attachment boss.
US09421932B2
An improved flexible or semi-rigid vehicle partition apparatus can be used to isolate an animal from certain regions of a vehicle. A plurality of embodiments are disclosed. The improved partition apparatuses can be installed directly behind the front seat or seats of a vehicle and/or, depending upon the configuration of the vehicle, can be installed behind the rear seat or seats of the vehicle. The partition apparatuses are generally lightweight, flexible, manufactured from inexpensive components, and are relatively easy to be installed into a vehicle interior and to removed therefrom.
US09421919B2
Described are display assemblies having a display coupled to a passenger seat back, a video shroud coupled to the passenger seat back and with an inner opening positioned adjacent the display, wherein a gap is positioned between an outer edge of the display and an edge of the inner opening, and an adaptor having a lip and coupled to the video shroud, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the gap. A portion of the lip may surround at least the outer edge of the display and/or may overlap a portion of the video shroud.
US09421915B2
A folding seat assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. The folding seat assembly includes a seat back, a seat base and an internal storage compartment. The seat base includes first and second sections that are independently pivotally displaceable between a raised position and a home position. The internal storage compartment is defined between the two sections of the seat base.
US09421909B2
A system for alerting a user includes a first device for vehicle-to-pedestrian communication. The first device is operable by a pedestrian. The system further includes a vehicle operable by a driver including a second device for vehicle-to-pedestrian communication. The system is configured to provide an alert via at least one of the first device and second device to at least one of the driver and the pedestrian.
US09421906B2
A system for controlling a directional indicator of a vehicle includes the directional indicator including a plurality of lamps turned on at different threshold voltages and indicating a turning direction of the vehicle. A controller is configured to change an input voltage that is supplied to the lamps to sequentially turn on/off the lamps.
US09421904B2
A vehicle fog lamp set adopted for use on a vehicle includes a left fog lamp module, a right fog lamp module and a control drive module. The left fog lamp module includes a left fog lamp substrate, a left main fog lamp unit located in the center of the left fog lamp substrate and a left side fog lamp unit. The right fog lamp module includes a right fog lamp substrate, a right main fog lamp unit located in the center of the right fog lamp substrate and a right side fog lamp unit. The control drive module includes a central control unit and a turning detection unit to detect turning of the vehicle and activate the left side fog lamp unit and the right side fog lamp unit to reduce visual blind spots.
US09421901B2
The invention relates to a power-driven vehicle having at least one camera and at least one lamp, wherein the camera is provided to photograph at least part of the surrounding area of the power-driven vehicle, the lamp is used to illuminate at least sections of part of the surrounding area of the power-driven vehicle, and the lamp can be supplied by a power supply medium of the power-driven vehicle with power having a first frequency to generate the light.
US09421899B2
An apparatus and process for delivering proppant to a well site has a trailer with a bed thereon and at least one track of rollers extending in parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. The track of rollers extend substantially for an entire length of the bed of the trailer. At least one proppant container is translatably positioned on the track of rollers. The proppant container is movable along the array of rollers from one end of the bed to an opposite end of the bed. A bin can be removably positioned below the bed of the trailer in a position rearward of the front end of the trailer and forward of a rear end of the trailer so as to allow the proppant container to discharge into the bin. A conveyor is cooperative with the bin so as to move proppant from the bin to a location at the well site.
US09421894B2
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base. First and second independent thigh supports are pivotally coupled to the seat base. A support rod extends below the first and second independent thigh supports and is operably coupled to each of the first and second independent thigh supports by a gasket member and a bracket. A first spring member includes a body portion in abutting contact with an underside of the first independent thigh support and includes legs engaged with the support rod. The first spring member biases the first independent thigh support to a raised position. A second spring member includes a body portion in abutting contact with an underside of the second independent thigh support and includes legs engaged with the support rod. The second spring member biases the second independent thigh support to a raised position.
US09421875B1
In electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), interruption of charging due to overheating is prevented by adjusting the pulse duty cycle on the control pilot conductor communicating the maximum allowed current level to the electric vehicle, the adjustment being performed whenever the EVSE temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature below the maximum operating temperature as a function of the approach of the temperature to the maximum operating temperature.
US09421872B2
A vehicle includes a plurality of detachable battery packs that accommodate a rechargeable battery module and a battery management system (BMS) in a case. In a state where the battery pack is installed in the vehicle, the BMS performs information communication with another BMS, and one BMS is a master and communicates with another BMS which is a slave and combines information of the battery packs. In a state where the battery pack is detached from the vehicle, a control of a charging state is independently performed by the BMS with respect to the rechargeable battery module.
US09421870B2
A braking matching method for a vehicle equipped with a regenerative braking means and with an additional braking means that have different response times, involving generating a braking setpoint that is matched (see opposite CF) to said braking means, by the temporal filtering of a braking setpoint (Ce) intended for one of said braking means.
US09421867B2
An output current of a DC/DC converter which serves as a step-down device for charging the low-voltage electric storage device is detected. Based on the detected output current and the efficiency of the DC/DC converter, the electric power consumed by an auxiliary equipment load that is connected parallel to the low-voltage electric storage device is controlled to make the efficiency of the DC/DC converter equal to or greater than a prescribed efficiency, so that the low-voltage electric storage device can be charged from a high-voltage electric storage device or an external power supply.
US09421862B2
A rear axle differential device of a vehicle, including a differential casing, two half-shafts, an input shaft, and an output shaft is provided. The differential casing includes a first casing and a second casing. A differential gear is disposed in the second casing having two coaxial half-shaft holes at two ends. The two half-shafts are coaxially fixed to the two half-shaft holes, respectively, and a direction of an axis of the half-shaft is a first direction. One end of the input shaft is fixed to the first casing, and the other end extends towards the second casing. The output shaft is located at one side of the input shaft, and one end is fixed to the first casing and the other end extends along a direction opposite to an extending direction of the input shaft. The axis of the output shaft is parallel to the axis of the input shaft.
US09421858B2
A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with: a first differential mechanism having a first rotary element connected to a first electric motor, a second rotary element connected to an engine, and a third rotary element connected to an output rotary member; a second differential mechanism having a first rotary element connected to a second electric motor, a second rotary element, and a third rotary element, one of the second rotary element and the third rotary element being connected to the third rotary element of said first differential mechanism; a clutch configured to selectively couple the second rotary element of said first differential mechanism, and the other of the second and third rotary elements of said second differential mechanism which is not connected to the third rotary element of said first differential mechanism, to each other; and a brake configured to selectively couple said other of the second and third rotary elements of said second differential mechanism which is not connected to the third rotary element of said first differential mechanism, to a stationary member, the drive control device comprises: a resonance point change control portion configured to switch an operating state of at least one of said clutch and said brake when a resonance of a power transmitting system in said hybrid vehicle has been detected or forecasted.
US09421855B2
A powertrain system for a vehicle is provided. The powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, a first gearset connected to the internal combustion engine, a first electric machine connected to the first gearset, a drivetrain gear for connection to a drivetrain of the vehicle, a second gearset connecting the first gearset to the drivetrain gear, a second electric machine, and at least one dynamic clutch selectively coupling the second electric machine to the first electric machine, the first gearset, and the second gearset. In a first mode of operation, the at least one dynamic clutch couples the second electric machine and the first electric machine. In a second mode of operation, the at least one dynamic clutch couples the second electric machine and the first gearset. In a third mode of operation, the at least one dynamic clutch couples the second electric machine and the second gearset.
US09421854B2
A vehicle drive device includes: a torque converter having an input-side rotating member to which power from a prime mover is input and an output-side rotating member outputting power to drive wheels; an electric motor coupled to the input-side rotating member; a transmission coupled to the output-side rotating member of the torque converter; and a case member housing the torque converter, the electric motor, and the transmission, the case member having an air chamber and an oil chamber, the prime mover and the electric motor being disposed at positions with the torque converter interposed therebetween in an axial direction, the torque converter being housed in the air chamber, the electric motor being housed in the oil chamber the vehicle drive device further comprising a second electric motor coupled to the output-side rotating member of the torque converter, the second electric motor being disposed between the electric motor and the transmission in the axial direction in the oil chamber, an oil pressure generating device being disposed between the electric motor and the second electric motor in the axial direction in the oil chamber, and a drive gear of the oil pressure generating device being coupled to the input-side rotating member of the torque converter via a first shaft disposed in parallel with an axis on an inner circumferential side of the electric motor, a second shaft parallel to the axis being disposed on an inner circumferential side of the first shaft, a stator impeller of the torque converter being coupled via a one-way clutch and the second shaft to a cover member that is a non-rotating member of the oil pressure generating device, and the second shaft and the cover member being coupled, and an oil passage for supplying an operating oil to the torque converter being made up of a gap formed between an inner circumferential surface of the first shaft and an outer circumferential surface of the second shaft.
US09421840B1
A suspension mechanism includes left and right external barrels whose upper ends have left and right ports and lower ends have left and right damper ports, respectively, wherein the left and right external barrels are pivotally connected to a chassis; left and right dampers with lower ends pivotally connected to left and right wheel support units pivotally connected to the chassis, respectively, wherein outer wall surfaces at the upper portions of the left and right dampers movably abut against inner wall surfaces at lower portions of the left and right external barrels through the left and right damper ports, with left and right adjustable spaces defined inside the left and right external barrels, and the left and right adjustable spaces communicating with the left and right ports and filled with oil, respectively; and a control valve connected to the left and right ports and adapted to control oil flow.
US09421830B2
The invention relates to improving the endurance of the beads of a radial tire for a heavy vehicle of construction plant type by reducing the cracking that starts at the end of the turn-up and spreads through the polymer coating, edging and filling materials. According to the invention, a transition element, made of a polymer transition material, is at least partially in contact, on its axially outer face, with the polymer edging material and, on its axially inner face, with a polymer filling material, the radially outer and radially inner ends of the transition element are respectively radially on the outside and radially on the inside of the end of the turn-up and the elastic modulus at 10% elongation of the polymer transition material is somewhere between the respective elastic moduluses at 10% elongation of the polymer edging material and of the polymer filling material with which the transition element is in contact.
US09421828B2
The present invention provides a pneumatic tire for a motorcycle, comprising: a main groove constituted of a first groove and a second groove and having a bent configuration; and an auxiliary groove provided to be distanced in the tread circumferential direction from the main groove, wherein groove widths of the main groove and the auxiliary groove satisfy specific relationship formulae.
US09421826B2
A pneumatic tire has a tread portion having a tread surface between tread edges and provided along each tread edge with a row of shoulder blocks. Each of the shoulder blocks in at least one row is provided with at least one sipe extending at an angle of not less than 60 degrees with respect to the tire circumferential direction and having a plane inclined with respect to a normal direction to the tread surface. A chamfered part has a surface being arc-shaped in a tire meridian section and smoothly connecting between the tread surface and a surface of a buttress part. At least one protruding part has an upper surface protruding axially outwardly from the surface of the chamfered part and a side surface extending radially inwardly from an axially outer end of the upper surface. The protruding part has a circumferential width of from 0.5 to 7.0 mm.
US09421824B2
A pneumatic tire includes a reinforcing ply structure extending between a pair of bead portions, a pair of sidewalls, each sidewall located radially outward of one of the pair of bead portions, a tread radially outward from the reinforcing ply structure, a belt reinforcing structure located radially outward from the reinforcing ply structure and radially inward from the tread, and an innerliner structure extending along an inner surface of the reinforcing ply from a position adjacent one bead portion to a position adjacent the other bead portion. The innerliner structure includes multiple alternating layers of rubber compound and sealant.
US09421823B2
A final drive includes a planetary gear assembly and at least one bearing. The at least one bearing defines an annulus having an internal space where at least a portion of the planetary gear assembly is located within the internal space. A final drive includes a planetary gear assembly, and at least one bearing, where the at least one bearing defines an annulus having an internal space, and where at least a portion of the planetary gear assembly is located within the internal space.
US09421822B2
A trolley having two castor wheel assemblies mounted to a trolley frame. The castor wheel assemblies are mounted toward a rear of the trolley frame whereas another pair of conventional castors are mounted to the front of the trolley frame. The castor wheel assemblies are not identical insofar as swiveling of the assemblies is limited in a direction inwardly of the trolley only. It has been found that limited swiveling of one of the castor wheel assemblies only such as at an offset angle provides more efficient guided steering of the trolley.
US09421821B2
Vehicle structures for dissipating and distributing energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a rim includes an inner flange and an outer flange that extend around a periphery of the rim, a rim wall that extends around the periphery of the rim and that extends between the inner flange and the outer flange in the vehicle lateral direction, a drop-well portion that is positioned between the rim wall and the outer flange in the vehicle lateral direction, where the rim wall comprises an increased thickness region that is positioned proximate to the drop-well portion, and where a maximum thickness of the increased thickness region is greater than a maximum thickness of the rim wall positioned outside of the increased thickness region, and at least one spoke extending radially inward from the drop-well portion.
US09421808B2
An inkjet receiving media comprising a substrate having a transparent topmost layer coated thereon at solid content of from 0.3 to 2.5 g/m2, wherein the topmost layer includes from 30-70 wt % of one or more aqueous soluble salts of multivalent metal cations, 5 to 20 wt % of a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer binder, 4 to 12 wt % of a cationic polymer to stabilize 10 to 40 wt % silica that is less than 200 nm is size. Improved optical density, reduced mottle and improved wet abrasion resistance are provided when the receiver is printed with an aqueous pigment-based ink. In further embodiments, the topmost layer can further include high levels of silica that makes the layer porous.
US09421802B2
Provided is a system that includes a reference strip and a print head carriage. The reference strip includes transmission windows for transmitting signals. The transmission windows include bridges.
US09421792B2
To provide a printing apparatus capable of preventing the image quality from deteriorating, the printing apparatus is provided with a ribbon 41 laid between spools 43, 44, DC motors Mr3, Mr1 for rotating these spools, driver for supplying driving power to the motors, encoders for detecting rotation amounts of the motors, and controller that controls the driver. A CPU drives the motor without the tension due to the ribbon 41 being applied, calculates the rotation velocity of the motor based on the rotation amount of the motor detected in the encoder, applies the calculated rotation velocity and the supply current in driving the motor to the relationship between the rotation velocity and the supply current in a reference motor, and calculates the supply current for providing the same rotation velocity as the rotation velocity in driving the reference motor with the supply current of the time the motor is driven.
US09421790B2
A printing method includes the steps of: receiving a color image and separating the color image into a plurality of distinct color planes; dithering a first distinct color plane to obtain dot data for the first distinct color plane; dithering a second distinct color plane to obtain dot data for the second distinct color plane; providing the dot data for the first distinct color plane to a first print head cartridge for printing by a plurality of nozzle rows of the first print head cartridge; and providing the dot data for the second distinct color plane to a second print head cartridge positioned downstream from the first print head cartridge in a direction of print media propagation, the dot data for the second distinct color plane for printing by a plurality of nozzle rows of the second print head cartridge.
US09421784B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first passage through which liquid flows from a tank to liquid ejecting heads; and a second passage through which liquid flows from the heads to the tank. The first passage includes a third passage connecting to the tank, a fourth passage branching from the third passage at a first position to allow the third passage to communicate with a first head, and a fifth passage branching from the third passage at a second position to allow the third passage to communicate with a second head. The lengths, cross-sectional areas, and resistances of various passages are set relative to others.
US09421782B2
Simplification of a connecting operation for liquid supply between a liquid consuming apparatus and a liquid containing body at least a part of which is flexible is achieved. A printer 10 has a liquid supply apparatus 20 on a right side wall 106 . The liquid supply apparatus 20 has an attachment/detachment unit 30 in an inclined manner such that a K1-axis direction in which a liquid introduction portion 362 thereof extends for liquid introduction forms an angle a1 that is larger than 0 degree and smaller than 90 degrees in a clockwise direction with respect to the right side wall 106 when the printer 10 is viewed from vertically above. A liquid containing body 50 has an operation member 53 on an upper end side of a flexible liquid containing portion 52, and a liquid supply portion 57 capable of being connected to the liquid introduction portion 362 of the attachment/detachment unit 30 in the K1-axis direction is connected to the operation member 53.
US09421774B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a conveyance section, a recording head, a maintenance mechanism, and a control section. The conveyance section conveys a recording medium. The recording head discharges ink droplets toward the recording medium while the conveyance section conveys the recording medium. The maintenance mechanism performs maintenance on the recording head. The control section causes the maintenance mechanism to operate upon determination that a width of a next recording target recording medium is greater than a width of a recording medium subjected to image recording prior to the next recording target recording medium.
US09421760B2
An apparatus for printing a design on a container includes first and second pluralities of printing stations for printing corresponding first and second colors, with the second plurality following the first. A controller operably interlinks the first and second pluralities of printing stations. Each printing station includes a print head that has an adjustable position and orientation relative to a container. A measuring device having sensors arranged to measure a distance between the print head and the container determines this. The measuring device receives, from the sensors, information representative of the print head's position and orientation relative to the container and provides it to the controller, which then adjusts it.
US09421759B1
A method uses a sparse test pattern to identify a spatial relationship between a printhead and an image receiving surface in a printer. The method includes operating a plurality of ejectors in the printhead to form a printed marks on the image receiving surface, generating image data of the test pattern, and applying a predetermined disjoint template to the image data to identify a location of the printed marks. The disjoint template matching process improves the accuracy of identifying the printed marks in noisy image data and for sparse test patterns.
US09421752B2
A numbering and imprinting machine includes: a numbering printing unit for one surface including an impression cylinder and a numbering cylinder; a first numbering printing unit for the other surface including an impression cylinder and a numbering cylinder; a drying unit for numbering printing for one surface including a drying cylinder and a drying device; a second numbering printing unit for the other surface including an impression cylinder and a numbering cylinder; and a drying unit for numbering printing for the other surface including a transfer cylinder, a drying cylinder, and a drying device.
US09421751B2
Wet lithographic printing members for imaging by an inkjet printer using pigment-based aqueous ink and method for calibrating the amount of the inkjet ink to be injected in solid areas of an image are disclosed. An exemplary printing member can comprises a base substrate and a top hydrophilic coating layer having a thickness in the range of 2 to 10 microns above the base substrate. A volume of less than 10 nl/mm2 of inkjet ink is used in order to image areas in which the image is solid. Areas of the top hydrophilic coating layer, which are imagewise covered by aqueous pigmented inkjet ink, become hydrophobic. In some embodiments after imaging, the surface of the imaged printing member can be treated with acidic colloidal silica solution. Exemplary treatment can comprise wiping the surface of the imaged printing member with the acidic colloidal silica solution.
US09421730B2
A mat is formed from a first mat section and a second mat section where the second mat section is fastened to the first mat section in a cutout formed in the first mat section. The first mat section can have information placed thereon in one or more areas and can include a carpet-like material on an upper surface of an upper layer. The second mat section can be formed from an absorbent type material and can have information displayed thereon, including information displayed using a dye-sublimation print process so as to provide for multi-color high quality information. The mat is particularly suited for use in boxing rings and the like so as to prevent fluids associated with such activities from coming in contact with the floor of the boxing ring.
US09421722B2
A system and method of making an open-ended, reinforced, layered belt having a profile layer, a top layer material, and tensile cords fully encapsulated there between. The method includes engaging portion of the profile layer on a rotatable cylindrical mandrel with an engaging roller, disengaging with a take-off roller, and applying and fusing the cords to the profile layer at a desired cord spacing there between. The cord may be fused by melting the profile layer surface with a heated plow and/or with heated cord. The cord is then covered with the top layer material in a lamination step involving heating to melt at least a portion of the top layer and pressing it to fuse it to the reinforced profile layer. Lamination may be done downstream or directly on the mandrel.
US09421720B2
An apparatus including a cup attaching unit, includes: a lens support portion for supporting a lens on a reference axis extending in a vertical direction; a support arm to which an attaching portion to which the cup is attached is attached; a moving arm for support the support arm to be movable so that the attaching portion can be directed in a downward direction toward the lens support portion and in an upward direction or a forward direction; and a lever configured to be operated by the operation and rotate the support arm so as to direct the attaching portion in from the second direction to the first direction. The lever is provided at the support arm and lowers the attaching portion together with the moving arm after the attaching portion is directed in the downward direction.
US09421718B2
The invention relates to a method for producing an optical lens element, in particular for illuminating purposes, in particular for producing a headlight lens for a vehicle headlight, in particular for a motor vehicle headlight. A preform made of a transparent plastic, which is amorphous in particular, is molded in an injection mold using an injection molding method. The preform is removed from the injection mold, in particular before the average temperature of the preform falls below the melting temperature of the plastic and/or the flow temperature of the plastic, and the preform is subsequently pressed into the lens element, in particular the blank, using a final contour mold.
US09421705B2
To improve the flow symmetry and the molding quality, it is presented a valve pin bushing for the hot runner of an injection mold, including two input channels, each having a geometric axis and through which the material to be injected can enter through an outlet into, and an output channel, which extends along a longitudinal axis up to an output from which the material can exit the valve pin bushing. The portions of the geometric axes, which extend at the outlet are arranged so that on any imaginary plane passing through the longitudinal axis there lies at most one portion.
US09421704B2
There is provided a method for producing a molded product of which surface is modified by a functional material using a molding machine such as a general-purpose injection molding machine or extrusion molding machine. The method for producing the molded product includes: mixing a block copolymer having a hydrophilic segment with the functional material; mixing the block copolymer, which has been mixed with the functional material, with a thermoplastic resin; and molding the thermoplastic resin in which the functional material and the block copolymer are mixed.
US09421697B2
A method of processing PCR plastic is disclosed, the method including a step of providing a bulk quantity of flakes of PCR plastic having a particle size of about 10 mm or larger separating ferrous and non-ferrous metals from the bulk of flakes of PCR plastic, comminuting the flake to a particle size less than 10 mm, such as about 4 mm, and thermally treating the flake to reduce a moisture content therein. The process may further including mixing the thermally treated flake with virgin plastic pellet and processing the mixture directly in an injection molding device.
US09421696B2
A polystyrene product remanufacturing apparatus includes a cabinet assembly having four or more side walls, including a front panel, two side panels, and a back panel, a top, and a bottom to create an interior space for used polystyrene products, the front panel includes two hinged doors, first door hinges on a vertical edge of the front panel to provide access to the space for placement of used polystyrene products and the second door hinges proximate a lower horizontal edge of the front panel to retrieve densified polystyrene products; a plurality of radiant heat sources for controlled temperature in the cabinet, positioned proximate the top panel, two side panels, bottom panel, and centered above the bottom panel; and two or more drawers positioned proximate bottom panel and removable through the second door.
US09421689B2
Disclosed herein is a manipulator apparatus. The manipulator apparatus includes a jig unit provided with a manipulator. The jig unit includes a first member provided with the manipulator, a second member configured to move the first member, and a third member configured to move the second member.
US09421672B2
A clamp assembly that can be installed on and removed from its mounting on an elongated structure (e.g., 2×4) without the need for sliding past an end of the structure is disclosed. The clamp assembly may include a pair of clamp bodies with pads for engaging a workpiece. Each of the clamp bodies includes a clamp mount with a movable member arranged to be moved into forced engagement with an exterior surface (e.g., side) of the 2×4 to fix the clamp body on the 2×4. At least one of or both of the clamp bodies include a releasable connection that, when released, allows for the removal of the clamp body from the 2×4 without the need to longitudinally slide the body past an end of the 2×4.
US09421664B1
An ultra-quiet rock tumbler has a barrel assembly supported on a barrel support having two uprights extending from a base. The barrel assembly has an inner barrel with a removable top, that fits into a middle barrel having a removable top and the middle barrel fits into an outer barrel having a removable top. Energy absorbing material, preferably polyurethane foam, surrounds both the inner barrel and the middle barrel. A motor is provided in the barrel support for rotating the barrel assembly.
US09421655B2
A plate assembly can support a cylinder head and includes a frame. The frame includes a frame body and a supporting wall extending from the frame body. The frame body defines an inner frame surface. The inner frame surface and the supporting wall jointly define a frame cavity. The plate assembly also includes an insert configured to support the cylinder head. The insert is sized to be received in the frame cavity and includes an insert body. The insert body defines a top insert surface, a bottom insert surface opposite to the top insert surface, and a lateral insert surface interconnecting the top and bottom insert surfaces. The supporting wall supports the insert such that the inner frame surface surrounds the lateral insert surface and the supporting wall contacts the insert bottom surface when the insert is disposed in the frame cavity.
US09421654B2
Provided is a clamping device having improved safety and an improved clamping force for clamping a work to an attaching table, said work having the inner circumferential surface thereof to be processed. The clamping device clamps a work (101) disposed on the reference surface (32) of an attaching table (30). The clamping device is provided with: a board-like fixing member (10), which has formed therein a hole (11a) that is larger than the inner diameter (D1) of the work (101) but smaller than the outer diameter (D2) of the work, and which is in surface-contact with the end surface (101a) of the work (101) disposed on the reference surface (32) of the attaching table (30); and a pressing force applicator (20), which has a cylindrical shape that surrounds the attaching table (30), and which applies a pressing force toward the end surface (101a) of the work (101) with respect to the fixing member (10).
US09421653B2
A cutting processing device for performing a cutting process on a cutting target by use of a rotatable tool includes a cutting unit that includes the rotatable tool, a holding tool that holds a plurality of the cutting targets at the same time, and a rotation support unit that rotatably supports the holding tool. The cutting unit is movable with respect to the holding tool.
US09421650B2
A method of forming a stent includes the steps of forming a composite member into a stent pattern, forming openings through an outer member of the composite member, processing the composite member to remove a portion of the composite member without adversely affecting the outer member, and swaging the outer member to create a plurality of lumens. The composite member may be formed of an outer member with an hourglass-shaped inner member, wherein the processing step removes the inner member and the swaging step forms two lumens from the hourglass shaped cavity. The composite member may be formed of an outer member, an inner member, and an intermediate member, wherein the processing step removes the intermediate member and the swaging step presses portions of the outer member into contact with the inner member to form two lumens separated by the inner member.
US09421645B2
A solder joint material includes a Zn-based metal material including mainly of Zn, an Al-based metal material including mainly of Al and provided on the Zn-based metal material, a Cu-based metal material including mainly of Cu and provided on the Al-based metal material, and a surface-treated layer provided on the Cu-based metal material and including an amorphous layer including oxygen and a metal with a higher oxygen affinity than a copper.
US09421633B2
The invention described relates generally to a method and apparatus for improving existing bulk wire transfer methodologies and more particularly, to welding wire packages for use as an endless wire container such that the welding wire of multiple containers can be linked together to produce an uninterrupted flow of welding wire to a welding operation by employing a welding wire transfer guide, the guide having an outwardly-facing curvilinear groove, one end of said groove of said welding wire transfer guide positioned along a tangent line running between an outer diameter of the in-process coil of wire and an opposed end of said groove along a tangent line running between an inner diameter of the staged coil of welding wire. The apparatus further includes a magnetically positionable wire guide arm above at least two, preferably each bulk welding wire container.
US09421628B2
A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board includes: supplying solder paste so as to be offset from an electrode pad of a printed wiring board; flowing the solder paste during melting; and forming a region that is not covered with solder resist on the outer peripheral region adjacent to the electrode pad of the printed wiring board to which solder paste is supplied, thereby increasing a gap between a semiconductor package and the printed wiring board to prevent separation of the solder.
US09421626B2
An apparatus for electrical discharge machining modulation control includes an EDM module, an open-circuit voltage modulation module, a reference-voltage modulation and judgment module, a database, and a control unit. The control unit selects a reference voltage, and an open-circuit voltage corresponding to characteristics of a workpiece from the database, and generates and transmits a second control signal to the open-circuit voltage modulation module for modulating the open-circuit voltage, and a third control signal to the reference-voltage modulation and judgment module for modulating the reference voltage utilized to determine if the ignition happened. The open-circuit voltage modulation module receives a first control signal periodically transmitted from the control unit for providing the open-circuit voltage to the EDM module. The reference-voltage modulation and judgment module performs an arc voltage measurement procedure, then the control unit determines the open-circuit voltage and the reference voltage.
US09421618B1
A cable clamping arrangement for securing one or more cables to a submerged hull surface of a ship. The cable clamping arrangement includes a plurality of powerful magnetic clamping devices for attaching signal carrying cables to a submerged ferrous submerged hull surface. The cable clamping devices each have a low-profile and are dome shaped to reduce hydrodynamic interference when the ship is travelling at operational speeds. The clamps are equipped to grip a cable in a desired path at a desired tension, thereby increasing the ability to maintain the cable in a fixed manner on the surface while the ship is operating.
US09421616B2
The present invention relates to a machine tool, in particular a lathe, having a machine frame 1, a first work spindle 21, arranged on a face of a first carrier portion 1a of the machine frame 1, for receiving a first workpiece W1, a second work spindle 22, facing the first work spindle 21 and arranged on a face of second carrier portion 1b of the machine frame 1, for receiving a second work piece W2, the spindle axis of the second work spindle 22 being aligned parallel to, in particular coaxial with, the spindle axis of the first work spindle 21, and two displaceable tool carrier slides 51 and 52 on each of which a tool-carrying tool carrier 61 or 62 is arranged. According to the invention, a third tool carrier 63 is provided which is displaceable between the work spindles 21 and 22 transverse to the spindle axes and which is arranged on a tool carrier face WTS3 of a central carrier portion 1c positioned between the first and the second carrier portion 1a, 1b.
US09421612B2
A method for producing a substantially spherical metal powder is described. A particulate source metal includes a primary particulate and has an average starting particle size. The particulate source metal is optionally ball milled and mixed with a binder in a solvent to form a slurry. The slurry is granulated to form substantially spherical granules, wherein each granule comprises an agglomeration of particulate source metal in the binder. The granules are debinded at a debinding temperature to remove the binder from the granules forming debinded granules. The debinded granules are at least partially sintered at a sintering temperature such that particles within each granule fuse together to form partially or fully sintered solid granules. The granules can then be optionally recovered to form a substantially spherical metal powder.
US09421607B2
An apparatus for direct casting of strip from a pool of molten metal includes a tundish having a feed chamber, a return chamber and a diverting chamber. A lip insert is inserted into the tundish and has an open front for cooperation with a casting surface. The apparatus includes a control mechanism configured to control the surface level of the pool of molten metal in the diverting chamber and in the lip insert, and a movement mechanism configured to move the casting surface upwardly through the pool of molten metal for the casting of metal on the casting surface. The casting surface is an aluminum surface of a cylindrical drum and has a coarse irregular surface formed thereon by biasing with crushed, angular silicon carbide or aluminum silicate.
US09421601B2
A method of manufacturing a stent includes forming a wave form having a plurality of struts and a plurality of crowns. Each crown connects two adjacent struts. The wave form has a central portion and two end portions located on opposite sides the central portion. Some of the struts located in the end portions have lengths longer and/or shorter than an average length of all of the struts of the wave form. The method includes wrapping the wave form about a longitudinal axis to define a plurality of turns so that an end turn is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, a second turn is at a first pitch angle that is less than the angle that the end turn is disposed relative to the longitudinal axis, a third turn is at a second pitch angle that is less than the first pitch angle, and a fourth turn is at a third pitch angle that is less than the second pitch angle.
US09421599B2
An apparatus for clinching a workpiece is provided. The apparatus generally includes a clamp body, an arm, a punch, a die and a first linear actuator. The arm is rotatably fixed to the clamp body around a first pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The punch is mounted to one of the body and the arm.
US09421587B2
A pallet wiping device that promotes drying after washing of a pallet includes a pallet placement unit on which a pallet is placed, and a wiping unit including a water-absorbing portion formed of a water-absorbent material, an arm supporting the water-absorbing portion and connected to a cylinder, and a cylinder. The cylinder moves the arm reciprocally along a direction in which a fork insertion hole extends while bringing the water-absorbing portion into contact with the inner wall surface of the fork insertion hole. Accordingly, water left in the fork insertion hole of the pallet after washing can be removed. In addition, the pallet can be dried at low cost because removal of water in the interior of the fork insertion hole is implemented without using heat.
US09421586B2
In situ cleaning systems and methods of use are disclosed and provide cleaning use solutions with minimal chemical additives providing environmentally-friendly cleaning compositions. The in situ cleaning system provides one or more in situ cleaning components, including water treatment components, oxidizing agent generating component and/or alkalinity generating component, providing a cleaning use solution to a washing system.
US09421582B1
A centrifugal parts cleaner having a housing, a hub disposed within the housing rotatable about a vertical axis, a driver to rotate the hub, at least two radial arms extending from the hub and a cradle pivotally connected to the at least two radial arms configured to receive a porous container for retaining parts to be cleaned. As the hub is rotated, the cradle pivots away from the hub to retain the parts in the porous container while allowing fluid on the parts to be extracted by centrifugal force.
US09421581B2
An innovative cleaning device (1) is described, more particularly for the cleaning of swimming pools and ornamental pools having a casing, a casing base (13), with at least one suction opening (14, 15) arranged on the casing base, a pump (20, 21) connected to the suction opening and conveying fluid to be cleaned into the casing, an actuator for moving and at least one nozzle (27) which is connected to a high-pressure water pump. Also provided is a rotor (25) with at least one arm (26) arranged in a rotatable manner in the casing, the end area of which has the nozzle (27) directed at the bottom of the pool.
US09421579B2
A method of merging a postal article (3) with machine-sorted mail arriving in a stack and on edge in an ordered sequence of mail articles (12), the method comprising steps consisting firstly in forming a digital image of said postal article (3), the image including a postal delivery address (6), then, on the basis of data produced in said sorting machine and of said digital image, in determining in said ordered sequence of mail articles (12) a location at which said postal article (3) is to be inserted in order to perform the merging, and finally in generating an identification signal that visually designates said location directly in the stack so as to assist an operator (5) with performing said merging.
US09421578B2
A separation device according to the invention has a separation means, for separating one part of a product stream, and at least one separation groove for transporting the separated product stream. Further, a reservoir is provided, wherein the separation groove is arranged in a way, that the separate product stream is transferrable into the reservoir. The reservoir is thereby formed in a way that the product stream can be transported, which is supplied from the separation groove into the reservoir.
US09421577B2
The invention concerns a screen panel (100) for use in vibratory screening operations. The screen panel has a rectangular bounding frame (102) and a screening surface (104) within the frame. The screening surface is formed by elongate, generally parallel, flexible screen elements (106) which are of zigzag shape in plan and which span across the frame. The zigzags of adjacent elements are out of phase with one another, and opposing zags (106.3) of adjacent elements are narrowly separated. The configuration is such that adjacent screen elements define diagonally spaced, generally rectangular screen apertures (108). The zags present generally flat, opposing surfaces (106.4).
US09421571B2
The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing insulated pipes comprising a conveying pipe, a jacketing pipe, a layer made of at least one polyurethane between conveying pipe and jacketing pipe, and a foil tube between the at least one polyurethane and the jacketing pipe, comprising at least the steps of (A) in a gripper-belt system, providing a foil tube formed continuously from a foil, and providing a conveying pipe, where the arrangement has the conveying pipe within the foil tube in such a way that an annular gap is formed between conveying pipe and foil tube, (B) charging a polyurethane system comprising at least one isocyanate component (a) and at least one polyol mixture (b) to the annular gap, (C) foaming the polyurethane system and allowing the same to harden, and (D) applying a layer made of at least one thermoplastic to the foil tube via extrusion, in order to form the jacketing pipe, which comprises using a multiple nozzle system having curvature corresponding to the radius of the annular gap to charge the material in step (B).
US09421569B2
A plating apparatus includes a substrate holding/rotating device that holds/rotates a substrate; and a plating liquid supplying device that supplies a plating liquid onto the substrate. The plating liquid supplying device includes a supply tank that stores the plating liquid; a discharge nozzle that discharges the plating liquid onto the substrate; and a plating liquid supplying line through which the plating liquid of the supply tank is supplied into the discharge nozzle. Further, a first heating device is provided at either one of the supply tank and the plating liquid supplying line of the plating liquid supplying device, and heats the plating liquid to a first temperature. Furthermore, a second heating device is provided at the plating liquid supplying line between the first heating device and the discharge nozzle, and heats the plating liquid to a second temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature.
US09421568B1
A spray gun extension adapter allows a user to extend the reach of a spray gun. The adapter includes a mount shaped for receiving the spray gun. The adapter includes an adapter handle shaped to be gripped by a user. An adapter trigger is linked to an adapter actuator that operates the spray gun when the adapter trigger is engaged. The adapter actuator is positioned on the adapter to engage the spray gun trigger in some embodiments.
US09421567B2
This invention discloses an apparatus for coating a semiconductor wafer in a coating chamber comprising a platform for placing the semiconductor wafer thereon. The apparatus further includes a catch and recycle (C&R) apparatus comprises a rim/ring controllable to move below and surround the platform for receiving and catching a coating material spurned off in coating the semiconductor wafer.
US09421564B2
A dispensing spray pump includes a first piston located inside a second piston. The first piston and the second piston are enclosingly connected, and a chamber with an enclosed bottom is formed between the pistons. The pump body includes first and second pump bodies that are barrel-shaped and arranged in identical axial directions. The first pump body is inside the second pump body, and the first and second pump bodies are fixedly connected via a radial grid. A fluid channel is between the outer wall of the first pump body and the inner wall of the second pump body, and the first and second pistons are slidable in the pump bodies in a sealed manner, respectively. A first chamber is formed between the check valve and the first piston, and the chamber with the enclosed bottom is in communication with the fluid channel to form a second chamber.
US09421563B2
A portable spray apparatus is provided. The apparatus is a self-contained portable unit having storage and dispensing capabilities for a fluid, including a disinfecting fluid. A pump and a pressure accumulator are provided in series and further connected to a spray gun or wand for dispensing a fluid. A detachable coupling allows a user to separate the pressure accumulator from the pump such that a user may spray disinfecting fluid in hard-to-reach areas.
US09421562B2
The invention relates to a paint-spraying apparatus for generating a shaped paint jet, including a paint nozzle positioned in an annular gap, wherein the paint nozzle comprises a needle with a needle head and also comprises a paint outlet opening, wherein the needle head is displaceable with respect to the paint outlet opening over a longitudinal axis of the needle in order to control a needle valve formed from the paint outlet opening and the needle head, and wherein the needle head, in a closed position of the paint nozzle, plugs in a form-fitting manner with respect to the longitudinal axis in the paint outlet opening, wherein the paint outlet opening is rotatable together with the needle head about the longitudinal axis in order to rotate the orientation of the shaped paint jet with respect to the longitudinal axis.
US09421545B2
A springless rotary shear that produces compression forces by utilizing the stiffness properties of polymer seals. The valve is designed to produce an effective spring load, with inherent sealing force, by deflecting polymer elements whose response depends on stiffness that is governed by each component's elastic modulus and geometry. A stator seal protrudes thousandths of an inch beyond a stator seal housing. When a stator is fastened down to the stator seal housing the clamping forces are transmitted to the stator seal, rotor seal, shaft adapter, bearings and housings, and the assembly is deflected to a flush position, resulting in a sealing force between the rotor and stator seal. The transmitted sealing force is as a function of the stiffness of each component and the protrusion distance of the stator seal above the mating surface prior to fastening the stator.
US09421533B2
A catalyst for synthesizing 1-hexene from ethylene trimerization and its application are provided. Said catalyst consists of (a) the compound containing P and N, (b) electron donor, (c) Cr compound, (d) carrier and (e) accelerator. The molar ratio of (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) is 0.5-100:0.5-100:1:0.5-10:50-5000. The catalyst is prepared by mixing the components of (a)-(e) in an ethylene trimerization apparatus in situ and ethylene is introduced into the apparatus continuously. The prepared catalyst can be used to synthesize 1-hexene from ethylene trimerization in the inert solvents. The trimerization is performed at 30-150° C. and 0.5-10.0 MPa for 0.1-4 hours. The catalyst has high catalytic activity and high 1-hexene selectivity. During the process of ethylene trimerization, by-product polyethylene does not stick to the apparatus.
US09421530B2
Methods for treating or rejuvenating a spent catalyst are disclosed. Such methods can employ a step of halogenating the spent catalyst, followed by decoking the halogenated spent catalyst. The halogenation step can utilize fluorine and chlorine together, or fluorine and chlorine can be applied sequentially.
US09421517B2
A metal-organic framework (MOF) polymer for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) includes an MOF including metal ions building units coordinating polytopic organic linkers; and a polymer coordinatively bonding to the MOF, wherein the polymer is composed of one or more vinyl monomers and a cross-linker those are polymerized in the presence of a radical initiator. A method for preparing a stationary phase for SPME is also provided.
US09421516B2
Alumina/NiO/ZnO and Alumina/ZnO are synthesized via a novel modified hydrothermal method and investigated for the desulfurization activities. Sulfur compounds such as thiophene, benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) are tested for their removal from model diesel fuel. The prepared composite materials were examined by the means of N2-adsorption, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
US09421512B2
When processing cellulosic biomass, it may be desirable for a digestion unit to operate without being fully depressurized for process efficiency purposes. Methods for processing cellulosic biomass may comprise providing a biomass conversion system comprising a pressurization zone and a digestion unit that are operatively connected to one another; providing cellulosic biomass at a first pressure; introducing at least a portion of the cellulosic biomass into the pressurization zone and pressurizing the pressurization zone to a second pressure higher than the first pressure; after pressurizing the pressurization zone, transferring at least a portion of the cellulosic biomass from the pressurization zone to the digestion unit, which is at a third pressure that is less than or equal to the second pressure but higher than the first pressure; and digesting at least a portion of the cellulosic biomass in the digestion unit to produce a hydrolysate comprising soluble carbohydrates.
US09421510B2
An apparatus for cooling a gas distribution grid of fluidized bed gasifier and a method is provided in the present invention. The apparatus comprises a gas flow failure event detector for detecting a gasifying gas flow failure event, a flow control device for controlling the introduction of a flow stream of a liquid material into a spraying device placed in the plenum space of the gasifier, wherein the gas flow failure event detector is in signal connection with the flow control device, and a spraying device for spraying into the plenum space the liquid material as mist which evaporates and generates a positive pressure to cause through the gas distribution grid a flow which prevents the hot bed material from settling on the gas distribution grid.
US09421509B2
The hydrocarbon production apparatus is provided with a gas-liquid separator for cooling gaseous state hydrocarbons drawn out from a gas phase portion of a reactor for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction and liquefying a portion of the hydrocarbons. A light liquid hydrocarbon supply line for supplying light hydrocarbons is disposed between a downstream side line which is downstream from the last stage of a gas-liquid separating unit of the gas-liquid separator, and an upstream side line which is upstream from the last stage of the gas-liquid separating unit of the gas-liquid separator, wherein the downstream side line is a liquid hydrocarbon line on the downstream side through which the light hydrocarbons having cloud points lower than the temperature at an outlet of a cooler in the last stage of the gas-liquid separating unit are flowed.
US09421499B2
The invention offers a microporous modified-polytetrafluoroethylene membrane that is a microporous membrane having a significantly small pore diameter and narrow pore-diameter distribution and that can remove microscopic foreign particles at high efficiency when used as a filtration membrane. A microporous modified-polytetrafluoroethylene membrane that is a microporous membrane produced by the steps of producing a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene or perfluoroalkyl ether and tetrafluoroethylene having the number of moles not less than 50 times that of the hexafluoropropylene or perfluoroalkyl ether, forming the copolymer into the shape of a membrane, heating the membrane to the melting point of the copolymer or above to bake the copolymer, cooling the obtained baked product, and stretching the baked product and that has a mean flow pore diameter of 30 nm or less; a porous-modified-polytetrafluoroethylene-membrane composite that incorporates the microporous membrane and a production process of the composite; and a separation membrane element incorporating the porous-modified-polytetrafluoroethylene-membrane composite.
US09421492B2
The present invention relates to a novel class of aminopyridine derivatives with the general formula: wherein R1; R2, R3, and R4 are each independently hydrogen, an alkyl group, —(O—CH2—CH2)n-OH wherein n is an integer from 0 to 8, —CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)n-OH wherein n is an integer from 0 to 8, an hydroxyalkyl group, an aminoalkyl group where the nitrogen can be part of a 5 or 6 ring membered cycle, an alkylene group containing quaternary ammonium, a carboxylic acid and/or a salt thereof, or a sulphonic acid and/or a salt thereof, preferably R1; R2, R3, and R4 are each hydrogen. The compounds are useful for removal of hydrogen sulfide and other impurities from fluid streams containing hydrogen sulfide, including selective removal from such streams which also contain carbon dioxide. Examples of the fluid stream include a gas stream, for example natural gas, synthesis gas, tail gas, refinery gas, or from liquid streams such as liquid or liquefied hydrocarbons, for example Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Natural Gas Liquids.
US09421489B2
Provided is a filter that filters air flowing from the filter to a downstream component, while preventing fluid from flowing from the filter to the downstream component and preventing a substance, such as urea or fuel, entering the filter from the downstream component from degrading the filter element in the filter. The filter includes a filter element having an interior surface defining an inner chamber and a standpipe extending through the inner chamber and terminating at a point that allows air that flows from outside the filter element through the filter element and into the inner chamber to flow into the standpipe and out of the filter, while preventing fluid flowing from the opposite direction through the standpipe from entering the filter element.
US09421485B2
Embodiments of a key system for filters and their connecting heads, brackets, or other holders are shown. The filter cartridge and its holder each have a keyed surface, one being a protruding “key” and one being a recessed “lock”. Cooperation of these keyed surfaces is required in order for the filter cartridge to be installed in the holder, so that mis-matched cartridges cannot be installed into the holder, for example, to prevent a particular type of cartridge from being placed in a filtration or other process where it would be inappropriate, or undesired. The keyed surfaces are selectively locate-able preferably at different circumferential locations on a perimeter of the filter and a corresponding location on a perimeter of the head/holder. The perimeter may be, for example, on an outer shoulder surface of a filter and an inner surface of a valve head, or on outer and inner surfaces of connectors that provide a liquid seal between the filter and the head/holder.
US09421481B2
A filtering device includes multiple filtering elements (3) with bodies defining longitudinal axes. The filtering elements (3) are arranged adjacent to one another in a housing such that the longitudinal axes extend parallel to one another. The bodies of at least some of the filtering elements (3) have a shape that deviates from a circular cylinder at at least one part of the body length. The filtering elements (3) with bodies having a shape deviating from a circular cylinder have a cross-sectional size at least partially changing from one end to the other end. The filtering elements are oriented in the housing such that the regions of a larger cross-section are associated with the regions of a smaller cross-section in adjacent filtering elements.
US09421474B2
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system for use with a model railroad which models, for one or more of the model rail cars, the actual sounds made by the real rail car(s) modeled thereby and having certain characteristics, including general operational characteristics, wear, age, defects, etc., when subjected to various physical stresses/actions during operation. The disclosed system senses similar physical stresses/actions as applied to a model of the rail car during modeled operation thereof and generates corresponding simulations of the actual sounds which would be made by the actual rail car under similar operational conditions, wherein the generation of the simulated sounds may account for the characteristic of the rail car (age, wear, defects), regardless of whether the model of the rail car models those characteristics.
US09421473B2
A toy vehicle track set is provided including a first track portion and a second track portion. The second track portion is distal from the first track portion. The first track portion and the second track portion define a gap therebetween. The toy vehicle track set also includes a pair of separately rotating arms. The rotating arms cooperate to transfer a toy vehicle across the gap from the first track portion to the second track portion. When the toy vehicle is released at the second track portion, the toy vehicle may traverse along a path of the track set from the second track portion to the first track portion.
US09421469B2
A game machine executes a game in which a user character operated by a user, and a teammate character and an opponent character operated by a computer, act in a game space. A first determination unit determines whether or not the teammate character is performing a predetermined action. A second determination unit determines whether or not the user performs a predetermined operation indicating that the user has noticed the teammate character performing the predetermined action. An action control unit has the opponent character perform an action determined based on the predetermined action of the teammate character, based on the result of determination by the second determination unit.
US09421461B2
Systems and methods are provided to implement a predictive avoidance algorithm, or “locomotion assist”, to help players maneuver player avatars to avoid collisions, as well as to occupy cover positions. A level of partial system control is exerted to subtly guide player avatars so as to navigate virtual environments, such as towards points of interest or away from obstacles. In this way, a user can navigate a 3-D environment more easily. Ways to decipher a user intent are disclosed, and the same may be employed in the application or removal of partial system control.
US09421457B2
A sports surface arrangement is provided. The sports surface arrangement includes at least one display, each display mounted in a substantially horizontal orientation facing in an upward direction, a substantially transparent covering layer positioned above the at least one display, and a controller configured to alter at least one image displayed on the at least one display to alter attributes of a sporting event, competition, or game occurring on the substantially transparent covering layer. Alternately, an apparatus is provided that includes a controller configured to transmit sports related display information to at least one horizontally mounted display screen and a substantially transparent surface positioned above the horizontally mounted display screen and configured to withstand sports competitors participating in a sporting event, game, or competition thereon. The controller conveys display information related to the sporting event occurring on the substantially transparent surface to the display.
US09421446B2
Systems and methods for determining interest levels for sporting events and notifying users when the sporting events' interest levels reach threshold levels. One embodiment is a system that includes a processing engine that receives data associated with sporting events and, based on this data, determines interest levels associated with the sporting events. The system also includes a notification engine is coupled to the processing engine. When the processing engine determines that the interest level associated with a particular sporting event has reached a threshold, the notification engine provides notifications to users indicating that the threshold level has been reached.
US09421445B2
A device (1) for ball-throwing training has a base (4) and at least two vertical guide posts (30, 31) longitudinally adjusted relative to each other. One end of one of the guide posts (30) is positioned at the base (4) and a distal end of another guide post (31) is positioned at the spacer element (35). A covering surface (2) is fixed to the spacer element (35) so as to at least partially obscure the view of a throwing target, and has an extendible screen (20) and a stretch frame (23). The spacer element (35) is arranged, on the side of the guide post (31) that lies opposite the stand base, in such a manner that the covering surface (2) normally is arranged at right angles to the spacer element (35). In that position, the ground projection areas of covering surface (2) and stand base (4) do not overlap.
US09421443B2
The invention relates to a floating game device (1) comprising a submerged part (3), an above-water part (2) and a floating element (4). The above-water part includes a first structure (5) and a first flexible surface (6) supported by the first structure, the floating element constitutes a waterline delimiting the submerged part from the above-water part, and the submerged part comprises a second structure (7) and a second flexible surface (8) supported by the second structure. Assembly means are configured to keep the first structure and the second structure assembled with the floating element, in a plane forming an angle with said waterline, said floating element having a part that is offset relative to the plane formed by the first and second structures. The second flexible surface is configured on the submerged part to form a resistance means in the water, at least one of the first and second flexible surfaces being fixed with the floating element offset relative to the plane formed by the first and second structures.
US09421436B2
A golf club head having a low-density interchangeable insert located in a top portion thereof. The interchangeable insert may be only in the top line of the club head or extend from the heel around the toe and optionally be visible from above when the club is at address. The interchangeable insert may extend through a hosel and optionally be visible on a heel-side surface. The interchangeable insert may be mounted on a back surface of a striking face, and may extend a distance down the back surface. The interchangeable insert may extend into, and provide part of, a golf ball striking face.
US09421433B2
A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face, and a flexure. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, and is tuned to vibrate, immediately after impact, at a predetermined frequency. In addition to the above, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention may also have flexures on or around the striking face portion to further improve performance.
US09421431B2
A golf club head according to the present invention includes a golf club head body that has a crown portion, a sole portion, and a side portion, and has an opening surrounded by the crown portion, the sole portion, and the side portion; and a face portion that blocks the opening of the golf club head body. The face portion is shaped as cup that has a base portion shaped as a flat plate and a peripheral portion that extends from a periphery of the base portion. With respect to the face-back direction, the width of the peripheral portion on the toe side in a plan view is longer than the width of the peripheral portion on the heel side in a plan view.
US09421428B1
The present application discloses a device for cleaning a game ball and includes an outer shell housing with a first side and a second side. The first side aligns with the second side to form a recess for receiving a reservoir of fluid. The outer shell accommodates inner shell housing pieces. The inner shell housing includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece and the second piece align with each other to form an elongated chute which culminates in a funnel. The chute receives the game ball and is where the game ball is cleaned. The device includes a fan located in the inner shell housing and which blows air into the elongated chute. The device also includes a pump located within the reservoir which is in communication with the elongated chute. The device also includes a battery operated power control board which controls the fan and the pump by delivering air and fluid over the game ball.
US09421423B2
Non-circular dimples such as oval form dimples are provided on the spherical surface of a ball body. A golf ball includes a spherical land surface of the ball body and a dimple pattern of a plurality of dimples formed on the spherical land surface, the spherical surface of the ball body being divided into a plurality of spherical surface parts (land surfaces) with each polygon faces of polyhedron which is virtually inscribed in said spherical surface of ball body, by a projection method from each polygon faces of the inscribed polyhedron, on each spherical surface parts some or all of the dimples being formed as non-circular dimple having a width of more than 1.5 mm and a length of more than 2 times of the width and the dimple pattern is disposed so as to make vortices generated in the non-circular dimples flow out in at least two different directions.
US09421421B2
A weight member for optimizing weight distribution of a golf club, comprising a removable weight member configured to reside within a shaft of the golf club, the shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end opposite a head of the golf club, the distal end adjacent the head of the golf club, the weight member comprising a heavy weighted portion, the heavy weighted portion offset distally from the proximal end of the shaft, the weight member comprising a plurality of locating members, the plurality of locating members configured to limit movement of the heavy weighted portion relative to an inner wall of the shaft.
US09421416B2
An elliptical exercise machine, in one aspect of the invention, includes at least one frame member, a rear rotational mechanism associated with the at least one frame member, a first foot support member pivotally coupled to a portion of the rotational mechanism, a second foot support member pivotally coupled to another portion of the rotational mechanism, a plurality of support pads, each support pad having an engagement surface lying substantially in a first plane and a plurality of support structures, each support structure having an engagement surface lying substantially in a second plane, the first plane being at a defined angle relative to the second plane. The entire elliptical machine may be rotated through the defined angle to place the elliptical machine in a storage position. In one embodiment, the first assembly may be pivotal relative to the second assembly.
US09421411B2
An exercise device is disclosed for use in performing pushups, the exercise device including an elongate hand support structure adjacent an elongate foot support structure. A top end of the hand support structure is attached to a corresponding top end of the foot support structure, and at least a bottom end of the hand support structure is spaced apart from a corresponding bottom end of the foot support structure. The hand support structure includes a pair of laterally spaced-apart, generally parallel elongate hand support rails having longitudinally spaced-apart handle mounts. The foot support structure includes a pair of laterally spaced-apart, generally parallel elongate foot support rails having longitudinally spaced-apart platform mounts. The exercise device further includes a handle configured for selectable attachment to the handle mounts and a foot platform configured for selectable attachment to the platform mounts.
US09421409B2
A mobile frame assembly includes a trailer assembly having a trailer body, a draw assembly and wheels. The mobile frame assembly includes a base assembly, an intermediate assembly and an upper assembly each having at least two primary rails. Lower support risers are coupled to the base assembly primary rails and extend to the intermediate assembly primary rails forming a lower frame assembly. Upper support risers are coupled to the intermediate assembly primary rails and extend at least to the upper assembly primary rails. A platform assembly including a launch platform, a landing platform and a safety pit positioned therebetween is disposed at least partially within the lower frame assembly. An obstacle assembly is disposed generally within the mobile frame assembly over the safety pit, wherein at least some of the upper support risers are telescoping members operable to expand the distance between the obstacle and the safety pit.
US09421408B2
An inflatable structure for physical exercise in water is described.The inflatable structure is able to be associated to a support wall of said inflatable structure, the support wall extending along a plane substantially orthogonal to a reference plane corresponding substantially to a stretch of water.The inflatable structure comprises means for accessing the inflatable structure, which are configured to allow a person the access from the water to the inflatable structure, said access means being operatively connected to a lower portion of the inflatable structure, said access means extending along a plane substantially orthogonal to the reference plane.
US09421406B2
An automated fire protection system for a freighter such as an aircraft may include a single fire retardant source for a first deck and a second deck. The system may further include a plurality of sensors for detecting fire and a plurality of nozzles for dispersing the retardant, wherein each nozzle is paired with one of the plurality of sensors. Once a fire is detected by one of the sensors, the fire protection system may eject fire retardant through only one or more nozzles paired with the sensor that detected the fire. Because retardant may be accurately dispersed close to the detected fire location through less than the plurality of nozzles, an amount of on-board retardant may be decreased, thereby decreasing weight of the fire suppression system. In an embodiment, the fire retardant may only be discharged during the descent, further decreasing the weight of the fire system.
US09421404B2
A fire protection device is for a cable bushing that leads a cable unit from a fire-risk area to an area to be protected against fire. The fire protection device has a fire protector that is provided for protection against the spread of fire into the space to be protected through the cable bushing. The fire protector is configured as an assembly component.
US09421402B2
A fall detection device for a lifeline, intended to be mounted on an energy absorber which includes a static portion and a mobile portion secured together, wherein the mobile portion is shifted in the event of a force higher than a force threshold value and actuates an absorber. The fall detection device includes a sensor and trajectory tracking device secured to the end of the static portion or to the end of the mobile portion and able freely to move with the end of the mobile portion or the end of the static portion respectively. This trajectory tracking device is adapted to actuate the sensor when shifting of the mobile portion is data-generating.
US09421396B2
Brachytherapy delivery devices and buttress elements are described herein, along with methods of assembling the brachytherapy devices and the buttress elements for co-delivery of the brachytherapy delivery devices and buttress elements are described herein.
US09421395B2
The UV light irradiation device includes a chamber having a space for accommodating therein an irradiation target, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes provided at an inner surface of the chamber. A controller is configured to control lighting of the plurality of light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes include a plurality of first light-emitting diodes, each having a peak wavelength in a range of 280 nm to 310 nm, and a plurality of second light-emitting diodes, each having a peak wavelength in a range of 310 nm to 405 nm. The controller includes a lighting control section that is configured to light up the first light-emitting diode before lighting up the second light-emitting diode.
US09421393B2
A system and methods for controlling pulse parameters during transcranial magnetic stimulation are provided. Multiple coils are placed on external body parts, and are controlled using an external control unit coupled to a stimulator having fast switches. The timing of the switches, as well as other parameters within the stimulator, determine the pulse parameters, such as pulse shape. The variety of pulse shapes obtainable using such a system and methods provides controlled physiologic effects within an internal body organ.
US09421379B2
A medical system configured for performing a medical function in a patient. The medical system comprises at least one medical lead configured for being implanted adjacent a tissue region of the patient, at least one sensing element, monitoring circuitry configured for acquiring a plurality of physiological measurements from the sensing element(s) during one of a plurality of events respectively corresponding to a plurality of classes, and a processor configured for deriving a set of data from the plurality of physiological measurements, performing a feature extraction technique on the data set to acquire at least one feature, analyzing the feature(s), and classifying the data set into the one class corresponding to the one event. The medical system further comprises a controller configured for performing a function based on the classified data set.
US09421375B2
A tissue stimulator including a sensing unit, wherein the sensing unit includes an A/D converter that samples an analog signal using a sampling clock and converts the analog signal into a digital signal. The tissue stimulator includes a digital filter with an input, wherein the input is connected to an output of the A/D converter. Using a filter clock, the digital filter filters the digital signal, and wherein the filter clock is a multiple of the sampling clock for a specific period of time T.
US09421367B1
An electrotherapy method and apparatus for healing injuries and tissue diseases to the human or animal body is disclosed. Particularly, the electrotherapy method disclosed herein comprises delivering a current under various conditions, such as, applying microcurrents ranging from 4 milliamperes to 1 femtoamperes, applying an alternating current with a frequency in the range of 0.00065 Hz to 0.00085 Hz, utilizing large surface-area electrodes to achieve low current densities of less than 5 microamperes per square inch. The apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of electrode wraps for applying said electrotherapy method to a body. Each electrode wrap includes a first layer wrap of water absorptive material and a second layer wrap of moderately conductive material. Each electrode wrap is placed on a portion of the body, including, without limitation, arms, legs, hands, feet and torso. The method and apparatus of the present invention are useful in treating wounds, ulcerations, spinal cord injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, nervous system abnormalities, scar tissue and age lines.
US09421363B2
Described herein is an implantable device including: a housing including a connection opening defined therein, wherein the connection opening includes posts and slots and is configured to receive at least one connection associated with a neuromodulation device; a connection holding cap having posts, wherein the posts are configured to oppose the posts of the connection opening and wherein the connection holding cap is configured to receive the at least one connection associated with the neuromodulation device and configured to be operably connected to the connection opening by interconnecting the opposing posts after receiving the at least one connection associated with the neuromodulation device; a neuromodulation device holder operably connected to the device housing and configured to receive the neuromodulation device and secure the neuromodulation device within the device housing; and a cover operably connected to the device housing and configured to seal the device housing. Other embodiments are also described.
US09421362B2
Various embodiments of this disclosure concern assembly of a lead having one or two modular lead ends. A modular lead end can be made by aligning a plurality of wires exposed on an end of a main lead body with a plurality of conductors exposed on an end of a lead end. The lead end may comprise a spine, the plurality of conductors circumferentially arrayed about the spine, and an outer surface comprising a plurality of exposed electrical elements and polymer material, the plurality of electrical elements arrayed on the spine and electrically connected with the plurality of conductors. The assembly can further include making electrical connections between the plurality of electrical wires and the plurality of conductors and insulating the plurality of wires and the plurality of conductors.
US09421357B2
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing non-transcranial electrical stimuli to a biological subject may employ a support structure, at least one waveform generator, and at least a first electrode and a second electrode. The system can be sized and dimensioned to be worn on a head of the biological subject and operable to deliver non-transcranial electrical stimuli to at least one of the temporomandibular joints of the biological subject.
US09421353B2
Methods of manufacturing a length of a flexible polymeric medical tubing of the kind comprising a tubing member defining a lumen, which tubing member is surrounded by spiral convolutions along at least a part of the length of the proximal section and/or the distal section, and which medical tubing has a proximal convoluted section and a distal convoluted section, is disclosed, as well as medical tubings obtained by the methods and their uses. One method comprises the steps of providing a medical tubing wherein the proximal section and the distal section have substantially uniform initial pitch (Pinitial) between adjacent convolutions, and modifying the initial pitch (Pinitial) of at least a part of the proximal section by stretching at least a part of the proximal section to achieve a modified proximal section with a proximal pitch (Pproximal) between adjacent convolutions that is larger than the initial pitch (Pinitial) between adjacent convolutions. In another method the medical tubing is manufactured in a molding process. The so obtained medical tubing is particularly suited for use in open surgical procedures that requires suction and/or irrigation during use of an electrosurgical instrument.
US09421352B2
A method of providing a fluid communication path to an implanted device. The method includes positioning at least a portion of a slender pointed element within a catheter, penetrating a septum of the implanted device with the slender pointed element positioned within the catheter, positioning at least a portion of the catheter within the implanted device, removing the slender pointed element from the catheter, and retaining the at least the portion of the catheter within the implanted device.
US09421346B2
An introducer adapted to facilitate positioning of a catheter, such as an intrauterine catheter, is provided. The introducer includes an elongate member having an outer wall defining a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal lumen for reception of a catheter, e.g., an intrauterine catheter. The outer wall includes first and second longitudinal edges defining a longitudinal slot in communication with the longitudinal lumen. The outer wall has a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and defining a thickness at an opposed location generally opposing the longitudinal slot greater than a thickness at edge locations adjacent the first and second longitudinal edges, to thereby permit the first and second longitudinal edges to be displaced relative to each other to increase a dimension of the longitudinal slot to facilitate one of removal or insertion of the catheter via the longitudinal slot and relative to the longitudinal lumen. The thickness of the outer wall may be dimensioned to gradually decrease from the opposed location to the edge locations. The ratio of the thickness of the outer wall at the opposed location to the thickness of the outer wall at the edge locations is about 2:1. The outer wall may define a generally c-shaped cross-section.
US09421342B2
Apparatus for randomly varying the breathing resistance applied to human and animal subjects to improve their performance.
US09421333B2
Injection systems comprising a powered injector and one or more hazardous agents are disclosed.
US09421331B2
Methods for administering pressure changes to a user for the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions are disclosed herein. Methods of administering Cyclic Variations in Altitude Conditioning Sessions (CVAC Session(s)) for the treatment of steroidogenesis, steroid levels, and treatment of serum lipid levels are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are methods of administering CVAC Session(s) for the treatment of steroid levels and steroidogenesis associated with HIV infection.
US09421330B2
A system which includes a pressurizing mechanism to pressurize a fluid including a contrast enhancement agent for delivery to a patient and a control system in operative connection with the pressurizing mechanism. The control system includes a system to adjust control of fluid injection based upon a measurement of renal function of the patient.
US09421328B2
The present invention relates to a clot trap that comprises a disc-shaped screen surface for collecting clots in a fluid flowing through the screen surface. It further relates to an external blood cassette and a blood circuit, as well as a treatment apparatus.
US09421316B2
Systems and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure within a patient's body that involves a thoracic duct including an ostium communicating with the patient's venous system. A distal end of a catheter is introduced through the patient's venous system into a body lumen adjacent the ostium of the thoracic duct. An expandable member on the distal end of the tubular may be expanded adjacent the ostium, e.g., within the body lumen or the thoracic duct itself, and used to isolate the thoracic duct from the body lumen, whereupon a medical procedure may be performed via the thoracic duct. For example, lymphatic fluid may be removed from the thoracic duct through a lumen of the tubular member and/or one or more agents may be introduced into the thoracic duct through the tubular member.
US09421314B2
A medical fluid delivery cassette configured for use with a medical fluid pumping system and related systems and methods. The medical fluid delivery cassette includes a base and a membrane that together define a fluid pump chamber. The medical fluid delivery cassette further includes a member configured to apply an outward force to an inner surface of the membrane.
US09421306B2
The present disclosure provides an implantable medical device comprising a composite graft material including a first biologic component, such as an acellular tissue matrix, and a second non-biologic component.
US09421299B2
The present invention is directed to providing a safe medical adhesive, a cured body of which is hard to be degraded and decomposed and thus stable and the cured body generates less amount of acid, aldehyde, etc. due to degradation/decomposition. The medical adhesive includes a hydrophilic urethane prepolymer (UP) obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate component (A) containing a fluorine-containing non-aromatic polyisocyanate compound (A1) as an essential ingredient and a polyol component (B) containing a hydrophilic polyol (B1) as an essential ingredient, wherein a chlorine content in a chlorine-containing organic compound based on the weight of the hydrophilic urethane prepolymer (UP) is 0.005 wt % or less.
US09421290B2
A hand held hub sterilization and data acquisition device includes a housing having an opening for receiving a medical device, a sterilization chamber formed in the housing, a source of UV radiation disposed within the sterilization chamber for uniform emission of UV-C radiation into the sterilization chamber, and a safety interlock mechanism. The safety interlock mechanism comprises a Hall sensor and a rare earth magnet, and wherein the Hall sensor senses the magnetic field of the magnet when the access door is closed and sends a signal to the user interface indicating a ready state for excitation of the radiation source.
US09421289B2
A washing device includes a top compartment capable of receiving a manifold dispenser. The manifold dispenser is coupled to a rack and comprises at least one liquid input and a plurality of liquid outputs that operably direct fluid to contact a plurality of laboratory consumables held by the rack. A middle compartment is attached to the top compartment and comprises a washing chamber capable of receiving fluid output by the plurality of liquid outputs of the manifold dispenser. The washing chamber has a floor comprising a material transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light. A bottom compartment is attached to the washing chamber. The cottom compartment includes a light source mounted thereto. The light source is capable of outputting UV light in the direction of the washing chamber and through the floor of the washing chamber. A method of washing laboratory consumables is also disclosed.
US09421284B2
A reaction container in which to mix a first chemical compound with a second chemical compound has a main body and a lid member formed oppositely on a top face side of the main body; a flow channel on the top face of the main body; and a labeling agent solidification section at an intermediate section of the flow channel to remove a solvent in a solution of the second chemical compound and solidify the second chemical compound. First and second chemical compound supply sections and a mixture discharge section are formed on the upstream and downstream sides of the labeling agent solidification section, respectively. The reactor is provided with a liquid sending unit to supply the first and second chemical compounds and reciprocally send a solution of the first chemical compound to an upper part of the second chemical compound solidified at the solidification section.
US09421282B2
Method of preparing iodine seed for treating eye disease or cancer, and iodine seed prepared thereby
The present invention provides a technique for adsorbing I-125 on a support for treating cancer and a method of preparing an I-125 seed using the same. Since a method of preparing iodine according to the present invention uses an intermediate having phosphate-based, oxalate-based, or arsenate-based anions introduced thereinto, the intermediate has a substitution effect of iodine 3 to 5 times higher than that of a typically used intermediate having chlorine anions introduced thereinto. According to the substitution effect, control of a radiation dose may be possible during the manufacturing of an iodine seed and an iodine seed may be prepared within a shorter period of time. Also, since an amount of residual radioactive iodine may be decreased as a result of a large amount of adsorption, an amount of radioactive iodine (I-125) waste may be decreased, and the effect thereof may be also high environmentally.
US09421281B2
The invention concerns the field of molecular probe architecture for in vivo imaging. More particularly, the invention concerns molecular constructs providing an imaging function activable in intracellular environment. The inventive fluorescence probes enable in particular images of certain targeted tissues to be formed, while maintaining a low background noise level and, preferably, while obtaining at the targeted tissue, an imaging signal increasing in time.
US09421277B2
Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies that bind OV064 are disclosed. The antibodies bind an extracellular domain of OV064. Some of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments bind an epitope on OV064 sufficient to induce internalization. In some embodiments, the antibodies are humanized, chimeric or human. Nucleic acids and vectors encoding the antibodies or portions thereof, recombinant cells that contain the nucleic acids, and compositions comprising the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments are also disclosed. The invention also provides therapeutic and diagnostic methods utilizing the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments provided herein.
US09421271B2
The present invention provides compositions for extended release of an active ingredient, comprising a lipid-saturated matrix formed from a biodegradable polymer. The present invention also provides methods of producing the matrix compositions and methods for using the matrix compositions to provide controlled release of an active ingredient in the body of a subject in need thereof.
US09421268B2
Oral liquid pharmaceutical compositions containing as active ingredient Nepadutant, PGS as solubilizer and optionally a chelating agent. Such compositions are found to be very stable and suitable for paediatric use in the treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases.
US09421264B2
Disclosed herein are methods of treating subjects suffering from estrogen receptor positive cancer of the brain by administering a selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERM). Also disclosed are methods of treating a cancer that is resistant to an estrogen receptor modulator by administering a SERM.
US09421255B2
The present invention is directed to an inventive composition or vaccine composition comprising a) an adjuvant component comprising or consisting of at least one immunostimulatory nucleic acid sequence, complexed with a complexing agent; b) an antigen, preferably a protein or peptide antigen and/or a nucleic acid sequence encoding said antigen; and c) a carrier molecule for combined packaging the adjuvant component and the antigen. The present invention is also directed to the first medical use of such an inventive composition or vaccine composition and to the second medical use of such an inventive composition or vaccine composition or components thereof for the treatment of diseases, such as infectious or cancer or tumor diseases as defined herein. The present invention furthermore discloses kits comprising such a composition or vaccine composition.
US09421253B2
Provided herein are compositions comprising a canine influenza virus and a canine respiratory coronavirus. They can further comprise Bordetella bronchiseptica, pertactin, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus serotype 2. The compositions are effective for treating or preventing canine respiratory diseases, including canine infectious respiratory disease complex.
US09421232B2
The invention relates to a composition comprising revivable dehydrated micro-organisms. The invention is characterized in that it further comprises particles at least 50% of which have a mean diameter greater than 250 μm. The invention is applicable, in particular, to human or veterinary pharmaceuticals, to dietetics or to food products.
US09421229B2
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for preparing neural scaffolds. The scaffolds comprise tissue taken from the spinal cord and/or dura mater of vertebrate and can be processed to form gels or sheets. Methods of treating patient with CNS injury are also presented.
US09421226B2
The present invention provides methods for maintaining electrolyte balance and hydration in a person habituated to strenuous physical exertion by assaying perspiration generated by the person under conditions of strenuous physical exertion to determine the volume of perspiration as a function of duration of exertion and the sodium content of the person's perspiration during strenuous physical exertion The person is assigned to one of a plurality of groups of individuals, each group differing in the amount of sodium present in the perspiration and having a unique rehydration solution. The invention also provides for a set rehydration compositions, each member of the set comprising sodium and chloride differing from the weight percentage of sodium in the other members of the set and each member of the set being perceptually labeled to distinguish that member from the other members of the set by one of the human senses.
US09421223B2
Medical devices having a catalyst capable of catalyzing the generation of nitric oxide in vivo and methods of treating a vascular condition using the devices are provided.
US09421216B2
Borocarbohydrate complex containing compositions are presented that have an improved di-complex to boric acid ratio. In some embodiments, compositions are characterized by a di-complex to boric acid ratio of at least 5:1 and more typically at least 10:1 in liquid form, and at least 20:1 in dried form. In other embodiments, compositions are characterized by a minimum content of 80 wt % di-complex and a boric acid content of less than 15 wt %, and more typically less than 5 wt %. Contemplated compositions are thought to have improved biological activity and reduced content of undesired components.
US09421210B2
The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, particularly ophthalmic diseases and disorders. Provided herein are styrenyl derivative compounds, including but not limited to stilbene derivative compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds, that are useful for treating and preventing ophthalmic diseases and disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt's Disease.
US09421198B2
Compositions and methods for the surface appearance of the skin a subject are provided. An injectable composition comprising at least hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof; and an effective amount of at least mepivacaine or a salt thereof are provided. The hyaluronic acid optionally has an average molecular weight ranging from 50,000 to 10,000,000 Daltons, and may be crosslinked hyaluronic acids, non-crosslinked hyaluronic acids, or a combination, in some embodiments. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for treating and preventing the cutaneous signs of chronological aging and/or induced by external factors such as stress, air pollution, tobacco or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) exposure, impaired surface appearance of the skin, impaired viscoelastic or biomechanical properties of the skin, and/or the long-lasting filling of volume defects of the skin.
US09421187B2
The present invention relates to one or more of the phytocannabinoids tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV); cannabigerol (CBG); cannabichromene (CBC); and cannabidivarin (CBDV) for use in the treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases. Preferably the intestinal inflammatory disease is either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
US09421183B2
The invention relates to the combination of a sulforaphane precursor, an enzyme capable of converting the sulforaphane precursor to sulforaphane, an enzyme potentiator, and a mushroom (preferably maitake, shiitake, or reishi mushroom) extract or powder. The invention also relates to the combination of sulforaphane or a derivative thereof and a mushroom (preferably maitake, shiitake, or reishi mushroom) extract or powder. The present invention also relates to the combination of a broccoli extract or powder and a mushroom (preferably maitake, shiitake, or reishi mushroom) extract or powder. The present provides compositions and methods relating to these combinations.
US09421182B2
Disclosed herein are cocrystals of dimethyl fumarate, which is a prodrug of methyl hydrogen fumarate.
US09421180B2
One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of preventing, reducing, or eliminating at least one negative effect of oxidative damage, such as an oral disease, caused by a dental device in the mouth of a patient. Another embodiment relates to a method of preventing, reducing, or eliminating at least one negative effect of inflammation. The method may include applying topically to a soft oral tissue in the patient an oral antioxidant composition. The antioxidant composition may include between 0.0001% and 5.0% w/w or at least one antioxidant, wherein the at least one antioxidant includes a natural phytochemcial antioxidant, a flavonoid, an anthocyanidin, a dihydrochalcone, a phenylpropanoid, a chalcone, a curcuminoid, a tannin, a stilbenoid, a coumarin, a carotenoid, or a vitamin, and an orally pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pH of the oral antioxidant composition may be at least 5.0.
US09421178B2
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to acamprosate formulations, methods of use of the formulations, to methods of using the formulations in combination with at least one other medication, and to combination products and compositions comprising the formulations and at least one other medication, such as neuroleptic (antipsychotic) and/or antidepressant drugs.
US09421176B1
This disclosure relates to methods of increasing dextromethorphan plasma levels comprising co-administering hydroxybupropion, or a prodrug thereof, and dextromethorphan to a human being in need of treatment with dextromethorphan. Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to dextromethorphan and hydroxybupropion or a prodrug of bupropion are also disclosed.
US09421166B2
The present invention is directed to the administration of aminoglycosides. In particular, the present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the pulmonary administration of aminoglycosides. According to a preferred embodiment, compositions and methods are provided for the localized treatment of respiratory infections.
US09421156B2
One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a silicone elastomer particle and an aqueous dispersion of the silicone elastomer particles, which prevent generation of odor from oxygenation of nonionic surfactants. The present invention provides a silicone elastomer particle having a crosslinking structure formed by an addition reaction of a monovalent aliphatic unsaturated group bonded to a silicon atom and a hydrogen atom bonded to another silicon atom, wherein the silicone elastomer particle contains an antioxidant. Further, present invention provides an aqueous dispersion comprising the silicone elastomer particles, a nonionic surfactant and water.
US09421154B2
The present invention is directed to composition for straightening or relaxing hair containing: (a) at least one hydroxide-containing active ingredient; (b) at least one polyhydric alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms and two hydroxyl groups; (c) optionally, at least one nonionic surfactant having an HLB of from about 8 to about 20; (d) optionally, at least one amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant; and (e) remainder, to 100%, of a cosmetically suitable medium.
US09421151B2
A method of coating an article includes the steps of providing a powder comprising coated particles; and spray coating the powder onto a surface of the article to form a composite coating. The spray coating may be carried out by combustion spraying, gas plasma spraying, including vacuum plasma spraying (VPS), and cold spraying. The article may be an implant for surgical or dental use. The powder may include particles of metal coated calcium phosphates, especially metal coated hydroxyapatite. The particles may include bioactive agents.
US09421146B2
A cosmetic device includes a bubble generator configured to generate bubbles, a cosmetic unit configured to exert a cosmetic effect on a skin, and a motor configured to drive at least the cosmetic unit. The bubble generator includes an agitating and mixing mechanism configured to agitate a liquid foaming agent and mix the agitated liquid foaming agent with air.
US09421144B2
A system for patient rehabilitation is disclosed. The system includes a first movable frame including an articulating bed, wherein the bed is configured to be selectively articulated to an inclined position, a suspension system, wherein the suspension system is disposed within the articulating bed and is selectively adjustable to accommodate varying patient height, a harness, wherein the harness is selectively engageable with the suspension system, wherein the harness is selectively adjustable to accommodate varying patient sizes, a second movable frame including a walker, wherein the walker includes a pair of legs and a motor, wherein approximation of the two movable frames permits the patient to easily utilize the walker from the bed. A method of using the system for patient rehabilitation is also disclosed.
US09421142B2
A compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and pressurizes a support bladder on the compression garment to enhance the fit of the compression garment and maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The support bladder may be selectively pressurized when needed based at least in part on sensed physical characteristics.
US09421138B1
The present invention provides a self-propelling standing commode wheelchair that can be positioned over a standard toilet seat. The present invention includes a wheeled frame, and an inverted U-shaped seat pivotally mounted thereon. The wheeled frame includes a pair of armrests, which is attached to a pair of gas struts that allows the present invention to be erected into a standing configuration. The present invention also includes a plurality of footrests and straps to stabilize the user in an upright position. The present invention further includes stabilizers, wherein the stabilizers are attached to the armrests, and are adapted to contact the ground when the present invention erects into the standing configuration. The stabilizers are configured to prevent the present invention from tipping over, and can be elevated above the ground when the present invention is lowered into a sitting configuration.
US09421137B2
Absorbent articles of the disclosure may comprise first and second belt webs, a fastening tab member comprising first and second fastening elements, first and second mating fastening elements, and laterally opposing permanent side seams directly or refastenably joining the first and second belt webs. The fastening tab member may be joined to the first and second fastening elements. And, the absorbent article may be packaged in refastenably closed form.
US09421136B2
An absorbent article such as a diaper, panty diaper, panty liner, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence protection or the like, having in this order a liquid-permeable coversheet, optionally at least one further layer of a web or foam material, optionally an absorbent layer, and a liquid-impermeable coversheet, characterized in that at least one part of this absorbent article has a polymer that is hydrophilic when dry, but shows a reduced hydrophilicity upon wetting; and to the corresponding liquid-permeable or -impermeable coversheet and web or foam material.
US09421134B2
A method of manufacturing an absorbent article includes directing a web of side panel material and a waist elastic material separate from the web of side panel material to travel. The waist elastic material is bonded to the web of side panel material. The web of side panel material having the waist elastic material bonded thereto is cut to form a side panel having a waistband portion. The side panel having the waistband portion is attached to a chassis.
US09421131B2
System and method of photoaltering a region of an eye using an enhanced contrast between the iris and the pupil of the imaged eye. The system includes a laser assembly outputting a pulsed laser beam, a user interface displaying one of a first digital image of the eye and a second digital image of the eye, and a controller coupled to the laser assembly and the user interface. The first digital image has a first contrast between the pupil and the iris, and the second digital image has a second contrast between the pupil and the iris. The controller selectively increases the first contrast between the pupil and the iris to the second contrast between the pupil and the iris and directs the pulsed laser beam to the region of the eye based on one of the first and second digital images.
US09421128B2
The invention provides a positioning device for use in an examination, procedure or surgery of the eye. The positioning device includes an incurvate body with an upper peripheral edge having a first arc length, a lower peripheral edge having a second arc length, and a curved lateral portion therebetween. The lower peripheral edge has an arc length that is longer than the first arc length, as well as one to eight indentations of a size effective to receive a surgical instrument. The incurvate body of the positioning device of the invention is configured to engage at least a portion of the eye posterior to the corneal limbus and beneath which the pars plana is located. The positioning device can also include a handle pivotably attached to the incurvate body. The positioning device can be used to stabilize the eye as well as assist in accurate positioning of instruments during eye examination, procedure or surgery involving the anterior or posterior segment of the eye.
US09421124B2
An eye mask with an internal heating mechanism worn over the eye and sinus regions of the wearer. The eye mask provides heat and pressure to the face. A plurality of heating wires internal to the mask provide heat, the heating wires being driven by temperature and time controls contained in an external enclosure that may also contain batteries or other connections to a power source. The mask may have pockets for weighted pebbles, magnets or other material for adding weight to the mask to bring the heat closer to the face of the wearer. The mask may have a reflective material in an internal layer to reflect heat from the heating wires back to the face of the wearer. The mask may have a memory foam for molding the mask to the contours of the face, bringing heat to a greater portion of the face of the wearer.
US09421115B2
A device for moving an elongate member relative to an elongate body through which it extends, the device including a housing, a mover, and a pre-mover. The housing is connectable to the elongate body. The mover is associated with the housing and is connectable to the elongate member for moving the elongate member relative to the housing. The pre-mover is associated with the housing and is connectable to the elongate member for adjusting the elongate member in preparation for moving the elongate member with the mover.
US09421110B2
A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.
US09421106B2
Disclosed herein is an implant assembly including an alignment guide for aligning the engagement between a glenosphere and baseplate via a central screw engaged to the baseplate. The glenosphere includes first and second recess portions. The first recess portion of the glenosphere is configured to engage a tapered side surface of the baseplate and the second recess portion of the glenosphere is configured to engage a portion of a head of the central screw projecting outwardly from a top surface of the baseplate when engaged thereto. The portion of the head of the central screw projecting outwardly from the baseplate is slip-fit into the second recess of the glenosphere. This engagement aids the alignment of the glenosphere and the baseplate and helps to ensure the accurate alignment of the tapered engagement of the side surface of the baseplate and the first recess of the glenosphere.
US09421103B2
The invention comprises a lateral ankle fusion plate, a jig for use with the fusion plate and a method for ankle fusion of the joints between the tibia, the talus, and the calcaneus. In addition, a separate fusion screw from posterior to anterior through the calcaneal tuberosity into the distal tibia is useful and can be placed using the targeting jig of the invention. The plate includes a C-shaped stirrup portion that wraps the bottom of the calcaneus and is provided with a screw hole for a T-T-C-fusion screw. A C-shaped targeting jig is provided that interfaces with the plate to allow for placement of the calcaneal screw and has an additional attachment for placement of the independent fusion screw so as to avoid impingement with the plate, and plate screws. The invention also relates to a method of surgery that incorporates the use of the plate, the jig and the tibial/talar/calcaneal fusion screw for an arthrodesis of the ankle joint.
US09421099B2
A method for stabilizing a cardiac valve annulus is provided. The method includes intravascularly delivering a prosthesis to a region of a cardiac valve, expanding the prosthesis to secure the prosthesis to the region of the cardiac valve, and reducing the inner diameter of the prosthesis to form the region of the cardiac valve into a predefined shape.
US09421093B2
Methods and apparatus for holding and maneuvering a valve during preparation and attachment to patient, providing increased visibility of the prosthetic valve and the sewing ring to prevent suture entanglement. A handle attachment is spaced from the valve for improved visibility of the sewing ring and the outlet end of the valve during attachment. Commissure posts are bent inward at the tips while preventing crashing of the commissure posts into each other causing damage. A release force needed to remove the holder and unthread the holder sutures is reduced. The holder and related methods can provide a kink free holder suture path to reduce suture entanglement and prevent damage to the implanted valve during holder removal by reducing the release force needed to remove the holder sutures by up to 30%.
US09421092B2
An intraocular lens injector cartridge assembly contains a pre-loaded lens and an integral lens-contacting plunger rod. Configured for removably mating with an injector handpiece, the cartridge assembly is suitable for use with either manual or automated injector systems. The injector cartridge assembly includes a tubular body having a longitudinal bore extending between a distal end and a proximal end, an IOL disposed within said longitudinal bore, and a lens-contacting plunger rod retained within said bore, between the IOL and the proximal end of the tubular body. The lens-contacting plunger rod is configured for translation along the longitudinal bore upon engagement by an injector rod introduced by the injector handpiece into the proximal end of the tubular body, so that the IOL is folded and ejected from the distal end of the tubular body by the translation of the lens-contacting plunger rod.
US09421089B2
Disclosed are accommodating intraocular lenses for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. In certain embodiments, an intraocular lens includes an anterior optic, a posterior optic, and a support structure configured to move the optics relative to each other along an optical axis between an accommodated state and an unaccommodated state. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the support structure can be modified in situ to alter reaction forces between the support structure and at least one structure of the eye. In certain embodiments, a refractive property of one of the anterior or posterior optics can be modified in situ while leaving the refractive properties of the remaining one of the anterior or posterior optics substantially unaffected. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.
US09421087B1
High resolution active matrix nanowire circuits enable a flexible platform for artificial electronic skin having pressure sensing capability. Comb-like interdigitated nanostructures extending vertically from a pair of opposing, flexible assemblies facilitate pressure sensing via changes in resistance caused by varying the extent of contact among the interdigitated nanostructures. Electrically isolated arrays of vertically extending, electrically conductive nanowires or nanofins are formed from a doped, electrically conductive layer, each of the arrays being electrically connected to a transistor in an array of transistors. The nanowires or nanofins are interdigitated with further electrically conductive nanowires or nanofins mounted to a flexible handle.
US09421086B2
An adjustable, knotless button/loop/needle construct for fixation of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. The adjustable, knotless construct includes two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) and at least one flexible, adjustable loop attached to at least one of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). Preferably, a needle is attached to each of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). The adjustable, knotless construct has an adjustable loop length and allows adjustment in one direction while preventing or locking the construct from loosening in the opposite direction, due to applied tensile forces. The construct and technique of the present invention provides an improved knotless system for cruciate ligament repair.
US09421083B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods for percutaneous valve replacement and/or augmentation are provided. The apparatus includes a valve having a valve frame, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame, and a leaflet transition member coupled to the valve leaflet. The valve leaflet and leaflet transition member can transition from a first position where the valve leaflet and leaflet frame are at least partially outside a lumen of the valve frame to a second position where the valve leaflet and the leaflet transition member are within the lumen of the valve frame.
US09421081B2
A blood filter delivery system for delivering a blood filter into a vein includes a push rod for pushing the blood filter through and out of a catheter, the push rod having a filter positioning assembly on one end. The filter positioning assembly includes positioner members, which retain anchor members of the filter. The filter positioning assembly can position the end of the delivery catheter near the blood vessel centerline before releasing the filter's anchor members, thereby helping to align the blood filter along the centerline of the blood vessel.
US09421062B2
An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a reusable handle assembly and a removable and disposable shaft assembly. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a housing having a distal aperture formed in a distal end of the housing, and a drive member in communication with the trigger to actuate the drive member. The shaft assembly includes a proximal shaft portion, a rotator knob having a coupling feature, a transmission assembly extending distally from the proximal shaft portion, and an end effector coupled to the distal end of the transmission assembly. The drive member of the handle assembly is removably coupled to the proximal shaft portion of the shaft assembly. Another version includes a drive member of the handle assembly configured to removably engage a proximal shaft portion of the shaft assembly via a biasing member. Another version includes a waveguide of the transmission assembly non-threadably coupled to a transducer.
US09421061B2
Far field reduction is carried out in a cardiac electrogram by extracting unipolar beats of an intracardiac electrogram that occur within a predetermined time interval that includes QRS peaks, constructing a first mean unipolar beat by averaging the extracted unipolar beats, and accepting unipolar beats that cross-correlate with the first mean unipolar beat. A second mean unipolar beat is constructed from the accepted unipolar beats. A ventricular far field component is determined from the extracted unipolar beats and subtracted from the intracardiac electrogram to distinguish a local component of the intracardiac electrogram.
US09421057B2
Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure.
US09421055B2
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic plate blocking assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of an orthopedic plate to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides an orthopedic plate having a plurality of cavities where each cavity is configured and dimensioned to receive a bone anchoring member. The orthopedic plate further provides a blocking mechanism having a plurality of blocking members that block the bone anchoring members to prevent the bone anchoring members from “backing out” of cavities once the bone anchoring members are finally seated in the cavities.
US09421054B2
Biomedical implant fastener systems, such as bone screw systems and the like. In some embodiments, a fastener may comprise a first plurality of teeth, and a washer configured to be received on the fastener may comprise a second plurality of teeth configured to be engaged with the first plurality of teeth. The first plurality of teeth may be configured to engage with the second plurality of teeth such that so as to allow for selective rotation between the washer and the fastener in a first rotational direction and so as to prevent rotation between the washer and the fastener in a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction when the fastener is engaged with the washer such that second plurality of teeth is engaged with the first plurality of teeth so as to prevent the fastener from backing out of the washer after engagement.
US09421045B2
There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a glass transition temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the glass transition temperature, is responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the glass transition temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.
US09421044B2
In some embodiments, a method includes disposing a flexible band through an aperture of a support member, the support member having a fixation portion configured to secure the support member to a first bone portion. The method includes advancing a portion of the flexible band through an attachment portion of the flexible band until the flexible band is secured to a second bone portion. The method includes advancing a portion of the fixation portion of the support member into the first bone portion until the support member is secured to the first bone portion.
US09421028B2
An ultrasonic osteotome in accordance with the present invention comprises a shaft having a distal end portion with a lateral outer surface and further comprises a cutting blade connected to the distal end portion of the shaft at least in part at the lateral outer surface. The lateral outer surface extends so far on opposite sides of the blade as to block or stop penetration of the shaft into an incision formed in bone tissue by the blade. The blade can include a cutting notch or have a variable cutting depth depending on the angle of the distal end of the instrument to the surface of a target tissue mass.
US09421025B2
A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves. The shock waves propagate through the liquid and impinge upon the valve to decalcify and open the valve.
US09421024B2
Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Ultrasound catheter devices generally include an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and a distal head coupled with the transmission member and positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting occlusions. Improved features of ultrasound catheters include catheter bodies and ultrasound transmission members with increasing distal flexibility, guidewire tubes allowing contact between a guidewire and an ultrasound transmission member, distal heads with improved guidewire lumens, and torquable proximal housings for enhancing disruption of blood vessel occlusions.
US09421023B2
What is presented is an ultrasonic waveguide for the transmission of ultrasonic vibrations that establishes a plurality of node and anti-node positions that are each along the ultrasonic waveguide's central axis. The ultrasonic waveguide comprises a waveguide tube, which has both a proximal end and a distal end; a waveguide fitting, which has both a threaded end and a impact surface; and a spring, shock-pulsing mass, and stop. Both the spring and shock-pulsing mass are each positioned on the waveguide tube. Whereas, the stop is positioned on the waveguide tube and it is adapted to non-fixedly engage the spring and shock-pulsing mass. The impact surface of the waveguide fitting is located at an anti-node position, which is along the central axis of the ultra-sonic waveguide when its installed within ultrasonic transducer while in operation.
US09421019B2
A system for guiding resurfacing operations on at least a portion of a joint of at least one bone is provided and uses a guide with actuators (motors) controlled by a computer to position a cutting tool relative to a bone so that the bone surface can be cut in a flexible and accurate manner.
US09421010B2
A fixation device for fixation of soft tissue to bone with a body formed essentially of resorbable or non-resorbable yarns. The fixation device may be a knotted or a knotless construct. The fixation device is a soft, yarn-based whipping anchor which is formed by providing a suture eyelet, and passing a plurality of passes of yarns around the suture eyelet (forming a whipping twine), using the suture eyelet as a mandrel, to create a robust construct which may have geometrically-shaped features such as barbs. The eyelet and the twine may be made from resorbable material, non-resorbable material, or combination of resorbable and non-resorbable materials.
US09421004B2
Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a tissue opening such as an atrial septal defect, patent foreman ovale, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter carries a plurality of tissue anchors, which may be deployed into tissue surrounding the opening, and used to draw the opening closed. Methods are also disclosed.
US09420997B2
Motion artifacts are suppressed for motion imaging in medical diagnostic ultrasound. Spatial correlation is used to detect motion, including any lateral motion. Some aspect of clutter filtering may be set based on the amount of spatial correlation or detected motion. The shift for frequency mixing, wall filter cutoff frequency, and/or velocity threshold may be set.
US09420994B2
A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from received echoes is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. Since lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, it is not necessary to fill the entire aperture with equally spaced elements. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images.
US09420992B2
A method for accessing the lumen of a vessel may utilize a reusable handheld device. The reusable handheld device includes an imaging device attachment utilized to secure an image capturing instrument, an arm coupled to the imaging device attachment, and a depth scale coupled to the arm, wherein the depth scale provides a scale indicating an insertion depth. A disposable cartridge attaches to the reusable handheld device. The disposable cartridge includes a sheath, needle or guidewire coupled to the disposable cartridge. The sheath or needle extends to the insertion depth when fully advanced, thereby allowing the sheath, needle, or guidewire to access the lumen of a vessel.
US09420988B2
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for tracking and guiding high intensity focused ultrasound beams (HIFU). More particularly, the disclosed systems and methods involve use of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging to detect the focal position of an HIFU capable transducer relative to a target area. The focal position may then be 5 compared to a desired treatment location and the orientation and focus of the transducer may be adjusted accordingly so as to reconfigure and/or refocus the HIFU beam relative to the desired treatment location. The desired treatment location may be dynamically determined using bleed detection and localization (BD&L) techniques. Thus, the desired treatment location may be determined using 3D Doppler ultrasound based techniques, wherein changes in quantitative 10 parameters extracted from the Doppler spectra, e.g., Resistance Index (RI), are used to detect and localize a bleeding site for treatment.
US09420986B2
The present invention is directed to improve the precision of a CT image of a local region (small FOV image) that is obtained by applying the extensive reconstruction technique to the iterative approximate reconstruction method. A first CT image relating to a first reconstruction range is reconstructed from the projection data of a subject, the projection data being detected by the X-ray detector of the X-ray CT apparatus, and the first CT image is corrected iteratively so that the first calculated projection data obtained from the first CT image according to projection calculation, becomes equal to the projection data of the subject. The first CT image thus iteratively corrected is used to extract local measured projection data in association with the second reconstruction range. A second CT image is reconstructed in the second reconstruction range and the second CT image is iteratively corrected so that the extracted local measured projection data becomes equal to the second calculated projection data that is obtained from the second CT image according to the projection calculation.
US09420983B2
When quantifying neo-vasculature growth measured using a CT scanner (10), a known blood voxel is identified and adjoining voxels are compared thereto by a quantifier (52) to determine whether they are blood voxels, in order to grow a 3D image of the blood vessels. A removable Hounsfield calibration phantom (56) is positioned in a subject support (12) and concurrently scanned with the subject during each scan, and a Hounsfield unit calibrator (54) automatically calibrates acquired CT data to the phantom. A transport system comprising a plurality of movement-arresting locations facilitates cheaply and repeatably locking a CT detector (20), in six degrees of movement, at a plurality of locations in the scanner gantry.
US09420979B2
A subject support accessory (126, 200) includes a securing mechanism (300) configured to secure to a tabletop of the subject support anywhere along a long axis of the tabletop by lowering the securing mechanism onto the tabletop. A method of securing a subject support accessory (126, 200) to a subject support (116) of an imaging system (100) includes receiving, via slots (316, 318) in pivoting arms (304, 310) of the accessory, the tabletop, wherein the accessory is vertically lowered onto the subject support and the slots physically engage the tabletop, and releasably locking the arms, in response to receiving a force, so that the arms no longer pivot, thereby securing the subject support accessory to the subject support.
US09420977B2
A portable CT scanner may include a rotatable frame with separable portions. An x-ray source may be coupled to one portion of the rotatable frame, and an x-ray detector may be coupled to another portion of the rotatable frame. During storage and transportation, one portion of the rotatable frame may be housed in a first enclosure, and another portion of the rotatable frame may be housed in a second enclosure. When operation of the scanner is desired, the two enclosures may be connected, and/or the rotatable frame portions may be connected with the enclosures abutting one another, to allow for rotation of the rotatable frame about an aperture formed by the enclosures.
US09420974B2
A method and apparatus of image reconstruction attenuation correction in PET or SPECT cardiac imaging is provided. A volumetric attenuation imaging scan by an X-ray source may be used to generate a gamma ray attenuation map. The volumetric attenuation imaging scan may be randomized, and may be performed while the imaged subject is breathing.
US09420966B2
A measuring system for measuring the concentration of substances or analytes in a body fluid or in a body tissue comprises a microdialysis probe comprising a microdialysis membrane, the probe being adapted to be placed in blood or in tissue, a flow through sensor for analyzing a fluid having passed the microdialysis probe, a pump for pumping the fluid to and through the microdialysis probe and further to and through the sensor, and tubing connecting the pump to the microdialysis probe and the microdialysis probe to the sensor. The pump effects a flow rate in the system in the interval 0.2-15 microliters per minute. The sensor comprises a flow channel having a flow resistance or pressure drop adapted to the characteristics of the microdialysis membrane so as to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, ultra filtering in the microdialysis membrane.
US09420945B2
Improvements to user interfaces for ophthalmic imaging systems, in particular Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems are described to improve how diagnostic data are displayed, analyzed and presented to the user. The improvements include user customization of display and reports, protocol driven work flow, bookmarking of particular B-scans, accessing information from a reference library, customized normative databases, and ordering of follow-up scans directly from a review screen. A further aspect is the ability to optimize the contrast and quality of displayed B-scans using a single control parameter. Virtual real time z-tracking is described that maintains displayed data in the same depth location regardless of motion.
US09420918B2
The invention discloses a multifunction food processor with a body which provides power, a base, a connector for connecting stirring tool set on the body, a container which is coaxial with the connector, a body support is arranged between the body and the base, one side of the body support connects with the body vertically, the body can rotate surrounding the body support multi-angle vertically, the other side with the base vertically. The body support includes a first connection component, a second connection component, a connector, an elastic element, a guide pillar and a button. The multifunction food processor's body can rotate multi-angle with different stirring tool for different use such as blender, chopper and juicer. It is easy and safe for using.
US09420917B2
A method for blending food or beverages, preferably using a blender that is compact enough for home use, rugged enough to blend frozen beverages, simple to use and safe. The blender includes an upper housing, with a front housing door, that covers the moving blending machinery. The blender also includes a cupholder receiving area which allows the user to safely insert a frozen beverage cup inside a cupholder for blending. After the start button is pressed, a cupholder lip will be grasped by the clamping jaw of an elevator assembly to lift the cupholder up. As the cupholder is lifted upward, a cover will be pressed over the top opening of the inserted cup to prevent spillage during blending. The elevator assembly will then continue to lift the cupholder upward until the rotating cutter blades of a spindle assembly cut through successive layers of the frozen beverage.
US09420895B2
A patient support for supporting a patient includes a plurality of cushioning layers arranged such that their supporting surfaces when unloaded are generally arranged in a plane, and with each cushioning layer interlocked with each adjacent cushioning layer wherein each cushioning layer provides lateral and longitudinal support to each of its adjacent cushion layer.
US09420887B2
A detachable shelf can be positioned either on top, bottom, left, or right side of the monitor. The shelf has a flat portion that is horizontal for holding various items. One embodiment of the shelf allows for one or multiple attachment points allowing the shelf to position with the horizontal shelving stable and level. In another embodiment of the current invention, the shelf has a pivot axis that allows the shelf to rotate on its axis that allows for the versatility of the detachable shelf to be position on opposite sides of the monitor. The system includes capabilities to convert the shelf for VESA display screens, computer monitors, and other planar viewing device, such as a laptop, or even a tablet that is stationed.
US09420886B2
A panel television support and mounting kit allows the consumer to employ any of the three modes of support, namely stand mount, elevated console mount and wall mount. The elevated console mount incorporates a vertical spine to elevate the panel television above the console and an offset arm to support the television over an upper shelf of the console. A mounting structure is provided that can be attached to the spine or to a wall. Pivoting and tilting is accommodated by the mounting structure.
US09420885B2
A structure includes at least one foundation, two legs, a horizontal support, and an adhesive. The two legs are supported by the at least one foundation. Each of the two legs includes at least one aperture. The horizontal support has two ends. A first end is located in an aperture in a first leg of the two legs and a second end of the horizontal support is located in an aperture in a second leg of the two legs. The first end of the horizontal support has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the aperture in the first leg and the second end of the horizontal support has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the aperture in the second leg. The adhesive is within each aperture and in contact with the horizontal support.
US09420874B2
The applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes includes a stem and a brush including at least two independent supports following one after the other along an axis of the stem, each support carrying projections that present respective bases. At least one group of at least four consecutive bases of each support form a regular succession about the axis, two of the bases of the group constituting two ends that terminate the succession.
US09420871B2
An apparatus forming a modular backpack with two compartments where one is larger than the other. The two compartments may be utilized together or independently. Three straps are provided which may be utilized together with one or both of the two compartments. Two of the straps serve as shoulder straps and the third as a waistband by the user. The straps may be used in various configurations by the user with one or more straps being used at a time, likewise with one or both compartments.
US09420867B2
A device for reducing a level of infectious agents present on one or more hands of a user. This device may reduce the level of infectious agents present on one or more fingers and/or thumbs of a user, specifically reducing a level of infectious agents present on the distal aspect of the digit; including, but not limited to an underside of a nail plate, and an area of hyponychium skin between a free margin of the nail plate and an onychodermal band of a digit, such as for example, a finger, thumb, or toe.
US09420866B1
The extraction of a hair graft from a harvesting area of a scalp employs a hollow punch fitted with an auxiliary instrumentation for separating a target graft from collagen fibrils which resist extraction. A water jet which follows the annular path of the punch as it rotates into the scalp is described as well as a vibrating punch alternative embodiment for achieving the desired separation.
US09420862B2
A method, composition and kit for straightening human hair. The method comprises applying an alkali relaxer to the hair and then neutralizing the hair with a hair neutralizing composition comprising at least one fatty acid or a quaternary derivative thereof. The kit comprises an alkali hair relaxer or components for preparing such a relaxer and the hair neutralizing composition.
US09420856B2
A wearable device is provided with a wearable device structure. The wearable device structure includes a first end and a second end. A plurality of magnets is positioned at the first and second ends that provide for coupling the first end to the second end of the wearable device. At least a portion of adjacent magnets have opposite polarity. ID circuitry is at a surface or an interior of the wearable device structure.
US09420854B1
A device to replace a broken section of zipper. The present invention includes a track with an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of teeth are disposed along the inner surface of the track. A groove extends across the outer surface of the track and creates an inner volume in the track. The inner volume is configured to receive the teeth of the broken zipper section therein. Flanges that extend from an upper portion and a lower portion of the track into the groove help to secure the track in place. Further, a stop at an end of the track is used to attach the zipper replacement device to the material containing the broken zipper.
US09420847B2
A method of manufacturing an article of footwear having an upper, a footbed, an outsole, and a bladder that is disposed between the footbed and the outsole includes providing a plurality of layers. The layers include a top, outsole, first bladder, and second bladder layer. Also, the method includes molding the layers together substantially simultaneously to form the upper, the footbed, the outsole, and the bladder.
US09420846B2
An article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a flex notch and a coupled lace loop design. The article can further include an internal harness to enhance stability of the foot. The article can also include a threading layer configured to strengthen the upper and a corresponding connecting layer to bond the threading layer to the upper and to provide protection to other areas of the upper.
US09420833B2
A garment can include at least one opening that allows the garment to be opened up such that a restraint mechanism can be easily secured to a user when opened. The at least one opening can include left and right openings that extend from a bottom most periphery of a torso portion and along respective sleeves of the garment. The garment can be combined with a child seat for use in a vehicle. Each of the openings can either extend entirely through an outermost portion of a respective sleeve cuff or be stoppable immediately adjacent the cuff such that the cuff remains in annular form during use. A method for using the garment and system includes placing a user into a seat while the user is wearing the garment and then attaching the restraint mechanism to the user via the at least one opening of the garment.
US09420826B2
In one aspect, there is provided a method for reducing the formation of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and N-nitrosonornicotine and N-nitrosoanatabine and N-nitrosoanabasine in a tobacco homogenate comprising the steps of: (a) providing a tobacco homogenate; (b) increasing the pH of the tobacco homogenate to at least about pH 6.0; (c) optionally measuring the concentration of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and N-nitrosonornicotine and N-nitrosoanatabine and N-nitrosoanabasine in the tobacco homogenate before and after the pH treatment in step (b); and (d) obtaining a tobacco homogenate in which the levels of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and N-nitrosonornicotine and N-nitrosoanatabine and N-nitrosoanabasine are reduced as compared to the levels of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and N-nitrosonornicotine and N-nitrosoanatabine and N-nitrosoanabasine in the tobacco homogenate provided in step (a).
US09420822B2
Provided are a sparkling beverage product exhibiting excellent foam properties, and a method related thereto. A sparkling beverage product according to the present invention includes: a sparkling beverage; and a container for holding the sparkling beverage, in which: an empty portion inside the container is filled with carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas so that the following condition (a) or (b) is satisfied: (a) a pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is 200 kPa or more, and a ratio of a pressure of the nitrogen gas to the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is 0.5 or more; or (b) a pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is 170 kPa or more and less than 200 kPa, and a ratio of a pressure of the nitrogen gas to the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is 1.0 or more.
US09420821B2
Homeopathic water compositions are described, as well as beverage articles for making drinking water formulations with such compositions. One such beverage article includes a water bottle, and a dispensing cap adapted to be secured to the water bottle. The dispensing cap contains dried homeopathic composition-coated sucrose or sucrose/starch particles that are dispensable into water in the water bottle by user actuation of the dispensing cap, to constitute the homeopathic water formulation for consumption.
US09420819B2
The present invention relates to nutritional supplements that provide an adult with essential vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the adult's diet and prevent chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis. A number of combinations of nutrients in set ratios are provided to increase the body's ability to absorb and use the nutrients. These combinations are important in helping the body reach the proper balance required for maximized function. Because adults over the age of 50 years have different nutritional needs, nutritional supplements specifically designed for them are also provided.
US09420811B2
Provided are dried noodles having no or very little cracking and a manufacturing method therefor. The method for manufacturing dried noodles comprises a drying step of drying noodle strands to reach the percentage of water content of 15% or less under an environment maintained at a temperature of 30 to 50° C. and humidity of 60 to 80%; a cooling step of cooling, after the drying step, the noodle strands for 15 to 60 minutes under an environment maintained at a temperature of 15 to 25° C. and humidity of 40 to 70%; a packaging step of packaging, after the cooling step, the noodle strands; and a heating step of heating, after the packaging step, the noodle strands for 15 minutes to 120 minutes under an environment maintained at a temperature of 30 to 40° C.
US09420809B2
Methods and systems for customized pet food are described. Generally, the systems and methods comprises obtaining a pet profile information from a user, which includes at least one of a species, an activity level, a medical history, a breed, a gender, a breeding status, a feeding method, an age, a spayed/neutered status, a snack schedule, a biological sample, a body condition, a dental health, a coat information, a digestive health information and a weight of the pet. The methods and systems may also comprise obtaining a second pet profile information from a user, related to a preference regarding an ingredient, a food form, a flavor, a protein source, a shape and a texture. The methods and systems also may include correlating the first pet profile information and second pet profile information to a stored nutritional information to determine a pre-made pet blend based.
US09420803B1
Method and gizzard peeler for peeling a gizzard. A slit-open gizzard is provided on top of a horizontal and rotating turntable that is provided with rotating rollers, which rollers have an effective operating surface with respect to the gizzards to be peeled which is at least approximately flush, yet preferably slightly above a surface of the turntable, and arranging that the gizzard moves on top of the turntable from the point where it is deposited to an aperture in the turntable which functions as an exit for peeled gizzards.
US09420802B1
The present invention; in its primary intention, is a system wherein a refillable tamale masa container has motivating means for moving masa through the container and out to the underside of a masa spreading trowel that is in communication with the masa in the container, thus effecting a more sanitary and motion reducing spreading of tamale masa dough onto a corn husk. The husk with the masa spread on it is called a tamale blank. The system has several embodiments that vary in how the system decreases human contact and motions and efforts necessary to make many tamale blanks. The system can be used to spread other viscous materials on various surfaces.
US09420797B2
An aqueous biocidal composition comprising a mixture of hydrochloric acid (HCl), urea, and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at acidic pH, a method for manufacturing the composition and a biocidal technology for treating industrial water.
US09420793B2
The present invention relates to isothiazoline compounds of formula (I). The compounds are useful for combating or controlling invertebrate pests, in particular arthropod pests and nematodes. The invention also relates to a method for controlling invertebrate pests by using these compounds and to veterinary compositions comprising said compounds.
US09420779B1
The invention provides an improved insect bait composition comprising a boric compound, a non-sugar low molecular weight compound having a plurality of hydroxyl groups, and a foodstuff comprising a substantial amount of a soluble or semi-soluble high molecular weight polysaccharide, wherein the high molecular weight polysaccharide is in a gelled form, the composition is a sustainably soft dough, and the foodstuff contains no more than 20 weight percent of a fat or oil. The composition is suitable for extrusion, is attractive and highly toxic to insects, and has excellent resistance to hardening and spoilage during its shelf life and after pesticidal application.
US09420772B2
An apparatus for harvesting aquatic animals has a cod end portion and an elongate lengthener portion. The cod end portion has an open leading end and a closed trailing end and side wall(s), the side wall(s) and the trailing end being substantially impervious to water. The elongate lengthener portion has a leading end, a trailing end, and side wall(s), at least a major part of the side wall(s) comprising a material substantially impervious to water. The trailing end of the lengthener portion is operatively connected to the leading end of the cod end portion. The elongate lengthener portion comprises a plurality of escapements through which water can pass from an interior to an exterior of the apparatus to cause a general reduction in the water flow rate inside the apparatus when the apparatus is submerged in a body of water and there is water flow relative to the apparatus.
US09420762B2
A device to prevent feces from a pet from touching the ground, comprising an extendable rod that extends freely to a fully extended position when the rod is pointed approximately 30 degrees downwardly. A catch ring is rotatably attached to the rod and can be frictionally fixed at a selected catch ring angle, so that the catch ring can rotate from a closed position parallel to and abutting against the rod, to a plurality of open positions and frictionally fixed in a selected one of the open positions. A bag can be draped across the catch ring to be retained on said catch ring. The user can extend the rod to the fully extended position and place said catch ring retaining said bag in an open position against the ground, and then press the catch ring against the ground to adjust the catch ring angle so that the catch ring (retaining the bag) is approximately flat on the ground. The bag retained in the catch ring can be slid along the ground to be under the pet before the feces is dropped.
US09420750B2
The present invention is a wall-surface flower bed structure, wherein work efficiency is better, root damage when plants are transferred is prevented, and the designability of the wall-surface flower bed is improving. This wall-surface flower bed structure (1) is provided with: a plant-holding pot (4) for holding a plant, a plurality of through holes for water passage being formed in a bottom surface and side surface thereof, and the root section of the plant being covered with a water-permeable material (3) that allows permeation of water; and a box body (2) that has an opened upper surface and has an inclined section (2a) for the placement of a plurality of the plant-holding pot (4), a water-collecting section (2b) for collecting water at the lower end side of the inclined section (2a), and a water outlet for discharging water that is not collected in the water-collecting section (2b). This configuration makes it possible for work efficiency to be better, root damage when plants are transferred to be prevented, and the designability to be improved in the wall-surface flower pot structure (1).
US09420749B2
A method for introducing a substance into a non-woody plant is provided with soft stem tissue comprising forming an initial hole into a stem of the plant, subsequently extending the size of the initial hole to form a final hole, wherein the depth of the hole is between 50% and 90% of diameter of the stem, subjecting the interior of the final hole with a substance, and closing the final hole. In addition, the non-woody plant is also provided.
US09426933B2
A resonance type non-contact power feeding system 10 includes, as a power reception side (secondary side) apparatus, a load device 50, a secondary coil 40, a secondary resonance coil 45, and a rectifier 160. A battery 52 is provided inside a load housing 54 of the load device 50. In addition, like a power transmission side metal shield 80 on the power transmission side, the resonance type non-contact power feeding system 10 includes a power reception side metal shield 90 that covers the secondary coil 40 and the secondary resonance coil 45, and a rectifier shield 170 that covers the rectifier 160. Moreover, a power reception side large metal shield 130 that covers the outside of the power reception side metal shield 90 and the rectifier shield 170 is provided.
US09426932B2
A server includes a tray that has a front portion and a back portion. A motherboard is disposed in the front portion of the tray and the motherboard is coupled to a heat sink. A fan is disposed in the back portion of the tray. A hard drive is disposed between the motherboard and the fan and the hard drive is operatively connected to the motherboard. The server also includes a heat pipe that has a body longitudinally bounded by an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is coupled to the heat sink, while the outlet is coupled to the fan. The body of the heat pipe extends past the hard drive. A power supply is also disposed in the tray and is operatively connected to the motherboard, the fan, and the hard drive.
US09426931B2
A disclosed apparatus for use with a conduction-cooled card assembly may include a frame comprising first and second thermally conductive portions adapted to engage respective thermal management interfaces on opposite sides of a conduction cooling frame for at least one circuit card. The apparatus may also include a passageway extending between first and second openings in the frame so as to allow cooling fluid to flow into the first opening, through the passageway, and out of the second opening. According to a disclosed method, an insert may be installed between components of a mezzanine connector so as to increase a height of the connector. In some implementations, the installing of the insert may be performed while the first and second components of the mezzanine connector are mounted on a host card and a mezzanine card, respectively, so that installation of the insert between the first and second components increases a spacing between the host card and the mezzanine card.
US09426920B2
A disk drive carrier includes a frame and a shuttle. The frame includes supports configured to be in physical communication with a disk drive, a first index tab to align the disk drive with a connector on a backplane of a server tray, and an arm configured to engage the disk drive with the connector in a horizontal orientation. The shuttle includes a base including a channel, edges extending from the base and forming an enclosure to receive the frame and the disk drive in a vertical orientation, a fastener connected to the server tray through the channel, and an alignment key configured to slide along the first index tab and to align the disk drive with the connector. The disk drive shuttle is configured to horizontally move along the server tray and to enable the disk drive to connect with the connector in the horizontal orientation.
US09426919B2
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a mainboard, a housing, and a sealing member. The mainboard surface-mounts a socket connector thereon. The housing receives the mainboard and forms a through hole. The sealing member defines a space for receiving the socket connector via coupling with the mainboard and allows the space and the through hole of the housing to communicate with each other.
US09426909B2
A display apparatus including a glass plate detachably mounted to facilitate after-sales service (A/S) for repair or replacement of the glass plate and reduce A/S time is provided.The display apparatus includes a display which displays an image; a glass detachably mounted on the front surface of the display; and a pivotable holder provided at the glass to detachably mount the glass to the display.
US09426908B1
A box structure for a data storage device is assembled in a chassis having a connector. The box structure includes a frame module, a holder, a stop assembly, and an operation handle. The frame module is provided for accommodating the data storage device. The holder is assembled on one side of the frame module. A damper is disposed between the holder and the frame module, the damper enables the holder to move along the frame module. A stop assembly is disposed at one end of the frame module. The stop assembly includes a stopper and a movable block in contact with the stopper, and the movable block is movable to release the stopper. The operation handle is pivotally connected to the frame module and is rotatable to form an open angle to push the movable block to move.
US09426901B2
A method of printing solder paste in a component board and a stencil set for doing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes using a first stencil having a first thickness to print solder paste into at least one through hole in the component board. The method further includes using a second stencil having a second thickness to print solder paste for at least one surface mounted part on the component board, subsequent to using the first stencil.
US09426897B2
A method for manufacturing an electronic component includes a step of preparing a plurality of electrical elements, a step of preparing a base including a plurality of boards on which the plurality of electrical elements are to be mounted, respectively, a step of forming a resin on the base, a step of pressing the plurality of electrical elements against the resin to join portions of side surfaces of the plurality of electrical elements to the resin, a step of grinding the plurality of electrical elements to thin the plurality of electrical elements, and a step of dividing the base to form the plurality of board into individual pieces.
US09426892B2
A module includes an insulating substrate that is a first base material; a cover member having a cavity section and a second recess section that form an internal space between the cover member and the insulating substrate, which is a second base material bonded to the insulating substrate on a first surface thereof; an element piece that is a first functional element, accommodated in the internal space; a recess section formed on a second surface that is a rear surface of the first surface of the cover member; and a semiconductor device that is a second functional element, connected in the recess section.
US09426876B2
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for interleaving operation of a linear accelerator that use a magnetron as the source of electromagnetic waves for use in accelerating electrons to at least two different ranges of energies. The accelerated electrons can be used to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. In certain embodiments, the accelerated electrons can be used to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. The systems and methods are applicable to traveling wave linear accelerators.
US09426875B2
Provided are a plasma stream generation method, a plasma processing method, a plasma generation apparatus, and a plasma processing apparatus using same, which enable plasma processing with rotating plasma to be controllably performed with stability and thereby improved in quality. The frequencies in four quadrants Z1-Z4 are set at 7, 15, 6, and 20 Hz, respectively. This frequency variability can realize different rotational velocity of plasma in the four-portion partitioned rotational angle regions. The rotational velocities of plasmas P2, P4 are greater than those of plasmas P1, P3. Thus, the rotating plasma, which rotates at a periodically varied rotational velocity as plasma P1, plasma P2, plasma P3, and plasma P4 in that order while traveling in a circular orbit C, can be used for irradiation therewith, thereby performing uniform film formation treatment in first quadrant Z1 to fourth quadrant Z4.
US09426874B2
A power transfer assembly for a contact-start plasma arc torch conducts electrical current to an electrode through mating structures provided on two conductive elements. The mating structures are defined by sidewalls that are parallel to an assembly axis, and are configured to translatably engage each other, but are blocked from rotating with respect to each other. A compression and torsion spring serves to bias the conductive elements apart to bias the electrode to a forward position, and to apply a torsional load to the mating structures to maintain their sidewalls in contact. The mating structures can be provided by a shaped recess in one conductive element and a corresponding shaped protrusion extending from the other element. The spring can be secured to the conductive elements to maintain the components of the power transfer assembly together when the torch in which they are employed is disassembled.
US09426870B2
A generator for a flash device includes at least a first capacitor bank, which includes at least one capacitor of a first type and at least a second capacitor bank, which includes at least one capacitor of a second type. The first capacitor bank is connectable to a charger via a first switch and the second capacitor bank is connectable to a charger via a second switch. The generator is configured to individually control the first switch and the second switch so that the first capacitor bank and the second capacitor bank can be individually charged to the same or different voltages. Since the first capacitor bank and the second capacitor bank can be simultaneously discharged, it is possible to achieve a desired energy level and color temperature from a flash device connected to the generator.
US09426869B2
A multi-output electronic ballast is disclosed. The multi-output electronic ballast is used to drive a plurality of lamp assemblies and includes an AC/DC converter, a first inverter, a second inverter, an auxiliary voltage generator, and a control circuit. The AC/DC converter converts an AC input voltage to a high DC voltage. The first inverter converts the high DC input voltage to a first AC voltage selectively. The second inverter converts the high DC voltage to a second AC voltage. The auxiliary voltage generator generates an auxiliary voltage. The control circuit receives the auxiliary voltage generating circuit and outputs a control signal to the first inverter according to the switching operation of a first external switch. When the control signal is transmitted to the first inverter, the first inverter comes into operation and converts the high DC voltage to the first AC voltage.
US09426866B2
A system and method map dimming levels of a lighting dimmer to light source control signals using a predetermined lighting output function. The dimmer generates a dimmer output signal value. At any particular period of time, the dimmer output signal value represents one of multiple dimming levels. In at least one embodiment, the lighting output function maps the dimmer output signal value to a dimming value different than the dimming level represented by the dimmer output signal value. The lighting output function converts a dimmer output signal values corresponding to measured light levels to perception based light levels. A light source driver operates a light source in accordance with the predetermined lighting output function. The system and method can include a filter to modify at least a set of the dimmer output signal values prior to mapping the dimmer output signal values to a new dimming level.
US09426859B2
The present invention discloses a driving device for LED and the driving method thereof, includes: a bridge rectifier, at least one LED-lamp bunch and LED-lamp group and P-type switching module and N-type driving module, and a logic controller; the LED-lamp bunch and group are connected orderly in series; the bridge rectifier's positive end connects to the LED-lamp bunch's anode, while a negative end gets grounded; the logic controller connects to the anode and cathode of LED-lamp bunch through the P-type switching module respectively, the cathode of LED-lamp group through N-type driving module, and the negative input end of the bridge rectifier; by controlling the N-type driving module and P-type switching module makes the number of lit-on LED-lamps change following the rectified input signal voltage changes; thus its efficiency is improved and easy to be integrated into chips.
US09426853B2
In a first aspect, the invention provides an LED converter, comprising: a resonant converter with a switching regulator, preferably a clocked half-bridge converter, a galvanic barrier, the primary side of which being supplied by the switching regulator and the secondary side of which being arranged for providing directly or indirectly power to terminals for connecting one or more LEDs, a control circuit on the primary side of the galvanic barrier of the resonant converter, a sensing means on the secondary side of the galvanic barrier sensing a secondary side electric parameter indicative of an LED load, when connected to said terminals, a feedback path from the sensing means to the control circuit adapted to feedback the secondary side electric parameter from the secondary side of the galvanic barrier to the primary side of the galvanic barrier, wherein in case no LED string is connected to the LED converter, the control unit is adapted to cyclically control a switching frequency of switching regulator switches, in particular switches of the clocked half-bridge, from a high frequency to a lower frequency, and to monitor whether the secondary side electric parameter reaches a predetermined threshold value, and to, in case the predetermined threshold value is reached, deactivate the switching regulator switches and to activate a voltage protection switch to pull the secondary side electric parameter to ground.
US09426851B1
A driver circuit (e.g., an LED driver circuit) provides power to a load (e.g. an LED light source) from a DC power rail. A self-oscillating LLC series resonant inverter is configured to connect to the DC power rail, receive DC power from the DC power rail, and provide an AC output signal. A current limiting circuit is connected to the self-oscillating LLC series resonant inverter. The current limiting circuit receives the AC output signal from the self-oscillating LLC series resonant inverter and provides an AC current signal as a function of the DC current provided to the load by the driver circuit. The rectifier circuit receives the AC current signal from the current limiting circuit and provides a DC current to the load.
US09426845B2
Provided herein is a self-adhesive underlayment and an apparatus for its manufacture. The apparatus is operative to remove portions of release sheets covering upper and lower adhesive membranes and compress resulting exposed adhesive surfaces of the membranes to upper and lower surfaces of a flexible heating element.
US09426844B2
An electrical raft 200 is provided that has electrical conductors 252 embedded in a rigid material 220. The electrical raft 200 may have other embedded components, such as embedded fluid pipes 210. The electrical raft 200 is provided with a raft map 400 that indicates the location and/or path of components embedded in the electrical raft 200. The raft map 400 can be used to identify the positions of the embedded components, and may also be provided with active elements, such as LEDs, which may be used to indicate an operating state of the systems/components embedded in the electrical raft 200. The raft map 400 may be useful in assembly, repair and fault diagnosis, for example.
US09426840B2
A method of applying DRX operation for a mobile device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The mobile device is configured with a primary serving cell and at least one secondary serving cell, and the DRX operation is already applied to the activated serving cell (e.g. primary serving cell), but not applied to the deactivated serving cell. The method comprises receiving a control element, wherein the control element is used for activating the at least one secondary serving cell; and applying the DRX operation to the at least one secondary serving cell when this serving cell's activation/deactivation state has just been changed from deactivation to activation state according to the control element.
US09426839B2
Methods, apparatuses and computer readable media are described that configure wireless circuitry of a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device establishes a connection to a first wireless network using first and second receiving signaling chains. In response to detecting a radio frequency tune-away event, the wireless communication device reconfigures only one of the radio frequency signaling chains to receive signals from a second wireless network when a set of receive signal conditions for the second wireless network is satisfied. The wireless communication device reconfigures both of the radio frequency signaling chains to the second wireless network when the set of receive signal conditions is not satisfied.
US09426837B2
Systems, methods, and devices for communicating data in a wireless communications network are described herein. One innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of communicating in a wireless network. The wireless network includes an access point and a relay. The method includes indicating to a client, at the relay, a network address of the access point. The method further includes receiving an association request, from the client, addressed to the access point. The method further includes forwarding the association request to the access point.
US09426830B2
Disclosed is the radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and the terminal, and more particularly, a method of handling time alignment command during a random access procedure in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) evolved from the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system is provided.
US09426827B2
Methods and devices for extracting a RACH preamble using as input a number of Fast Fourier Transformed symbols, in order to extract a random access channel (RACH) preamble from a signal received in a base station from a user device, in a radio communication system, are provided. An initial cyclic prefix (symbol CP) is removed prior to performing FFT on symbols. After (1) selecting from the FFT of a symbol frequencies corresponding to the RACH band all other non-RACH frequency bins having been set to zero, (2) shifting the signal to baseband and (3) performing a FFT on the baseband signal, a phase adjustment is performed to compensate for group delays due to symbol CP gaps occurring when generating the baseband signal, the phase adjustment being determined individually for each symbol.
US09426826B1
An orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless access node to facilitate contention resolution between wireless communication devices is configured to receive connection requests on a random access channel transmitted from first and second wireless communication devices, transmit a resource allocation message comprising a same resource block to both the first and second wireless communication devices, and receive competing connection request messages transmitted from the first and second wireless communication devices on the same resource block. A contention resolution message is generated and transferred to the first and second wireless communication devices, wherein the first wireless communication device determines that a contention resolution identifier received in the contention resolution message is associated with the first wireless communication device and responsively decodes connection setup information. The second wireless communication device is paged with a contention-free preamble and utilizes the contention-free preamble to request a connection.
US09426821B2
In a wireless communication system a method for combination transmission of packet data and low delay data. In one embodiment a parallel signaling channel provides a message to receivers indicating a target recipient of packet data. The message also identifies the transmission channels used for packet data transmissions. Each receiver may then selectively decode only packets where the message identifies the receiver as a target recipient. The data packets stored in a buffer are ignored if the target recipient is another mobile unit. In one embodiment, the message is sent concurrently with the data packet on a parallel channel. In one embodiment, the message, is punctured into the high rate packet data transmission.
US09426817B2
A radio communication base station allocates the same radio resource as a radio resource used for communication between the radio communication base station and a radio communication terminal in other radio communication base station to be a radio resource used in the other radio communication base station for communication between the other radio communication base station and the radio communication terminal. The radio communication base station includes a control unit that performs control to allocate a radio resource used for communication between a radio communication terminal moving at at least a predetermined speed and the other radio communication base station on a priority basis in accordance with content of service in the communication.
US09426797B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transmitting uplink control information in a terminal for which a coordinated multi-point (CoMP) set including a plurality of cells is constructed in a carrier aggregation-based wireless communication system. The method comprises: a step of receiving a physical downlink control channel signal (PDCCH) for uplink scheduling; step of receiving a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) signal corresponding to the PDCCH signal on a secondary cell (SCell); and a step of transmitting PDSCH signal acknowledgement information via a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). In cases where the SCell belongs to the CoMP set having a primary cell (PCell), a resource for the PUCCH is provided using an index for a specific resource unit from among one or more resource units used in transmitting the PDCCH signal. In cases where the SCell does not belong to the CoMP set having a PCell, a resource for the PUCCH is provided using a value of a specific field within the PDCCH signal.
US09426795B2
Disclosed is a method for configuring and transmitting control channel for radio communication. A method for configuring control channel comprises a step of configuring a control channel by using a plurality of tiles, wherein numbers of resource elements in the plurality of tiles are configured to be the same or different. If a method for transmitting control information comprising a small number of bits according to the present invention is used, quality of communication and efficiency of resource may be increased at the same time.
US09426774B2
Methods, media, and node-enabled autonomous transport vehicles are described for navigating to a shipping location using a plurality of nodes in a wireless node network. A node associated with the autonomous transport vehicle, such as a mobile master node, detects a signal broadcast from an ID node associated with the shipping location, and instructs the ID node to lower a power level of the broadcast signal. The mobile master node identifies the signal broadcast from the ID node with the lowered power level, and determines a direction of the ID node relative to the mobile master node based upon the detected signal with the lowered power level. The mobile master node then navigates to the ID node associated with the shipping location based upon the determined direction, which may involve providing the determined direction to an input for the vehicle's control system.
US09426770B2
A method for network-based positioning of a mobile device as described herein includes selecting a first set of access points (APs) to take first positioning measurements from the mobile device; obtaining the first positioning measurements from the first set of APs; selecting, based on the first positioning measurements, a second set of APs to take second positioning measurements from the mobile device; obtaining the second positioning measurements from the second set of APs; and determining a location of the mobile device based on the first positioning measurements and the second positioning measurements.
US09426766B2
A method of establishing synchronization with a base station by a mobile station in a communication system using beamforming includes: receiving a downlink signal transmitted through at least one transmission beam by using at least one reception beam; determining at least one of a propagation delay and a signal strength of the received downlink signal for each downlink transmission/reception beam pair through which the downlink signal is transmitted/received, wherein each downlink transmission/reception beam pair includes a transmission beam through which the downlink signal is transmitted from the base station and a reception beam through which the downlink signal is received by the mobile station; and establishing a downlink frame boundary of the mobile station by using the determined at least one of the propagation delay and the signal strength for each downlink transmission/reception beam pair.
US09426759B2
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices are described for aligning wireless local area network (WLAN) operations with reporting of transmit power information via a cellular network. A mobile device may identify information to be communicated for a WLAN operations. The mobile device may determine a reporting schedule for transmit power information to a serving base station of the cellular network. The information may be communicated on a schedule determined based on the reporting schedule for transmit power information. The information communicated for the WLAN operation may be communicated between subsequent reporting instances for the transmit power information.
US09426756B2
Method and apparatus are disclosed for determining a physical uplink power level for transmissions on a physical uplink channel. In one embodiment, a random access channel (RACH) uplink message is transmitted. The RACH uplink message includes a RACH message power level and/or a downlink pathloss figure. A downlink message including a power offset value is received. The physical uplink power level is set for transmissions on the physical uplink channel based on the power offset value. In another embodiment, a RACH uplink message is transmitted and a downlink message including a relative power offset value is received. The physical uplink power level for transmissions on the physical uplink channel is then set based on the relative power off set value.
US09426748B2
A power management technique is provided that operates with regard to a dynamic sleep threshold voltage. If a device's battery voltage is greater than the dynamic sleep threshold voltage, a voltage rail for the device is collapsed during a sleep mode for the device. Conversely, if the battery voltage is less than the dynamic sleep threshold voltage, the voltage rail is sourced during the sleep mode for the device.
US09426746B2
An operating state of a communication unit of a communication apparatus is kept for a keep period in accordance with a transmission cycle of control information transmitted by another communication apparatus. The communication apparatus wirelessly communicates with the other communication apparatus in the operating state. If the keep period elapses, the communication unit is switched from the operating state to a hibernation state. The communication apparatus does not communicate with the other communication apparatus in the hibernation state.
US09426741B2
A method and system for controlling signalling transmission in a power-saving mode are disclosed. The method includes that a terminal transmits a tracking area update request signalling or a routing area update request signalling to a new mobility management unit, wherein each signalling includes a power-saving parameter; and the new mobility management unit transmits a power-saving parameter to an old mobility management unit or a serving gateway. According to the disclosure, a network is enabled to keep pace with the power-saving mode of the terminal, and a paging message is transmitted only at activation time, thereby ensuring that the terminal may receive the paging message, and avoiding resource waste caused by repeated paging of the network.
US09426740B2
A sensor module that transmits at a predetermined transmission interval, via a network, data obtained by measurement to an externally installed information processing device sets, together with a nearby sensor module, a predetermined module group in which a plurality of sensor modules for transmitting measurement data according to data processing in the information processing device are put together. Then, together with the nearby sensor modules, one sensor module among the predetermined module group is set as a reference sensor module for which a transmission interval is maintained at a predetermined transmission interval, and transmission intervals of measurement data of sensor modules other than the reference sensor module are changed to a prolonged transmission interval that is longer than the predetermined transmission interval. With this, a reduction in power consumption is realized as much as possible in the sensor module that measures environmental parameters and transmits to the information processing device.
US09426739B2
Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for control of transmission to a target device with communicating with one or more sensors in an ad-hoc sensor network may implement operations including, but not limited to: receiving one or more wireless signals associated with a sensing capability status of at least one sensor; wirelessly transmitting one or more sensor operation activation signals to one or more sensors according to the sensing capability status of the at least one sensor; and at least one of powering one or more sensing operations of the at least one sensor and charging one or more power storage devices of the at least one sensor via the one or more sensor operation activation signals.
US09426736B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for accessing channels in a wireless LAN system. The method for accessing channels in a station (STA) of the wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of transmitting a first frame of a channel access request to an access point (AP); and receiving, from the AP, a second frame related to whether access to the channel is allowed in response to the first frame, wherein the second frame can include a value for a channel access start offset with respect to the STA.
US09426735B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for setting a discontinuous reception period and a mobile terminal, which belong to the field of communications technologies, so as to save power of a battery of a mobile terminal device and prolong standby time. The method includes: determining a working state of a mobile terminal in a current network, where the working state refers to a network state when the mobile terminal works and the working state includes a stable state, a hold state, and an unstable state; and if the mobile terminal is in a stable state, adjusting a discontinuous reception DRX period of the mobile terminal from a current period T0 to a first period T1, where T1=K*T0, and K>1. The embodiments of the present invention are applied to radio communications.
US09426732B2
Methods and systems including non-transitory computer-readable storage media, for selectively erasing data stored at a wireless device are disclosed. The media includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method including comparing a particular service provider identified by the data stored at the wireless device to at least one favored service provider selected from a group of favored service providers consisting of a home service provider and a preferred service provider other than the home service provider. The instructions further, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to erase, if the particular service provider is not one of the favored service providers, the data stored at the wireless device.
US09426730B2
A method of selecting a cellular network entails determining a current location using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver in a mobile device, prioritizing bands based on the current location to create a set of prioritized bands, and searching the set of prioritized bands for the cellular network. This method expedites selection of the cellular network when a mobile device is powered on or when its cellular radiofrequency transceiver is activated.
US09426724B2
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of controlling wireless scanning. For example, an apparatus may include a radio to communicate with a wireless network; and a scan controller to control a wireless scan by the radio according to a scan pattern, the scan controller to determine a mobility state of the mobile device, the mobility state representing a combination of a velocity of the mobile device and an environment of the mobile device, and to determine the scan pattern based on the mobility state.
US09426717B2
A transceiver of an apparatus supports communication with at least one additional apparatus. A processing module processes at least a portion of media access control (MAC) header content of a MAC frame within a signal received via the at least one transceiver or generated internally. In particular, the MAC header content, and optionally the MAC payload content, is processed based on a filter and classification agreement between the apparatus and the at least one additional apparatus to classify the MAC frame.
US09426714B2
In wireless communication systems, a determination may be made whether to hand off a user equipment (UE) based on whether the UE encounters time varying interference, such as UE to UE interference. The time varying interference may be present only in a specific set of time/frequency resources or subframes. Measurement reporting may be restricted to time/frequency resources which do not experience the time varying interference.
US09426699B2
An apparatus and a method for providing a relay service in a Base Station (BS) of a communication system are provided. The method includes detecting a communication state with a backhaul of the communication system, transmitting backhaul error occurrence information to at least one Mobile Station (MS) located in a service coverage area when communication with the backhaul is interrupted, selecting a neighbor BS from among one or more neighbor BSs as a target BS, and providing a relay service by connecting with the target BS.
US09426697B2
In an access device associated with a first network cell, a method for enabling user equipment (UE) to obtain a service unavailable through the first network cell includes receiving a request for the UE to access the service, and identifying, in a message to the UE, a plurality of second network cells providing the service.
US09426696B2
It is disclosed methods, apparatuses, system and related computer program for handover procedures. The method comprises a network node verifying if a location area of a handover destination belongs to a zone wherein a subscriber is allowed to access services and based on such verification either successfully handing over a call or rejecting a handover request.
US09426678B2
A method is provided for a master apparatus of a Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) in a dual-homed node that is a part of a dual-homed network to implement a Layer 3 apparatus. The dual-homed network includes the dual-homed node and a Layer 2 MPLS-Transport Profile (MPLS-TP) network. The method includes monitoring a state of an uplink, when the monitoring detects that the uplink has a failure, notifying an original backup apparatus of the VRRP to perform a master-backup switch, and notifying a downlink apparatus of the master apparatus of the VRRP that a remote link has a failure, thereby causing the downlink apparatus to switch a working channel within the MPLS-TP network. The method includes, when a notification indicating that the master-backup switch has been performed is received from the original backup apparatus of the VRRP, switching to a backup apparatus of the VRRP.
US09426677B2
The present invention provides a method, a device, and a system for optimizing a tradeoff between capacity and coverage of a network. The method includes: receiving statistical information and a first count that are sent by a base station; establishing at least one coverage cluster; calculating cluster values of all the coverage clusters; acquiring an entire-network coverage hole (CH) value and an entire-network coverage overlap (CO) value; calculating an entire-network utility value according to the entire-network CH value and the entire-network CO value; if the capacity or coverage weight and the antenna downtilt of each base station in all the coverage clusters need to be adjusted, acquiring an adjustment value for the capacity or coverage weight of each base station and an adjustment value for the antenna downtilt of each base station according to an optimization strategy, and sending the adjustment values to a corresponding base station.
US09426675B2
A method for adapting communications system topology includes receiving, by an adaptation device, first signal plus interference to noise ratio (SINR) values from user equipments in a communications system, the first SINR values associated with a transmission configuration as configured by the communications system, and adapting, by the adaptation device, a topology of the communications system in accordance with the first SINR values received from the user equipments already attached to the communications system.
US09426669B2
The present invention discloses a method, an apparatus and a system for detecting a connection state of a reverse diversity link of a base station, which are used to implement detection for the connection state of the reverse diversity link of the base station. It includes: a base station setting that the reverse primary link of the base station is connected and the reverse diversity link of the base station is disconnected, and then determining a minimum first transmission power value of a testing terminal; while the station setting that the reverse primary link of the base station is connected and the reverse diversity link of the base station is disconnected, and then determining a minimum second transmission power value of the testing terminal; and determining whether the connection state of the reverse diversity link of the base station is normal or not according to the minimum first transmission power value and the minimum second transmission power value. The embodiment of the present invention also provides a base station.
US09426666B2
A system, method, and apparatus for integrated resource planning for satellite systems are disclosed. The method involves obtaining user communication demand for at least one region. The method further involves generating a beam map comprising at least one beam for each of the regions according to the user communication demand. Also, the method involves generating at least one configuration profile for the satellite system by using the beam map. Additionally, the method involves performing a performance analysis by comparing: the user communication demand versus one of the configuration profiles, the user communication demand versus actual communication demand, one of the configuration profiles versus the actual communication demand, and/or one of the configuration profiles versus another one of the configuration profiles. Further, the method optionally involves determining power flux spectral density (PFSD) for the beam frequency spectrum for each of the beams by using at least one of the configuration profiles.
US09426662B2
Systems and methods presented herein provide for capacity sharing between wireless systems. One wireless telecommunications system includes a plurality of base stations and a Mobile Central Office (MCO) communicatively coupled to each of the base stations. Each base station is operable to handle a session from a wireless device and to handoff the session to another of the base stations when the wireless device moves into a range of the other wireless base station. The MCO is operable to detect capacity on a first of the base stations, to request capacity from another wireless system in response to detecting the capacity on the first base station, to acquire at least a portion of the requested capacity from the other wireless system, and to direct the wireless device to communicate via the capacity acquired from the other wireless system.
US09426657B2
Beacon devices transmit beacon messages that may be used to alert an application on a user device, e.g., a mobile phone, of the beacon device's proximity. Some embodiments contemplate a beacon device configured to transmit a pattern of successive beacon messages and/or Bluetooth Low Energy broadcast messages at one or more different power levels. The pattern of power levels may securely identify the beacon device. For example, the mobile phone application may confirm with a network server that the pattern agrees with the beacon device's identity. The pattern may also serve a calibration function. Where the mobile device application has knowledge of the expected power levels in the pattern, the application can infer from weaker transmissions that the beacon device is further from the mobile device. The weaker power levels may also indicate the character of the transmission environment.
US09426647B2
Disclosed are a method and device for protecting user privacy data of a mobile terminal in the embodiment of the present invention, related to a wireless terminal, wherein the method includes: when a subscriber identity module card is inserted into a mobile terminal, obtaining card information of the subscriber identity module card, and judging whether there are user privacy data in the mobile terminal or not; if the judgment result is yes, matching the card information with card information stored in the mobile terminal, and displaying the user privacy data for the user to use according to the matching result; and if the judgment result is no, performing security processing on the mobile terminal.
US09426645B2
A receiver device (1) of the present invention switches between a bone conduction receiver (16) and an air conduction receiver (17) depending on an area or a shape of a contact region of a touch panel (10) provided in the receiver device (1) which region is in contact with a user.
US09426642B1
A mobile device may establish and register a connection to a first network at a registration server, and may subsequently establish and register a connection to a second network at the registration server. Registration of the connection to the second network may designate the second network as a primary network for providing services to the mobile device. In response to the registration of the connection to the second network, the mobile device may receive a notification indicating the connection to the second network is designated as a primary connection for providing at least one service to the mobile device. In response to receiving the notification, the mobile device may transmit, to a network entity, a pullback message including a request to refresh the registration of the first network at the registration server, thereby designating the first network as the primary network for providing the services to the mobile device.
US09426633B2
A method for treating an emergency service request message sent by a requesting station to an emergency service answering position; the method includes: (a) receiving the emergency service request message in a multi-media messaging service (MMS) format wherein the emergency service request message includes a requesting station address and a timestamp; (b) separating the text portions from the media portions in the emergency service request message; (c) creating a single media identifier to effect correlating the media portions with the text portions; (d) formatting the text portions with the media identifier in a text message; (e) forwarding the text message toward the emergency service answering position; and (f) employing the media identifier to correlate the media portions with the text portions.
US09426625B2
A method and an apparatus for confirming that two or more individuals' participation in a carpool where acceleration datum is collected from the individuals' associated devices. The acceleration datum of the devices is compared to determine that a first individual that is associated with the first device and at least a second individual that is associated with a second device traveled together in one single vehicle for a period of time to satisfy a carpool requirement. At least one of the individuals receives a benefit or incentive of the carpool.
US09426624B2
Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for conveying location information from an announcing user device to a listening user device engaged in ProSe discovery communications. The announcing user device may use a first expression to broadcast an initial announcement, and then use a second expression to broadcast the location of the announcing user device. The first expression may be in the form of a public expression while the second expression may be in the form of a private expression.
US09426623B2
Techniques where a computer system is able to obtain information about a subject by communicating with a device that employs a limited range communication technology and is associated with the subject are described.
US09426617B2
In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for dynamic location-based message notification. In one embodiment, a method for providing alerts to a computing device includes identifying, via a set of location-specific computing resources, a current location of the computing device and sending at least one alert to the computing device, based on the current location.
US09426616B1
Systems and methods for operating a sensor system. The methods comprise: performing first operations by a Wireless Sensor Network to (a) configure operations of WSN end nodes and (b) control Bluetooth Low Energy (“BLE”) link activity within a BLE network; and performing second operations by the BLE network to (a) find people or objects within a specified area and (b) provide services to users of mobile communication devices which are BLE enabled and reside within the specified area.
US09426614B2
A mobile participation platform enables a wireless network operator or third party to solicit response data related to a specific time and location specific event by signaling multiple mobile device users that meet predefined qualifications. The qualifications include presence at the specific location at the specific time, and may include other characteristics, such as prior consent to receive solicitations, and particular device type or data collection functionality. The platform locates mobile devices that may qualify for participation, and generates and transmits a solicitation. Mobile devices receiving the solicitation may activate a participation client to acknowledge the solicitation and to contribute by submitting the requested response data, which may include photos, text, sensor data, audio, video and the like. The qualifications are verified, the response data is validated, and anonymity and privacy are maintained by associating the mobile device and other pertinent non-identifying information with an encrypted identifier.
US09426597B2
The method of playing back a multichannel audio signal via a playback device comprises a plurality of loudspeakers arranged at fixed locations of the device and define a spatial window for sound playback relative to a reference spatial position. The method comprises for at least one sound object extracted from the signal, estimating a diffuse or localized nature of the object and estimating its position relative to the window. The audio signal is played back via the loudspeakers of the device during which playback treatment is applied to each sound object for playing back via at least one loudspeaker of the device, which treatment depends on the diffuse or localized nature of the object and on its position relative to the window, and includes creating at least one virtual source outside the window from loudspeakers of the device when the object is estimated as being diffuse or positioned outside the window.
US09426593B2
An assisting listening device having audiometry function includes an earphone, a testing signal generator, a feedback generator and a control box. The testing signal generator is controlled by a digital signal processor of the control box to provide a testing signal to a speaker of the earphone. The feedback generator will generate a feedback signal to the digital signal processor of the control box subject to the testing signal, enabling the digital signal processor to evaluate the user's hearing threshold level so that the user can adjust the functioning of the assisting listening device optimally subject to the evaluation result.
US09426591B2
A sound detector communicates with a portable terminal by manipulation of the portable terminal by a user and may reproduce data communicated between the sound detector and the portable terminal.
US09426582B2
The application relates to a hearing aid comprising at least one electrode located at a surface of a housing of the hearing aid to allow said electrodes to contact the skin of a user during use of the hearing aid, at least one electrode being adapted to pick up a low voltage signal from the user's brain, the hearing aid further comprising an amplifier unit operationally connected to said electrode(s) and adapted for amplifying said low voltage signal(s) to provide amplified brain signal(s), and a signal processing unit adapted to process said amplified brain signal(s) to provide a processed brain signal as well as to apply a time and frequency dependent gain to an input audio signal and to provide a processed audio output signal. The application further relates to a method of operating a hearing aid and to its use and to a hearing aid system. The object of the present application is to provide a hearing aid capable of monitoring a user's hearing ability over time. The problem is solved in that the signal processing unit is configured a) to identify characteristic signal parameters describing a current time segment of the electric audio input signal, b) to decide whether said characteristic signal parameters fulfill a predefined criterion, and, if said predefined criterion is fulfilled, c) to store brain signal data representative of the low voltage electric signal from the user's brain picked up during said current time segment or corresponding amplified brain signal(s) in a memory, and d) to use the stored brain signal data to determine a processed brain signal related to said predefined criterion, and to modify said time and frequency dependent gain depending on said processed brain signal. This has the advantage of providing a hearing aid wherein at least a part of the fitting process of a hearing aid to a particular user can be automated and/or continuously updated. The invention may e.g. be used for the hearing aids or hearing aid systems where a continuous evaluation of a user's hearing thresholds is needed.
US09426576B2
An electrodynamic acoustic transducer has a diaphragm and a frame with a pole piece carrying a bulbous waveguide tip which reduces or eliminates high frequency distortions caused by destructive interference within the transducer. The bulbous-tip structure clears the moving parts of the transducer and minimizes diffraction of sound energy, extending forward approximately to the plane defined by the outer periphery of the diaphragm when the diaphragm and voice coil are at rest. The bulbous-tip waveguide member extends radially outward above the central radiating area of the transducer diaphragm or cone so as to obscure the center portion of the diaphragm.
US09426575B2
An apparatus and method of reproducing a virtual sound of two channels which adaptively reproduces a 2-channel stereo sound signal reproduced through a recording medium such as DVD, CD, or MP3 player etc., based on a listener's position. The method includes sensing a listener's position and recognizing distance and angle information about the listener's position, determining output gain values and delay values of two speakers based on the distance and angle information about the sensed listener's position and selecting localization filter coefficients in a predetermined table, and updating filter coefficients of a localization filter based on the selected localization filter coefficients and adjusting output levels and time delays of the two speakers from the determined gain values and delay values.
US09426571B2
A multifunctional music player wirelessly communicates with a mobile device, and includes a main casing, a speaker provided on the main casing, a main wireless transceiver provided in the main casing, and a main processing unit. The main processing unit is supported in the main casing and is electrically connected to the speaker, and the main wireless transceiver. The main wireless transceiver is arranged to receive wireless signals from the mobile device. The wireless signals is transmitted to the main processing unit which drives the speaker to deliver audible sound corresponding to the wireless signals, so that a user is able to control playing of music in the multifunctional music player by operating on the mobile device.
US09426566B2
A voice signal processor detects background noise sections to reflect characteristics of the background noise on the Wiener filter coefficient to be used for suppressing noise components of input voice signals. In the voice signal processor, directivity signal generators form directivity signals having a directivity pattern. The directivity signals are used by a coherence calculator to obtain coherence, which is in turn used by a targeted voice section detector to detect a targeted voice section. A background noise section detector detects background noise sections containing no voice signal. When a background noise section is detected, a WF adapter uses characteristics of background noise in the detected temporal section to calculate a new WF coefficient.
US09426559B2
A hearing protection device for use in magnetic resonance devices is provided. The hearing protection device has a first hearing protection unit for disposal on a first ear of a patient and a second hearing protection unit for disposal on a second ear of a patient. The first hearing protection unit and/or the second hearing protection unit has a fluid cushion unit.
US09426552B2
A road vehicle (1) has a drive unit (2) for driving the vehicle (1), a drive unit control device (3) for driving the drive unit (2) and at least one sound generator (4), which has at least one electroacoustic converter (10). The sound generator (4) has an emission pipe (16), which connects the sound generator (4) acoustically and fluidically directly with an emission chamber (17). The an emission chamber (17) emits the sound generated by the converter (10) during the operation of the sound generator (4). Increased reliability of operation is achieved if a generator control device (26) is coupled with the drive unit control device (3) for driving the converter (10) and the generator control device (26) drives the converter (4) as a function of the current operating state of the drive unit (2).
US09426536B2
Techniques for delivery and presentation/display of audio-visual signals over electronic communications network channels are disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a video server for an IPTV system is disclosed. The system includes a video extractor/transporter (shortly referred to as video extractor) for extracting encoded audio-visual signals from at least one video source, and distributing the signals over the electronic communications network channels. The system also includes control logic which can receive control messages from receivers and invoke the video extractor to extract audio-visual signals therefrom.
US09426533B2
An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode. The system allows a user to view a list of all currently requested program reminders and scheduled program recordings. The user may update, change, or cancel any entry in either list or the system may automatically update the lists to match new broadcast schedule information. If the user sets a reminder or schedules a recording that conflicts with an existing reminder or recording, the system may inform the user of the conflict and allow the user to resolve the conflict or the system may resolve the conflict.
US09426530B2
A communications system for simulcasting audio or audiovisual program content to a plurality of participating system users via a communication network. Each user operates an access device that reproduces the received program content for the user and also accepts spoken comments from the user concurrently with or immediately following the reproduction of the program content. The spoken comments are transmitted to at least selected ones of the other users so that the selected users can engage in a conversation about the program content as it is simulcast.
US09426524B2
A media player enables insertion of advertising content during playback of received content. This facilitates targeted product placement, advertisements, and the like. The media player identifies an advertising insertion event, which may be based on a viewer profile. Upon identification of an advertising insertion event, the media player varies playback of the received content to add advertising information.
US09426515B2
An Intelligent Television provides unique user interfaces and user interface interactions to provide social media. The interfaces and interface are intuitive and allow the user to quickly retrieve and view social media with respect to content displayed on the Intelligent Television. Further, intuitive user interface interactions are provided to allow for the quick and efficient posting of social media from the Intelligent Television to a social media site.
US09426512B2
An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system for an aircraft includes a radome to be carried by the aircraft, and a dual-beam satellite antenna and at least one positioner coupled thereto to be carried by the aircraft and protected by the radome. The dual-beam satellite antenna is to generate dual antenna beams for television programming and Internet data from respective spaced apart satellites. The dual-beam satellite antenna includes a first aperture for receiving the television programming, and a second aperture adjacent the first aperture for receiving the Internet data. A television programming distribution system is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the dual-beam satellite antenna to provide television programming within the aircraft. At least one access point is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the dual-beam satellite antenna to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) within the aircraft for the Internet data.
US09426506B2
An apparatus for providing an augmented broadcasting service and an apparatus for receiving the augmented broadcasting service in a hybrid broadcasting environment. The apparatus for providing the augmented broadcasting service includes: a real-time data provider configured to provide real-time data through a first transmission network; an augmented content provider configured to provide augmented content through a second transmission network, wherein the augmented content is to be synchronized with the real-time data; and a multiplexer configured to multiplex the real-time data, the augmented content metadata and timing information for synchronization between the real-time data and the augmented content metadata, and output resulting data.
US09426499B2
Scalable video codecs are provided for use in videoconferencing systems and applications hosted on heterogeneous endpoints/receivers and network environments. The scalable video codecs provide a coded representation of a source video signal at multiple temporal, quality, and spatial resolutions.
US09426498B2
In one embodiment, a method comprising receiving at a single encoding engine an input video stream having one or more pictures of a first size; and generating by the single encoding engine, in parallel, plural encoded streams, a first of the encoded streams comprising one or more pictures of the first size and a second of the encoded streams comprising one or more pictures of a second size that is smaller than the first size, the encoding of the second stream based on sharing video coding information used in encoding the first encoded stream.
US09426497B1
A system and method for optimizing communication includes an external device and a host device coupled to the external device. The host device generates a tuning request having a request identifier. The external device receives content. The content has a plurality of identifiers associated therewith. The external device filters content according to the request identifier of the plurality of identifiers to form filtered data and communicating the filtered data to the host device.
US09426493B2
A method and an apparatus for inter-picture cost computation are provided. The inter-picture cost computation apparatus includes an original difference calculation module, a before-compensation difference calculation module, an inter-picture cost computation module, and a compensation module. The original difference calculation module calculates original differences between first original pixels at the first frame time and second original pixels at the second frame time. The before-compensation difference calculation module calculates before-compensation differences between first compensated pixels at the first frame time and reconstructed pixels at the second frame time. The inter-picture cost calculation module calculates an inter-picture cost according to the sample adaptive offset (SAO) compensation value, the original differences, and the before-compensation differences. The compensation module compensates the reconstructed pixels according to the SAO compensation value when the inter-picture cost is a minimum.
US09426487B2
A coding method includes: partitioning an image block to be decoded irregularly according to an irregular partitioning mode and a position parameter to obtain at least two different sub-blocks; comparing the sub-blocks with a reference sub-block to obtain a residual of a pixel value of the image block to be coded; obtaining a reference position parameter according to a surrounding block of the image block to be coded, and subtracting the reference position parameter from the position parameter of the image block to be coded to obtain a position parameter difference of the image block to be coded; quantizing the residual, and performing entropy coding on a result of the quantization, the motion vector information, and the position parameter difference; and writing the entropy coding result and partitioning mode information of the image block into a code stream.
US09426480B2
A decoding method decodes a base stream generated by encoding a first image signal of a first view and a dependent stream generated by encoding a second image signal of a second view. The method includes detecting, on the basis of a dependent delimiter indicating a picture boundary between pictures in the dependent stream, the picture boundary in the dependent stream configured by inserting the dependent delimiter at the beginning of a picture in the dependent stream. Further, the method includes decoding the base stream and the dependent stream on the basis of the detected picture boundary in the dependent stream.
US09426474B2
A transcoder that controls the amount of generated codes of an output stream toward a target bit rate without degradation of image quality. The transcoder decodes a first stream and encodes the decoded image again to thereby output a second stream. The transcoder calculates a distortion evaluation value from the image obtained by decoding the first stream and an image obtained by decoding the second stream. Assuming that a ratio between the distortion evaluation value and a total target distortion evaluation value is determined as a target distortion ratio, a target setting bit rate of a second stream in the period can be obtained by multiplying a total target bit rate of the second stream by the target distortion ratio. Alternatively, the target setting bit rate can be obtained by adjusting the target distortion ratio with an appropriate function and adding the target distortion ratio to the total target bit rate of the second stream.
US09426472B2
A method for signalling an intra chroma prediction mode and a method for implementing the signalled intra chroma prediction mode, the intra chroma prediction mode taking an intropolation of previously predicted luma samples from neighboring blocks of video data to attain an intra chroma prediction of a current chroma prediction unit.
US09426470B2
An image decoding method is provided which includes reconstructing an intra prediction mode group indicator and a prediction mode index of a current block, constructing a first group using valid intra prediction modes of left and top blocks, and determining the intra prediction mode corresponding to the prediction mode index and the intra prediction mode group indicator. Therefore, by causing the first group to include modes having a high possibility of being equal to the prediction mode of the current block on the basis of the valid intra prediction modes of the left and top blocks of the current block and determining the intra prediction mode group indicator and the prediction mode index to be encoded using the first group, it is possible to reduce an amount of information of the intra prediction mode to be encoded.
US09426468B2
A system for decoding a video bitstream includes receiving a frame of the video that includes at least one slice and at least one tile and where each of the at least one slice and the at least one tile are not all aligned with one another.
US09426466B2
A device for coding video data includes a video coder configured to: determine for a chroma transform block (TB) a sub-sampling format for the chroma TB; based on the sub-sampling format for the chroma TB, identify one or more corresponding luma TBs; determine, for each of the one or more corresponding luma TBs, if the corresponding luma TB is coded using a transform skip mode; and, based on a number of the one or more corresponding luma TBs coded using the transform skip mode being greater than or equal to a threshold value, determine that the chroma TB is coded in the transform skip mode.
US09426460B2
An electronic device for sending a message is described. The electronic device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The electronic device determines whether a picture is a random access point (RAP) picture. The electronic device also determines whether the picture is associated with a broken link access (BLA) with decodable leading pictures (DLP) network access layer (NAL) unit type if the picture is a RAP picture. The electronic device further generates a message including a RAP coded picture buffer (CPB) parameter flag and an initial additional CPB removal delay parameter if the BLA with DLP NAL unit type is present. The electronic device additionally sends the message.
US09426449B2
A combined depth map is generated for a monoscopic image based on a weighted combination of a color depth map, a spatial depth map, and a motion depth map for the image, each describing the depth of pixels in the image relative to the image plane. The color depth map determines the depth of pixels according to their color, the spatial depth map determines the depth of pixels according to their location in the image, and the motion depth map determines the depth of pixels according to their motion in the image. Each of the depth maps is associated with a weight that is used to generate the weighted combination. The weights are adaptive to account for variation between different monoscopic images.
US09426448B2
A correction apparatus is provided with terminals which are connected in one-to-one correspondence with each of lens apparatuses and which transmit control signals to the lens apparatuses which are connected. A common control signal is transmitted from all of the terminals to the lens apparatuses which are connected with the terminals. Individual control signals are transmitted to the lens apparatuses, which are connected with the terminals, from all of the terminals or from the other terminals than any one terminal. The group of terminals are communicably connected with each other and mutually hold the common control signal and the individual control signals.
US09426444B2
Described herein is a method for correcting defective depth values in depth map images. Defective values correspond to “noisy pixels” located on continuous flat surfaces and interpolated “flying pixels” located along an edge between a foreground object and a background object. The method comprising the steps of accessing a depth map of a scene which includes the foreground and background objects, detecting and identifying noisy and interpolated depth measurements within the depth map using a method, defining and applying a correction to each of the detected defective noisy and interpolated depth measurements using a specifically defined weighted correction factor. By providing the corrected defective depth values in depth map images, edges are sharpened in depth and continuous surfaces are flattened, enabling higher efficiency and robustness of further image processing.
US09426441B2
Methods for carrying and transmitting overlay depth data of an overlay of a stereoscopic image of a display device as a fraction of a viewer distance from the overlay are described.
US09426430B2
In a surveillance system including a remote sensor apparatus and a portable receiver, a method is provided for collecting and processing data related to a surrounding environment of the remote sensor apparatus including image data for a scene external to the housing of the apparatus. The method includes receiving, at the processing unit, raw image data simultaneously from a plurality of image sensors as the raw image data is being captured by the plurality of image sensors. One or more light sources are placed around a wide-angle lens fitted to each of the image sensor. Infrared or near-infrared light emanating from the plurality of light sources is used in a dark environment. The method also includes processing, at the processing unit, the simultaneously received raw image data to generate pre-processed image data. The method further includes transmitting the pre-processed image data to the portable receiver using the wireless transceiver.
