US09469870B2

A method of monitoring amplification of a nucleic acid by providing a nucleic acid and an amplification mixture using the kit of isothermal reagents to a pH sensor or pH indicator, amplifying the nucleic acid using isothermal amplification, and detecting a change in pH due to the amplification using the pH sensor or pH indicator. The kit of reagents comprises a magnesium salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an alkali base.
US09469862B2

Methods and compositions for replication of threose nucleic acids (TNAs) are described. The described methods include a method for transcribing a DNA template into a TNA, and a method for reverse transcribing a threose nucleic acid into a cDNA.
US09469861B2

Provided herein are cell-free systems for generating carbapenems, e.g., a compound of the Formula (I): or salts thereof; wherein , R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound generated by the inventive cell-free system, and use of these compounds and compositions for the treatment of bacterial infections.
US09469859B1

The subject disclosure relates to a method for producing a fermentation product from biomass that has been pre-treated in a pre-treatment system and separated into a liquid component and a first solids component. The method comprises: (a) treating the liquid component in a filtration system comprising at least one nano-filter to produce a treated liquid component, and to remove an acid from the liquid component; (b) supplying the treated liquid component, a fermenting organism, and agents to a fermentation system; (c) recovering the fermentation product from the fermentation system; and (d) supplying the acid for re-use in the pre-treatment system. In many embodiments, the biomass comprises lignocellulosic material and the liquid component comprises pentose (e.g., xylose).
US09469855B2

The present invention provides a method of treating, attenuating or preventing a liver disorder by inhibiting NGn4 expression and thereby modulating the activity of NK cells. The present invention further relates to diagnosing a liver disorder by evaluating NLGn4 expression in NK cells.
US09469849B2

Methods and systems for chromatographically purifying a botulinum neurotoxin are provided. These methods and systems allow for efficient purification of a non-complexed form of the botulinum neurotoxin in high purity and yield that can be used as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical preparations.
US09469842B2

The present invention relates to a Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and a vaccine composition using the same, and a method for preventing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus with accession number KCTC 12096BP according to the present invention is Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus distinguished from European strains and North American strains, and a vaccine composition specific to Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is produced, thereby preventing a Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus or specifically diagnosing the infection with Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.
US09469840B2

A guiding device in which cells are confined between a support surface and a textured surface of a substrate, said textured surface having an anisotropic three-dimensional structure having a repeating pattern that repeats according to a repeat axis, said repeating pattern having a succession of guide spaces adjacent to one another according to the repeat axis, each of said guide spaces being capable of receiving at least one portion of one of the cells and being oriented according to a direction of anisotropy to guide a movement of the cells in the direction of anisotropy.
US09469834B2

A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media.
US09469833B2

The present invention provides a transplantation guide which is formed into a bottomed cylinder having a base material that allows communication of a culture fluid, wherein: a cell mass supplied from the open end side is placed on the base material, and the guide is used as a mold for forming a three-dimensional cell construct by culturing the cell mass placed on the base material by immersing the base material side in an excessive amount of a culture fluid.
US09469831B2

Cycloserine resistant mutants of lactic acid bacteria characterized by having improved resistance towards ethanol. The cycloserine resistant mutants of lactic acid bacteria can e.g. be used for malolactic fermentations of wine (i.e. including sparkling wine such as Cava/champagne) having high alcohol levels.
US09469827B2

Methods are provided for refining natural oil feedstocks. The methods comprise reacting the feedstock in the presence of a metathesis catalyst under conditions sufficient to form a metathesized product comprising olefins and esters. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise separating the olefins from the esters in the metathesized product. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise hydrogenating the olefins under conditions sufficient to form a fuel composition. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise transesterifying the esters in the presence of an alcohol to form a transesterified product.
US09469823B2

The invention provides a lubricating composition containing a β-amino compound. The invention further relates to a method of lubricating an internal combustion engine by lubricating the engine with the lubricating composition. The invention further relates to the use of the β-amino carbonyl compound as copper corrosion inhibitors, friction control agents, antiwear and/or extreme pressure agents.
US09469820B2

A method for recycling carbon dioxide from biomass gasification. The method includes: 1) employing carbon dioxide as a gasifying agent, allowing the carbon dioxide to gasify biomass to yield syngas; 2) cooling the syngas; 3) introduced cooled syngas to a cyclone separator and a gas scrubber for dust removal and purification; 4) allowing purified syngas in 3) to react with the vapor to modify a ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of the syngas; 5) desulfurizing modified syngas to remove H2S and COS therein; 6) decarburizing desulfurized syngas to separate carbon dioxide therein; 7) introducing desulfurized and decarburized syngas to a synthesizing tower to yield oil products and exhaust gas including carbon dioxide; 8) decarburizing the exhaust gas including carbon dioxide and separating the carbon dioxide; and 9) introducing the carbon dioxide separated in 6) and 8) to 1) as the gasifying agent for gasification.
US09469816B2

Disclosed is a process for the upgrading and demetallizing of heavy oils and bitumens. A crude heavy oil and/or bitumen feed is supplied to a solvent extraction process 104 wherein DAO and asphaltenes are separated. The DAO is supplied to an FCC unit 106 having a low conversion activity catalyst for the removal of metals contained therein. The demetallized distillate fraction is supplied to a hydrotreater 110 for upgrading and collected as a synthetic crude product stream. The asphaltene fraction can be supplied to a gasifier 108 for the recovery of power, steam and hydrogen, which can be supplied to the hydrotreater 110 or otherwise within the process or exported. An optional coker unit 234 can be used to convert excess asphaltenes and/or decant oil to naphtha, distillate and gas oil, which can be supplied to the hydrotreater 220.
US09469815B2

A process for catalytic cracking of a pyrolysis oil derived from material comprising biomass. In one embodiment, the process comprises subjecting a feed comprising the pyrolysis oil to a hydrodeoxygenation step to prepare an at least partially deoxygenated pyrolysis oil; heating a hydrocarbon feed to a temperature in the range from equal to or more than 50° C. to equal to or less than 200° C. to prepare a preheated hydrocarbon feed; mixing the at least partially deoxygenated pyrolysis oil and the preheated hydrocarbon feed to prepare a feed mixture; and contacting the feed mixture with a catalytic cracking catalyst in a catalytic cracking reactor at a temperature of at least 400° C. to prepare a product stream containing one or more cracked products.
US09469814B2

A process for extracting bitumen from an oil sand ore having a fines content up to about 60% and a bitumen content higher than about 6% is provided, comprising mixing the oil sand ore with heated water to form an oil sand slurry; conditioning the oil sand slurry to form a conditioned oil sand slurry; introducing a dosage of sodium citrate to the process either prior to or during the mixing step, or prior to or during the conditioning step, or both; and introducing the conditioned oil sand slurry into a separation zone to form a bitumen froth and tailings.
US09469799B2

A composition is capable of curing via condensation reaction. The composition uses a new condensation reaction catalyst. The new condensation reaction catalyst is used to replace conventional tin catalysts. The composition can react to form a gum, gel, rubber, or resin.
US09469792B2

Disclosed are low-formaldehyde aqueous dispersions of vinyl ester/ethylene, e.g., vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE), copolymers suitable for use in adhesives for applications such as tobacco or food products wherein only very low levels of formaldehyde are permitted. Such dispersions are prepared by emulsion copolymerization of a monomer mixture comprising a vinyl ester, ethylene, a stabilizing system comprising polyvinyl alcohol preferably having a degree of hydrolysis of at least 97 mole %, and a selected type of free radical redox polymerization initiator system. This selected redox initiator system comprises both a water-insoluble oxidizing agent and a sulfuric acid-based reducing agent. The monomer mixture which is polymerized is substantially free of co-monomers which yield free formaldehyde upon drying or curing of the dispersion and is also substantially free of ethylene oxide-containing emulsifiers. The aqueous dispersions resulting from polymerization of this monomer mixture has a solids content in weight percent and a Brookfield viscosity in millipascal-seconds such that the ratio of solids content to the natural logarithm of viscosity ranges from about 6.34 to about 8.25 wt %/ln(mPa·s). The dispersions herein also have a formaldehyde content of less than about 5.0 ppmw as determined by ISO-15173.
US09469790B2

Adhesive compositions that contain thermally conductive carbon-based materials that are also electrically insulated; methods for using such adhesive compositions and methods for their preparation.
US09469786B2

A composition for use in a pavement surface, comprises (a) asphalt in an amount of from 40 to 70 parts by weight; (b) an electrically neutral copolymer in an amount of from greater than 0 to 10 parts by weight; (c) an emulsifier in an amount of from 0.1 to 4 parts by weight; (d) an acid or a base in an amount of from 0.1 to 4 parts by weight; and (e) water in an amount of from 25 to 60 parts by weight. A method of making a composition, a method of applying a composition, and a paved surface is also disclosed.
US09469785B2

The invention includes an aqueous coating composition having a substituted succinimide compound, wherein the substituted succinimide compound has an acid value of at least about 30 mg KOH/g of the substituted succinimide compound. The substituted succinimide compound may be the reaction product of an unsaturated oil comprising at least one non-aromatic unsaturated carbon-carbon bond, a polymer derived from the unsaturated oil, or a combination thereof with maleic anhydride and a primary amine.
US09469774B2

Ink compositions formulated for inkjet printing the hole injecting layer (HIL) or hole transporting layer (HTL) of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) are provided. The ink compositions contain fluorosurfactants that prevent uncontrolled spreading of the printed ink compositions. Also provided are methods of inkjet printing the HILs or HTLs using the ink compositions.
US09469772B2

An ink set includes a first ink composition, and a second ink composition, in which the first ink composition contains a first pigment, and an alkyl diol having carbon atoms of 6 or less and a normal boiling point of 240° C. or more, the second ink composition contains a second pigment, and the alkyl diol, in the first ink composition, a content of the first pigment is 2.5% by mass or more, and a content of the alkyl diol is 3% by mass to 15% by mass, in the second ink composition, a content of the second pigment is less than 2.5% by mass, and the content of the alkyl diol is 8% by mass to 30% by mass, and the content of the alkyl diol in the second ink composition is greater than the content of the alkyl diol in the first ink composition.
US09469771B2

An ultraviolet ray-curable clear ink composition includes a polymerizable compound; and a photopolymerization initiator, in which the polymerizable compound contains a vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylic acid ester represented by the following formula (I) and 5% by mass to 25% by mass of urethane oligomer with respect to the total mass of the ink composition. CH2═CR1—COOR2—O—CH═CH—R3  (I) (in the formula (I), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents a divalent organic residue having 2 to 20 carbon atoms; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic residue having 1 to 11 carbon atoms).
US09469769B1

The anti-corrosion treatment composition for steel rebar embedded in concrete is a composition for coating steel rebar before the steel rebar is embedded in concrete. The coating of the steel rebar with the anti-corrosion treatment composition forms a treatment film on the steel rebar which controls both uniform corrosion and pitting corrosion of the steel rebar after it has been embedded in the concrete. The anti-corrosion treatment composition includes an inorganic acid, an organic acid, polyethylene glycol and water. The inorganic acid forms between approximately 3.9 wt % and approximately 15.0 wt % of the anti-corrosion treatment composition, the organic acid forms between approximately 0.1 wt % and approximately 2.9 wt % of the anti-corrosion treatment composition, the polyethylene glycol forms between approximately 2.0 wt % and approximately 10.7 wt % of the anti-corrosion treatment composition, and the remainder of the anti-corrosion treatment composition is water.
US09469768B1

A chemical resistant powder coating composition comprising a urethane-polyester powder coating resin, a styrene-free hydroxyl functional acrylic resin, and a hardener. The composition may contain a flow aid that is a combination of a polyester hydroxyl resin, polyethylene resin, and spherical glass flakes and having introduced silica type carriers.
US09469752B2

Disclosed are cold flow resistant and dimensionally stable compositions containing a diene rubber and a conjugated diene monovinylarene block copolymer, and generally, these compositions have solutions viscosities and cold flows that are less than that of the diene rubber. Methods for reducing cold flow and for storage-stabilizing bales of diene rubbers also are disclosed.
US09469744B2

The subject disclosure presents systems and methods for manufacturing a non-porous thermoformable polyurethane solid by combining an uncured polyurethane resin with Aluminum Trihydrate (ATH), a plurality of particulates, molecular sieves, and color particulates. This combination is mixed in a vacuum for a time period sufficient to initiate an exothermic reaction within the mixture. After the time period, the exothermically reacting mixture is allowed to cure to form the polyurethane solid. The curing may occur in a mold, i.e. by pouring or injecting the mixture into the mold. Alternatively, the mixture may be sprayed on to a surface and allowed to cure.
US09469733B2

Disclosed are self-assembled structures prepared from block copolymers, for example, diblock copolymers of the formula (I): wherein R1-R4, n, and m are as described herein, which find use in preparing nanoporous membranes. In an embodiment, the block copolymer self-assembles into a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such self-assembled structures which involves spin coating a polymer solution containing the block copolymer to obtain a thin film, followed by solvent annealing of the film. Further disclosed is a method of preparing porous membranes from the self-assembled structures.
US09469726B2

Water soluble biodegradable polymers were prepared by an organoacid catalyzed ring opening polymerization (ROP) of a cyclic carbonate monomer bearing an active ester side chain. The initial polymer comprising an active ester side chain was treated with an amino-alcohol, which transformed the active ester groups to N-substituted amide groups bearing mono-hydroxy alkyl groups and/or dihydroxy alkyl groups, thereby forming the water soluble polymers. The water-soluble polymers are non-toxic and exhibit stealth properties in buffered serum solution.
US09469725B2

The present invention includes an ultraviolet radiation absorbing polymer composition that includes polymers containing a UV-chromophore, as described in the specification and as claimed the reaction product of a monoglyceride and a poly-acid monomer containing a UV-chromophore.
US09469723B2

A particle manufacturing method of the present invention includes: ring-opening-polymerizing a ring-opening-polymerizable monomer after bringing the ring-opening-polymerizable monomer into contact with a first compressible fluid; and granulating a polymer obtained in the ring-opening-polymerizing by jetting the polymer and the first compressible fluid.
US09469719B2

The present invention relates to a polylactic acid resin and a packaging film comprising the same, wherein the polylactic acid resin is useful as a packaging material due to excellent properties including heat resistance as well as optimized flexibility. The polylactic acid resin comprises: a hard segment including a predetermined polylactic acid repeating unit; and a soft segment including a polyurethane polyol repeating unit in which certain polyether-based polyol repeating units are linearly connected in a medium of a urethane bond. In addition, the polylactic acid resin has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 25-55° C.
US09469708B2

A process for the preparation of a propylene homopolymer comprising polymerizing propylene in the presence of a catalyst comprising: (i) a metallocene complex of a group (IV) metal said metallocene comprising at least two cyclopentadienyl type ligands; (ii) a boron cocatalyst; and (iii) an aluminoxane cocatalyst; said catalyst being in solid form, preferably in solid particulate form, and being free from an external carrier; preferably wherein the melting point of the propylene polymer is controlled by adjusting the amount of or nature of the boron cocatalyst.
US09469694B2

Disclosed are a method of preparing acetylated cellulose ether, and acetylated cellulose ether prepared thereby. Here, the disclosed method of preparing the acetylated cellulose ether includes dissolving acetylated cellulose ether in an organic solvent to obtain a mixture comprising a solution of the acetylated cellulose ether; removing an insoluble component that is insoluble in the organic solvent from the mixture; and adding the mixture to water to precipitate the acetylated cellulose ether. The acetylated cellulose ether prepared thereby has a turbidity of less than 40 formazin turbidity units (FTU).
US09469693B2

There is disclosed a process for the derivatization of cellulose comprising the sequential steps: a) mixing cellulose with a viscosity below 900 ml/g with an aqueous solution to obtain a liquid, wherein particles comprising cellulose in said liquid have a diameter of maximum 200 nm, wherein the temperature of the aqueous solution is below 20° C., and wherein the pH of the aqueous solution is above 12, b) subjecting the liquid to at least one of the steps: i) decreasing the pH of the liquid with at least 1 pH unit, ii) increasing the temperature by at least 20° C., and c) derivatization of the cellulose. Advantages include that there is provided the possibility to derivatize cellulose faster and to a greater extent after the treatment. Further the yield is improved. The product quality is improved and the manufacture is cheaper and easier.
US09469687B2

The invention relates to binding partners of the placental growth factor (or placenta growth factor, PIGF), especially antibodies directed against the placental growth factor, and production and use thereof.
US09469666B2

The present invention concerns synthesizing manganese complexes in essentially non-aqueous solutions.
US09469664B2

Oligonucleotide analogs comprising modified intersubunit linkages and/or modified 3′ and/or 5′-end groups are provided. The disclosed compounds are useful for the treatment of diseases where inhibition of protein expression or correction of aberrant mRNA splice products produces beneficial therapeutic effects.
US09469657B2

Novel compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 to R4 and X have the meaning according to the claims, are glucosidase inhibitors, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
US09469656B2

Largazole analogs, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same, are described.
US09469651B2

The invention includes halichondrin B analogs having pharmaceutical activity; in some cases, crystalline forms thereof, and in some cases, halichondrin B analogs having a further utility as synthetic intermediates.
US09469644B2

This application discloses compounds according to generic Formula (I) wherein all variables are defined as described herein, which inhibit BTK. The compounds disclosed herein are useful to modulate the activity of BTK and treat diseases associated with excessive BTK activity. The compounds are further useful to treat inflammatory and auto immune diseases associated with aberrant B-cell proliferation such as rheumatoid arthritis. Also disclosed are compositions containing compounds of Formula (I) and at least one carrier, diluent or excipient.
US09469637B2

The present invention provides a compound having a PDE2A selective inhibitory action, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and the like.The present invention is a compound represented by the formula (1): wherein each symbol is as described in the specification, or a salt thereof.
US09469629B2

A compound having the general structure shown in Formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or solvates thereof are useful in treating diseases or conditions mediated by NK1 receptors, for example various physiological disorders, symptoms or diseases, including emesis, depression, anxiety and cough.
US09469626B2

The invention provides new methods for the direct umpolung self-condensation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by organocatalysis, thereby upgrading the readily available substrate into 5,5′-di(hydroxymethyl)furoin (DHMF). While many efficient catalyst systems have been developed for conversion of plant biomass resources into HMF, the invention now provides methods to convert such nonfood biomass directly into DHMF by a simple process as described herein. The invention also provides highly effective new methods for upgrading other biomass furaldehydes and related compound to liquid fuels. The methods include the organocatalytic self-condensation (umpolung) of biomass furaldehydes into (C8-C12)furoin intermediates, followed by hydrogenation, etherification or esterification into oxygenated biodiesel, or hydrodeoxygenation by metal-acid tandem catalysis into premium hydrocarbon fuels.
US09469622B2

A process for manufacturing tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran and, more generally, cycloether derivatives through the cyclodehydration of 1,4- or 1,5-diols. More specifically, the process of the invention involves (i) the stereoselective cyclodehydration in water of 1,4- or 1,5-diols including at least one chiral tertiary alcohol functional group with retention of the initial chirality, and/or (ii) the cyclodehydration in water of 1,4- or 1,5-diols, said diols being non-miscible with and/or non-soluble in water, into corresponding cycloether derivatives, by bringing the reaction mixture to high temperature water (HTW) conditions and/or by mixing the aqueous reaction mixture with a solid catalyst, such as for example a smectite clay. Also, the use of the process for manufacturing ambrafuran, especially (−)-ambrafuran and other cycloether derivatives.
US09469621B2

A method for producing a multisubstituted biphenyl compound is represented by the following formula (2), including a step of coupling a substituted benzene compound represented by the following formula (1) in the presence of a solid catalyst with gold immobilized onto a support.
US09469617B2

This disclosure relates to the field of molecules having pesticidal utility against pests in Phyla Nematoda, Arthropoda, and/or Mollusca, processes to produce such molecules and intermediates used in such processes, compositions containing such molecules, and processes of using such molecules against such pests. These molecules may be used, for example, as nematicides, acaricides, insecticides, miticides, and/or molluscicides. This document discloses molecules having the following formula (“Formula One”).
US09469609B2

Provided are methods for the preparation of certain substituted pyrrolidine compounds, forms of (2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid hydrochloride, and methods for preparing and using these forms.
US09469608B2

Compounds of the invention, which may be useful in inhibiting thrombin and associated thrombotic occlusions, have the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein m is 0 or 1; R is a heterocycle, —(CR8R9)1-2NH2, or —(CR8R9)1-2OH, wherein R8and R9, each time in which they occur, are independently H, C1-6alkyl, —CH2F, —CHF2, CF3or —CH2OH; W is a) —CHR1R2, where R1is —C(CH3)3, and R2is —(CH2)1-2OH, b) a 5- or 6-membered unsubstituted or substituted heterocycle having 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from N and O, wherein substituted heterocycle is substituted with R3, c) a 9- or 10-membered unsubstituted or substituted heterocycle having 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, wherein substituted heterocycle is mono-substituted with R3, or disubstituted with R3and R4, or d) a 3-, 4-, or 5-membered carbocyclic ring which is unsubstituted, mono-substituted with R3, di-substituted with R3and R4, or tri-substituted with R3, R4and R5; R3is —CF3, —COOH, —COOR7, —C(O)R6, —CH(OH)R6, —CH2R6, R6, ═O, halogen, R7, —OH, —NH2, or —NHSO2R7; and R10is H or C1-6alkyl.
US09469601B2

The present inventions concerns derivatives of aminocyclobutane, particularly as NMDA receptor antagonists, their application in human therapy and their method of preparation.These compounds correspond to the general formula (1): wherein: X1 represents a hydrogen atom or fluorine atom; X2 is a hydrogen atom or fluorine atom or chlorine atom; R1 represents a hydrogen atom or fluorine atom or chlorine atom or methyl group or methoxy group or cyano group; R2 represents independently or together a methyl group or ethyl group.
US09469600B2

Prostacyclin compounds and compositions comprising the same are provided herein. Specifically, prostacyclin compounds comprising treprostinil covalently linked to a linear C5-C18 alkyl, branched C5-C18 alkyl, linear C2-C18 alkenyl, branched C3-C18 alkenyl, aryl, aryl-C1-C18 alkyl or an amino acid or a peptide (e.g., dipeptide, tripeptide, tetrapeptide) are described. The linkage, in one embodiment, is via a carbamate, amide or ester bond. Prostacyclin compounds provided herein can also include at least one hydrogen atom substituted with at least one deuterium atom. Methods for treating pulmonary hypertension (e.g., pulmonary arterial hypertension) and portopulmonary hypertension are also provided.
US09469599B2

The present invention relates to carbon-based fluorescent nano-agent tracers for analysis of oil reservoirs. The carbon-based fluorescent nano-agents may be used in the analysis of the porosity of a formation. The nanoagents are suitable for injection into a petroleum reservoir and may be recovered from the reservoir for the determination of hydrocarbon flow rates and retention times.
US09469597B2

The invention relates to (hetero)aryl cyclopropylamine compounds, including particularly the compounds of formula (I) as described and defined herein, and theft use in therapy, including, e.g., in the treatment or prevention of cancer, a neurological disease or condition, or a viral infection.
US09469595B1

This disclosure describes a low temperature process for the preparation of tertiary amines from nitriles and secondary amines via reductive amination using transfer hydrogenation. The process can use a nitrile and a dialkylamine and proceeds under surprisingly mild conditions using a palladium catalyst and the corresponding dialkylammonium formate as the hydrogen donor, and show a pronounced acceleration in the presence of water.
US09469594B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing aromatic amines by the hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds. This method supplies aromatic nitro compounds and hydrogen to a reactor and contacts them with a hydrogenation catalyst; and stops the supply of aromatic nitro compounds and hydrogen to the reactor. The supply of aromatic nitro compounds and hydrogen to the reactor is stopped to ensure safe shutdown of the reactor.
US09469590B2

5,9-dimethyl-9-hydroxy-decen-4-al, having the formula (I)
US09469585B2

A system and process for removing divalent ions from a MEG feed stream is presented. The system includes a chemical treatment tank where chemicals are mixed with the feed stream to form insoluble carbonate and hydroxide salts. The system also includes a membrane-type solid-liquid separation unit that receives the feed stream from the chemical treatment tank and separates it into a filtrate containing MEG and a retentate containing the insoluble salts. The system may also include washing the retentate to remove additional MEG, which is then recycled to a MEG regeneration or reclamation process. The system may also include a dryer that receives waste slurry from the solid-liquid separation unit and dries it to form a solid waste, thereby facilitating its handling, storage, and disposal.
US09469581B2

Biobased p-cymene and methods of producing same, which can further be converted to terephtalate. Further, a method is described for converting crude sulfate turpentine recovered from chemical wood pulping into p-cymene and eventually to terephtalic acid of biological origin, and products thereof respectively. In said method, both conversion and desulfurization is realized in one reaction step. The disclosure is also related to use of zeolite catalysts in said method.
US09469578B2

The invention is directed to a process to produce para-xylene and, optionally, ortho-xylene, including coupling two in-series xylenes separation systems with two parallel isomerization systems for energy savings and/or productivity increases.
US09469573B2

This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a salt-coated heat paper, including preparing a powder mixture by mixing a fuel powder with an oxidant powder; preparing a slurry by adding an organic coagulant, after mixing the powder mixture with glass fibers; obtaining a heat paper by a papermaking process utilizing the slurry; primarily drying the heat paper by pressing; coating the heat paper with a salt solution; and secondarily drying the heat paper.
US09469570B2

A concrete composition is provided comprising a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether, water, cement, a fine aggregate, and a coarse aggregate. The nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether has a 2 wt % aqueous solution viscosity of 3-1,000 mPa·s at 20° C. The concrete composition has a static slump/remix slump ratio of at least 0.50.
US09469568B2

The present invention relates to a composite panel (10) based on cementitious mortar, passed through its entire thickness by a plurality of through openings (11), each of which is filled with a material transparent to light in the form of a preformed plate (12) housed in said opening (11), or formed in said opening, wherein said cement-based mortar contains at least 30 kg/m 3 of fibers selected from one or more of the following types: metallic fibers, steel fibers, glass fibers, polymeric resin fibers. The invention also relates to methods of production of said panel.
US09469567B2

Building panel, in particular for use in elevator cars, includes a glass assembly having two layers of glass and a clear interlayer therebetween and which glass assembly is compliant with safety code ANSI Z97.1, a decorative sheet arranged alongside the first layer of glass, and a backing sheet arranged alongside the decorative sheet on an opposite side from the glass assembly. An optional support structure is arranged alongside the backing sheet on an opposite side from the decorative sheet. The decorative sheet may be a wood veneer.
US09469566B2

The invention provides a glazing sheet and a low-emissivity coating on the glazing sheet. The low-emissivity coating comprises, in sequence moving outwardly from the glazing sheet, a layer comprising oxide film, nitride film, or oxynitride film, an infrared-reflective film, a nickel-aluminum blocker film, and an oxide film. Also provided are methods of depositing such a low-emissivity coating.
US09469565B2

A writable window (e.g., IG window unit) is provided where images (e.g., advertisements, logos, designs, pictures and/or words) can be selectively written into the window. A substrate supports a solar coating such as a low emissivity (low-E) coating which may include at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer (e.g., silver) and a contact/seed layer (e.g., zinc oxide and/or zinc stannate). A radiation source (e.g., laser(s) and/or lamp(s)) selectively exposes certain areas of the coating to radiation (e.g., UV radiation). Exposed area(s) of the coating, after exposure/heating, have different optical characteristic(s) than non-exposed areas, so that exposed area(s) form an image(s) designed to be viewed by humans and/or animals.
US09469557B1

An ozonating water treatment and filtration apparatus is provided wherein a groundwater containing contaminates including hydrogen sulfide, ferrous oxide, carbon dioxide, manganese, arsenic, coliform bacteria and other pathogens and compounds, are removed by filtration utilizing a zeolite and pea gravel filter media and by application of an oxidant using low concentrations of ozone. A silent ozone generator and injector feature provides silent operation and no ozone pumping mechanism. The apparatus is self regenerating, low cost, and low maintenance requiring few consumables and minimal user intervention.
US09469553B2

In at least one embodiment, the invention provides a retrofit for existing water treatment systems where the retrofit includes at least one of the following: a particulate separator, a supplementary inlet, and a waveform disk-pack turbine. In a further embodiment, the invention includes a water treatment system combined with at least one of the following: a particulate separator, a supplementary inlet, and a waveform disk-pack turbine.
US09469550B2

A universal filter system is provided for filtering a fluid in a fluid container, such as water in a water bottle. The system can be selectively attached to and removed from a plurality of fluid containers. For instance, the filter system can be applied to a first fluid container. After use, the filter system can be removed from the first fluid container. The filter system can then be used in connection with the first fluid container again or with a different fluid container. The filter system can include a filter and one or more container-engaging elements that are configured to sealingly engage a portion of a plurality of fluid containers, including interior and/or exterior portions of such fluid containers. In this way, the leakage of a fluid from the container can be prevented and the fluid must pass through the filter before exiting the outlet of the fluid container.
US09469548B2

A device and process for crystallizing a compound using hydrodynamic cavitation comprises the steps of mixing at least one stream of a feed stock solution containing the compound to be crystallized. The feed stock solution is caused to flow through the cavitation zone of a rotor-stator type hydrodynamic cavitation device. Cavitation events and resulting shock waves generated in the cavitation zone cause nucleation and the production of seed crystals within the solution. Possible recirculation of the solution through the cavitation device promotes crystallization at the sites of the seed crystals resulting in increasing larger crystals. The resulting crystalized compound can be extracted from the solution and used in product manufacturing and industrial processes. The rotor-stator design allows for high flow rates, high applied energy and robust service with minimized wear.
US09469546B2

A process for the mineralization of carbon dioxide to form a magnesium carbonate compound, which process includes contacting the carbon dioxide, in the free form, or in the form of an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate, with an alkali metal magnesium silicate to produce the magnesium carbonate compound.
US09469545B2

Methods for making comprising hollow silica particles from a composition comprising a silicon-containing compound selected from the group consisting of tetraalkoxysilanes, trialkyloxysilanes and derivatives thereof, dialkoxysilanes and derivatives thereof, alkoxysilanes and derivatives thereof, silicone oligomers, oligomeric silsesquioxanes and silicone polymers distributed over a polymer template core that is eliminated from the particle in a two-stage heating process. The particles of the present invention have a substantially uniform particle size and exhibit low permeability to liquids.
US09469537B2

A method of replacing an electrode assembly of an ozone generator includes removing an upper closure plate of the ozone generator, removing a contact plate, lifting an individual electrode assembly to be replaced from its associated dielectric tube, and sliding a replacement electrode assembly into place. A method of replacing a dielectric tube of an ozone generator includes removing the upper closure plate, contact plate, individual electrode assembly to be replaced from its associated dielectric tube, removing a suspension means and its associated suspended dielectric tube from its respective lower seal plate aperture, sliding a replacement dielectric tube into the removed suspension means, sliding the removed suspension means and replacement dielectric tube into its respective lower seal plate aperture, sliding the lifted electrode assembly into the replaced dielectric tube, and sliding the electrode assembly with its replaced dielectric tube suspended from its associated suspension means into place.
US09469536B2

This is a system for generating hydrogen on-board the vehicle from compressed natural gas (CNG) in select ratios to create hydrogen-enriched CNG (HCNG) fuel for use in internal combustion engines. The on-board generation of hydrogen is comprised of a reforming system of CNG fuel with direct contact with exhaust gases. The reforming system controls for production of HCNG fuel mixtures is based on specific engine operating conditions. The vehicle's engine controls and operating parameters are modified for combustion of selective ratios of HCNG fuel mixtures throughout engine operating cycle. The reforming system controls and engine controls modifications are also used to minimize combustion emissions and optimize engine performance.
US09469520B2

A device for preventing the incorrect filling of a container includes a fuel delivery nozzle with an outlet pipe, a container filler neck, into which an end of the fuel nozzle is inserted and a permanent magnet assembly. The magnet assembly includes a first permanent magnet subassembly, with an individual magnet, on one of the outlet pipe and the filler neck and a second permanent magnet subassembly with a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in an annular pattern. The second permanent magnet subassembly is arranged on another of the outlet pipe and the filler neck whereby the first permanent magnet subassembly is arranged radially within the second permanent magnet subassembly, or vice versa, when the fuel nozzle is inserted. The second permanent magnet subassembly is arranged entirely rotatable and is oriented corresponding to the first permanent magnet subassembly when the fuel nozzle is inserted.
US09469519B2

This invention relates to a new nozzle for a beer valve tap and a new foamless beer tap dispensing system. The new nozzle is longer, has a small bent and end openings for a more precise release of beer from the outlet of the spout.
US09469517B2

A refrigerator includes a refrigerated compartment and a door to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment. A dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense content into a receiver vessel. The dispenser includes a control unit, an actuation system controlled by the control unit, and a dispensing outlet through which the content flows from the dispenser and into the receiver vessel. The dispenser further includes a trough located below the dispensing outlet for collecting overflow content from at least one of the receiver vessel and the dispensing outlet. The dispenser further includes a sensor coupled to the trough and in electrical communication with the control unit. The sensor is configured to detect overflow content contained within the trough. A method for controlling the dispensing of content from a dispenser is also described.
US09469516B2

Power unit that can be telescopically lengthened or shortened and performs linear movement, and includes cylindrical parts moving telescopically within each other. The cylindrical parts are equipped with at least external or internal threads to form a power unit that can be lengthened or shortened when the parts are being rotated in relation to each other. At least one cylindrical part is locked to be non-rotating or locked to rotate differently than a last cylindrical part to which a rotating producing movement to the power unit is arranged. The cylindrical parts are made of plastic and the inner diameter of the part having the smallest diameter is over 25% of the useful height produced by the smallest cylindrical part.
US09469513B2

Disclosed herein is a ratcheting, self-aligning load-lifting device featuring a ram, responsive to a pressurized medium, having at least one rack of teeth and a keyway slot, and a ratchet mechanism encircling the ram. The ratchet mechanism has at least one pawl for engagement with the rack of teeth during elevation of the ram, a set screw extending into the keyway to maintain proper alignment of the mechanism, a spring plunger radially positioned for engagement with the keyway slot after the ratchet mechanism has been rotated and the pawl has been released from the elevated rack of teeth, and a biasing means positioned within and attached to rotate the ratchet mechanism thereby urging the re-engagement of the pawl with the lowered rack of teeth.
US09469509B1

Several embodiments of an end cap are provided for use with a spreader bar system for distributing the lift force of a load across multiple points. The end cap comprises at least one lifting lug with the shackles positioned therethrough, along with at least one visual indicium for keeping a minimum of a 45 degree lift angle. Additionally, the end cap is provided with a pinch bolt system for easy assembly as well as a flat, horizontal foot plate located beneath the end cap for quick alignment. A four-point embodiment duplicates these features and positions two end caps at a 90 degree perpendicular angle atop a support plate. Additionally, a method of use is provided for pre-calculating maximum load so as to reduce the computation to a single chart.
US09469508B2

A comb plate is provided that can be monitored whether entire teeth are damaged by continuously installing one detection line in order to detect damage of teeth of a comb plate fixed to the front of a landing plate of an escalator and that has a simple configuration for damage detection and that can minimize a cost for monitoring the teeth by using only one detection line while monitoring the entire of a plurality of comb teeth provided in the comb plate.
US09469503B2

An elevator installation includes at least one car door or floor door and at least one acceleration sensor mounted on the door. The sensor generates measurements that are transmitted wirelessly to a communications module for determining maintenance data.
US09469494B2

Methods are provided for forming a butt splice to join a first web of material to a second web of material is provided. The first web of material is cut or trimmed to form a first edge. The second web of material is cut or trimmed to form a second edge, and the second edge is positioned with respect to and registered with the first edge to define a gap therebetween. A curable liquid adhesive, such as an ultraviolet (UV)-curable liquid adhesive, is dispensed or applied within the gap, and the liquid adhesive is cured to form the butt splice that joins or splices the first web of material to the second web of material.
US09469481B2

A center drive module for use with a carousel conveyor that includes a continuous loop conveyor chain. The drive module includes a drive motor that rotates one or more sprocket wheels that each engage drive lugs formed on the bottom surface the conveyor chain to move the conveyor chain along the support frame. The drive module includes a pair of guide rollers positioned on opposite sides of the sprocket wheel. The guide rollers engage the conveyor chain and rotate upon the movement of the conveyor chain. Each of the guide wheels resists vertical movement of the conveyor chain caused by the rotating sprocket wheels.
US09469470B2

A highly efficient bakery tray is provided. The tray includes a square base and is configured to stack upon another like tray in any of three or four orientations to provide three or four different product clearance heights between the trays.
US09469468B2

A mounting member fitted and mounted on an open head portion of an aerosol container having an inner diameter of 1 inch is formed with two or more valve housing mounting portions. The mounting member is fitted and mounted with the middle portion of this mounting member being located at a bead of the opening head portion of the aerosol container in such a manner that the upper portions of aerosol valves project upwardly from the opening head portion. A cover covering the outside of the mounting member is crimped to the outside of the bead in a manner to hold down a stem gasket and two or more aerosol valves are provided in the inch can.
US09469461B2

Disclosed is a chiller for a canister including: a drum-shaped tray with an open upper part; an inner casing inserted in the tray with a given space between the inside wall surface of the tray and the inner casing for receiving the canister; and a drainage container arranged between the inner casing and the tray for collecting cooling water discharged from the inner casing, thus preventing dew from being produced on the surface of the tray.
US09469459B2

A lid for a beverage cup includes: (a) a radial collar configured to engage with a rim of a drinking cup mouth, having an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface; (b) an outer reservoir wall extending axially upward from the outer surface of the radial collar and enclosing a reservoir chamber above the radial collar, and including an upper rim; (c) a reservoir floor extending radially inward from an upper end of the inner surface of the radial collar and substantially closing the reservoir chamber from below the reservoir floor, the floor including a fluid path opening providing at least part of a fluid path extending upward through the reservoir chamber, the fluid path opening being positioned along a first diametrical line extending through the reservoir chamber; (d) an inner wall separating the fluid path from the reservoir chamber substantially in the shape of an upside-down funnel extending upward from the floor, having a minor diameter extending above a vertical level of the upper rim of the outer reservoir wall to form a spout; and (e) a cap connected to the upper rim of the outer wall with a first living hinge and including a first segment with a hole adapted to receive the spout.
US09469454B2

A packaging intended to contain at least one item, such as a food product, having a flexible inner seal forming a bottom and a cover delimiting with the inner seal a cavity suitable for receiving the item. The cover is more rigid than the inner seal and includes a peripheral edge sealed on a periphery of the inner seal in a position of closure of the packaging. The packaging is such that the cover is able to be cut into at least two sectors respectively provided with gripping tabs extending the edge, when traction is exerted on one of the gripping tabs, toward a zone opposite the edge while flattening the other gripping tab on the inner seal, so as to detach from the inner seal the sector whose gripping tab is subject to this traction in order to place the packaging in a partially open position.
US09469447B2

A sealing mechanism for packaging containers offers the end recipient a way of testing and guaranteeing that the container has not been tampered with or opened during transport operations, and that it has reached its destination in the same condition as when it left. The sealing mechanism for packaging containers of the “low-coefficient” type includes a first and second pin for engaging with a relative seat present on the edge of the container, and a tab designed to fit into the space between the pins. The mechanism for packaging containers of the “high-coefficient” type features, a plate as a first component envisaged to fit into a relative seat present in the container, a second component including an opening block and a fitting designed to engage with the lid of the container, and a pin envisaged to engage with the first component and the second component, securing the entire mechanism.
US09469445B2

A package includes a container and a lid adapted to mate with a brim of the container. The lid closes a top opening in the container when mounted on the container.
US09469441B2

Methods of increasing the perceived thickness and strength of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while increasing a loft of at least a portion of the film. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns and alternating peaks and valleys into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.
US09469438B2

A PIM holder for attaching a PIM device having a cable to a rail in a medical environment includes a holster and a clamping device. The holster includes an open end sized to receive a PIM device and includes a cable opening extending from the open end on a side adjacent the open end to a side opposite the open end. The clamping device is sized and configured to attach the holster to a rail. The clamping device includes a stationary jaw secured to the holster and a moving jaw disposed adjacent the stationary jaw. The stationary jaw and moving jaw form an opening that receives the rail in a lateral direction and forms a passage therebetween to capture the rail. An actuator is pivotable between an open position and a closed position to displace the moving jaw to open and close the clamping device.
US09469429B2

A crate, includes a bottom, two end walls, and two side walls. Each of the side walls comprises a first lateral edge adjacent to the first end wall, a second lateral edge adjacent to the second end wall, a lower edge adjacent to the bottom, and an upper edge distant from the bottom. Each side wall comprises a continuous stiffening member extending parallel to the lateral edges and at least partly to the upper edge. The continuous stiffening member comprises a stiffening portion extending at least in one area between the lateral edges from the upper edge in the direction towards the lower edge and back to the upper edge.
US09469428B2

A hollow multi-layered container comprises: an outer layer including a label and an inner layer, which is injection molded. The label has a barrier material that impedes one or more substances that emanate from a product from penetrating through the label, and the label displays information related to the product. The inner layer and the barrier material of the outer layer are substantially coextensive. For a container having a sidewall and an inclined shoulder extending inward from the sidewall, the label includes a primary segment covering the sidewall of the container and a plurality of shoulder pads covering the shoulder in at least approximately contiguous alignment with adjacent said shoulder pads. A method of inserting an in-mold label for an injection molded product into the mold, comprises the steps of: (a) inserting the label partially into a cavity bounded by a cavity mold part so that one end of the label extends from the cavity; and (b) upon closing the mold, pushing the label fully into the cavity by pushing against the label with a mold part that is moved toward the cavity when the mold is closed so that when the label is fully within the cavity, the lateral edges of the label are aligned with each other.
US09469421B1

The present application is the first pragmatic process capable of shielding spacecraft and occupants from destructive impact and penetration of the crafts' exterior walls by positively charged particles of cosmic rays and solar wind. The technology also protects the craft from internal cascading secondary radiation caused by energetic particles that strike the surface and those that penetrate to the interior. Particles posing the highest level of danger to spacecraft are low and high energy protons, positive ions and few-particle nuclei. Accordingly, a reliable, enduring and safe shielding mechanism for spacecraft has not been available until the development of the present application. The shielding is accomplished by conveying a positive electric charge to the atoms and molecules of the exterior surface. Incoming particles are diverted and deflected from the surface by an established electric field derived through an advanced electric system that utilizes electrons emitted by solar wind as electric energy.
US09469418B1

Composite structures for space vehicles and other aerospace vehicles are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a space vehicle pressure vessel includes composite panels or sidewalls with septumized core. In another embodiment, a splice joint for joining septumized composite panels in space vehicle structures is disclosed herein.
US09469416B2

A collision avoidance system for an airplane under tow may include a sensing device configured to capture image data of at least a portion of the airplane and an object while the airplane is being towed. The sensing device may be located remotely to both the airplane and the object. Positions of two or more features of the airplane may be determined based on the image data. A bounding box encompassing the airplane may be generated based, at least in part, on the positions of the two or more features. Additionally, based on a comparison of the position of an object relative to the bounding box, it may be determined whether the object is within a predetermined distance from the airplane.
US09469410B2

An aerial refueling system utilizes the full drogue-probe coupling event as a control parameter for hose control. A variety of different types of signal sending and signal receiving devices may be used to indicate a coupling event between the drogue and probe. A positive coupling signal may serve to trigger a hose reel actuator to take up slack in the hose 16.
US09469407B2

A fluid temperature control installation for a rotorcraft, the installation comprising a system for cooling a main transmission (3) and a system for temperature control of the ambient air (32) of a cabin (16). A heat exchanger (8) is fitted with a bladeless ventilator (9). A source air stream (11) generated by an accessory compressor (5) driven by the main transmission (3) passes through the heat exchanger (8) where it takes heat. The source air stream (11) is distributed selectively to the bladeless ventilator (9) to generate a cooling air stream (13) passing through the heat exchanger (8), and/or is distributed to the cabin (16) after passing through the heat exchanger (8) in order to heat the ambient air (32) of the cabin.
US09469403B2

An aircraft monument includes an elongate cavity having an open end and a lift apparatus mounted to the monument and adapted for lifting goods along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The monument is adapted to be mounted on a floor structure of an aircraft separating two compartments of the aircraft from each other such that the open end of the cavity faces the floor structure. The lift apparatus includes a guide means including two straight guide members spaced apart, and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, a conveying means including two conveying members each mounted to a different guide member, a moving means for linearly moving the two conveying members, a control means for controlling the moving means to synchronize the linear movement of the conveying members, and a gripping means secured to the conveying means and adapted for selectively gripping and releasing goods.
US09469400B1

A reconfigurable seatback system and methods are described. The reconfigurable seatback system includes a display configured to provide in-flight entertainment to a passenger of an aircraft, a receptacle area and a cover panel. The receptacle area is positioned in a seatback of the aircraft and is configured to releasably receive and hold the display. The cover panel is configured to cover the receptacle area when the display is not positioned within the receptacle area.
US09469395B1

A multi-layered body system, including an inner body and an outer body, reduces the effects of turbulence on a vehicle by generating a counteracting force that stabilizes the inner body. During operation of the vehicle, the inner body may be electromagnetically levitated within the outer body using mitigation devices, such as powered electromagnets. Such electromagnetic levitation may cause the outer body to absorb turbulent force, which may be absorbed throughout the outer body and/or cause the outer body to move (e.g., toward the inner body). The system may include sensors that detect turbulent force imposed on the outer body. A computer may calculate a counteracting force that should be applied based on the detected turbulent force, and cause a mitigating device to output the counteracting force. The counteracting force may be provided to resume EM levitation within operational parameters.
US09469388B2

The Liquid Flyer Flexi Underwater Raft is a unique, convertible, floatation device that allows one or more people to float horizontally underwater with heads and feet above water. It was designed for relaxed meditative floatation, water play, pain relief, and life-saving purposes, determined by which configuration the user puts it into. It is comprised of six 22-inch members of hollow-core extruded closed-cell polyethylene foam (water noodles), connected via nylon or polyester rope of high tensile strength, that is threaded through originally designed resin end caps, affixed to both ends of each foam member to prevent the rope from tearing the foam. The rope is tied and knotted internally within one member for the appearance of having an invisible seam. When compared to other recreational and life saving similar devices, the Liquid Flyer has many more advantages, as spelled out in this document.
US09469386B2

A device for coupling a pair of kite lines to a kite harness loop has a first releasable coupling rotatably attached to the harness loop for securing a first kite line to the harness loop and a second releasable coupling rotatably attached to the harness loop for securing a second kite line to the harness loop. The first and second couplings are rotatable about a common axis. An attachment point for a third line is provided. The attachment point is also rotatable about the common axis.
US09469372B2

A bicycle pedal comprises a pedal axle, a pedal body, a first sub member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a biasing structure. The first sub member is movable relative to the pedal body about a first pivot axis in a first pivot direction and a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction. The first clamping member is movable relative to the first sub member about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to the first pivot axis in a third pivot direction and a fourth pivot direction opposite to the third pivot direction. The first pivot axis is closer to a point on the pedal axle than the second pivot axis when viewed from an axial direction parallel to the first pivot axis.
US09469370B2

An accessory cross bar for a passenger carrier bicycle trailer comprising a bicycle carrier frame with a coupling arrangement at a front end of the frame for coupling of the bicycle trailer to a bicycle and a push-handle at a rear end of the frame. The accessory cross bar is adapted for horizontal mounting at the rear end of the bicycle trailer frame and has a non-circular cross-section.
US09469368B2

An assembly for the primary fastening of a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle wheel to wheel mount(s), as is commonly done by a cam operated quick release, incorporating a uniquely formed drawbar and a rotation handle wherein primary fastening is accomplished by simple rotation of the rotation handle about the drawbar axis.
US09469359B2

An improved removable seat back for a motorcycle including a cushion, a frame, the frame including an upper portion secured to the cushion and a lower portion having a pair of frame supports, and a pair of frame connection members. Each of the frame connection members includes a connection member upper portion and a connection member lower portion. The connection member upper portion is preferably rotatably secured to one of the frame supports with a pin and slot arrangement and the connection member lower portion generally includes a first securement point and a second securement point where at least one of the securement points is preferably a groove and one preferably includes a clip. When no longer needed, the seat back is removed by disconnecting the frame connection members from the motorcycle, rotating them and storing them in a saddlebag.
US09469356B2

An apparatus is disclosed for connecting a drive wheel axle and a track roller frame in a tracked vehicle. The apparatus includes an arm portion for attachment to the track roller frame; a yoke comprising a pivotal connection to the arm portion about a first pivot axis; a bearing housing comprising a pivotal connection to the yoke about a second pivot axis; a bearing assembly disposed adjacent the bearing housing; and a collet separated from the bearing housing by the bearing assembly, wherein the collet is configured for affixation to the drive wheel axle. A method is disclosed for accommodating forces in a vehicle on a drive wheel axle transmitted through a track roller frame, the method including providing an apparatus connecting the drive wheel axle and the track roller frame. The method further includes pivoting portions of the apparatus relative to each other about first and second pivot axes.
US09469355B2

A rear region of a motor vehicle has an underbody with at least one air-guiding element that is adjustable from a rest position into various operative positions. One operative position increases negative lift and another operative position reduces aerodynamic drag. The air-guiding element is adjustable into the individual operative positions via a central, transversely arranged pivot axis.
US09469350B2

The present disclosure provides an underbody manufacturing method and a vehicle underbody. The method includes determining dimensions for the vehicle underbody and underbody panels, selecting the underbody panels, putting the underbody panels in a stamping die for stamping to form concave and convex parts on the underbody panels, welding the stamped underbody panels to splice the underbody in the length direction and/or the width direction, so as to make the underbody reach the determined length and width. Underbodies with various dimensions can be formed using the same stamping die, and accordingly, die cost is saved and vehicle development time is shortened, which provides convenience for diversified body designs on the whole.
US09469348B2

A number of variations may include a product including a vehicle rocker side reinforcement attached to an inboard face of the vehicle rocker. A number of variations may include a product including a vehicle rocker side reinforcement having a tipped surface. A number of variations may include a method comprising: attaching a rocker side reinforcement to a first wall of a rocker.
US09469336B2

Disclosed is an arrangement of an electronic steering assistive device of a multipurpose vehicle. The multipurpose vehicle includes a frame unit that includes a pair of left and right side frames and a cross bar connected to the pair of left and right side frames. The cross bar includes a dashboard cover mounted to a side thereof facing a vehicle body rear end. The cross bar includes a steering mechanism mounted thereto. The steering mechanism includes an electronic motor based steering assistive device, which is arranged closely adjacent to the cross bar and in front of the dashboard cover so that the electronic motor based steering assistive device is kept away from a ground surface.
US09469330B2

A lock device of a steering system includes a tongue piece unit and a frame plate held on a first side plate. The tongue piece unit includes elastic tongue pieces supported in a cantilever manner by a vertical frame provided along at least one of longitudinal edge portions of at least one of first side plates to form a row that extends in a tilt direction. The frame plate includes partitioning portions, between which a plurality of grooves are formed to house the elastic tongue pieces so as to be projectable. When a steering column is locked, some of the elastic tongue pieces are pressed by a pressing surface of a tightening member to be retracted into grooves. Consequently, the tightening member is interposed between the elastic tongue pieces projecting from the grooves in the tilt direction.
US09469328B2

A ski conversion assembly including: braces for attachment to skis and an axle of a stroller or trailer; and a rigger element for connecting to a ski and including a runner element. In a first position, the runner element is locatable between the first and second skis. In a second position, the runner element is locatable beyond the first ski in a direction from the second ski toward the first ski. A ski conversion assembly, including: braces for attachment to skis and an axle of a stroller or trailer; and a brake element including a first portion arranged to be fixedly secured to an end of a ski, a second portion pivotably connected to the first portion and arranged to extend past the end of the ski, and a resilient element urging the second portion in a direction from a top of the ski toward a bottom of the ski.
US09469327B2

A snow bike front suspension system for improving the handling and ride quality for a snow bike. The snow bike front suspension system generally includes an upper bracket attached to the upper legs of a motorcycle's telescopic forks, at least one support arm attached to the lower leg of the telescopic forks and a guide arm pivotally connected between the upper bracket and the support arms to maintain the alignment of the support arms.
US09469326B2

A collapsible support frame particularly for an infant pushchair comprises in an erect configuration at least a centrally located elongate spine and a seating cavity within the support frame in which to receive a seat. The spine being coupled at or towards one end to a coupler and at or towards its other end to a handle assembly.
US09469325B2

Because sidewalks are sloped for rain, one arm may tire before the other when pushing a stroller or wheelchair because it constantly requires more force from one hand to offset gravity in order to go straight. A slip clutch to couple/uncouple the rear wheels acts like AUTOPILOT STEERING, and that makes pushing more efficient, easier/less strain, on any surface. The slip clutch automatically couples/uncouples the wheels depending on the force difference applied by the hands pushing. When the force difference is moderate, the combined force will 100% efficiently propel straight! Without a slip clutch, even a moderate difference in force will cause some zigzagging which is less efficient and takes more energy than going straight. To turn, the force difference is intentionally greater to automatically uncouple the two wheels to allow turning. Turning requires more energy—that's the tradeoff. However, conveyances are pushed straight most of the time.
US09469315B2

A railway vehicle brake system includes at least two relay valves in electrical communication with one another and in fluid communication with a brake pipe, at least two friction brake units in fluid communication with each relay valve, and at least one electric brake unit in electrical communication with each relay valve. Upon a failure of one of the electric brake units, the relay valve in communication with the failed electric brake unit sends a signal to at least one other relay valve to provide pressurized fluid to the at least two friction brake units in fluid communication with the at least one other relay valve. The at least two relay valves may include integrated electric relay valves. The at least two friction brake units may include disc brake units. Each relay valve may be positioned between and in fluid communication with the brake pipe and a main reservoir pipe.
US09469296B2

A method and arrangement are described for manoeuvre generation for automated driving on a one-way road of a vehicle (e) hosting the arrangement, the host vehicle (e) further including one or more advanced driver assistance systems. A collision free reference trajectory for longitudinal and lateral movement of the host vehicle (e) is determined repeatedly, with a fix time interval, for allowing the host vehicle (e) to retain a desired velocity and maintain the host vehicle (e) in a preferred lane utilizing model predictive control and quadratic program formulation. A control scheme where the structured environment of the one-way road is exploited in order to linearly formulate collision avoidance constraints is utilized. Manoeuvre generation is performed through solving the quadratic program. The one or more advanced driver assistance systems are controlled to perform the generated manoeuvre.
US09469283B2

A braking apparatus 1 of a vehicle includes: a hydraulic brake device 4 that brakes the vehicle via friction in response to operation of a brake pedal; a regenerative brake device 5 that performs regenerative braking using, as an electricity generator, a motor 3 for running the vehicle; and a collision avoidance device 20 that performs automatic braking of the vehicle by controlling operation of the hydraulic brake device 4 in accordance with obstacle detection information detected by an obstacle detection device 21, to avoid collision of the vehicle with an obstacle, wherein an electric servo brake controller 10 of the collision avoidance device 20 terminates activation of the regenerative braking, if activated, before the automatic braking is started by the collision avoidance device 20.
US09469282B2

Disclosed are a clutch operating system and a driving method of a clutch operating system. The system may include a clutch master cylinder connected to a clutch pedal and generating hydraulic pressure by operation of the clutch pedal, a piston provided in the clutch master cylinder and reciprocally moving according to the operation of the clutch pedal, and an integrated sensor detecting a stroke of the piston, selectively supplying power to a starting motor according to the stroke of the piston, and providing the stroke of the piston to an ECU (electronic control unit) to control a transmission and an EPB (electronic parking brake).
US09469279B2

The invention relates to a support (2) for supporting and compensating a shift in the position of a parked semi-trailer (1), which support consists of an outer support tube (21) and an inner support (22), which can be telescopically slid into the outer support tube (21) and consists of a support upper part (221) and a support lower part (222), said parts being hinged together by a pivot bearing (23), wherein the lower end of the support lower part (222) is rigidly connected to a rolling segment (24) and the outer surface of the outer support tube (21) is fully closed at least along the edge facing the inner support (22), and wherein the rolling segment (24) has a dished shape and in the retracted state of the support (2) the outer support tube (21) protrudes into the rolling segment (24).
US09469277B2

The invention relates to a wiping device, in particular a wiping device for a motor vehicle pane, comprising a retaining element (10a-10f) with at least one longitudinal guide channel (18a-18f) for guiding at least one spring element (20a-20f). According to the invention, the retaining element (10a-10f) has at least three fixing cavities (26a-26f, 28a-28f, 30a-30f, 32a) that are offset in the longitudinal direction (22a-22f) and that are provided in order to interlock with a wiper blade adapter (12a-12f).
US09469269B2

A passenger retaining apparatus includes a driver seat airbag and a curtain airbag. The curtain airbag includes first and second inflation portions and a recess portion. The first inflation portion is inflated at a passenger side with respect to the inflated driver seat airbag in a vehicle body longitudinal direction. The second inflation portion is inflated at a wind shield side with respect to the inflated driver seat airbag in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. The recess portion is formed between the first and second inflation portions to engage with the inflated driver seat airbag. The driver seat airbag retains a front surface of a head of the passenger and the first inflation portion retains a side surface of the head of the passenger.
US09469266B2

An inflator attachment structure for attaching an inflator of an airbag apparatus to a retaining member of the airbag apparatus includes a first flange member including a first cylindrical part having a shape matching a substantially cylindrical projecting part provided on a lateral surface of the inflator, and including a first flange part extending outwardly in a radial direction from the first cylindrical part, the first flange member being pressed onto and engaged with the inflator from one side of the projecting part in an axial direction, and a second flange member including a second cylindrical part having a shape matching the projecting part, and including a second flange part extending outwardly in a radial direction from the second cylindrical part, the second flange member being pressed onto and engaged with the inflator from another side of the projecting part in the axial direction, wherein the first flange member includes a securing part for use in bolt securement to the retaining member, and wherein the second flange member is nipped between the first flange member and the retaining member when the first flange member is bolt-secured to the retaining member.
US09469254B1

Speaker systems are provided, particularly for mounting in off-road vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, watercraft and motorcycles. The speaker systems may include a linear array of speakers and a housing encasing a backside thereof. In some cases, the housing includes sliding track mounts along its top and bottom surfaces. In addition or alternatively, the speaker systems may include nut and bolt fasteners arranged on top of the housing and/or mounting brackets arranged along opposing lateral sides of the housing. In some embodiments, a speaker system may be suspended in proximity to an upper bar of a windshield frame, front roll bar, and/or front edge of a roof of a vehicle and adjustable mounting brackets may be used to direct the speakers toward the driver and passenger seats of the vehicle. In some cases, a speaker system may be operationally independent from a stereo of a vehicle in which it is mounted.
US09469253B2

A holder device for a portable electronic apparatus for a motor vehicle. The device includes a stationary frame, secured to a structural element of the vehicle, and a drawer connected to the frame. The connection of the drawer to the frame is arranged such that the drawer is movable relative to the frame between a storage position and a usage position of the electronic apparatus. The connection provides a sliding movement between the storage and usage positions. In the usage position, a usage volume is at least partially delimited by the frame and the drawer. The portable electronic apparatus cam be maintained in the usage volume by a first and a second stop member coming into contact with the apparatus in at least two opposite points thereof and biased toward one another by at least one elastic member.
US09469245B2

An automobile sun visor includes: a sun visor body; and a mirror unit. The mirror unit includes: a mirror; a mirror retaining member to keep the mirror in place; and a mirror cover attached to the mirror retaining member and with a lighting apparatus provided in it. Power is supplied to the lighting apparatus when the mirror cover is moved from a closed position to an open position, and the power supply to the lighting apparatus is shut off when the mirror cover is moved from the open position to the closed position.
US09469242B2

In a headlamp light distribution control device, a light source configured by a pair of lamps mounted in a forward vehicle is extracted from an image of the forward vehicle if a distance to the forward vehicle is less than a predetermined value, and the number of the extracted light sources is judged. When the number of the extracted light sources is two, an irradiation direction of a headlamp is controlled such that a shielded area is set in an irradiation area to prevent an area including the lamp of the forward vehicle from being irradiated. When the number of the extracted light sources is one, the irradiation direction is controlled such that a shielded area is set in the irradiation area to have a margin in right and left directions larger than the shielded area set when the number of the extracted light sources is two.
US09469238B1

A load restraint device including a base plate having a center and a first wing and a second wing extending outwardly from the center, at about a right angle from each other, with the wings defining a space between the wings. Also, a central pin is rigidly attached to the center of the base and extends outwardly in direction perpendicular to the base plate, and has a rounded surface, facing away from the space between the wings. Further, a first side pin is attached to the first wing and a second side pin attached to the second wing, with the side pins extending parallel to the central pin. Finally, an end plate is rigidly attached to the central pin and has two end plate wings, defining a space between, that is aligned to the space between the wings, the end plate being parallel to the base plate.
US09469236B2

A system including a first transportable element having a first work space; and a second transportable element having a second work space, wherein the first and second work spaces each contain a portion of an equipment, wherein all of the equipment is contained in the first and second work spaces, and wherein the first and second work spaces are alignable with one another at a worksite such that the equipment can perform an assembly operation at the worksite, the assembly operation including performance of at least one step performed in the first work space and at least one step performed in the second work space.
US09469233B2

A cargo loading apparatus of a vehicle luggage room may include a rail mechanism including a fixation rail fixed to a rear back beam and a movable rail that moves forward and/or rearward along the fixation rail, a pair of left and right side plates connected with the movable rail to move together with the movable rail, an upper plate in which a rear side surface is rotatably connected with the side plates through a hinge stopper to be rotatable substantially perpendicularly to the side plates and a rear end is connected with a bumper door, and a lifter installed so that one end of which is connected to a side plate of the side plates and the other end of which is connected to the upper plate, the lifter maintaining a rotational state of the upper plate while a length of the lifter is varied when the upper plate rotates upward around the hinge stopper.
US09469232B2

An attachment bracket for use with heavy machinery and adapted to releasably attach to a double wheeled bin. The attachment bracket has a plurality of spaced parallel elongated bracket frame members, an elongated wide plate member connected to each the bracket frame member forming a rigid connection therebetween, a pair of spaced main hook members removably and adjustably connected to the wide plate member in between the bracket frame members, and a pair of secondary hook members, each rotationally connected to a respective the main hook member and biased such that they will return to an initial position when not being forced to rotate.
US09469229B2

A partition for separating front and rear occupant areas of a vehicle comprises a frame and multiple panel members. The frame is for attachment to the vehicle and has an upper lateral member, respective angled side tubular members and a window. The multiple panel members are configured to fit vertically between the window and a floor pan and horizontally between first and second sides. The multiple panel members comprise a first panel member for positioning adjacent the first side, a second panel member for positioning adjacent the second side and a center section laterally adjacent and separating the first and second panel members. The center section protrudes rearwardly relative to the first panel member and the second panel member. The second panel member is recessed forwardly of the first panel member and forwardly of the center section to increase space available in a rear seat aligned with the second panel member.
US09469226B2

A fastening arrangement (1) for a headrest, in particular for a vehicle seat has a main body (2) which is intended to hold a head-supporting part. The main body can be fixed to a retaining rod (4) by a fastening element (6). The fastening element (6) is integrally connected to the main body.
US09469220B2

A vehicle seat and seat back adjustment mechanism are disclosed that provide for adjusting the angle of inclination of a seat back relative to a seat base and also permit easy entry to the area behind the seat by allowing the seat back to be released to move between an adjusted angle of inclination and a position in which the seat back is folded over the seat base. The adjustment mechanism includes at least one comfort tilt recliner mechanism and one easy entry recliner mechanism that are joined via a first interface and a second interface face each, respectively, located on the outer surfaces of the facing plates of the two mechanisms by a radial laser welding process, such that the mechanisms may be coaxially attached to the vehicle seat to permit the seat back to pivot about a single axis.
US09469211B2

A first and second charging equipment for charging electric vehicles is wired on a single electrical circuit. Electric current is dynamically allocated to the first and second charging equipment such that the maximum amount of electric current supported by the single electrical circuit is prevented from being exceeded. Dynamically allocating electric current to the first and second charging equipment includes communicating a first and second current limit to a first and second electric vehicle respectively connected to the first and second charging equipment to cause the first and second electric vehicle to limit their current draw to not exceed the first and second current limit respectively. The sum of current being drawn at the first and second current limit does not exceed the maximum amount of electric current supported by the single electrical circuit.
US09469210B2

An ECU is mounted on a vehicle that is able to carry out external charging for charging an in-vehicle battery with electric power from an outside of the vehicle and external discharging for discharging electric power inside the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle. The ECU sets a control mode of the vehicle to any one of a charging mode for carrying out the external charging, a discharging mode for carrying out the external discharging, and a traveling mode for propelling the vehicle. The ECU determines which one of the charging mode and the discharging mode is given a higher priority in accordance with a state of the vehicle when a user has carried out operation to require the external discharging during the charging mode or when the user has carried out operation to require the external charging during the discharging mode.
US09469207B2

Dynamic wireless charging systems may involve coordinating multiple charging base pads to provide coordinated, continuous power transfers to a moving receiver along the distance in which the dynamic wireless charging system is installed. The layout and design of the charging base pads, the current flow through the charging base pads, and the sequencing of charging base pad activation and current flow implemented may dramatically affect the power transfers and practicality of such dynamic systems. The sequencing and control of these coils may need to be capable of managing the individual coils with minimal infrastructure as well as be capable of distributing the required power from the power grid to these pads efficiently and safely, and may comprise charging base pads, controllers to control the power flow to, activation of, and current flow direction within the base pads.
US09469206B1

A charging gun for charging a charging seat includes a connecting line configured to deliver an electric charge from an electric source, a charging head located at one end of the connecting line, and a number of first pins. The number of first pins is surrounded by a first peripheral wall. The first peripheral wall includes at least one first protrusion protruded from an outer surface thereof. The number of first pins connects to a corresponding number of second pins of the charging seat. The charging seat includes a second peripheral wall surrounding the number of second pins. The diameter of an inner surface of the second peripheral wall is greater than the diameter of the outer surface of the first peripheral wall.
US09469205B2

A female connector of a high voltage junction box includes a first case and a second case that are coupled to form a space for accommodation of electric wiring, a connector housing configured as a pipe at one side of the first case and having an internal opening portion that is closed via coupling with a holder formed in the second case, and a bus bar extending from the electric wiring, inserted into the connector housing, and fixed to the connector housing by the holder. A method for assembling the female connector includes holding electric wiring on a first case to insert a bus bar formed on the electric wiring into a connector housing formed on the first case for connection with external wiring; coupling the first case and the second case to fix the bus bar; and forming a space for accommodation of the electric wiring.
US09469203B2

Battery information output equipment allows a driver of an electric vehicle 10 of an electricity consumer 2, now parked, to input what battery capacity is required at two or more points of time on or before the time at which the electric vehicle is scheduled to come into use, considering an operation schedule for the vehicle, and transmits the usable capacity at each point of the times, i.e., maximum capacity minus capacity required at each point of the times, to a power supply/demand management center 3, so that charge and discharge of a battery 17 is controlled by a charge/discharge command from the power supply/demand management center 3 such that use of battery capacity for power supply and demand leveling is kept within the usable capacity at any point of the times.
US09469202B2

A method of controlling and a system for charging a battery power supply unit for a bicycle electronic device, even in critical temperature conditions, is provided. Heat energy is supplied to the power supply unit when its temperature is lower than or equal to a lower temperature threshold within a closed charging temperature range characteristic of the power supply unit.
US09469196B2

A control board having an integrated structure of a steering wheel and an accelerator pedal may include a control board that may be disposed ahead of a driver's seat in a vehicle, an accelerator pedal lever that moves up/down on the control board, a steering wheel that may be turnably mounted by a coupling hole at an upper portion of the accelerator pedal lever, a shift button unit and a start button unit that may be formed in types of buttons on the control board, and a shock-absorbing member that may be disposed at a lower end of the control board, wherein the control board may be connected to a cylinder rod in a dashboard, so the control board pops up in use and returns not in use.
US09469192B2

A vehicle differential inversion assembly for splitting the torque of the vehicle power source two ways to opposite sides of the vehicle, to a set of wheels; a left wheel and a right wheel. The wheels are supported by respective independent left and right suspensions allowing vertical travel of each wheel. The assembly features a differential module for splitting the torque two ways. The differential module is disposed between the left wheel and the right wheel and has a left side output and a right side output. The outputs spin at opposed directions. A left output axle couples with the left side output and extends to the left of the differential module. A right output axle couples with the right side output and extends to the right of the differential module. A left wheel axle is cross-coupled with the right output axle by a right inversion joint disposed at a distance to the right of the differential module. The left wheel axle extends toward and turns the left wheel. A right wheel axle is cross-coupled with the left output axle by a left inversion joint disposed at a distance to the left of the differential module. The right wheel axle extends toward and turns the right wheel. The right inversion joint and the left inversion joint provide for angular articulation of the left wheel axle and the right wheel axle, respectively, thereby allowing the vertical travel of each wheel.
US09469186B2

A drivetrain providing tractive torque to a ground vehicle includes a non-combustion torque machine coaxial to and rotatably coupled to an integrated gear set including a conjoined carrier assembly coupling a reducing gear set to a differential gear set. The differential gear set is coaxial to and rotatably coupled to first and second differential axle members. The first differential axle member couples to a first wheel assembly of the ground vehicle and the second differential axle member couples to a second wheel assembly located on a second, opposite side of the ground vehicle.
US09469183B2

The invention relates to a battery support arrangement (12) for a vehicle (10), with a battery-holding element (14) for receiving a battery (16), a guide arrangement (18) by means of which the battery-holding element (14) is mounted movably relative to the vehicle (10), and with coupling elements which are designed to couple the earth-receiving element (14) to a vehicle structure connected fixedly to the vehicle (10) and/or at least partially to decouple the battery-holding element from the vehicle structure, wherein the coupling elements have an actuator (22) which is designed to adjust the degree of the coupling and/or the temporal profile of the coupling.
US09469181B2

A tonneau cover latching mechanism is described. The tonneau cover latching mechanism provides for the tonneau cover to be slammed or closed shut in a single motion and engage at two points on the pick-up truck to secure the tonneau cover in a closed position. The tonneau cover latching mechanism may include a lockable handle. A link is engaged to the handle. The link is engaged to a spring loading mechanism. A first rod is rotatably engaged to the spring loading mechanism. A second rod is rotatably engaged to the spring loading mechanism. The first rod engages and disengages the first striker. The second rod engages and disengages a second striker.
US09469170B1

A vehicle tire traction device including an attachment base having an upper surface, lower surface, a center portion, a first wing and a second wing. The first and second wing are continuously disposed on each of a respective right side and a left side. An adhesive layer is continuously disposed on a lower surface of each of the base, first wing and second wing. The base center portion attaches to tire tread surface. Each of the first and second wing is configured to removable attach to a respective inner and outer side wall. A biodegradable inner core is continuously disposed on an upper surface of the attachment base. An outer traction surface is continuously disposed on a top side of the inner core. The outer traction surface is configured to provide traction.
US09469169B1

A tire pressure monitoring system having a built-in bootloader includes a tire pressure detecting element and an update setting element. The tire pressure detecting element includes a flash memory, wherein the flash memory has a backup bootloader and an inner memory section. The update setting element stores a plurality of reset modules, and each of the reset modules corresponds to the inner memory section, wherein the backup bootloader is started for selecting one of the reset modules to cover the inner memory section.
US09469166B2

Localization of a tire pressure monitor is achieved. The tire pressure monitor is disposed at one of the tires on a vehicle equipped with dualies. A message is received from a tire pressure monitor and the message has an associated received signal strength. The message includes information indicating a direction of rotation of a tire and a tire identifier from the tire pressure monitor sensor. The tire pressure monitor is disposed at one of the tires of a vehicle equipped with dualies.
US09469163B2

Provided is a pneumatic tire including an inner liner disposed inwardly in the tire relative to a carcass ply bridged between a pair of bead portions. The inner liner is formed of a first layer disposed inwardly in the tire and a second layer disposed to be in contact with a rubber layer of the carcass ply. The first layer is a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing a thermoplastic elastomer containing at least one of a styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer and an SIBS modified copolymer having a styrene block moiety modified with acid chloride or acid anhydride having an unsaturated bond. The thermoplastic elastomer composition also contains at least one of an ultraviolet absorber and an antioxidant. The second layer is a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing at least one of a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer and a styrene-isobutylene block copolymer.
US09469156B2

Wheel hub and method for forming a wheel hub. Wheel hub includes a rim having a circumferential surface with axial ends, and one rim flange being arranged at each axial end of the circumferential surface. The rim includes a fiber-reinforced plastic as a main component and each of the rim flanges is releasably connectable to the rim.
US09469148B1

A stair-step, expandable file folder is disclosed, in which each pocket in the folder has the same depth, rather than the back pockets being deeper than the front pockets. The folder includes a series of dividers that form the front and back sides of the pockets of the folder. The top edges of the dividers have increasing height, from the front to the back of the folder. The dividers are folded to form the bottoms of the pockets, with the folded portions also increasing in height from the front to the back of the folder. Each divider extends downward to form the back face of a pocket, is folded forward to form the bottom face of the pocket, and is folded downward to extend toward the bottom edge of the folder. The troughs in an expandable gusset support the sides of the dividers. Above the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into one trough. Below the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into the adjacent trough toward the front of the folder.
US09469146B2

The present invention is directed to a greeting card which combines a pop-up element with audio and motor movement. The greeting card contains two different sized pop-up panels which are spaced apart and parallel to one another. Two die cut shapes serve as mobile objects which spin or rotate upon opening the greeting card. The size and placement of the pop-up panels and the mobile objects create a three-dimensional scene. A slide trigger initiates audio playback and motor movement of the mobile objects upon opening the greeting card.
US09469142B2

A tape cassette that includes a housing having a front wall and a tape feed exit located on the front wall, a tape included at least partially within the housing and configured to be fed along a tape feed path to the tape feed exit, a recess formed on the front wall extending from a bottom surface of the housing towards a top surface of the housing, and a first tape type indicator aperture on a bottom edge of the front wall. The first tape type indicator aperture is positioned downstream, in a tape feed direction, of the recess. The tape feed direction is a direction in which the tape is configured to be fed along a portion of the tape feed path proximate to the front wall.
US09469138B1

A liquid is ejected which has a volume exceeding a volume for forming a dot of a maximum size used in regular liquid ejection to output a high load pattern, an ejection abnormality detection pattern is output for detecting an ejection element abnormality within a specific period of time from outputting the high load pattern, read data of the output ejection abnormality detection pattern is acquired, and the acquired read data is analyzed to detect an abnormal ejection element.
US09469129B2

Both highly reliable detection of a mark and suppression of a sheet consumption amount can be achieved when a continuous sheet is cut on an image basis after a plurality of images has been printed on the continuous sheet. For this purpose, at the time of a first surface printing operation, by accumulating correction factors obtained for a plurality of pages, a more highly reliable correction factor is obtained. Further, at the time of a second surface printing operation, by controlling a conveyance operation with the highly reliable correction factor, a cut mark is surely detected by the detecting operation of the cut mark sensor within a limited range.
US09469127B2

The invention relates to a method for applying an image onto a receiving medium, wherein the gloss of the image is controlled by controlling the temperature of the receiving medium. The invention further relates to an ink jet apparatus. The invention further relates to a method for determining a job setting of a print job for obtaining an image having a desired gloss level.
US09469126B2

A method of surface pre-treatment of a variety of ink-receiving substrates of different types includes applying treatment energy to the surface of the substrates in a controlled atmosphere that contains nitrogen and oxygen. The amount of energy per surface area is adjusted dependent upon the type of substrate. The ratio of oxygen to nitrogen in the controlled atmosphere is adjusted dependent upon the type of substrate.
US09469124B2

An image forming apparatus includes: a classification unit configured to classify ink colors to be superimposedly ejected in a region with a color tone change within a color image formed on a print sheet into a reference color exempted from an ejection timing correction and a correction color subjected to the ejection timing correction, for each line, based on information on comparison between minimum drop numbers acquired by a drop number acquisition unit and information on comparison between drop number distributions acquired by a distribution acquisition unit; a correction scheme acquisition unit configured to acquire a correction scheme of the ink ejection timing of the correction color in the region, for each line; and a correction unit configured to correct the ink ejection timing of the correction color in the region with the correction scheme acquired by the correction scheme acquisition unit, for each line.
US09469111B2

A liquid ejection head includes a plurality of ejection members, each having an ejection port for ejecting liquid and a liquid chamber for supplying liquid to the ejection port, a base substrate carrying the plurality of ejection members arranged thereon, the base substrate being provided with a common flow channel for supplying liquid to the plurality of liquid chambers, and a plurality of branch ports each allowing the common flow channel to communicate with the plurality of liquid chambers. Each of the branch ports is provided with a notch portion at an upstream side thereof as viewed in the flow direction of liquid flowing through the common flow channel.
US09469110B1

A liquid ejecting head includes: an ejection surface along which a plurality of nozzles that eject ink are arranged; and a projection portion which has a long shape on the ejection surface, and protrudes toward the ejection surface, in which the projection portion includes a part in which the height varies from one end side to the other end side, in which the width of the projection portion becomes narrower from a base side to a tip end side in the direction of height, and in which the shapes of end portions of the projection portions on one end side and the other end side are different from each other. Accordingly, even when a medium transported opposing the ejection surface is curled, it is possible to prevent the medium from floating up by the projection portion, and thus, it is possible to prevent the medium from coming into contact with the ejection surface by a simple configuration.
US09469109B2

Embodiments disclose herein are directed to a microfluidic delivery device that has a predominantly semiconductor structure, such as silicon. In particular, the structure for delivering fluid may be formed from polycrystalline silicon, also called polysilicon, or epitaxial silicon. The microfluidic delivery device that predominantly uses silicon based materials to form the structures that are in contact with the dispensed fluid results in a device that is compatible with a wide set of fluids and applications.
US09469087B2

A method and apparatus for forming a sandwich structure is presented. A sandwich structure comprises a metallic core layer and a thermoplastic layer on a first side of the metallic core layer. The thermoplastic layer is consolidated against the first side of the metallic core layer.
US09469083B2

Inverted Nanocone Structures and Its Fabrication Process. The method of fabricating nanotextured structures includes making a master mold having an array of tapered structures to be replicated. The master mold is pressed into a curable polymer supported on a substrate and the polymer is cured. Thereafter, the mold is detached from the cured polymer to form the nanotextured structure.
US09469080B2

In one embodiment, the modular display includes aggregates of individual panel tiles arranged between two large plastic sheets. The footprint of the large plastic sheet sandwich becomes the dimension of the display screen. The tilettes are phosphor emission panels with a full complement of emittable pixels. By separating the tilettes from the final full dimension sheet, the tilettes can be manufactured in transportable sizes and the outer full dimension sheets can be rolled for easy transport to the final install location.
US09469076B1

A printing system for forming three-dimensional objects includes two laterally spaced rails, each of the rails have an internal cavity extending through the rail along a longitudinal axis. The printing system further includes two heating devices, one heating device is connected to the internal cavity of one of the two laterally spaced rails and the other heating device is connected to the internal cavity of the other of the two laterally spaced rails to enable each heating device to heat a surface of the rail in which the heating device is positioned. The printing system further includes a platform configured to move along the laterally spaced rails. The printing system also includes at least one of a pair of scrapers, wiper pads, and wiper blades mounted to the cart.
US09469070B2

An illumination system for use in a system (1) for layerwise production of a tangible object (5) in a liquid reservoir (2) comprises an image forming element (21), an image projection system (22, 23) and a microlens array (7). The illumination system (20) further comprises a controller (24) for controlling the microlens array (7) to perform a movement (9) which is relative to at least part of the image projection system (22, 23) and for controlling the image forming element (21) to form time-varying two-dimensional images synchronously with said movement in such way that microspots (17) describe and solidify a predetermined area of a liquid layer (10) when said movement (9) is also relative to the object (5) under construction.
US09469068B2

A method of doping a substrate with dielectric dopant particles. The substrate, comprising an organic polymer, is exposed to a first layer comprising a first plurality of dielectric dopant particles. The organic polymer has a thermal conductivity that is less than 5 Wm−1K−1 and a lossiness that is less than a lossiness of the first plurality of dielectric dopant particles. The substrate and first layer are irradiated by an energy source operating at an operating frequency. During the irradiation, the first plurality of dielectric dopant particles of the first layer diffuses into the organic polymer of the substrate. Irradiation continues for a first desired time to achieve a first desired depth of penetration of the first plurality of dielectric dopant particles into the organic polymer.
US09469063B2

The clamping device has tie bars which are connected to a fixed platen and have engaged parts at a movable platen side, clamping cylinders which are provided on movable platens, half nut devices which are connected to pistons of the clamping cylinders and can mesh with the engaged parts, and stopper devices which restrict the movement of the half nut devices. Each stopper device has at least a driving unit and a stopper part which is driven in a mold opening and closing direction relative to the movable platen by driving of the driving unit and can engage with the half nut device from the fixed platen side. No winding transmission mechanism is interposed between the driving unit and the stopper part.
US09469055B2

The invention relates to a method for curing of a composite material. The method involves applying heat to only a first region of said composite material, such that said first region is heated to a temperature above the cure onset temperature of said curable resin, thus initiating curing of said curable resin in said first region; and maintaining the composite material in an insulated state, such that the curing of said curable resin spreads to regions of the composite material outside of said first region.
US09469046B2

A butt flare reducing apparatus for logs is provided. The apparatus includes a machine frame, a stator ring assembly fixedly coupled to the machine frame, and a flare reducing tool adjustment assembly movably coupled to the stator ring assembly. The apparatus further includes an actuator coupled on one end to the machine frame and on the other end to the flare reducing tool adjustment assembly to move the flare reducing tool adjustment assembly between the opposing end positions, and a rotor assembly rotatably coupled to the stator ring assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor frame and at least one flare reducing tool movably coupled to the rotor frame to translate linearly toward and away from a longitudinal axis of rotation in direct correlation to movement of the actuator and flare reducing tool adjustment assembly to adjust a log processing diameter. Related methods are also provided.
US09469043B2

A biasing assembly for a punching device that includes a punch support member adapted to support a punch and including a head portion and a main portion extending from the head portion. The main portion has a recessed surface. A retaining member is coupled to the punch support member with the punch support member being slidable with respect to the retaining member. A coupling member is disposed between the main portion of the punch support member and the retaining member. A portion of the coupling member engages the recessed surface. A biasing member is supported between the head portion of the punch support member and the retaining member. The punch support member is movable between at least first and second positions with respect to the coupling member.
US09469041B2

Knife assemblies and methods therefor that are adapted to be used with a cutting apparatus capable of producing a variety of shaped food products having large amplitudes, for example, sliced, shredded, and strip-cut food products. The knife assembly is adapted for cutting food product includes a knife having a corrugated shape to produce a large-amplitude food product slice having a periodic shape and at least one julienne tab metallurgically joined to the knife adapted to cut the food product slice into strips.
US09469037B2

A robotic testing device is provided for more closely emulating human movements during robotic testing of mobile devices by using multiple robotic implements to interact with a mobile device, and by facilitating movement of the mobile device during testing. The robotic testing device may facilitate use of multiple robotic implements configured to interact with a mobile device during testing of the mobile device. One or more of the multiple robotic implements may be configured to move simultaneously, in succession, separately, and/or otherwise interact with a mobile device during performance of a test command on the mobile device. Further, a holder of the mobile device may be configured to move during performance of a test command on the mobile device.
US09469033B2

A system and method for machining a work-piece in restrictive access operating position is disclosed. The system includes a robot arm adapted to access the bottom face of the work-piece; a computation means adapted to compute a central line on the bottom face while ascertaining an area of overlap that is accessible from all sides of the work-piece; and a robot controller adapted to sequentially maneuver the robot arm from one side of the work-piece to other side of the work-piece on the bottom face. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US09469027B2

A robot mechanism includes a link formed from a first segment abutting a second segment at opposing faces thereof, at least one tendon passing from the first segment into the second segment, wherein the first segment is held in contact with the second segment by tension applied to the at least one segment.
US09469026B2

The present invention is related to a motor system, a motor, and to a robot arm device comprising the same. According to the invention, a motor is provided comprising a rack having a periodic surface thereon which is engaged by a plurality of engaging elements. By driving the engaging elements back and forth towards the surface structure in a periodic and time shifted manner, a linear motion can be brought about.
US09469020B2

A hand-held machine tool is disclosed. The tool has an electric motor and an output shaft which can be driven by the electric motor about a working axis. The output shaft has an intake space which is open on the output side for receiving a machine tool and which has two elongated holes cutting into the intake space in the radial direction. Blocking elements lie in the elongated holes and protrude into the intake space and are movable between an end on the output side of the elongated hole and an end on the drive side of the elongated hole. The blocking elements abut on a radial stop in the radial direction and are forced into the intake space in an engaging manner. The stop overlaps in a locked position with the ends on the output side of the elongated holes and can be moved in the withdrawal direction against a spring force of a spring for releasing a radial movement of the blocking elements from the engagement with the intake space. A second spring includes a support ring, two bows protruding from the support ring in the withdrawal direction and bent around the intake space in the form of a segment of a circle, and a pin engaging radially from each bow in the withdrawal direction in front of the blocking element into the elongated hole.
US09469003B2

The disclosure generally relates to unclamp sensing feedback devices for clamping or holding devices in automatic production lines more specifically to a link clamp assembly. Further, the disclosure also provides the method of achieving feedback to sense fully unclamped condition of the link clamp cylinder.
US09468999B2

The invention relates to a load measuring element for the braces of a machine in order to determine the force transmitted by the load measuring element, comprising a carrier element which can be exposed to the force by way of a force introduction element and in turn rests on a support. The force introduction element, the carrier element, and the support interact with each other during operation such that the carrier element flexibly deforms under the weight load, wherein a measurement element is provided for determining said flexible deformation, In this way, an associated height adjustment can be specifically activated in order to adjust the machine such that it can be set up without impermissible distortion of the frame.
US09468994B2

A sensor unit is provided with a sensor device. The sensor device has a first electrode disposed on an outer surface. A board is provided with a first surface and a second surface in an obverse-reverse relationship with each other, and a side surface. A first conductive terminal is disposed along a contour of the first surface. The sensor device has the outer surface disposed along the side surface of the board, and has the first electrode connected to the first conductive terminal with a first conductive body, and a first projection length of the outer surface projecting on the first surface side is smaller than a second projection length of the outer surface projecting on the second surface side.
US09468992B2

A device and a method for machining workpieces (5, 6) by means of a laser beam. Said device has a delivery means (3) for delivering the workpieces (5,6) to a first machining position (8.1) and a machining means (2) which has at least one machining head (2.1) for machining of a workpiece (5,6) delivered to the first machining position (8.1). The delivery means (3) is a gripping robot with a gripping device (3.2). At least one clamping means (9,10) is disposed in order to accommodate a workpiece (5,6) delivered by the delivery means (3), wherein respective machining position is defined by each clamping means (9,10). The machining head (2.1) can be delivered to each machining position for machining of the workpieces (5,6).
US09468990B2

The present application relates to a friction stir welding tool (20) for joining two adjacent work pieces (10), which work pieces comprise portions (6) to be welded and having a narrow space there between on one side, said tool having an axis of rotation, and comprising a first shoulder (1), a second shoulder (2), and a pin (3) arranged so as to connect the first and second shoulders, wherein said first shoulder has a first contact surface for friction heat generation to the work pieces to be joined during welding, said first contact surface having a first contact area, and said second shoulder has a second contact surface for friction heat generation to an opposite surface (5) of the same portions of the work pieces to be joined, said second contact surface having a second contact area, the first and second areas having different sizes, where the first area is a larger sized area than the second area. The application also relates to a method of joining work pieces, a product comprising joined pieces, and the use of such friction stir welding tool.
US09468984B2

A broaching device is provided with puller heads (132,134) that hold tip portions of broaches (116) and are supported in a horizontally freely movable manner, main motors (136, 140) capable of moving the puller heads (132, 134), retriever heads (133,135) that hold base end portions of the broaches (116) and are supported in a horizontally freely movable manner, sub motors (138,142) capable of moving the retriever heads (133,135), and a control device (117) that enables the puller heads (132,134) and the retriever heads (133, 135) to be synchronized with each other and to move at a fixed speed by controlling the motors (136,138,140,142), whereby machining accuracy can be improved.
US09468971B2

An inner punch (11), an outer punch (12), and a die (13) are disposed on the same center axis (10). The outer punch (12) is disposed so as to be apart from the inner punch (11) in a radial direction perpendicular to the center axis (10) by a first space S1 which is larger than a plate thickness T of a cup longitudinal wall portion (A2). Further, an inner peripheral surface of the outer punch (12) has, on its die (13) side, a punch shoulder R portion (12A) widening as it goes toward the die (13). A cup bottom portion (A15) is sandwiched by the inner punch (11) and the die (13) while an outer peripheral surface of the inner punch (11) and an inner peripheral surface of the cup longitudinal wall portion (A2) are apart from each other by a second space S2, and drawing to radially reduce the cup longitudinal wall portion (A2) is performed by pushing the cup longitudinal wall portion (A2) toward the outer peripheral surface of the inner punch (11) by the outer punch (12) while making the outer punch (12) abut on the cup longitudinal wall portion (A2) from the punch shoulder portion (12A), whereby a surplus material is made to flow into a cup shoulder portion (A1) to thicken the cup shoulder portion (A1).
US09468963B2

In a bending head for bending rod-shaped and tubular workpieces, with a retainer that can be rotated about a rotational axis and that carries a bending mandrel at one axial end, and with at least two further tools, which each comprise a retaining body with, at its axial end facing the bending mandrel, a bending pin and which can each be rotated—in each case independently of the other tools—the retaining bodies of the tools are arranged concentrically to the retainer of the bending mandrel and pivotable about its rotational axis.
US09468957B1

The storage tank cleaning machine is a mobile unit mounted on a trailer for towing by a suitable vehicle. The machine is positioned adjacent the access opening of the tank, e.g., a water tank, cistern, or other storage tank, and a support on the bed of the machine is raised to vertical over the opening. A multiple segment articulating arm extends from the support and is lowered through the opening to access the interior of the tank. A motorized rotary brush extends from the distal end of the arm. Distance sensors adjacent the brush detect the interior surfaces of the tank for accurately positioning the brush. An electronic control system is provided. A tank for water and/or other cleaning fluid and a disinfectant tank are also provided. Fluids used during the cleaning operation are suctioned back to the machine, where the fluids are cleaned and recycled.
US09468956B2

A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for treating at least one container for human excretions. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus comprises at least one cleaning chamber with at least one fluid device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the container. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus is configured to carry out at least one cleaning program, wherein, in the cleaning program, the container is emptied and the cleaning fluid is applied thereto. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus furthermore has at least one image detector. The image detector is configured to identify at least one property of the container. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus is configured to influence the cleaning program in accordance with the identified property.
US09468952B2

The present invention provides an automatic cleaning device, particularly to an automatic cleaning device for cleaning suction holes of a roller. In this case, the roller comprises a plurality of suction holes, and the automatic cleaning device comprises at least one blowing device. The blowing device is provided alongside the face of the roller so as to blow toward the suction holes of the rotating roller. By the use of the blowing device, not only blowing dust or dirt in the suction holes of the roller away so as to keep the suction holes clean and ventilated all the time, but also cleaning the suction holes by air blowing without the need for shutting down the roller so as to avoid the shutdown of roller to effect the production efficiency of product.
US09468951B2

Described embodiments include an unmanned aerial vehicle and a method. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes an airframe and a rotary wing system coupled with the airframe and configured to aerodynamically lift the vehicle in the air. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a flight controller configured to control a movement of the vehicle while airborne. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a cleansing controller configured to manage a removal of a surface contaminant from a selected portion of a surface of an external object using an airflow generated by the rotary wing system.
US09468950B2

A selective removal of metal and its anion species that are detrimental to subsequent hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion from the biomass feed in a continuous or semi-continuous manner prior to carrying out catalytic hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis/hydrodeoxygenation of the biomass that does not reduce the effectiveness of the hydrothermal hydrocatalytic treatment while minimizing the amount of water used in the process is provided.
US09468949B2

An automatic device for separating products based on their external flaws, includes a mechanism for selective separation and discharge of the products, in which the suitable products are unloaded onto a first discharge conveyor, and the unsuitable products are unloaded onto a second discharge conveyor; and a set of securing clamps for the products in their radial displacement on the discharge head of the machine jointly and simultaneously with the transport items of the products, whose activation depends on the suitable or unsuitable status of the product.
US09468946B2

A wiping pad includes: a scraping edge provided to cross a long side direction of a discharge port and come into contact with the discharge port and nozzle side surfaces, and a lead-out passage provided ahead of the scraping edge in a moving direction along a nozzle long side direction to drain a treatment solution scraped away with the scraping edge, wherein the lead-out passage is a V-shaped groove formed along the moving direction on a pad upper surface side, and the V-shaped groove has the scraping edge formed at a rear end edge portion thereof and is formed to gradually increase in groove width and depth toward a front thereof from the scraping edge.
US09468945B2

Apparatus to apply a coating to media. The apparatus includes a first roller for receiving a continuous belt. The continuous belt is for receiving a coating from a second roller and for transferring the coating to media. The first roller is arranged to provide an adjustable width of the continuous belt to the second roller. The width of the continuous belt provided to the second roller is adjustable to substantially correspond to the width of the media.
US09468922B1

Pyrolysis of machined osseous tissue results in a monolith of carbon interwoven within the HA scaffold native to the original tissue. This HA framework prevents the collapse of the carbon to dense forms during pyrolysis. Upon removal of the HA scaffold after pyrolysis, a monolith that preserves the macroscopic form of the carbon remains. The monolith is placed in a solution of catalyst, noble metal ions for example, which is then reduced to facilitate the precipitation of nanoparticles of the catalyst. The novelty of this invention is that a high number of particles are contained within a relatively small, extremely high surface area solid support. The current invention demonstrates that the pyrolysis of intact bovine cortical bone produces high-carbon-surface-area monoliths, which can be used as a scaffold for reusable catalysts.
US09468918B2

An aluminum phosphate-modified metal-supported crystalline silicoaluminophosphate NOx-reducing catalyst includes metal-supported crystalline silicoaluminophosphate particles having a surface modified with aluminum phosphate.
US09468916B2

Provided is a method that is for producing a PAU zeolite and that can have an environmental impact that is reduced while, as much as possible, not using a structure-defining agent. The method for producing a PAU zeolite produces by means of (1) mixing a silica source, an alumina source, an alkali source, and water in a manner so as to result in a reaction mixture having a composition represented by a specific mole ratio, (2) using as the seed crystal a PAU zeolite that does not contain organic compounds and has a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 4-15 and an average particle size of at least 100 nm, and adding same to the reaction mixture at a ratio of 0.1-20 wt % with respect to the silica component in the reaction mixture, and (3) subjecting the reaction mixture to which the seed crystal has been added to sealed-vessel heating at 80-200° C.
US09468910B2

The present invention pertains to novel core-shell particles comprising a core of alumina and a shell of cobalt oxide, characterized in that they are spherical with a number average diameter, as measured by TEM, of between 10 and 30 nm. This invention also pertains to the method for preparing these core-shell particles and to their uses in the manufacture of a catalyst.
US09468908B2

Disclosed are catalysts comprised of platinum and rhodium on a support selected from the group of zirconia, stabilized (doped) zirconia, zirconia-metal oxide composites, and mixtures thereof, wherein the outer surfaces of the support are selected from the group of zirconia, stabilized zirconia, and mixtures thereof. More particularly, the supported catalysts comprise platinum and rhodium, wherein the molar ratio of platinum to rhodium is in the range of about 3:1 to about 1:2. The average pore diameter of the catalyst supports is in the range of about 5 nm to about 70 nm and the surface area is in the range of about 15 m2/g to about 200 m2/g. Also disclosed are methods for the hydrodeoxygenation of carboxylic acids, mono- and/or di-lactones thereof having at least one hydroxyl group on the backbone thereof to corresponding acids where the backbone hydroxyl group has been reduced in the presence of the catalyst.
US09468905B2

A composition for an outside surface, includes at least a mixture of a microporous mineral of the zeolite type and a salt in order to allow for an adsorption and/or desorption effect, the composition including a permeable film at least partially coating the microporous mineral.
US09468890B2

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide forming various polycycloalkyl polynorbornene polymers and copolymers which are useful for forming pervaporation membranes, the membranes themselves and methods of making such membranes.
US09468879B2

An air filtering system and method for self-cleaning the same is provided. The system has a plurality of air filters including a first filter and at least one neighboring filter. A blower fan pulls air through the filters. A plurality of compressed air injectors are provided adjacent the filters including a first injector and at least one neighboring injector. Self-cleaning is achieved while the blower fan is running by preforming several steps including activating the first injector to force compressed air into the first filter and discharge particulate from the first filter followed by deactivating the first injector. The steps further provide reactivating the first injector and simultaneously activating the neighboring injector while the discharged particulate is airborne to provide an air shield about the first filter and force the discharged particulate away from the first filter and the neighboring filter. These steps are repeated for each filter.
US09468878B2

A filtration system particularly suited for removing a particulate material from a hot gas includes a housing, a collection system including an array of collection elements, a cleaning system to clean the collected particulate material from the collection elements, and a removal system for removing the collected particulate material from the housing.
US09468870B2

A filter element is removably positionable within a filter housing that includes a standpipe extending therewithin and provided with a flow control valve. The filter element comprises a tubular filter media, a first end cap, a second end cap longitudinally spaced from the first end cap, and a center tube extending between the first and second end caps. The center tube has a substantially cylindrical body extending between opposite first and second ends of the center tube. The center tube has at least one inlet opening formed on the cylindrical body and a standpipe opening at the second end thereof adjacent to the second end cap through which the standpipe may be inserted longitudinally into the center tube. The center tube further has at least one actuator key provided to open the flow control valve of the standpipe.
US09468860B2

Disclosed are systems and methods for expanding the apparent range of movement of actors during a stage performance, from a stage platform to a background display, or from a background display to a stage platform. The appearance of the live actors on the stage platform and images of the live actors on the background display is the same. Timing, location and movement of the live actors on the stage platform is integrated with images of the actors on the background display. The integration of the live actors and images appears to an audience that an actor has moved from stage platform to the background display, or from the background display to the stage platform.
US09468859B2

An apparatus and kit for creating prints on a surface is provided. The kit includes at least one stamp and a material for depositing the stamp on a surface. The stamp has one or more pieces of sponge adhered to a front surface of a rigid backing material, the pieces of sponge forming a shape desired for printing. A back surface of the backing material has a handle for holding the stamp. The material is a powder that may be partially water-soluble, forming a paint-like mixture or that may form a suspension when mixed. Prints are made by dipping the front surface of the backing material in the paint-like mixture causing the one or more pieces of sponge to absorb the paint-like mixture and pressing the sponge pieces against the surface.
US09468851B1

One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing dynamic and static contest prize allocation based on in-game achievement of a user in an online game in order to encourage players to continue to purchase items to improve their tournament metrics even if they may be unable to improve their tournament rank. For example, calculation of a dynamic prize may comprise for rank x, the player may gain 1 prize unit for every y Glory gained (when Glory may be the measured by the tournament). The y value may increase for lower ranks achieved in the tournament.
US09468848B2

Techniques for assigning a gesture dictionary in a gesture-based system to a user comprise capturing data representative of a user in a physical space. In a gesture-based system, gestures may control aspects of a computing environment or application, where the gestures may be derived from a user's position or movement in a physical space. In an example embodiment, the system may monitor a user's gestures and select a particular gesture dictionary in response to the manner in which the user performs the gestures. The gesture dictionary may be assigned in real time with respect to the capture of the data representative of a user's gesture. The system may generate calibration tests for assigning a gesture dictionary. The system may track the user during a set of short gesture calibration tests and assign the gesture dictionary based on a compilation of the data captured that represents the user's gestures.
US09468841B2

Pinball machines with configurable playfields. A method includes detecting an event during a game played at least in part over a surface of a playfield in a pinball machine, the playfield having a first and a second playfield portions with two outermost lateral edges between which the game takes place, and, in response to the event, electronically activating a playfield reducer located between the first and second portions, the playfield reducer configured to extend between the two outermost lateral edges of the playfield portions in a manner sufficient to prevent the pinball from traveling between the first and second playfield portions. A machine includes a main playfield portion having a set pinball components disposed therein, the components configured to interact with a pinball during a game, the main playfield portion further configured to receive any of a plurality of modular playfields, each of the modular playfields having different sets components.
US09468836B2

A boxing device is provided with two glove assemblies each including a through hole at either side; a tube having both ends secured to the through holes respectively; a handle formed on the tube between two sides of the glove assembly; two bushing members each including an annular flange at an end, the bushing members are fastened in both ends of the tube respectively with the flanges exposed; two caps each including an arc and a hollow cylinder fastened in one bushing member; an interconnection including two projections at both ends respectively, and openings through one projection; two cord assemblies each including two ring members at either end, each of the ring members being secured to either the arc or the opening; and two retainers each for holding an end portion of the cord assembly adjacent to the projection in place.
US09468834B2

In one example, an apparatus, such as a support pole of a basketball system for example, is provided that includes an elongate member with an unswaged portion that has a perimeter length, and also includes a swaged portion that is attached to the unswaged portion and has a perimeter whose effective length is shorter than the perimeter length of the unswaged portion. The swaged portion includes walls that cooperate to define part of the perimeter of the swaged portion, where two of the walls are straight and terminate at a common point, and the swaged portion further includes a local deformation defined in one of the walls. As well, a tapered portion is provided that is configured to receive the swaged portion such that when the swaged portion is received in the tapered portion, the wall of the swaged portion that includes the local deformation substantially contacts the tapered portion.
US09468828B2

The present invention is directed to a system and method of golf-related leisure game. One or more targets is/are placed on an open playing field. Each target comprises a frame, a landing area, a lighting unit and a golf ball receptacle unit that contains a push solenoid and an illuminating photoelectric color sensor. Players of the game use standard golf clubs to strike the balls towards the target, wherein each player is assigned golf balls of distinct color. Players earn points by landing golf balls in the targets. Upon landing in the landing area of the target, the player's ball is fed into the receptacle unit. A color sensor within illuminates the received golf ball and measures the characteristics of the light reflected from its surface across three frequencies. The data from the color sensor is processed and, used for score keeping amongst the players.
US09468825B2

A ladder-like shooting/catching section for a lacrosse stick pocket defined by at least two elongate runners (flat strips) extending from proximate the scoop of the head toward the throat, and a plurality of generally V-shaped chevrons straddling the runners and overmolded thereto. Alternately, the chevrons and runners are formed from a single material. The chevrons have a three-dimensional profile and each is slightly concave along its length, such that the chevrons collectively define a passing/catching chute. The chute increases surface contact with the ball and improves feel. This in combination with the shock-absorbing living hinge function provided by the chevrons makes throwing and catching smoother as well as more consistent, generally improving playability of the lacrosse stick.
US09468822B2

The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for ergonomically carrying golf clubs. The method and apparatus entails dual shoulder straps to securely support a golf bag between the user's shoulder blades in an upright vertical orientation. A lifting loop provides a means for safely lifting the vertical golf bag onto the user's back with minimal arm strength by using leg and core muscles.
US09468821B2

Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, and a front portion. The golf club head may include an interior cavity. The interior cavity may be filled with an elastic polymer material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09468804B2

The present invention is a gimbled push-up bar assembly mounted upon a rotatable hinge, thereby providing instability in three dimensions for which a user will have to compensate in use. The bar may be locked into two dimensions by the use of a lock pin, or may freely move in all three dimensions. Handgrips are provided which are bent downwards to provide guards for a user's hands when in the free-motion configuration. The bar itself is removable from the hinge and stand assembly and may be used as a stable push-up bar assembly, resting on the guards.
US09468800B2

A neck support apparatus for performing abdominal exercises without causing or exacerbating neck discomfort. The neck support apparatus comprises an hourglass shaped body having three distinct sections and a removable handle portion. The body includes an upper portion adapted to receive and support the back of a user's head, a middle portion adapted to receive and support the back of a user's neck, and a lower portion adapted to receive and support the back of a user's shoulders. The handle portion is removably attachable to the back side of the body through the use of corresponding aspects of a hook and loop fastener system and includes a slidable grip disposed thereon.
US09468796B1

A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion.
US09468792B2

A permanently affixed and travelling selector pin, car and weight plate selection mechanism for use with physical fitness equipment is disclosed including a segmented track and/or cut out cavern within the plate body for the car to travel within in either vertically or horizontally in order to select a different weight plate or cumulatively, more or less weight for an exercise. The selector pin and car mechanism features a selector pin which is not removable from the car and is inserted through the car which is contained by the track and or plate body shape and into a throughbore in the weight plate in order to engage with the selector stem.
US09468786B2

Methods of disposing of pharmaceuticals are disclosed. Methods of disposing of sharps are also disclosed. Pharmaceutical and sharps disposal kits are also disclosed.
US09468784B2

A respirator (1) and a mount for a respirator are provided including a mounting device for a cylinder (2), preferably an oxygen cylinder. The mounting device forms an upper housing half (4) and a lower housing half (3) of the respirator (1) and includes at least one grip (6), which makes transportation of the respirator (1) possible. The upper housing half (4) and lower housing half (3) are provided with a connection mechanism (5), which connects the upper housing half (4) and the lower housing half (3).
US09468781B2

A fastening device for a strap, including a receiving element, a clip with at least one spring element configured for a locking engagement in the receiving element, and a slide moveable relative to the clip so that movement of the slide moves the spring element out of its position of rest for releasing the locking engagement.
US09468776B2

A computer-based method for generating an improved radiation therapy treatment plan for a treatment volume having a target and an organ-at-risk. The method includes a step of accessing an existing radiation therapy treatment plan from a memory of a computer, a dose distribution of the existing radiation therapy treatment plan serving as a reference dose distribution; and performing machine parameter optimization on the existing radiation therapy treatment plan with the computer by pursuing an optimization goal to minimize doses to the organ-at-risk, thereby generating the improved radiation therapy treatment plan.
US09468773B1

A tethering feature includes an elongate break-away member and a base, and forms a proximal end of an implantable medical device housing. A tether attachment zone of the break-away member extends between break-away member ends, and the base includes a pair of supports, wherein each end of the break-away member is wrapped around a corresponding support. A delivery catheter tether may be attached to the device tethering feature by passing a looped portion of the tether around the tether attachment zone. The device may be untethered from the catheter by applying a pull force through the attached tether, while a distal end of a shaft of the catheter, which abuts the device proximal end, provides a back-up force, the pull force unwrapping each end of break-away member from the corresponding base support.
US09468772B2

An external medical device is capable of bidirectional wireless communication with multiple implantable medical devices (IMDs). The external medical device is configured to determine an active membership of an IMD system present in a patient, establish programmable parameters for the IMD system based on the active membership, and transmit values for the established programmable parameters to the active membership.
US09468765B2

A current management system for use in the stimulation output stage of a neurostimulation system can be programmed to steer different amounts of current through different stimulation electrodes to vary how strongly the tissue adjacent each electrode is stimulated during a particular programmed stimulation episode. An stimulation electrode drive circuit associated with each electrode that is available for stimulation allows independent control of the flow of current through that electrode. A reference electrode is provided in the circuit to source or sink current as necessary to balance the currents going into and out of the patient, so that no stimulation electrode is required to serve that purpose. More specifically, by configuring the circuit to maintain a constant potential at the reference electrode (e.g., a potential that is approximately half way between a top and bottom voltage rail), the reference electrode will source or sink currents as necessary to cause the net current flow into the patient to be equal to the net current flowing out of the patient, thus satisfying Kirchhoff's current law.
US09468763B2

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for modulating cranial nerves, such as the sphenopalatine ganglion, to treat a medical condition of a patient, such as cluster headache. A stimulation device comprising a dipole antenna is advanced transnasally to a target site at or adjacent to the nasopharyngeal mucosa posterior to the middle turbinate. Electrical impulses are applied through one or more electrodes in the stimulation device to the target nerve sufficient to modulate the nerve and treat the medical condition.
US09468757B2

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for an electrotherapeutic system including a first and second electrode. Each electrode includes a respective resistance wherein during operation of the electrotherapeutic system, an electrochemical reaction involving one or both of the electrodes varies the respective resistance of at least one of the electrodes.
US09468755B2

A medical electrical lead and methods of implanting medical electrical leads in lumens. Leads in accordance with the invention employ preformed biases to stabilize the lead within a lumen and to orient electrodes in a preferred orientation.
US09468752B2

The Tongue Relaxer comprises of a flat body low voltage electronic therapeutic device as a precise means of releasing excessive and deep muscular restrictive muscular tension within the inside body, base, and root of the tongue. Specifically designed for Voice pedagogy, Speech therapy, Professional singers, Public speakers, however not limited to. Veterinary applications may apply as well!The Tongue Relaxer provides a more reliable, lightweight, yet economical device that can be used by persons of almost any age under supervision.Working singers, actors, or public speakers often times make very unhealthy choices in a desperate attempt to temporarily relieve this tension and free there voices in order to get through a performance.The Tongue Relaxer is an extremely quick, direct, healthy, and effective means of addressing this issue of said tongue tension that eventually effects every singer and public speaker due to sudden environmental changes such as cold and dampness. Colds, allergies and general fatigue.
US09468738B2

A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.
US09468727B2

A nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a delivery unit for delivering a flow entraining a substance to one nostril of a subject, the delivery unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of the subject; and a flow resistor unit for fitting to the other nostril of the subject, the flow resistor unit including a progressive resistor for progressively providing an increasing flow resistance to the delivered flow.
US09468723B2

A medicament delivery device includes a housing; a carrier for a medicament container, the carrier being slidable in the housing; a trigger unit; a cover unit coaxial and slidable in the housing; a release mechanism configured to be actuated partly by the trigger unit and partly by movement of the cover unit; a preloaded drive unit releasably connected to the carrier and controlled by the release mechanism for advancing the carrier to a predetermined proximal position in relation to the housing, the preloaded drive unit having a plunger rod and a helical drive spring disposed within the plunger rod, with at least one end of the helical drive spring configured to interact with an interior of the plunger rod; and a braking mechanism between the preloaded drive unit and the release mechanism configured to control a speed of the preloaded drive unit when advancing the slidable stopper within the container.
US09468718B2

A pump system and method of detecting/alerting for a possible unintended free flow condition in an administration set includes the steps of a) sampling force signals from a force sensor of the pump at a predetermined frequency; b) storing each of the sampled forces signal in a N-point circular buffer, where N is an integer greater than two; c) calculating a derivative dF/dt based on the two most recent samples; d) repeating step c) and when the most recently calculated derivative dF/dt exceeds a first predetermined threshold, then calculating a N-point moving average of the derivatives dF/dt; and f) when the N-point moving average exceeds a second predetermined threshold, generating a user perceptible alarm to alert the user that a flow stop open condition may have occurred.
US09468704B2

An implant made in total or in parts of a biodegradable magnesium alloy consisting of Y: 2.0-6.0% by weight, Nd: 1.5-4.5% by weight, Gd: 0-4.0% by weight, Dy: 0-4.0% by weight, Er: 0-4.0% by weight, Zr: 0.1-1.0% by weight, Li: 0-0.2% by weight, Al: 0-0.3% by weight, under the condition that a) a total content of Er, Gd and Dy is in the range of 0.5-4.0% by weight and b) a total content of Nd, Er, Gd and Dy is in the range of 2.0-5.5% by weight, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities up to a total of 0.3% by weight.
US09468703B2

Certain embodiments of the present invention include a cranial fixation device for fixing a bone flap to the skull following a craniotomy. The device may accommodate variations in intracranial pressure without allowing the bone flap to move inward beyond the skull surface. Other embodiments include a method for cranial fixation. The method may include joining the bone flap to one portion of the fixation device and joining the skull to another portion of the fixation device. The method may also include responding to changes in intracranial pressure. The method may also include upward and downward movement of the fixation device and constraining the movement of the bone flap.
US09468693B2

Imaging agents are described that comprise labeled substrates capable of being introduced into cells via the cystine/glutamate antiporter. The substrates may be used for imaging or detecting oxidative stress in cells by introducing the labeled agents into cells via the cystine/glutamate antiporter and subsequent detection.
US09468692B2

Imaging agents are described that comprise labeled substrates capable of being introduced into cells via the cystine/glutamate antiporter. The substrates may be used for imaging or detecting oxidative stress in cells by introducing the labeled agents into cells via the cystine/glutamate antiporter and subsequent detection.
US09468686B2

A solution in water comprising the following components at the following concentrations: (a) N×(70 to 130) g/L polyethylene glycol (PEG) having an average molecular weight of 2500 to 4500; (b) N×(1.6 to 4.0) g/L sodium chloride; (c) N×(0.2 to 0.6) g/L potassium chloride; (d) N×(0.6 to 2.2) g/L sodium bicarbonate; (e) N×an amount of preservative; (f) optionally N x an amount of flavouring; and (g) optionally N×an amount of sweetener, where N is in the range of 2 to 8. The solution is a concentrate for dilution. In use it is diluted N-fold with water to provide a solution for administration to a subject for the treatment of constipation or faecal impaction. Also provided are solutions, kits, unit doses and methods that comprise or use the solutions.
US09468683B2

The present invention relates to compositions and pharmaceutical compositions having a hyaluronic acid; a chitosan; and at least one ionic compound in hydrogel form, their use in medical applications and methods of making same as well as medical devices comprising same.
US09468680B2

Drugs are screened for affects on inhibiting efflux pumps and blocking gap junction communication in tumors by culturing cells to thereby form self-assembled spheroids and incubating the spheroids. Uptake of a substrate of the efflux pump and distribution of a substrate for the efflux pump within the spheroids is imaged to thereby select drugs that inhibit the efflux pump or do not block gap junction communication. Selected drugs can then be employed to treat a tumor.
US09468679B2

Methods for preparing solid formulations of immunoglobulin single variable domains are provided. The methods are based on contacting solid carrier(s) with a liquid comprising the immunoglobulin single variable domains, e.g. by spraying the liquid onto the solid carrier(s), to cause granulation or coating of the carrier(s). During contacting the carrier is agitated, e.g. in a fluid bed, and the mixture of carrier and liquid is exposed to heat, e.g. a heated air stream, to evaporate the liquid.
US09468677B2

Compositions comprising TL1A-Ig fusion proteins and methods of their use, e.g., for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with antigen-specific immune responses, are described. Also described are combination therapies that include the administration of a TNFRSF25 agonist and an interleukin (e.g., IL-2) and/or an mTOR inhibitor (e.g., rapamycin).
US09468669B2

The invention provides methods and compositions for treating dysregulated blood glucose disorders.
US09468668B2

Flavored chewable wafers containing nutritional supplement formulations suitable for enhancement of cell and mitochondrial function as well as providing antioxidants and aiding in weight loss and other desirable nutritional benefits comprises enriched formulations of phospholipids, specifically identified concentrations of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, glycolipids and phosphatidylserine along with inulin and other desirable active ingredients. These edible wafer lipid combinations can be used to treat mitochondrial disorders and other nutritional deficiencies associated with medical pathologies, chronic illnesses and syndromes, or to maintain lipid balance for normal mitochondrial function, and can be administered in pleasant tasting chewable wafers.
US09468667B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.
US09468666B2

Endoglin has now been shown to be an important target of therapy to reduce disease symptoms associated with heart failure, particularly cardiac fibrosis. Soluble Endoglin is identified as an anatogonist to TGFβ1 activity, while membrane-bound Endoglin is identified as a necessary component to promote TGFβ1 activity in heart failure. The present invention therefore features methods and kits for treatment of subject having heart failure or a related disorder by administering a composition that decreases TGFβ1 signaling through either direct inhibition of membrane-bound Endoglin or promoting expression of soluble Endoglin.
US09468658B2

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.
US09468651B1

A method for removing moles includes applying a composition containing potassium hydroxide, Beijing Er Guo Tou and talcum powder on the surface of moles on human skin. The composition is applicable to benign moles and not to cancerous moles.
US09468647B2

Endometriosis, including endometriosis externa, endometrioma, adenomyosis, adenomyomas, adenomyotic nodules of the uterosacral ligaments, and endometriotic nodules, such as scar endometriosis are effectively treated by the intralesional administration, including transvaginal, endoscopic or open surgical administration including via laparotomy, of a progestogen. Compositions therefor also are provided.
US09468644B2

Suggested is a non-therapeutic aqueous composition for topical application, comprising (a) at least one solid active agent having at 20° C. a solubility in water (20° dH) of less than 5 g/L; (b) at least one 1,2-alkandiol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms; and (c) at least one aliphatic alcohol having 2 to 4 carbon atoms.
US09468640B2

The present invention relates to compounds that are fast dissociating dopamine 2 receptor antagonists, processes for preparing these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds as an active ingredient. The compounds find utility as medicines for treating or preventing central nervous system disorders, for example schizophrenia, by exerting an antipsychotic effect without motor side effects.
US09468635B2

The present invention belongs to the technical field of medicine, relating in particular to: a fused ring compound as represented by Formula (I) for use as a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an isomer thereof; a preparation method for these compounds; a pharmaceutical preparation containing these compounds; and an application of these compounds, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or the isomers thereof in the preparation of medicants for the treatment and/or prevention of kidney injury, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, and/or endocrine disease. The definitions of X, Y1, Y2, Y3, R1, R2a, R2b, R3a, R3b, R4, Cy and n are as presented in the description.
US09468628B2

Described herein are compounds that are autotaxin inhibitors, methods of making such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds in the treatment of conditions, diseases, or disorders associated with autotaxin activity.
US09468617B2

Topical pharmaceutical gel compositions of diclofenac sodium are provided. The topical gel compositions contain at least about 10% w/w diclofenac sodium and are suitable for once-a-day topical application.
US09468616B2

Provided herein are a composition for preventing or treating inflammatory diseases or infectious diseases which contains m-3M3FBS or a pharmaceutically available salt thereof as an active ingredient, and health supplements for improving or preventing inflammatory diseases or infectious diseases which contain m-3M3FBS. Since m-3M3FBS has a microbicidal effect, inhibition of apoptosis, and inhibition of LPS-involved signal transduction which enables to effectively treat or prevent inflammatory diseases or infectious diseases, so that it may be effectively used as medicine or health supplements for treating or preventing inflammatory diseases or infectious diseases.
US09468613B2

Methods are provided for using doxorubicin active agents in which reduced host toxicity is observed. Aspects of the methods including administering to a subject an effective amount of a doxorubicin active agent in conjunction with a doxorubicin toxicity-reducing adjuvant, e.g., a nitrone compound, or a nitrone compound in combination with a bisdioxopiperazine compound. Also provided are compositions for use in practicing the subject methods. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including in the treatment of a variety of different disease conditions.
US09468612B2

Fibrotic diseases are characterized by the replacement of healthy tissue with scar tissue and extracellular matrix in response to tissue damage. Here we describe the reduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, interstitial fibroblasts, interstitial volume, expression of Collagen I mRNA and protein, expression of profibrotic cytokines and macrophage infiltration by Cysteamine treatment.
US09468604B2

In one aspect, pharmaceutical compositions comprising dispersions of an acid-sensitive drug and a neutral dispersion polymer are disclosed. The acid-sensitive drug has improved chemical stability relative to dispersions of the drug and acidic polymers. In another aspect, pharmaceutical compositions of low-solubility drugs and amphiphilic, hydroxy-functional vinyl copolymers are disclosed.
US09468599B2

The present embodiments relate to topically delivered compounded medications. A transdermal cream may provide the effective topical administration of multiple medications simultaneously; may include low concentrations of local anesthetics, a NSAID, an anticonvulsant, and/or other active ingredients; and may include lidocaine, prilocaine, meloxicam, and lamotrigine and/or topiramate. Alternatively, the transdermal cream may include a lidocaine/prilocaine base cream to which is added a fine powder of one or more ground up medications to form a compounded medication. The compounded medication in powder form may be generated from grinding up tablets of NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, nerve depressants, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, NMDA receptor antagonists, opiate or opioid agonists, and/or other agents. The compounded medication in powder form may include meloxicam, lamotrigine, topiramate, other active ingredients, and DMSO or Sterile Water for Irrigation. In another aspect, the present embodiments relate to methods of compounding medications and transdermal creams or gels.
US09468596B2

The invention relates to formulations that comprise non-irritating non-toxic compounds that may be applied to the skin for generally improvement of health and beauty. The formulations include core ingredients of minerals, oils, and emulsifiers. Additional ingredients may be added to provide a variety of formulations for skin hydration, softening, soothing, deodorizing, and cosmetic application. The formulations may be use as a carrier for cosmetics, fragrances, or therapeutic agents.
US09468593B2

The present invention provides an oral composition comprising hydroxyapatite, potassium nitrate, and calcium monohydrogen phosphate, wherein the composition has an increased ability to occlude dentinal tubules of a tooth and has an excellent inhibitory effect on hypersensitivity.
US09468588B2

Apparatus for use in a drug mixing system including a vial adapter assembly including a main body element having a vial receiving portion and a needle puncturable port, the main body element including an axial hollow tubular portion which is in fluid flow engagement with a bore of a vial puncturing spike, the main body element further including a membrane support surface that supports a first membrane which is in fluid flow engagement with the vial puncturing spike via the bore and via a recess formed in an intermediate portion of the main body element, and a second membrane supported by a membrane support member and separated by a gap from the first membrane.
US09468580B2

A decorative glass dildo comprising a solid, high density heat-resistant glass outer portion, a coated decorative inner portion, a sealing ring attached to the inner portion, an electrical conductive strip attached to the inner portion, and an end portion mechanically attached to the inner portion of the glass dildo.
US09468573B2

A mechanism for moving into and out of an enclosure having in wall has a support having a first column for disposal inside of the enclosure on a first side of the wall and a second column for disposal outside of the enclosure on a second side of the wall. A platform for straddling the wall is disposed on the support. A seat is slidingly and rotatably arranged on the platform and has a first position on the platform for loading, a second position for allowing the user to lift a leg, and a third position wherein the user is in position for washing. A lock is disposed between the seat and the platform for locking or unlocking the seat in each of the first, second and third positions.
US09468559B2

An ophthalmological apparatus includes a handle for manually holding and applying the ophthalmological apparatus, fastening abilities for fixing the ophthalmological apparatus at an eye, a light source, and a light projector for the focused projection of light pulses for punctiform tissue breakdown at a focal point in the interior of the eye tissue. The ophthalmological apparatus also includes a movement driver for moving the light projector. The movement of the light projector and therefore that of the focal point with the assistance of the movement driver permits a dimensioning of the optical projection system of the light projector which is substantially smaller than in the case of an ophthalmological apparatus where the focal point is moved exclusively by an optical projection system.
US09468544B2

The present disclosure relates to an endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent graft that includes one or more fenestrations to accommodate endovascular disease, such as an aneurysm in cases where one or more side branches is involved. In one aspect, the prosthesis includes fenestrations that are pivotable to accommodate the dynamic geometry of the aortic branches. In another aspect, the pivotable fenestrations include a first perimeter, a band of flexible material attached and surrounding the first perimeter, and a second perimeter attached to and surrounding the band of flexible material. The first perimeter, band of flexible material, and second perimeter have a geometric shape. In one aspect, the prosthesis includes at least three pivotable fenestrations.
US09468542B2

A moisture management liner device for a prosthetic socket may include an elongate, cup-shaped, elastomeric member and multiple fluid transport strips. The elastomeric member may include a first material and may extend from an open proximal end to a substantially closed distal end. The substantially closed distal end may include a fluid exit aperture to allow fluid to pass out of the liner device. The fluid transport strips may include a second material and may be disposed at spaced-apart intervals around a circumference of an internal surface of the elastomeric member, over at least a distal portion of the elastomeric member. The fluid transport strips may be configured to facilitate passage of fluid out of the liner device through the fluid exit aperture.
US09468531B2

A tibial orthopedic prosthesis assembly for use during performance of a knee replacement procedure includes one or more tibial augments configured to be coupled to a tibial tray. Each tibial augment includes an exterior side surface of varying angulation relative to a top surface of the tibial augment.
US09468525B2

A heart valve prosthesis configured for deployment within a native heart valve. The heart valve prosthesis includes a tubular stent and a prosthetic valve component disposed within and secured to the stent. In addition, at least two positioning elements are coupled to a distal end of the stent to position and anchor the prosthesis within the native heart valve. Each positioning element transforms from a compressed configuration in which the positioning elements distally extend from the distal end of the stent to a deployed configuration in which the positioning elements proximally extend from the distal end of the stent. Each positioning element includes at least one U-shaped or V-shaped support arm that bends radially outward and then towards an outer surface of the stent such that it translates more than ninety degrees from the compressed configuration. Each positioning element may include an outer support arm and an inner support arm.
US09468519B2

Methods for optimal breast reconstruction are disclosed. The methods include steps for performing a mastectomy that preserves a breast skin envelope. A prosthesis may be inserted into the breast and may be inflated to preserve the shape of the breast skin envelope. The prosthesis may include, a base, a balloon coupled to the base, where the balloon may be inflated to preserve the shape of the breast skin envelope. The prosthesis may also include tube coupled to port for filling the balloon to a predetermined volume. A needle-lock system, coupled to the port may be used to inject, for example, fluids into the balloon. If a patient requires post-mastectomy radiation, breast reconstruction may be delayed and the prosthesis may remain in the breast cavity during the treatment. The treatment may be external beam radiation. Alternatively, the treatment may include brachytherapy technique for treating the internal breast cavity.
US09468516B2

Medical devices with surfaces on which viable biologic cells are magnetically attracted and retained are disclosed along with methods of magnetic coating. The medical devices can be located in a carrier liquid containing high concentrations of magnetic cells before or after implantation. The carrier liquid with magnetic cells may be contact with the medical device in vitro or in vivo. In either case, the carrier liquid may have a concentration of magnetic cells that is high enough to facilitate coating of the medical device within an acceptable period of time, e.g., several hours or less. Magnetization of medical devices before, during, and/or after implantation and apparatus for performing the same are disclosed. Degaussing of magnetic medical devices is also disclosed.
US09468511B2

An electronically powered toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a brush head including a plurality of bristles, a motor, and an output shaft connected to the brush head and the motor. The output shaft is selectively rotated by the motor. The toothbrush further includes a bumper assembly connected to the output shaft and configured to conserve kinetic energy from the output shaft during rotation and reapply the kinetic energy to the output shaft.
US09468507B2

Insertion tool for transmitting torque from a drive tool to a dental implant, having a tool shaft including, at its apical end a dental implant engagement section including a torque applying unit to engage the dental implant such that torque can be transmitted from the insertion tool to the implant, a drive tool engagement section coronal of the dental implant engagement section including a primary torque receiving unit to engage the drive tool such that torque can be transmitted from the drive tool to the insertion tool, and a break zone arranged between the drive tool and dental implant engagement sections and designed to break upon application of a predetermined amount of torque. The shaft includes, between the dental implant engagement section and the break zone, an auxiliary torque receiving unit to engage a drive tool such that torque can be transmitted from the drive tool to the insertion tool.
US09468491B2

An electrosurgical vessel sealing instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes a jaw housing, a seal plate having a tissue contacting surface and a side wall, and an insulating region disposed on the side wall of the seal plate. The instrument includes the ability to move the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. The insulating region enables precision overmolding of the jaw housing to the seal plate, while advantageously reducing thermal spread and edge cutting during vessel sealing procedures.
US09468488B2

The present invention provides a medical device for manipulation of tissue of a patient. The medical device comprises a shaft having a proximal section extending to a distal section that has a closed distal end portion. The shaft has a plurality of lumens formed therein including a first lumen and a second lumen. The first lumen is for distally advancing a first reactant through the proximal section. The second lumen is for distally advancing a second reactant through the proximal section. Positioned longitudinally within the shaft and distally from the first and second lumens is a mixing element. The mixing element is in fluid communication with the first and second lumens. The mixing element has a series of baffles for mixing the first and second reactants together producing a reaction product to heat the closed distal end portion of the shaft for manipulation of the tissue.
US09468487B2

An instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes or for volumetric removal of tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has an interior chamber that includes a diffuser structure for diffusing a biocompatible conductive fluid that is introduced under high pressure. The interior chamber further includes surfaces of opposing polarity electrodes for vaporizing the small cross-section diffused fluid flows created within a diffuser structure. In one embodiment, the diffuser structure includes a negative temperature coefficient of resistance material between the opposing polarity surfaces. The NTCR structure can self-adjust the lengths of current paths between the opposing polarities to insure complete vaporization of the volume of flow of conductive fluid. The non-ionized vapor phase media is ejected from a working surface of the instrument and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase chance in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. In another embodiment, the instrument provides voltage means for converting the non-ionized vapor phase media into an ionized media or plasma for applying energy to body structure.
US09468486B2

A method for the selective elevation and separation of tissues comprised of multiple layers and a surgical instrument for performing the method. The method may be performed without the requirement of a solid mechanical device insertion or transection through the mucosal layer. In particular, the method and surgical instrument may be used for the selected separation and/or resection of selected portions of benign or malignant tissues (e.g. defining tissue planes, polyp elevation and removal, submucosal tissue tunneling, endoscopic mucosa resection, etc).
US09468478B2

An interlocking intramedullary rod assembly for treating a fracture, the assembly including an intramedullary rod having a distal section and a proximal section; a distal interlocking screw; and a proximal interlocking screw; wherein the distal section comprises a static distal seat for receiving the distal interlocking screw, and the proximal section comprises a dynamic proximal seat for receiving the proximal interlocking screw; and further wherein the static distal seat is configured to secure the distal interlocking screw to the intramedullary rod such that the distal interlocking screw cannot move relative to the intramedullary rod, and the dynamic proximal seat is configured to secure the proximal interlocking screw to the interlocking rod such that a first end of the proximal interlocking screw cannot move relative to the intramedullary rod and the second end of the proximal interlocking screw can move relative to the intramedullary rod.
US09468475B2

A system for installing a vertebral stabilization system. The system includes an installation tool including a handle portion and a shaft extending distally from the handle portion. The shaft includes a conduit and a staple mechanism. The system also includes a flexible implant member extending along the conduit configured to be advanced out from a distal end of the shaft, and a staple housed in the staple mechanism. The staple is configured to secure the flexible implant member to a vertebra. The handle portion is configured to selectively advance the flexible implant member from the shaft and to selectively actuate the staple mechanism.
US09468474B2

An instrument for correction of spinal deformities includes an inner member with a proximal portion configured to receive a corrective force and a distal coupling portion configured to transfer the corrective force to a spinal implant in a vertebra. A slot extends transversely through the coupling portion and is configured to guide a fixation rod into the spinal implant. A threaded sleeve includes an external thread and a thru-bore that slides relative to the proximal portion. An outer member couples with the proximal portion and threadably engages the external thread to apply a reduction force as the outer member rotates relative to the inner member. A reduction blade includes a proximal interlocking portion that removably couples with the threaded sleeve and a distal rod engagement feature configured to engage the fixation rod and transfer the reduction force to reduce the fixation rod into the spinal implant.
US09468464B2

An instrument and technique for the removal of epidermal layers in a controlled manner utilizing a hand-held instrument with a working end that (i) a vacuum aspiration system, (ii) a source for delivery of a sterile fluids or pharmacological agents to the skin; and (iii) a skin interface surface in the working end that has specially shape structure for abrading surface layers of the patient's epidermis as the working end is moved over the patient's skin while at the same time causing rapid penetration of the fluids into the skin for therapeutic purposes. Movement of the working end across the skin causes abrasion of the surface layers in a path over the patient's skin.
US09468459B2

Devices and methods for obtaining a plurality of skin tissue particles for use in skin grafting.
US09468438B2

In various forms, a sensor-straightened end effector is disclosed. The sensor-straightened end effector may comprise an end effector coupled to a shaft at an articulation point. The end effector may be articulable at an angle with respect to the shaft. A sensor may be disposed on the sensor-straightened end effector, such as on the shaft or on the end effector. The sensor is configured to detect a gross proximal movement. When detecting a gross proximal movement, the sensor may generate a signal to control a motor to begin a straightening process to straighten the end effector with respect to the shaft.
US09468434B2

A stitching assembly including upper and lower cradles, upper and lower needles, and first and second sutures supported by the upper and lower needles respectively. The cradles moves along a curved path in relation to the carriages between advanced and retracted positions. When each cradle is moved from the retracted position towards the advanced position a stitch loop is formed when the respective needle is retracted. This process is repeated alternating between the first and second cradles with the upper and lower needles passing through the previous stitch loop formed by the other needle before passing through the tissue.
US09468429B2

A deployment device for bringing a sealing plug into position within a puncture tract or incision, and bringing an anchor into position adjacent a tissue puncture, is provided. The deployment device is designed to facilitate easier positioning of the sealing plug, wherein a separate tamping tool is not required. The sealing plug is held in place on the shaft of the anchor by a structure, for example, a knob or boss. The anchor, anchor shaft, and sealing plug may be made of various biocompatible resorbable materials such that the anchor may resorb very quickly, leaving the tissue or artery lumen clear, and the sealing plug may resorb more slowly, to assist in maintaining hemostasis. The deployment device may include a bypass device which maintains the anchor in either an extended or bent configuration. Further, the anchor may include at least one rib, to provide support to the anchor.
US09468416B2

A jig for calibrating an image-guided radiotherapy apparatus is disclosed. The jig includes a ball bearing and a three-axis positioner. Once the ball bearing has been moved to the calculated radiation isocenter of the apparatus, other calibration procedures can be performed by directing light onto the jig.
US09468415B2

First and second equipment units are connected to a coupling unit configured with angle and/or position sensors in order to determine thereby, for example, a relative position of a first equipment unit in relation to a second equipment unit. In this manner alignment of the first and second equipment units is expedited.
US09468411B2

A mammography or tomosynthesis apparatus, comprising a mechanism configured to move a paddle, relative to a detector platform fixed to a main body of the apparatus, to compress a patient's breast against the detector platform to form a surface. The mechanism comprises a post that is mobile relative to the detector platform and/or to the body and configured so that maximum extension of the post relative to the surface follows the movements of the paddle relative to the detector platform.
US09468397B2

A catheter configured for use with a magnetic field-based localization system includes a distributed location sensor that includes a plurality of individual location sensing coils electrically connected in series. The distributed location sensor has an effective magnetic center based on the individual characteristics of each location sensing coil. The effective magnetic center can be located in a space occupied by another structure such as an irrigation fluid delivery tube. The plurality of individual location sensing coils are generally smaller, thereby easing placement, and collectively, when connected in series, output a relatively strong and noise-free signal.
US09468394B2

Methods, systems, computer programs, circuits and workstations are configured to generate at least one two-dimensional color blood flow map that combines X and Y encoded primary and secondary peak data of 1-dimensional Inverse Fourier Transform images to visually indicate (i) anterior/posterior and right/left directional components of respective feeding arteries using defined colors and (ii) brightness to indicate an amount of blood flow associated with each voxel, with increased brightness associated with increased blood flow.
US09468390B2

A sensor for contactless electrocardiographic measurement of a person has at least one electrically conductive, planar electrode having a measurement surface facing the person and a connection surface facing away from the person. An electrical terminal for connection with a measurement apparatus is spaced from the connection surface such that the connection surface is only placed in electrical connection with the terminal when pressure of a required magnitude is applied to the measurement. The electrical connection may be achieved by a switching contact disposed between the electrode and the terminal which is brought into contact with both the electrode and the terminal when the electrode is deflected toward the terminal by the pressure. A compressible material is disposed between the electrode and the terminal to allow tuning of the pressure required to achieve electrical contact.
US09468387B2

An example system and method of reconstructing cardiac activation information are disclosed. In accordance therewith, there are accessed pairs of cardiac signals out of a plurality of cardiac signals obtained from a patient. The pairs have a first cardiac signal that is common among the pairs and second cardiac signals that are different among the pairs. The first cardiac signal and the second cardiac signals of the pairs are processed to identify points of change in the first cardiac signal at which a derivative of the first cardiac signal diverges with respect to derivatives of the second cardiac signals. An activation onset time is assigned at a point in the first cardiac signal based on correspondence of the points of change to define a cardiac activation indicating a beat.
US09468383B2

A system for detecting acute ischemia includes at least two sensors configured for obtaining electrical signals from a patient's heart, analog-to-digital converter circuitry for digitizing the signal to produce data segments, and a processor configured to analyze data segments to determine if they represent an abnormal heart rhythm. Certain types of abnormal rhythm segments are also checked for acute ischemia. If enough of the abnormal heart rhythm segments manifest acute ischemia, a first type of alarm event is generated. If persistent abnormal heart rhythm segments do not manifest acute ischemia, a second type of alarm event is generated.
US09468375B2

To promptly take a high quality image of an object to be inspected, provided is an imaging method for taking an image of the object to be inspected by irradiating the object to be inspected with measuring light, in which an aberration generated in the object to be inspected is corrected by an aberration correction unit. The method includes the repeatedly performed steps of measuring the aberration generated in the object to be inspected, correcting the aberration by controlling the aberration correction unit in accordance with the measured aberration, and storing, in a storage unit, a control state of the aberration correction unit in association with the measured aberration. The aberration correction unit is controlled in a predetermined control state stored in the storage unit.
US09468369B2

A system includes a model eye and an optical measurement instrument, which includes: a corneal topography subsystem; a wavefront sensor subsystem; and an eye structure imaging subsystem. The subsystems may have a common fixation axis, and be operatively coupled to each other via a controller. The optical measurement instrument may perform measurements of the model eye to verify correct operation of the optical measurement instrument for measuring one or more characteristics of a subject's eye. The model eye may include an optically transmissive structure having a front curved surface and an opposite rear planar surface, and a material structure provided at the rear planar surface of the optically transmissive structure and having a characteristic to cause a speckle pattern of a portion of a coherent light beam that is directed back out the front curved surface of the optically transmissive structure to have a bright-to-dark ratio of less than 2:1.
US09468368B2

An ophthalmic endo-illumination system includes a light source that produces a light beam, a fiber port that receives an optical fiber, a condenser that couples at least a portion of the light beam into the optical fiber received at the fiber port, and a beam splitter disposed between the fiber port and the condenser. The beam splitter is configured to receive the light beam from the condenser and split the light beam into a first beam which is coupled to the optical fiber and a second beam which is coupled to a monitoring fiber. An optical sensor is provided to detect an amount of the second beam output from the monitoring fiber. The coupling efficiency of the first beam coupled into the optical fiber may be determined based on the amount of the second beam output from the monitoring fiber.
US09468367B2

Instruments and methods are described for performing hysteroscopy and/or combined hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. According to some embodiments, the handle, electronics and integrated display screen form a re-usable portion of the instrument while the fluid hub and cannula which includes a CMOS imaging module and LED lighting, form a single use portion of the instrument. The cannula is semi-flexible such that the operator can easily grasp the cannula at some intermediate point along the shaft (e.g. 5 inches from the distal tip) to bend and/or steer the cannula during use. According to some embodiments, the distal tip has a larger diameter than the shaft which has been found to improve fluid management during use in some applications.
US09468363B2

At least two distinct electrical members each having electrical elements are provided. The electrical members are moveable with respect to each other and one or more sensors determine the relative position of the electrical members. The electrical members may be used in a medical device such as an endoscopic system.
US09468359B2

A control apparatus for use in endoscopes or the like is provided which allows a user to work without fatigue. The control apparatus includes a proximal and distal end sections, each of which has an articulation zone, and a central section arranged therebetween, an outer hollow-cylindrical shaft, an inner cylindrical shaft, and a control element arranged between the shafts and having two or more force-transmitting longitudinal elements extending substantially from the proximal to the distal end section for coupling movement of the distal end section with movement of the proximal articulation section. The longitudinal elements are arranged in spaced-apart relation to one another at substantially regular angular distances which, as measured in a circumferential direction, are selected such that the longitudinal elements are guided without contact in a circumferential direction and optionally guided in contact with the outer and/or the inner shaft in a radial direction.
US09468348B2

A cyclone separation device includes a cyclone chamber and an airflow guiding member. The cyclone chamber includes an air inlet, an annular sidewall forming an air receiving region therein communicating with the air inlet and guiding an airflow to flow spirally in the air receiving region, and a dust collecting region and an air outlet disposed at two ends of the cyclone chamber along an axis of the cyclone chamber. The dust collecting region communicates with the air receiving region. The airflow guiding member is disposed at the dust collecting region, and includes an airflow guiding chamber, at least one airflow entry opening communicating with the dust collecting region and airflow guiding chamber, and an airflow discharge opening communicating with the airflow guiding chamber and disposed on the axis of the cyclone chamber to face the air outlet and output the airflow to form an air discharging region.
US09468347B2

A cleaning system. The system has a floor cleaning device, disposable floor sheet removably attachable to the device pad, and a rotatable beater bar. The device has a single wheel, and moves on the target surface by rolling action of the wheel and gliding of the floor sheet. This arrangement, not having multiple wheels, provides enhanced maneuverability, and improves cleaning performance. The cleaning system may be used to clean hard surfaces, such as a floor.
US09468342B2

A shower closure is provided for supporting the weight of a human adult in the event of a fall or to steady a person entering or exiting a shower. The shower closure contains a plurality of handles, straps, cords, rings, or loops extending above the planar surface of the shower closure.
US09468340B2

A food processing apparatus has a housing, an internal basket and a drive mechanism on the housing for rotating the basket to process food (e.g., spinning water from food) in the housing. The drive mechanism has an operating lever, a gearwheel arranged to be rotated by the lever and the basket for rotating the basket, and a centrifugal clutch located between the lever and the gearwheel for transmitting a rotational drive force from the lever to the gearwheel. A brake mechanism on the housing has a braking member for frictional engagement with the gearwheel to stop rotation of the basket. The drive mechanism may rotate the basket selectively in opposite directions.
US09468338B1

A portable and modular cooking oil cleaning system includes a wheeled carriage module, a filtering module rested on the wheeled carriage module, and a pump module removably coupled to the wheeled carriage module. The pump module includes a cooking oil return outlet coupled in fluid communication to a cleaned cooking oil inlet configured to be removably coupled in fluid communication to the cleaned cooking oil outlet of the filtering module so as to form a cooking oil flow pathway through the filtering and pump modules from the filtering module to the cooking oil return outlet of the pump module, and a pump. The pump generates a flow of used cooking oil through the cooking oil flow pathway, and the filter system of the cooking oil filtering module entraps contaminants from the flow of used cooking oil in the cooking oil flow pathway through the cooking oil filtering module.
US09468337B2

A waterproof, heat-proof, and fire-proof protective cover for a hot barbecue grill or other cooking apparatus. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a waterproof flexible outside shell conforming generally to the shape of the hot barbecue grill and having an underside, and at least one inside flexible shell coupled to the underside of the outside shell. The inside shell includes at least one heat-dissipating material disposed to contact a hot portion of the hot barbecue grill when the protective cover is placed thereon.
US09468331B2

The device (1) associable to a steam dispenser (2) for making an aromatic beverage comprises a container (5) to which a closing cover (6) is removably applied, supporting either directly or indirectly both at least a tube (7) for conveying the steam, sealingly connectable to the steam dispenser (2) and configured such as to exhibit at least a steam outlet (8) below a minimum liquid level (9) provided in the container (5) for making the aromatic beverage, and at least a stirrer (10) positioned adjacent to the inside wall of the container (5) below the minimum level (9) and exhibiting at least a permanent magnet (11,12) for receiving rotary motion from a motor (13) having permanent magnets (14, 15) and being located externally of the container (5).
US09468330B2

A sweet tea brewing product and system for brewing sweet tea is disclosed including making a concentrated sweet tea solution before mixing with water which comprises at least one water permeable mesh pouch wherein tea particles and sugar granules are contained. The tea particles and sugar granules are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a hot concentrated sweet tea solution. The concentrated tea solution is then mixed with a proportioned amount of water to make consistent sweet tea.
US09468328B2

Provided is a steam cooking appliance. The steam cooking appliance includes a main body having a cavity that provides a cooking space in which a food is accommodated, a water tank separably coupled to the main body outside the cavity, and a steam supply unit disposed outside the cavity to heat water supplied from the water tank to generate steam, the steam supply unit supplying the generated steam into the cooking space within the cavity.
US09468322B2

Chopsticks comprise a lower chopstick member (20), an upper chopstick (10) and a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism comprises a hinge arranged on the lower chopstick member (20) and a hinge hole (102) in the upper chopstick member (10). The hinge comprises a hinge head (130) which can be received into the hinge hole (102), and the hinge hole (102) is provided with a pivot (164) that can be received within the inner chamber (132) of the hinge head (130), so that the hinge can turn around the pivot (164). The upper chopstick member (10) is provided with a swell portion (104), in which the hinge hole (102) is located, and the swell portion (104) extends from the front surface of the upper chopstick member (10) and/or the back surface of the upper chop stick member (10), therefore, the whole strength of the chopsticks is increased.
US09468321B2

A combination spoon and fork system capable of being stored in a nested configuration or used as a combination eating utensil with the spoon and fork connected end to end. An interlocking mechanism can interlock the spoon and fork in either the nested position or in the end to end configuration. The interlocking system allows the handle of the spoon to slide between rails on the handle of the fork and to snap and lock the spoon in place either nested with the fork or end to end with the fork to form an elongated combination eating utensil. The spoon and fork of the system can also be used separately from one another.
US09468320B2

The tasting glass (1), of the type including a parison (2) generally being rotationally symmetrical around a vertical axis, includes within the parison (2) a set of at least two internal ribs (7) evenly distributed on the periphery of the parison (2), extending in a substantially vertical plane, almost from the bottom of the glass, up to a height of the parison (2) lower than the normal filling level of the glass, different for each of the ribs (7). The tasting glass also includes a dome (8), called “nose-cap”, located on the axis of the glass at the bottom of the parison (2). The ribs (7) each have the shape of a propeller blade surface. A method for producing the glass is also described.
US09468317B2

An apparatus, system, and method for a sealed frame mount system. The sealed frame mount system may include a front protective surface, such as a thermoplastic, and a piece of artwork. The piece of artwork is adhered to the front protective surface. The sealed frame mount system also includes a rear substrate, such as sheet of aluminum, and a rear support brace for mounting the sealed frame mount system to a wall for display.
US09468310B2

A multi-component divider including a first divider component and a connection mechanism for a second divider component. The second divider component connects to the first divider component when the first divider component is connected to a base. The second divider component extends above the first divider component, thereby extending the overall height of the divider. The base and multi-component divider can be used in locations where there is limited space between shelves, such as a shelf in a freezer or refrigerated display, or in any application where a higher divider may be preferred, but cannot be installed. The base can additionally include a pusher moveable along a longitudinal direction of the base, wherein the pusher is also adjustable linearly along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base.
US09468304B2

A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially co-planar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed surface. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position with the buttock-foot member and back rest member forming a seat.
US09468301B2

A seating, including a sling seating, can have adjustable and/or non-adjustable cushions. An occupant of the seating can adjust the thickness and support provided by an adjustable cushion. The adjustable cushion can include an open cell foam in an airtight envelope. The occupant can open a control valve connected to the envelope to let air out of the airtight envelope while the occupant applies external pressure to the open cell foam, which decreases the thickness of the adjustable cushion as the open cell foam compresses. The occupant can close the valve to restrict airflow into and out of the envelope at a desired thickness of the adjustable cushion. The occupant can subsequently open the valve to let air into the envelope while the occupant does not apply external pressure to the open cell foam, which increases the thickness of the adjustable cushion as the open cell foam expands.
US09468294B2

A structure of expandable corrugated storage shelf system includes a support frame and coupling sleeves or retention plates, or coupling sleeves and retention plates, arranged at side surfaces of the support frame. The coupling sleeves each have an outer surface on which symmetrically arranged engagement slots are formed and convergent, through sloping, in a downward direction. The retention plates each have a curved configuration are convergent, through sloping, in the downward direction. To assemble, the coupling sleeves of a plurality of support frames are respectively fit to fixed rods to receive the retention plates of an adjacent one of the support frames to fit into the engagement slots of the coupling sleeves thereby connecting the plurality of support frames together in a side by side manner or forming a corner configuration and expansion of the storage shelf being made easy and being tidy and organized after being connected together.
US09468290B2

A foldable lectern assembly includes a reading material support surface pivotedly connected to a case. A support bar is arranged to support the reading material support surface in inclined and horizontal positions. The foldable lectern assembly has a table top configuration and a standup configuration.
US09468287B1

A device for cleaning a cosmetic brush that has bristles and a liquid sensitive section. The device includes an ultrasonic bath and a lid. The ultrasonic bath is capable of holding a cleaning liquid in a reservoir. It also has an upper surface on which the lid can be placed. The lid includes one or more slots capable of receiving the cosmetic brushes and positioning them in a substantially vertical position. The slots also serve to hold the bristles in the cleaning liquid while leaving the liquid sensitive sections of the brushes substantially dry.
US09468280B2

A lip cosmetic applicator device (1) including an applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic (4) to a lip and a receptacle (3) for containing the cosmetic (4). The applicator (2) is withdrawable from and insertable into the receptacle through a neck (33) of the receptacle (3). The applicator (2) includes a stem (22) and an applying portion (21) connected to one end of the stem (22). The applying portion (21) is a flattened shape and has an applying side (21A) for applying the cosmetic (4). When viewed from the front, the applying portion (21) has a widest part (21E) and gradually decreases in width from the widest part (21E) to a tip thereof. The applying side (21A) of the applying portion (21) is a concave surface having a concavity (21C) in a center thereof.
US09468278B2

Method for coloring hair wherein a first hair coloring composition is applied to the hair, e.g. the hair roots and a second hair coloring composition is applied to the hair, e.g. the hair lengths and tips, wherein the pH of the second hair coloring composition is lower than the pH of the first hair coloring composition.
US09468274B2

An umbrella shank is provided with an FRP inner tube (10); an FRP outer tube (20) for receipt of the inner tube (10); a spring biased moving mechanism (30) including an upper member (31) having a longitudinal groove (311), and a lower member (32) having a longitudinal groove (321) aligned with the groove (311) wherein the lower member (32) is inserted into the inner tube (10), the upper member (31) is on the top of the inner tube (10), and the upper member (31) is in the outer tube (20); a fixing mechanism (40) in an upper portion of the outer tube (20); and a linking mechanism (60) in the outer tube (20) and including a rod (62) having a top secured to the fixing mechanism (40) and a bottom secured to a bottom of the lower member (32), and partially disposed in the grooves (311, 321).
US09468272B1

Devices and systems are described including a walking aid including a linear rod having a first end and a second end, a hand grip disposed in proximity to the first end of the linear rod, two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet at the second end of the linear rod, at least one sensor configured to detect a parameter of a walking surface in proximity to the second end of the linear rod, and a controller including a microprocessor and circuitry, the controller operably coupled to the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet and the at least one sensor, and including circuitry configured to receive information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface from the at least one sensor and circuitry configured to actuate at least one of the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet in response to the information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface.
US09468269B2

An interchangeable jewelry setting system that allows for the insertion, removal and replacement of ornamental elements onto a jewelry piece is provided. The jewelry piece may comprise any type of or piece of jewelry onto which an ornamental setting may be fitted such as, for example, a ring, necklace, earring, bracelet, broach, pin, etc. Likewise, any ornamental element may be disposed on the interchangeable setting of the invention, such as, for example, a metallic engraving, ornamental design element, etc.
US09468265B2

A mechanical fastening system having an engaging component and a receiving component. The receiving component has a first bond line, a second bond line, a bond zone, and a plurality of consecutive sweep regions. The second bond line is disposed adjacent to the first bond line such that a portion of the second bond line overlaps a portion of the first bond line. The bond zone circumscribes the first bond line and the second bond line. The plurality of consecutive sweep regions are disposed within the bond zone. At least one sweep region includes a portion of both the first bond line and the second bond line, and the remaining sweep regions include at least a portion of the first or the second bond lines. The receiving component has a bond ratio greater than or equal to about 1 and less than or equal to about 20.
US09468264B2

Described are studs for a shoe sole comprising at least a first stud portion and a second stud portion and at least one first strain section, which connects the first stud portion and the second stud portion to each other, wherein the at least one first strain section is configured to be strained when the stud is coupled to the shoe sole and the shoe sole is bent.
US09468263B2

A traction cleat attachment system for footwear that engages with a single click. The system comprises a cleat and a receptacle. The cleat includes a central stud with screw threads spaced about the outside surface of the stud. The receptacle includes a threaded annulus on a base for receiving the central stud of the cleat. The cleat also includes a collar coaxially surrounding the central stud with splines projecting from the interior collar surface. The threaded receptacle annulus is surrounded by two sets of alternating teeth projecting from the outside surface of the annulus. One of the set of alternating teeth have an upper surface at an angle with the base. Thus, the user obtains positive feedback that the cleat and socket have mated correctly.
US09468260B2

Footwear includes a sole, an upper secured to the sole for covering a foot of the wearer, and an external heel counter located at a rear of the upper and configured to be located behind a heel of the foot and to not extend along lateral sides of the heel. Portions of the upper adjacent the heel counter comprise leather and the heel counter comprises molded rubber. Lateral sides of the heel counter are arcuate and concave and an external surface of the heel counter is provided with raised ridges. Some of the leather portions of the upper adjacent the rubber heel counter are stitched to and over the rubber heel counter and some of the leather portions of the upper adjacent the rubber heel counter are stitched to and under the rubber heel counter.
US09468256B2

A sole structure for an article of footwear and a method of making the sole structure is disclosed. The sole structure can include a plurality of slots. The slots are associated with connecting portions that connect portions of the sole structure in the generally longitudinal direction and provide for increased fit, flexibility and stability.
US09468252B2

The sandal with pneumatic support includes an inflatable bladder in the sole, in the area immediately beneath the arch of the foot when the sandal is worn. A manual air pump is provided integrally with the sandal. In one embodiment, the pump is located atop the toe divider of a flip-flop type sandal. In another embodiment, the pump is located in the heel. A pressure relief valve is located along one of the upper straps of the sandal. The arch bladder, air pump, and relief valve communicate pneumatically with one another. The sandal may be devoid of structure extending between the toes when worn, but may include straps passing over and/or around the foot. Other embodiments provide additional air bladders in the straps to better secure the sandal on the foot. The sandal provides greatly improved support and reduces or eliminates muscular problems resulting from the lack of arch support.
US09468245B2

A reusable eyelash includes an eyelash and a monofilament lace attachment strip. The eyelash is adjacently connected on a top surface of the monofilament lace attachment strip, where a bottom surface of the monofilament lace attachment strip is attached onto an eyelid through an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer of the reusable eyelash can be a user applied adhesive liquid or a pre-manufactured adhesive strip while the monofilament lace attachment strip is a formfitting material that can match the contour of the eyelid in order to create a natural appearance.
US09468240B2

A maternity coat includes a jacket portion and a front panel portion. The jacket portion has lateral sides adapted to be fastened to each other. The front panel portion has a wide end, a narrow end, an outer layer and an inner lining. The outer layer is laterally expandable between a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The inner lining is laterally elastic between the first and second lateral sides. The front panel is further fastenable to the jacket portion in at least a first and a second configuration. In the first configuration a first side of the front panel is fastened with the first side of the jacket portion, a second side of the front panel is fastened with a second side of the jacket portion, and the wide end of the front panel is aligned with a waist end of the jacket portion. The front panel further defines a first bump proximate a waist area of the jacket portion and the inner lining is located about the waist area. In the second configuration the first side of the panel is fastened with the second side of the jacket portion, the second side of the front panel is fastened with a first side of the jacket portion, and the narrow end of the front panel is aligned with the waist end of the jacket portion. The front panel further defines a second bump proximate the chest area of the jacket and the inner lining covers the chest area.
US09468239B2

Buttock lifting trousers for male users are provided which are made in fabric that is comfortable for male users. The trousers contain spandex fibers to gather the tissue of the thighs and buttocks in order to house them in a cavity made by the cuts featured in the trousers. The insertion of an anterior/posterior oblique panel accomplishes the function of protecting, ventilating and preventing pressure on the genital area. Cuts made in the rear pieces when assembled create a cavity, which is sufficient to accommodate the buttocks and retain them. The trousers prevent seams and cuts from causing harm to the skin. The shape of the back pockets in the central sides have a diagonal line, which when placed in the rear, gives the effect of separation and greater roundness of the buttocks.
US09468234B2

A smoking article includes identification information encoded on the smoking article. The smoking article can be used with an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the smoking article and distinguishing the smoking article from other articles based on the identification information. A cleaning article includes identification information encoded on the cleaning article. The cleaning article cleans an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the cleaning article and distinguishing the cleaning article from other articles based on the identification information. An electrically heated smoking system for receiving an article configured for use with the smoking system includes: a cavity for receiving the article having identification information encoded thereon, a heating element, a power supply, electrical hardware, and a detector capable of detecting the presence of the article in the cavity and distinguishing the article from other articles based on the identification information.
US09468226B2

Objects are to provide an additive for a feed which can improve growth performance and meat quality of livestock, and can improve palatability of the feed, a feed and a method for preparing the feed, and the objects can be solved by an additive for a feed which comprises at least one or two or more of a polyphenol derived from EFB, α-tocopherol derived from EFB and xyloses derived from EFB, a feed which comprises an additive for a feed being added to a formulating material for a feed in the range of 0.05 to 20% by weight with a dry basis, and a method for preparing the feed.
US09468225B2

Suggested are new compositions for oral ingestion, comprising at least one active agent from the group of alkamides. The compositions which are orally ingested reduce the uptake of free fatty acids in the adipocytes and at the same time stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine, which leads to a reduction of appetite, a feeling of satiety and a positive mood. In doing so, the new compositions are thus perfectly suitable to counteract any undesired gain of weight.
US09468223B2

For producing an aerated confectionery mass, a raw confectionery mass is fed at a feed rate from a supply to an aeration unit for introducing gas into the confectionery mass and wherein the aerated confectionery mass is fed to a production line for the production of confectionery or tablets. The feed rate of the raw confectionery mass is controlled such that it corresponds to the demand of the production line, the amount of introduced gas is controlled in response to the feed rate of the confectionery mass so that the aeration level of the confectionery mass remains substantially constant and the temperature of the aeration mass within the aeration unit is controlled such that it remains substantially constant and independent from the feed rate. The aeration unit may include a rotor for stirring and kneading the confectionery mass containing the introduced gas, the rotational speed of the rotor being controlled such that it is enhanced for higher feed rates and reduced for lower feed rates in order to produce gas bubbles of approximately the same size independent from the feed rate. In order to keep the bubble size small during the depositing step, the depositing is realized via a pressurized manifold containing multiple nozzles.
US09468221B2

The present invention includes a method of producing non-settling hydrolyzed whey permeate with an enzyme, the non-settling hydrolyzed whey permeate concentrate, and nutritive additives and foods made therefrom.
US09468220B2

Disclosed are systems and methods useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The methods preferably use a low oxygen gas source to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.
US09468218B2

An apparatus for handling food products comprises an alignment trough disposed at an incline for holding a stack of the food products at an incline. The alignment trough defines a portion of a passage upon which the food products travel. The stack defines a bottom food product. At least one movable member extends into the passage to control the separation of the bottom food product from the remainder of the stack by moving to provide clearance fro the food product to pass.
US09468216B2

A baking apparatus and method of baking buns and other products is disclosed. In one embodiment, the baking apparatus includes a base pan having a plurality of cavities and a top pan having a corresponding number of molds whereby dough placed between a cavity and a corresponding mold and baked appropriately results in a bun having a flat bottom and at least on closed end.
US09468210B2

Novel compositions and methods for the post-harvest treatment of crops are disclosed and described. In one example, a composition includes a fungicidally-active compound, an ether solvent, and a filler. In many embodiments, the composition is ready-to-fog.
US09468209B2

A compound represented by formula (I), or (II), or a salt thereof, for eradicating weeds.
US09468200B1

A tip-up organizer for buckets preferably includes a top retention ring, a bottom retention ring and at least two support poles. Each retention ring preferably includes two fixed projections and at least four flexible projections. Each side of the fixed projection includes a tip-up slot, which is sized to receive a thickness of a tip-up base. One side of the flexible projection includes a tip-up slot, which is sized to receive a thickness of the tip-up base. Each fixed projection preferably includes a pole bore, which is sized to receive an end of the support pole. The support pole may be retained in the pole bore with any suitable method, such as threads. An outer diameter of the top and bottom retention rings are preferably sized to be slidably received by an inner perimeter of a large bucket.
US09468186B2

The invention relates to a lettuce plant (Lactuca sativa L.), which may comprise a genetic determinant, which confers resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and/or impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), and which is as found in plants grown from seeds of which a representative sample was deposited under NCIMB accession number NCIMB 42023. The invention further provides seeds, progeny, propagation material and food products from the plant.
US09468185B2

The present invention relates to lettuce plant that comprises leaves of substantially the same area from the inner to the outer leaves. The lettuce plant according to the invention comprises a trait that control the head formation and thus allows the lettuce not form a compact head and having leaves well separated and of substantially the same length and width. The lettuce plant can be advantageously used in the fresh cut industry for the manufacture of packaged salads.
US09468182B1

A wheat variety designated W040376U1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W040376U1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W040376U1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W040376U1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W040376U1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W040376U1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US09468179B1

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050806. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050806. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050806 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050806 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09468170B2

The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated ID6708, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line ID6708 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line ID6708, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line ID6708, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09468166B2

An automatic watering system includes a water storage reservoir and a water feed reservoir positioned elevationally below the water storage reservoir. The water feed reservoir has a plurality of water feed apertures aligned substantially horizontally for allowing water to pass from the water feed reservoir to outside of the water feed reservoir. The water feed reservoir is in fluid communication with the water storage reservoir via a water tube with a biased seal and via an air return conduit which has a float valve. The water storage reservoir is in fluid communication with the refill indicator for indicating a water level present within the water storage reservoir. The refill indicator includes a float body that tracks the water level within the water storage reservoir. The automatic watering system may also include a gripping mechanism positioned near a top portion of the water storage reservoir.
US09468160B2

A method for moving large trees by cutting trenches around the tree so as to define a generally rectangular root ball for the tree and positioning a box structure in an excavated area along one side of the defined root ball so that the box structure can be pulled beneath the tree to as to sever the root ball. One side of the box structure is open and has a cutting plate that can be pulled under the tree. A pulling mechanism is positioned in a second excavated area on an opposite side of the root ball and cables are attached to the box structure so that it can be pulled beneath the root ball to sever and capture the ball. The open side of the box structure is then closed and lifting devices attached to the structure to allow the tree to be lifted from the ground.
US09474193B2

Provided is a method of producing “a ceramic green bonded compact in which a ceramic green film is bonded on each bonding surface of a ceramic green substrate having hole portions,” the method imparting good adhesiveness to a thin green film while suppressing the green substrate from having deformation. In this method, first, a layer of a paste for bonding is formed on each bonding surface of green sheets prepared. Next, each bonding surface of the green sheets on which the paste layer is formed is brought into contact, in a state in which the paste layer is wet, with each bonding surface of a porous ceramic green substrate prepared. While this state is maintained, pores in the green substrate absorb a dispersion medium in the paste layer in the wet state. As a result, the paste layer is dried, thereby completely bonding the green substrate and the green sheets.
US09474181B2

A scalable power and management module (PMM) includes a chassis configured to be slideably inserted into a power and management bay within a rack. The PMM provides scalable power distribution and rack-level management functions that are shared by several information technology (IT) gear. Several power supply units (PSUs) are mounted in the chassis. The number of PSUs is scalable based on the number of IT gear. A management controller is mounted in the chassis to provide rack-level management of the IT gear and at least one associated block controller within the rack. A power controller is mounted in the chassis and is communicatively coupled to the PSUs and the management controller. The power controller controls power functions of the PMM.
US09474180B2

A method of manufacturing an electronic device, the method includes: preparing a first lead frame having a first lead, the first lead having a first portion located in a first region; electrically connecting the first lead and a first electronic part; bending the first lead such that the first portion is located outside the first region; arranging a second lead frame to overlap the first lead frame such that a second portion of a second lead of the second lead frame is located in the first region; and electrically connecting the second lead and the second electronic part.
US09474179B2

Provided is an electronic component package that does not lower reliability while enabling miniaturization and high performance of the electronic component package. The electronic component package includes a main substrate, a first electronic component provided on a main surface of the main substrate, a frame body disposed so as to face the main surface of the main substrate, and a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal disposed on the main surface of the main substrate along a first side of the frame body. The second connection terminal is disposed on the first side of the frame body at a position facing a vicinity of a midpoint of a side of the first electronic component, and the second connection terminal has an area larger than an area of the first connection terminal.
US09474178B2

The invention describes an electronics device housing having two side wall elements, which are spaced apart from one another, for forming a housing having a housing interior for accommodating at least one printed circuit board, wherein at least one fitting location for conductor connection plug connectors is provided on at least one of the end faces in the intermediate space between the side wall elements. The electronics device housing has receiving devices in the region of the at least one fitting location, the receiving devices being designed to selectively receive—an ejector element, which can be pivotably mounted on the electronics device housing by the receiving devices, for ejecting a conductor connection plug connector from a fitting location, or—a locking element, which can be fixedly latched to the electronics device housing by of the receiving devices, for locking a conductor connection plug connector at a fitting location.
US09474177B2

Provided are a wireless display mount capable of facilitating changes to the arrangement for the mount without, for example, having to rewire the power wire; and a wireless display system capable of highly efficient supply of electricity to a wireless display. A wireless display mount supplies electricity to a wireless display wirelessly via electromagnetic induction and includes a case, a power wire and a connection terminal. The case has a cavity in-between the power wire where a wireless display may be installed. A wireless display system includes a wireless display, and wireless display mount. The wireless display has a loop coil. The wireless display mount has a housing for housing the power wire, disposed adjacent to the loop coil and formed at a location separated from the mounting surface of the wireless display mount.
US09474176B2

An improved case is disclosed with a pivoting platform. The case comprises a lower case having a primary side wall and a secondary side wall for defining a lower case chamber. Lower ends of a first arm, a second arm, a third arm and a fourth arm are pivotably coupled to the case. A platform has a primary platform side and a secondary platform side. Upper ends of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm and the fourth arm are pivotably coupled to the platform. The first arm, the second arm, the third arm and the fourth arm displace the platform between an elevated position and a non-elevated position. A primary spring is coupled to the lower end of the first arm and the upper end of the second arm for retaining the platform in the elevated position and the non-elevated position.
US09474174B2

A cover panel is located on a surface of an electronic apparatus, and includes at least one through-hole and is made of sapphire. A panel support member includes a plate part, support parts, and a reinforcing part. The plate part is opposed to the cover panel. The support parts are vertically arranged on both sides of the plate part and support the cover panel. The reinforcing part is located in the plate part and reinforces the plate part. An operation button passes through the through-hole.
US09474164B2

A module includes an insulating substrate having an upper surface as a principal surface, a lid member having an internal space with the insulating substrate, and bonded to the upper surface in a first surface, a device element housed in the internal space, a semiconductor element connected to a top surface, which forms the both sides of the lid member together with the first surface, using a resin adhesive, electrodes electrically connected to the device element, and disposed on an upper surface of the insulating substrate in an area other than the connection area with the lid member, and a projection section formed of the same member as the lid member on the upper surface in an area between the electrodes and the lid member in a plan view.
US09474157B2

A sensing system includes an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) resonator sensor having a substrate, a plurality of first sensing elements mutually spaced apart and disposed on the substrate, and a sensing material film being disposed on a first sensing region of the corresponding first sensing element.
US09474141B1

An arc atmospheric pressure plasma device is described. The arc atmospheric pressure plasma device includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a nozzle. The first electrode is configured to connect to a power supply. The second electrode has a chamber and is grounded. The first electrode is located within the chamber. The nozzle is connected to a bottom of the second electrode, and has at least two nozzle channels. The nozzle channels communicate with the chamber.
US09474138B2

The present invention relates to a method of detecting a failed luminaire and/or light sensor in a lighting system comprising M luminaires and N light sensors. The elements Dsl of an N×M transfer matrix D expresses how each luminaire l affect a light sensor s with respect to sensed light intensity, wherein s=1, 2, . . . N, and l=1, 2, . . . , M. The method comprises the steps of: setting the intensity of light emitted by the respective luminaires in the lighting system to a first intensity setting according to the respective elements of a first intensity vector I(1)(102), determining a first sensor intensity vector E(1) (104), setting the intensity of light emitted by the respective luminaires to at least a second intensity setting according to the respective elements of a second intensity vector I(2) (106), wherein at least one element of I(2) differs from a corresponding element or elements in determining a second sensor intensity vector E(2) (108), determining fault detection vectors from a difference between E(1) and D·I(1) and between E(2) and D·I(2), respectively (110), and identifying a failed luminaire and/or light sensor on basis of a difference between corresponding elements of the respective fault detection vectors (112). The present invention further relates to a failure detection system for detecting a failed luminaire and/or light sensor.
US09474135B2

Apparatuses, methods, apparatuses and systems for standalone sensor unit are disclosed. For an embodiment, the standalone sensor unit includes a plurality of sensors and a controller. The controller is operative to detect a presence of a mobile unit, wherein detecting the presence of the mobile unit comprises the controller being operative to sense motion with a motion sensor, and sense a strobe of light, wherein the sensed motion and the sensed strobe of light occur within a predetermined time of each other, and receive a configuration setting from the mobile unit within a window of time after presence of the mobile unit has been detected.
US09474133B2

A sensor lighting control system automatically controls lighting on a home automation network without creating unnecessary network traffic. A sensor module uses the light level to determine when a command to turn the light ON should be resent over the network.
US09474125B2

Provided are a display apparatus and a method of manufacturing the display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a first substrate that is curved; a display unit on the first substrate; and a second substrate that covers the display unit, is curved, and faces the first substrate, at least one selected from edges of the first substrate and edges of the second substrate being at least partially chamfered.
US09474119B1

A display device and driving method of a backlight module are disclosed. The display device includes a display panel and a backlight module. The backlight module includes a first light source, a second light source and a control module. The first light source emits a first spectrum with a first stimulus and the second light source emits a second spectrum with a second stimulus. The second stimulus is substantially bigger than the first stimulus. The control module enables the second light source during a first period and enables the first light source during a second period.
US09474117B2

An AC LED lighting apparatus using a voltage edge detector is provided. The AC LED lighting apparatus includes: a rectification unit configured to rectify an AC voltage to output a DC rectified voltage; an LED unit including a first light emitting group and a second light emitting group each including at least one LED; and an LED driving control unit configured to control a serial/parallel connection relationship between the first light emitting group and the second light emitting group by comparing a voltage level of the rectified voltage input from the rectification unit with a reference voltage. The LED driving control unit sets the reference voltage by detecting a slope of the rectified voltage and simultaneously detecting the voltage level of the rectified voltage and the detected slope of the rectified voltage.
US09474111B2

A solid state lighting apparatus can include a first string of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that is configured to operate in response to a rectified ac voltage having a cycle including a null time interval when the first string is off and a second string of LEDs, that is separate from the first string of LEDs, and can be configured to emit light during at least a portion of the null time interval.
US09474110B2

Provided is an alternative current (AC) direct drive light emitting diode (LED) power supply handling an overvoltage. The AC direct drive LED power supply includes a power input unit receiving an AC power, a rectifier unit for generating an undulating current by rectifying the AC power outputted from the power input unit, an LED array unit connected to receive the undulating current from the rectifier unit and formed of one or more LED modules, a constant current control unit connected to the LED array unit and controlling so as to allow a certain rated current or less to flow by modifying a waveform of the undulating current applied to the LED array unit, and a voltage-based current control unit driven by a voltage of both ends of the constant current control unit and continuously decreasing a current value of an overvoltage supplied form the power input unit according to a level of the overvoltage.
US09474106B2

Provided are an apparatus and method of controlling a heating element of an electric range. The apparatus for controlling a heating element of an electric range includes: a plurality of heating elements; an input unit to which an output adjustment value for each of the plurality of heating elements is input from a user; a calculation unit that calculates the sum of output power of each heating element corresponding to the output adjustment value input by the input unit; and a controller that compares the sum of output power calculated by the calculation unit with a predetermined power limit and linearly controls output of each heating element based on a result of comparison.
US09474105B2

A user equipment (UE) may determine a capability of the UE to support multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs). The multiple SIMs may enable the UE to communicate with multiple network nodes. The UE may notify at least one network node of the multiple network nodes of the multiple SIM capability of the UE.
US09474100B2

A relaying device, such as a router, especially those for forming the backbone of a wireless mesh network, comprises a first wireless frontend and a second wireless frontend which are to communicate with each other to facilitate data communication between a first external device and a second external device. The first wireless frontend is to communicate wirelessly with the first external device and the second wireless frontend is to communicate with the second external device using IEEE 802.11 infrastructure mode transmission protocol. Such a relaying device facilitates the cost effective construction of a high speed WMN of say 300 Mbps using infrastructure mode protocol contrary to conventional wisdom.
US09474094B2

Logic may enable a number of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) enabled mobile devices to establish Peer-to-Peer connectivity to allow users to connect their devices in an easy and convenient manner to share, show, print, and synchronize content. Logic may enable interoperability between services/applications from multiple vendors. Users may experience consistency due to services interoperability. Logic provide a procedure to enable multiple vendor's applications and services interoperability via methods and arrangements to enable Peer-to-Peer (P2P) connection limited to allow traffic from user-invoked services on, e.g., a Wi-Fi Direct connection.
US09474092B2

An infrastructure equipment for forming part of a mobile radio network includes a transmit and receive unit, to transmit and receive data to and from mobile communications devices via a wireless access interface, and a controller processing requests for communications resources from the mobile communications devices. Plural associated communications devices are arranged to form a group, and each of the associated communications devices of the group includes a same common identifier, with respect to which communications sessions can be established to communicate data via the mobile radio network, and the controller is arranged in combination with the transmit and receive unit to respond to a request from one of the communications devices of the group to establish a communications bearer using the common identifier.
US09474090B2

A method and apparatus for improved resource allocation in ad hoc group calls includes receiving a request for an ad hoc group call with another push-to-talk (PTT) system between a plurality of subscriber units comprising a plurality of Project 25 (P25) subscriber units; allocating resources with the another PTT system using an Inter Radio Frequency Subsystem Interface (ISSI) network to network interface (NNI); and identifying the ad hoc group call as a single logical call for the plurality of P25 subscriber units on the ISSI NNI. This can also include allocating a single channel for the plurality of P25 subscriber units identified as the single logical call.
US09474086B2

An apparatus and a method for scheduling in consideration of a Service Connection Time Duration (SCTD) in a mobile communication system. The apparatus includes a User Equipment (UE) for transmitting a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) including an SCTD measured by counting a connection time to receive an uplink service through a high speed data transmission, and a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) for receiving the MAC PDU including the SCTD from the UE, allocating a priority by considering the SCTD, and allocating radio resources based on the priority.
US09474071B2

The invention relates to a method and apparatus. In the method, an apparatus, for example, a base station, receives radio interface capabilities from a mobile node. The apparatus receives a subscriber frequency band priority profile identifier from a mobility management entity node. The apparatus finds an entry from a frequency band priority data structure using the subscriber frequency band priority profile identifier and the at least one radio interface capability and obtaining at least one frequency band priority from the entry. The apparatus applies the at least one frequency band priority to control the mobility of the mobile node.
US09474063B2

An antenna port for an extended Physical Downlink Control CHannel (ePDCCH) transmission is determined based on at least an identifier for a leading extended Control Channel Element (eCCE) within the ePDCCH and an identifier for a user equipment (UE) to receive the ePDCCH transmission, and based on whether the ePDCCH transmission is localized or distributed. The determined antenna port is a DeModulation Reference Signal (DMRS) port to which the UE is assigned. Symbols are mapped in sequence to resource elements (REs) and transmitted via the determined antenna port to the UE.
US09474056B2

A method and a receiver are described for transmitting control information in a wireless communication system. The receiver is configured to receive a plurality of data units from a transmitter, determine acknowledgement/negative-acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) states for each of the data units; and transmit, to the transmitter, the ACK/NACK states in multiple ACK/NACK states or in a single ACK/NACK state in accordance with a predetermined condition.
US09474051B2

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may perform one or more process that enable smart processing of resource elements from interfering base stations in order to improve cell decoding. The method includes prioritizing resource elements in order to reduce complexity of processing of the interfering resource elements. Some resource elements may be excluded from processing if priority is set to a null value or to a sufficiently low value. Resource elements in a subframe received from an interfering transmitter are grouped into one or more target regions and paired with serving and interfering cells. Each pairing is prioritized and processed in an order based on the priorities assigned to the pairings.
US09474034B1

A digital data communications mechanism includes multiple parallel lines, in which components of one or more lines are temporarily powered down to save power. Preferably, both the transmitter and receiver contain respective generators generating identical pre-determined pseudo-random bit streams, which are initially synchronized and which remain powered up when the line is temporarily powered down. Upon re-powering the line, the transmitter transmits the locally generated bit stream, and the receiver compares the received bit stream with its internally generated bit stream to determine an amount of shift required for re-synchronization.
US09474033B2

Adjustment of a downlink transmit power parameter, such as a ceiling level, is disclosed. Signal-to-noise type information and committed power information can be employed to determine the ceiling level adjustment. A ceiling level can be a predetermined cap on transmission power for downlink channels between a user equipment and a base station. Where there is sufficient headroom in total transmission power and a power level greater than the predetermined ceiling can be effective, the ceiling can be adjusted to greater values than the predetermined value. Where total transmission power is more committed, ceiling adjustment can be prevented. Further, where there is no adequate benefit from increasing the ceiling, the adjustment of the ceiling can be prevented. While some instances can result in optimized transmission levels below the ceiling, instances can also be accommodated where the ceiling is to be increased.
US09474019B2

Concepts and technologies are described herein for a hybrid network-based and device-based intelligent radio access control. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a radio access technology (“RAT”) selection system and a mobile device cooperate to enable an intelligent multi-radio access control that can select a RAT that is best-suited for the mobile device. The RAT selection system can select networks based upon network conditions, policies, user profiles, applications, and/or other information, and provide a list of the networks to the mobile device. The mobile device can utilize local device information to select a network from the list. In this manner, the RAT selection system and the mobile device can cooperate to steer traffic to various networks operating in accordance with different RATs to improve user experience, especially in network traffic congested areas, and to efficiently leverage network resources for mobile telecommunications and WI-FI networks.
US09474005B2

Communication methods of a macro base station which collects position information about a mobile micro base station and that is served by the macro base station, predicts a channel between the macro base station and the micro base station, and performs a handover between the macro base station and the micro base station based on a state of the predicted channel is provided.
US09473995B1

As a communication device receives packet data via a first access network, the communication detects that packet data arriving via a second access network is duplicative of the packet data that the communication device is receiving via the first access network. In response to detecting such duplication, the communication device discontinues being served by the first access network and continues with communication via the second access network.
US09473994B2

A method and system for selecting a target cell for handover of user equipment in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system are described. In accordance with the method, a serving cell: determines virtual channels supported by each of a plurality of neighboring cells; determines a set of virtual channels of interest to a UE; selects a subset of the neighboring cells, which supports at least one virtual channel in the set of virtual channels of interest to the UE; modifies handover behavior, and uses results of the modified handover behavior to select one of the neighboring cells, from the subset, as a target cell for handover of the UE.
US09473988B2

The present description discloses a method for transmitting an uplink signal through a non-licensed band from a terminal in a wireless communication system by applying carrier aggregation techniques. More specifically, the method is characterized by comprising the steps of: receiving an uplink scheduling grant from a base station; determining the availability of a non-licensed band; transmitting a signal for reserving resources if a non-licensed band is available; and transmitting an uplink signal to the base station via the non-licensed band on the basis of the uplink scheduling grant.
US09473981B2

Methods and apparatuses are described for wireless communications. A first method includes transmitting a first Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) communications signal to a wireless node in a licensed spectrum, and transmitting, concurrently with the transmission of the first OFDMA communications signal, a second OFDMA communications signal to the wireless node in an unlicensed spectrum. A second method includes receiving a first Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) communications signal from a wireless node in a licensed spectrum, and receiving, concurrently with the reception of the first OFDMA communications signal, a second OFDMA communication signal from the wireless node in an unlicensed spectrum. A third method includes generating a periodic gating interval for a cellular downlink in an unlicensed spectrum, and synchronizing at least one boundary of the periodic gating interval with at least one boundary of a periodic frame structure associated with a primary component carrier of the cellular downlink.
US09473976B1

When a UE engages in application-layer session setup signaling with a session server via a radio access network and gateway, the UE conveys in its session setup signaling an indication of the UE's observed air interface quality (e.g., received signal strength or signal to noise ratio) and perhaps an indication of a characteristic of an neighboring air interface (e.g., a duplex configuration or band of the neighboring air interface). The session server then reports the UE's indicated air interface quality and perhaps neighboring air interface characteristic to a policy server, and the policy server uses that information as a basis to select a quality of service level for a bearer to be established between the UE and the gateway for carrying media content of the session. The policy server then invokes establishment of a bearer having the selected quality of service level.
US09473972B2

An apparatus may include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver to receive a first message over a first carrier in a first band in a downlink sub-frame of a first radio frame in a communications link, where the communications link comprises interband carriers aggregated over primary and secondary cells. The apparatus may also include a processor and a reply message assignment module operable on the processor to determine a downlink sub-frame in which the downlink transmission is received and to adjust timing of a reply/acknowledge message to be sent by the RF transceiver in response to the first message so as to coincide with a predetermined uplink sub-frame of a radio frame. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09473971B2

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system and, more particularly, to a method for managing the quality of service (QOS) of a network node in a wireless communication system, comprising a step of confirming a maximum bit rate (MBR) of user plane data of a terminal, wherein the confirming step further comprises the steps of: calculating the total MBR for a machine type communications (MTC) group to which the terminal belongs; and comparing the calculated value with an aggregated MBR (AMBR) group when the terminal belongs to the MTC group.
US09473959B2

Embodiments of the present invention include a method for configuring a femtocell. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a cellular device within near-field communication range of the femtocell. The method identifies a carrier network associated with the cellular device and automatically configures the femtocell to operate on the carrier network associated with the cellular device.
US09473958B2

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, an apparatus, and a system for adjusting a channel quality indicator CQI feedback cycle. A CQI adjustment parameter fed back by a base station is received, and it is determined according to the CQI adjustment parameter whether a CQI feedback cycle of a user equipment needs to be adjusted; and when it is determined that the CQI feedback cycle needs to be adjusted, the CQI feedback cycle of the user equipment is adjusted, and an adjusted CQI feedback cycle is sent to the user equipment. Therefore, the CQI feedback cycle of the user equipment is dynamically adjusted, and an uplink throughput rate and cell uplink coverage are increased.
US09473946B2

Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed to for resource coexistence management in RF white spaces. An example embodiment includes a method including receiving by a control node of a wireless network, an allocation of resources and an indication of allowance to release resources temporarily from a network controller serving the control node; and transmitting by the control node to the network controller, a message indicating temporary release of a portion of the allocated resources.
US09473944B2

Systems and methods of a personal daemon, executing as a background process on a mobile computing device, for providing personal assistant to an associated user is presented. While the personal daemon maintains personal information corresponding to the associated user, the personal daemon is configured to not share the personal information of the associated user with any other entity other than the associated user except under conditions of rules established by the associated user. The personal daemon monitors and analyzes the actions of the associated user to determine additional personal information of the associated user. Additionally, upon receiving one or more notices of events from a plurality of sensors associated with the mobile computing device, the personal daemon executes a personal assistance action on behalf of the associated user.
US09473941B1

In an example embodiment, a method for authentication of a wireless device without making a connection, includes transmitting, by an apparatus, wireless device discovery messages including a nonce for authenticating wireless devices responding to the wireless device discovery messages; receiving, by the apparatus, a wireless response message from another wireless device responding to the wireless device discovery messages, the wireless response message including an authentication test value based on the nonce; and authenticating, by the apparatus, the other wireless device, without establishing a wireless connection to the other wireless device, if the authentication test value is valid.
US09473940B2

A system, method and computer program product for authenticating a data streaming device to a network using a browser of another computing device, such that the data streaming device is able to retrieve and/or transmit streaming content over the Internet subsequent to the authentication.
US09473938B2

The present invention discloses a server receives an access request sent by an information requesting terminal, where the access request carries information about a shared resource that the information requesting terminal requests to access; the server periodically sends a first authentication identifier to the information requesting terminal; the information requesting terminal sends the first authentication identifier to an information management terminal according to the received first authentication identifier; the information management terminal sends a second authentication identifier to the server; the server determines, whether the first authentication identifier sent to the information requesting terminal matches the second authentication identifier; if the first authentication identifier sent to the information requesting terminal matches the second authentication identifier, the server determines access permission of the information requesting terminal. According to the technical solutions provided in the present invention, access by an information requesting terminal is confirmed periodically, thereby implementing secure privacy protection.
US09473931B2

Various embodiments provide methods performed by an modem-assisted-service-classification (MASC) client application operating on a multi-SIM computing device for implementing MASC functionality for two or more subscriptions. In various embodiments, the MASC client may implement MASC functionality by associating MASC policies for one or more access point names (APNs) with a specific subscription and by applying those policies to applications associated with those one or more APNs while that specific subscription is in active communication with its network. Thus, by managing a mapping of subscriptions, APNs/networks, and applications, the MASC client may enable implementation of MASC functionality for a multi-SIM computing device.
US09473927B2

A method for use when a mobile communication device roams between a home network and foreign networks, which device includes a SIM card using an IMSI, includes the steps of storing on the SIM card a first IMSI for network identification; upon receipt of a location update message indicating that the mobile device has moved to a first visited network, firstly causing the HLR to send an instruction message to the mobile device to change, to a second IMSI, the IMSI used for network identification; secondly causing the mobile device to use the second IMSI for network identification and saving the first IMSI; and then causing the mobile device to perform a device network refresh; and upon roaming back to the home network, causing the mobile device to change the IMSI used for network identification back to the first IMSI and then to update its network status.
US09473921B2

A system, a device, and various methods are described herein for billing a user for their consumption of mobile broadband services which are monitored by a mobile broadband charging system and for their consumption of virtualized cloud resources which are monitored by a cloud operating system. In one example, the system comprises a commercially available mobile broadband charging system and a commercially available cloud operating system and then incorporates the device to combine the commercially available mobile broadband charging system and the commercially available cloud operating system in order to bill the user for their consumption of mobile broadband services and virtualized cloud resources.
US09473917B2

The present invention provides an address-based social safety network system of a smart grid infrastructure device, the address-based social safety network system comprising: a potable location information terminal for transmitting an emergency signal through a RF modem when an emergency signal generation command is inputted; a digital energy meter which calculates an average value of wireless reception strength of the emergency signal received from the portable location information terminal and then transmits the calculated average value to an upper end; a collection device which collects the emergency signal received from the digital energy meter, and which transmits the collected emergency signal to the upper end; and a positioning server which collects the emergency signal received from the collection device, and which tracks location information of the portable location information terminal by using the wireless receiving sensitivity and an intrinsic identification address of the digital emergency meter.
US09473914B2

A system for providing mobile network services is disclosed. A first server is communicatively coupled to a mobile device over a mobile network and configured to receive a unique authentication token from the mobile device over the mobile network and provide a service to the mobile device via the mobile network, the service associated with the unique authentication token and branded by an entity other than an operator of the mobile network. A second server is communicatively coupled to the mobile network and configured to monitor usage of the mobile network by the mobile device. A computing device is communicatively coupled to the mobile device over the mobile network and configured to receive the unique authentication token from the mobile device over the mobile network, access digital content over a network, and transfer a representation of the digital content to the mobile device over the mobile network.
US09473907B2

A method includes providing a broadband public safety network PSN that includes at least a first MS1 and a second MS2 mobile device and a first coverage area; and providing a broadband mobile communication network CN including a second coverage area 104. The method includes detecting the MS1 and MS2 mobile devices are residing out of the first coverage area and residing in the second coverage area 104. Then the MS1 and MS2 mobile devices are starting to operate in a Device to Device mode 204. The method further includes defining a group including the MS1 and MS2 mobile devices that are communicating in the Device to Device mode. The method includes determining, by using a selection mechanism including one or several timers, which of the MS1 and MS2 mobile devices acts as a controlling mobile device for the group 202.
US09473906B2

A method of supporting group communication over LTE MBMS is provided. A UE first establishes a unicast Evolved Packet Service (EPS) bearer in an LTE network for group communication. The UE belongs to a communication group having a communication group ID. The UE receives access information from the network for monitoring downlink (DL) multicast traffic of the DL group communication based on a multicast decision. The UE is then ready for monitoring a multicast Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) bearer for receiving the DL multicast traffic. The multicast MBMS bearer is associated with a Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), and wherein the TMGI is associated with the communication group ID. The UE later enters RRC_IDLE mode and releases a radio bearer of the unicast EPS bearer while keep monitoring the multicast MBMS bearer for the DL multicast traffic.
US09473894B2

A location of a client device may be obscured by using generated random offsets and/or a set of regions. In one implementation, the location of a client device may be obscured using a first random offset and a second random offset. A pseudo-location may be determined based on the location of the client device, the first random offset, and the second random offset. The pseudo-location may be transmitted to a third-party for a location-based service. In another implementation, the location of a client device may be obscured using a first random offset and a set of regions. An intermediate location may be determined based on the location of the client device and the first random offset. A region of the set of regions may be determined based on the intermediate location. A pseudo-location may be transmitted to a third-party for a location-based service based on the determined region.
US09473893B2

An approach is provided for an application engine (e.g., a gaming engine) based on real-time location-based data. In one embodiment, an application engine determines one or more location-based data sources associated with at least one device. The one or more location-based data sources are determined in at least substantially real-time while the at least one device is engaged in at least one travel activity. The application engine then determines one or more elements of an application engine based, at least in part, on the one or more location-based data sources. The application engine causes, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more elements at the least one device during the at least one travel activity. In one embodiment, the application engine also causes, at least in part, a transformation of the one or more map data elements based, at least in part, on the one or more location-based data sources.
US09473889B2

A method, computer-readable storage device, and an apparatus for determining a probability for a particular geo-fence in a wireless network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a mobile identification, a location record, and an accuracy level, identifies a bin in a database of record, identifies one or more geo-fences in which the bin is located, identifies one or more geo-fences that are pre-associated with the mobile user endpoint device, determines an intersection of: the one or more geo-fences that are identified as being pre-associated with the user endpoint device, and the one or more geo-fences that are identified as being geo-fences in which the bin is located, and determines for each particular geo-fence in the intersection, the probability of being in the particular geo-fence, wherein the probability of being in the particular geo-fence is determined in accordance with the accuracy level associated with the location record.
US09473885B2

A fleet management server is connected to onboard terminal equipments mounted on plural haulage vehicles. The server includes an operation mode determination unit and operation mode switching unit. The determination unit determines whether or not an operation mode, in which segment setting processing is performed to set travel-permitted segments for the vehicles, respectively, needs switching between a bidirectional mode and a push mode. In the bidirectional mode, the processing is performed to send response information upon reception of request information from each onboard terminal equipment. In the push mode, a travel-permitted segment setting unit, without reception of such request information, performs the processing for one of the vehicles to set a new travel-permitted segment, and produces and transmits travel permission information indicating the new travel-permitted segment. The switching unit performs switching processing of the operation mode according to the results of the determination.
US09473875B2

A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for sensor node and access point communication. In one embodiment, the method comprises embedding, by a sensor node, data from one or more sensor readings in a field of a first message, the field being designated as part of a standardized protocol to send information other than the data sensor readings; determining without the use of a receiver, by the sensor node, whether a wireless communication channel is at a predetermined quality level to send the first message; and broadcasting the first message wirelessly to a component according to the standardized protocol.
US09473872B2

A method of configuring a mobile terminal within a Long Term Evolution (LTE) compliant mobile wireless communications network. The method comprises controlling a first mobile terminal setting and communication the first mobile terminal setting from a network node to the mobile terminal. The first mobile terminal setting indicates whether supplementary services management setting controls originating from a mobile terminal are to be transmitted between the mobile terminal and an application server through an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. The first mobile terminal setting instructs the mobile terminal to modify a first configuration parameter within a first Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Managed Object (MO) stored at the mobile terminal to indicate whether supplementary services management setting controls originating from the mobile terminal are to be transmitted through an IMS network.
US09473868B2

A sound collecting system includes a plurality of microphones, a distance estimation module and an adjustment module. The distance estimation module estimates a distance to a user to accordingly provide a user distance. The adjustment module adjusts a part or all of the positions of the microphones according to the user distance.
US09473861B1

In one embodiment, a semiconductor device may include a controller that may be configured to receive an information signal from a detachable device wherein the information signal may be selectively representative of an output signal of the controller according to codes of the detachable device and to receive a sense input that may be representative of the output signal and to determine a code received from the detachable device according to a value of the sense signal and the information signal.
US09473856B2

A piezoelectric electroacoustic transducer is disclosed. The piezoelectric electroacoustic transducer includes a diaphragm, a piezoelectric element disposed on the diaphragm, an elastic element connected with and around the diaphragm, a frame around the elastic element and being disassembled so as to adjust an inner-frame projected area of the frame, and a buffer interposed between the elastic element and the frame, wherein the frame has an inner-frame projected area less than a planar projected area of the diaphragm, the elastic element, and the buffer, such that the frame always provides a compressive stress to the diaphragm, the piezoelectric element, the elastic element, and the buffer. The piezoelectric electroacoustic transducer may be implemented as a loudspeaker or a microphone.
US09473838B2

An apparatus including a housing having a sound hole; a sound transducer in the housing; and a dust barrier in the housing between the sound hole and the sound transducer. The dust barrier has a deck located in a path between the sound hole and the sound transducer. The deck comprises a dust collection pocket configured to accumulate dust therein and prevent dust from passing through the deck at the dust collection pocket. A sound aperture is provided between the sound hole and the sound transducer such that sound passes by the dust collection pocket between the sound hole and the sound transducer.
US09473827B2

Apparatus and methods for improved software programming interface functionality in a network. In one exemplary embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable network with CPE in which network-specific programming interfaces (e.g., APIs) may be downloaded to the CPE, registered, authenticated, stored and executed in a software protocol stack implementing OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) or Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standards. The host device software comprises a “manager” module that registers APIs identified by the OCAP Monitor Application, such that all applications launched thereafter on the device can use these communications APIs, provided they have the appropriate permission(s). This relieves individual applications from having to support details regarding network-specific protocols and APIs. In an alternate embodiment, class and data files associated with the API functionality are downloaded along with an application. The downloaded application registers the API using a modified version of the API using a description file (DF). The DF describes the class and data files provided with the application that are part of the registered API.
US09473816B2

A method according to one embodiment includes the operations of determining a requested playback media content rating; selecting a pattern matching database associated with the requested playback media content rating; scanning one or more frames of media content; and comparing the scanned frames of media content to the pattern matching database to determine matched frames for omission from playback based on the requested playback media content rating.
US09473800B1

In accordance with the present invention, systems and methods that allow a television broadcast facility or a headend to insert in-band messages, where the inserted message allow receivers to switch to, insert, or otherwise show addressable advertisements to its viewers.
US09473798B2

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, system having a controller to receive from a set-top box (STB) a request for assistance, identify a subscriber account associated with the STB, identify from the subscriber account a subscription grade, select one of a plurality of subscriber support services according to the subscriber grade, and establish communications between the STB and the selected subscriber support service. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09473795B2

Methods and apparatus for crediting a media presentation device are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining ambient audio of a location including a media presentation device during a time period, detecting encoded information present in the ambient audio, crediting a first portion of the time period for the media presentation device to first media based on the encoded information, determining an on/off state of the media presentation device for a second portion of the time period different than the first portion based on the ambient audio, and crediting the second portion of the time period based on the on/off state of the media presentation device.
US09473774B2

A moving picture coding apparatus includes a motion estimation unit (101) for performing motion estimation by fixing the one of two reference pictures as a reference picture indicated by an inputted default reference picture number DefRefNo and a variable length coding unit (107) for performing variable length coding on coded residual data ERes, a prediction type PredType, a reference picture number RefNo2 and motion vectors MV1, MV2 on a block-by-block basis, and outputting them as coded moving picture data Str.
US09473770B2

A method of decoding, composing and rendering a scene. First information is obtained, the first information including a part of a MPEG-4 BIFS scene description stream and at least one coded MPEG-4 media stream. The first information is decoded by invoking a BIFS scene decoder and one or more specific media decoders that are required by the scene. Second information is obtained, the second information including a second part of a BIFS scene description stream that contains a reference to an external application. The second information is decoded by invoking the BIFS scene decoder and an external application decoder. An integrated scene is composed, the integrated scene including one or more decoded MPEG-4 media objects and one or more external application objects specified in the decoded scene descriptions streams. The composed integrated scene is rendered on a display.
US09473766B2

A method and apparatus for three dimensional viewing of images is presented. Left eye viewing point (LEVP) imagery is passed through a left eye filter to obtain a filtered LEVP imagery. Right eye viewing point (REVP) imagery is passed through a right eye filter to obtain a filtered REVP imagery. The filtered LEVP imagery is projected on a display and the filtered REVP imagery is projected on the display. A user wearing polarized glasses is able to view the filtered LEVP imagery and the filtered REVP imagery as three-dimensional imagery on the display. The three dimensional imagery can be augmented.
US09473765B2

A grayscale driving method for three-dimensional (3D) shutter glasses is provided herein and comprises steps of: for every two frames as a cycle, sequentially inputting a first signal and a second signal into a first glass and a second glass, and the polarities of the first signal and the second signal in the cycle are the same; changing the polarities of the first signal and the second signal when the cycle transits into a next cycle; and respectively inputting a third signal and a fourth signal into the first glass and the second glass during the cycle to adjust the gamma voltages of the first signal and the second signal in the first glass and the second glass.
US09473759B2

To provide a transmission device that enables playback with respect to the same program in accordance with a viewer's viewing environment. The transmission device stores therein 3D access information and 2D access information respectively relating to access to a 3D stream and a 2D stream that are simulcast, and generates and transmits a data stream including the 3D access information and the 2D access information.
US09473748B2

Video frames of a baseball game are analyzed to determine a track for the participants in the game, e.g., players, coaches and umpires, and to update a digital record of the game. The start and/or end of a half-inning can be indicated by factors such as: the participants leaving the dugout region and entering the playing field, including the outfield, a participant leaving the dugout region and entering the region of a base coach's box, a pitcher throwing pitches when no batter is present, and players on the playing field throwing the ball back and forth to one another. In one approach, the combination of detecting an event which is known to occur most often or always between half-innings followed by detecting another event which is known to occur most often or always during a half-inning, can be used to signal that a half-inning has started.
US09473747B2

Video monitoring and tracking techniques are addressed to allow consumers to purchase items in a store with no need to checkout at a traditional checkout lane. A large number of cart check and shelf check cameras monitor additions to carts and removals from shelves along with knowledge of location and what is on a particular shelf are employed to analyze which products are selected for purchase. Customer analytic data, as well as, store inventory data are preferably also developed from the camera image data.
US09473742B2

The disclosed technology addresses the need in the art for capturing a moment of an active teleconference meeting. A teleconference system can enable meeting participants to capture a moment of the teleconference by providing a user interface element enabling the meeting participants to capture a moment of the teleconference. The captured moments can then be revisited or shared by the meeting participants. The teleconference system can present captured moment indicators representing the captured moments to the meeting participants which can be selectable to revisit the captured moment. Further, the teleconference system can enable the meeting participants to provide feedback to the captured moments, which can be used to assign a social strength the capture moments. The teleconference system can present the captured moment indicators according to the social strength of their corresponding captured moment.
US09473740B2

In a system and method of conducting a videoconference, a videoconferencing unit detects an activation related to a presentation device at a near-end of the videoconference. The unit stores a current orientation of at least one camera and directs the at least one camera at the presentation device. At this point, the unit begins outputting to a far-end at least one of (i) video captured of the presentation device with the at least one directed camera and (ii) content displayed with the presentation device. At some point, the unit detects a deactivation related to the presentation device at the near-end and then redirects the at least one camera to the stored orientation so the videoconference can proceed as before.
US09473735B1

An apparatus and method of providing a display that simplifies presentation of related video frames to enable a user to better see and interpret videos exhibiting a high degree of localized apparent image jitter. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards presentation of image sequences in a contextual display responsive to a contextual map for controlling apparent jitter and towards compositing for production of contextual maps by co-locating content alignment attributes which results in non-alignment of individual frames.
US09473729B2

Display features of an interactive user interface for a TV environment allow a user to interact with objects and/or information within a display space.
US09473725B2

An image-processing device includes an image acquiring device, an encoded aperture pattern setting device configured to set encoded aperture patterns for multiple pupil images of the main lens, respectively, a calculation device configured to perform a weighted product-sum calculation between the pupil image for each lens of the lens array in the image acquired from the image sensor and the encoded aperture pattern set by the encoded aperture pattern setting device, and an image generating device configured to generate an image based on a calculation result by the calculation device.
US09473721B2

A solid-state image capture device includes a plurality of pixels and a first substrate and a second substrate in which circuit elements constitutes the pixels are disposed and which are electrically connected by a connection unit. The pixels includes: photoelectric conversion elements disposed in the first substrate and generating signals corresponding to amounts of incident light; sample hold capacities disposed in the second substrate and holding output signals corresponding to the signals generated by the photoelectric conversion elements; and a clamp capacitor disposed in the second substrate, shared by the plurality of pixels, and clamping voltages of the output signals held in the plurality of sample hold capacities. The sample hold capacities and the clamp capacitor are capacities having a structure in which two sheets of metal electrodes having a quadrangular flat plate shape are opposite to each other.
US09473718B2

A vehicle surroundings monitoring device includes: a captured image acquisition unit that acquires an image of surroundings of a vehicle by an image capturing unit mounted on the vehicle; an attachment detection unit that decides a state in which foreign matter adheres to a lens of the image capturing unit; a state decision unit that decides that the lens is in a lens state in which performance of image recognition is reduced in case that the attachment detection unit decides that the foreign matter adheres to the lens; a lens state recording unit that records the lens state in a recording unit upon termination of a system; and a lens state read-out unit that reads out the lens state recorded in the recording unit upon start of the system.
US09473713B2

Multiple cameras are arranged in an array at a pitch, roll, and yaw that allow the cameras to have adjacent fields of view such that each camera is pointed inward relative to the array. The read window of an image sensor of each camera in a multi-camera array can be adjusted to minimize the overlap between adjacent fields of view, to maximize the correlation within the overlapping portions of the fields of view, and to correct for manufacturing and assembly tolerances. Images from cameras in a multi-camera array with adjacent fields of view can be manipulated using low-power warping and cropping techniques, and can be taped together to form a final image.
US09473711B2

A infrared camera includes: a camera module photographing a subject; a lighting module outputting light to the subject; a control module controlling the camera module to photograph the subject and outputting a lighting driving signal synchronized with an operation of the camera module; and a lighting driving module driving the lighting module based on the lighting driving signal output from the control module.
US09473702B2

A method including selecting one or more portions of a scene; controlling an image sensor to capture, at a relatively wide field of view, a wide-field-of-view image of a scene; controlling the image sensor to capture, at a relatively narrow field of view or narrow fields of view, one or more narrow-field-of-view images of the one or more selected portions of the scene.
US09473700B2

Camera systems and methods for gigapixel computational imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the camera system comprises: a ball lens, an array of image sensors disposed at a distance from the ball lens, the array of image sensors configured to acquire images from light that passes through the ball lens; and a processor configured to deblur and stitch the images captured by the array of image sensors to generate a gigapixel image.
US09473689B2

A method for automatically switching a terminal focus mode and a terminal are provided that relate to the terminal field and can more effectively determine a focus mode of a terminal. The method includes: collecting an image data frame; and switching a focus mode of a terminal according to a brightness value of a metering area of the image data frame. The terminal includes: a sensor unit, an imaging unit, and a display unit, where the imaging unit includes: a data frame acquiring module configured to collect an image data frame; and an auto focus control switching module configured to switch a focus mode of the terminal according to a brightness value of a metering area of the image data frame.
US09473688B2

The image pickup apparatus includes: a first imaging sensor in which pixels including photoelectric conversion units are arranged two-dimensionally; a second imaging sensor in which pixels including photoelectric conversion units are arranged two-dimensionally, each pixel including one micro lens, and a first and a second photoelectric conversion units; a light beam splitting unit for splitting a flux of light entering an optical system into fluxes of light entering the first and the second imaging sensors separately; a first image processing unit for processing signals from the first imaging sensor, the first image processing unit generating a still image based on signals from the first imaging sensor; and a second image processing unit for processing signals from the second imaging sensor, the second image processing unit generating signals usable for focal point detection of a phase difference method and generating a moving image based on signals from the second imaging sensor.
US09473685B2

Provided is an imaging apparatus that can shoot at a specified frame speed during continuous shooting. The imaging apparatus in the present disclosure is an imaging apparatus for performing continuous shooting at a specified frame speed, the imaging apparatus including an imaging element configured to generate image data by imaging an object image, a mechanical shutter configured to control an exposure for the imaging element, a frame speed detector configured to detect a frame speed of the continuous shooting, and a control section configured to perform a read operation of the image data and control of the mechanical shutter. The control section adjusts the frame speed of the continuous shooting when a difference between the specified frame speed and the frame speed of the continuous shooting exceeds a predetermined range.
US09473684B2

An image processing apparatus has a plurality of optical systems arranged two-dimensionally and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements which are two-dimensionally arranged for each of the plurality of optical systems and are used to photoelectrically convert an image from each optical system, and inter-frame prediction encodes a plurality of image frames each having a different parallax, which are formed by the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements.
US09473682B2

An electronic video camera has a camera body which comprises an inner carrier structure and at least one outer cover element which is arranged at the carrier structure and which bounds an interior space of the camera body. In this respect, the camera structure forms a central cooling passage which divides the interior space of the camera body into a ventilation space within the cooling passage and into at least one component space outside the cooling passage. The ventilation space is open toward the environment of the video camera. The component space is sealingly closed with respect to the ventilation space and the environment of the video camera. The video camera has electronic components which are received in the component space and are thermally conductively coupled to the ventilation space via at least one side wall of the cooling passage. The cover element furthermore forms a side cover which is releasable to expose the electronic components arranged in the component space for servicing purposes.
US09473681B2

A housing for an infrared camera module may be implemented with a substantially non-metal cover configured to substantially or completely enclose various components of an infrared imaging device. A metal layer may be disposed on various interior and/or exterior surfaces of the cover. Such implementations may be used to reduce the effects of various environmental conditions which may otherwise adversely affect the performance of the infrared imaging device. In addition, one or more conductive traces may be built into the housing and/or on interior surfaces of the housing to facilitate the passing of signals from components of the infrared imaging device such as infrared sensors, read out circuitry, a temperature measurement component, and/or other components. One or more fiducial markers may be provided to align various components of the infrared camera module during manufacture.
US09473677B2

A method for synchronization of audio/video (AV) media files includes: writing respectively AV real-time transport protocol (RTP) packets and AV real-time transport control protocol (RTCP) packets into AV buffers; obtaining respectively timestamps in first ones of AV RTCP packets to serve as absolute start times of first ones of the AV RTP packets, and AV timestamp differences between the timestamps of adjacent ones of the AV RTP packets; generating respectively playback timestamps of the AV RTP packets according to the AV timestamp differences in combination with the absolute start times; and writing the AV RTP packets in combination with the playback timestamps of the AV RTP packets into a media file.
US09473676B2

An image processing apparatus includes: a processor; and memory storing computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the image processing apparatus to execute: acquiring target data representing a target image; calculating, for each of a plurality of target pixels forming the target data, a density relation value related to density of the target pixel; selecting a conversion color for an object pixel among the plurality of target pixels; converting pixel value of the object pixel to generate converted data such that, the higher the density represented by the density relation value of the object pixel, the closer the pixel value of a pixel of the converted data to a value indicative of the conversion color for the object pixel; and outputting the converted data.
US09473669B2

An electronic document generation apparatus includes a processing execution unit that executes first processing for generating an electronic document on the basis of a scanned image of an original document. When data to be used in second processing executed by a cooperative apparatus of the electronic document generation apparatus is generated by one of a plurality of sub-processes of the first processing, the processing execution unit transmits the data to the cooperative apparatus at a stage where there is a remaining unexecuted process among the sub-processes, and continues with execution of the remaining unexecuted process among the sub-processes. The electronic document generation apparatus receives a result of the second processing executed on the data by the cooperative apparatus from the cooperative apparatus, and generates the electronic document on the basis of the result of the second processing and the result of the first processing executed by the processing execution unit.
US09473665B1

This disclosure provides a self-contained imaging device that takes digital photographs of portions of documents (such as photos or photoalbums) instead of scanning those images. The imaging device uses a lens to zoom in on specific portions of the document that represent images that are to be digitized. Generally speaking, disclosed embodiments utilize a physical device having a housing, a location for retaining or holding an image to be imaged, such as a platen or image conveyance mechanism, a light source and the imaging system (which can be a digital camera). The disclosed device camera provides a low-cost mechanism that can at-once capture a high resolution image without the delays associated with most scanners.
US09473656B2

An image processing apparatus including a sensor detecting a document set on the image processing apparatus, an image processing device performing an image processing operation for the document, a reader reading registration information from a recording medium, the registration information including at least one of identification information and setting information, and a controller configured to, in response to the recording medium being brought in proximity to or in contact with the reader, control the reader to read the registration information from the recording medium, acquire the setting information based on the registration information, determine whether the document is set on the image processing apparatus, based on a detection signal from the sensor, and in response to determining that the document is set on the image processing apparatus, control the image processing device to perform the image processing operation in accordance with the setting information.
US09473654B2

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit; a sending unit that sends an original formed by the image forming unit; a reading unit that reads an image of the original that is sent by the sending unit; a detecting unit that, from the image read by the reading unit, detects an end portion detecting image formed at a predetermined position of the original; and a determining unit that determines a search region for searching for an end portion of the original included in the image by recognizing the position of the end portion detecting image detected by the detecting unit.
US09473645B2

A method and system for improved audio quality in teleconferencing are provided. The method includes analyzing the audio signal of multiple input lines in a teleconferencing system to detect if any two input lines contain substantially the same audio signal with a delay shorter than that of a conventional echo caused by an input line's own audio feedback via a teleconferencing server. The method further includes selecting the input line with the higher amplitude audio signal or the earlier received audio signal when two input lines with substantially the same audio signal are detected.
US09473637B1

Agent utterances are generated for implementing dialog acts recommended by a dialog manager of a call center. To this end, a set of word lattices, each represented as a weighted finite state automaton (WFSA), is constructed from training dialogs between call center agents and second parties (e.g. customers). The word lattices are assigned conditional probabilities over dialog act type. For each dialog act received from the dialog manager, the word lattices are ranked by the conditional probabilities for the dialog act type. At least one word lattice is chosen from the ranking, and is instantiated to generate a recommended agent utterance for implementing the recommended dialog act. The word lattices may be constructed by clustering agent utterances of training dialogs using context features from preceding second party utterances and grammatical dependency link features between words within agent utterances. Path variations of the word lattices may define slots or paraphrases.
US09473633B2

A history management apparatus that includes: a control unit; and a storage unit that stores a history management program that, when executed by the control unit, causes the history management apparatus to perform actions including: acquiring a plurality of fragment data sets, an action of a contact center to a call, and an execution time of the action; generating a plurality of historical data sets indicating a history of response states to a respective plurality of calls and, for each call of the plurality of calls, determining a sequence of response states and duration of each of the sequence of response states; generating a display image indicating the history of response states for a selected call from the plurality of calls based on the historical data set for the selected call; and causing the display image to be displayed on a display unit.
US09473618B2

Various aspects disclosed herein are directed to different types of personal assistant techniques for facilitating call event notation, tagging, calendaring, and etc., particularly those implemented on mobile communication devices. Users of mobile devices are provided with a relatively easy way to record and organize personal notes relating to one or more selected telephone conversations conducted by the user. Users can also manage notes, tasks, and schedule items related to the user's contacts and social network(s). In at least one embodiment, a Mobile Application running on a user's mobile device may be configured or designed to automatically detect an end of phone call event at the mobile device, and to automatically display a “pop-up” dialog GUI prompting the user to record a personalized note or other content (if desired), to be associated with the phone call which just ended.
US09473615B2

The various embodiments herein provide a computer readable method for speed dialling a user preferred number comprises downloading and installing the computer readable method in a mobile device and updating a keypad with a set of speed dialling keystrokes. The user selects a number format in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) provided by the computer readable method for speed dialling resulting into an appearance of a keyboard and a text field on the GUI. The intended keyword is entered by the user in the appeared text field through the keyboard. The GUI displays suggestions of the probable numbers on the basis of the entered keyword. The user selects an intended number from the displayed probable numbers. The number is automatically dialled on the selection of the intended number.
US09473612B2

A method, apparatus and a computer program is provided. The apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing computer program code configured, working with the at least one processor, to cause at least the following to be performed: responding to user input by switching a device from an unlocked state to a locked state; and setting a user input process for switching the device from the locked state to the unlocked state, in dependence upon the user input provided to switch the device from the unlocked state to the locked state.
US09473610B2

The information processing apparatus includes: a search unit configured to search an application, which satisfies a condition; a data share unit configured to output location information; and a computer controlled to function as: a first request control unit that requests with a first condition; a first reception unit that receives first application information, satisfying the first condition; a second request control unit that requests with a second condition; a second reception unit that receives second application information satisfying the second condition; a display control unit that displays options to receive an operation of selecting any one of the application indicated by the first application information and the second application information; and an output unit that designates a selected application corresponding to the selected options and outputs location information.
US09473608B1

An integral range extender and mechanical protector system for a handheld digital device includes a chassis adapted for securing to the device; and a selectably deployable dual purpose collapsible rod operable in a first, compacted mode for storage across the rear of the device so as to cover a major portion of the area thereof and together with the chassis, to absorb mechanical forces directed towards the sides or rear of the device, and further operable in a second, deployed mode for extension in a direction transverse from the chassis, whereby a first end of the rod is adapted to support the device and a second distal end is adapted to be held in the hand of a user, wherein, in the second mode, use of the collapsible rod permits positioning of the device from the user and use thereof remotely from the user.
US09473605B2

A method for displaying a status of an electronic device having a cover attached thereto. The cover has a screen window formed on a part of the cover. The method includes determining whether the cover is open or closed; checking an operation of a status indicator while the cover is closed; and displaying information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator in at least a part of a screen area that is exposed through the screen window.
US09473592B2

A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus that includes obtaining content with an original server cookie comprising a name and a value in response to a client request. Whether the value includes one or more of an established set of characters is determined. A new value is generated based on the value of the original server cookie and a URL encoding of the one or more of the established set of characters and any percent characters included in the value of the original server cookie prefixed by a first indicator character, when it is determined that the value includes one or more of the established set of characters. A web optimized client cookie comprising the new value and the name of the original server cookie concatenated with a domain attribute and path attribute associated with the content is generated. The web optimized client cookie is provided to the client.
US09473586B2

A first request is received from a device over a network. It is determined that the first request should be redirected, based at least in part on information included in the first request. A redirect message is sent to the device over the network. A second request is received that includes the address and the port number. Responsive to determining that the port number is on the predetermined list of port numbers, modifying the second request by removing the port number. The modified second request is sent to the address.
US09473580B2

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving ultrasound frequency sweeps in a sound receiving device. Each of the plurality of ultrasound frequency sweeps is centered on one of at least two predetermined frequencies. The method also includes converting the ultrasound frequency sweeps into an ultrasound message based on a central frequency of each of the ultrasound frequency sweeps received, and placing the ultrasound message into a receive buffer. Then at least a network address is extracted from the ultrasound message, and the network address is used to establish a communication session over a data network with a telecommunications device.
US09473572B2

If a first workload is supported by candidate servers with different architectures, a determination is made that a selected workload is the first workload. If the first workload is not supported by candidate servers with the different architectures, a determination is made that the selected workload is a second workload. Components of the candidate servers are determined, and statistics are collected, and component values are determined. If the components impact performance of the selected workload, weights are set for the components to be a percentage impact of the components on the selected workload. If the components do not impact performance, weights are set to be one. Functions of the component values and the weights are calculated. The results of the functions are processed with costs of the candidate servers to yield adjusted costs. The selected workload is moved to the candidate server with a lowest adjusted cost.
US09473568B2

A method disclosed herein can include receiving content for communication to one or more network clients from a content provider, where the content includes at least a web page. A content request is received from a selected client of the one or more network clients. In response to receiving the content request, the web page is prepared for communication to the selected client. A web page identifier associated with the prepared web page is generated. The web page and the web page identifier are forwarded to the selected client. A plurality of web page identifiers associated with respective web pages within the received content can be stored. The web page identifier can be obtained from among the stored web page identifiers.
US09473556B1

Disclosed are various embodiments for a content discovery application. Content items can be selected by first selecting a sequence of descriptors. The descriptors are selected from a subset of descriptors regenerated based on previously selected descriptors and other factors. The content item is selected from a pool of content items responsive to the sequence of descriptors. Users may explore data derived from sequences of descriptors and selected content items from other users to discover content relevant to their interests.
US09473555B2

A computer-implemented system, apparatus and method for accessing a portable device to execute monitoring capabilities. The monitoring capabilities include packet detection, which in turn may be processed to produce media exposure data. The monitoring capabilities are installed using privileged access in order to obtain data from a kernel layer of the portable device, and the device is returned to an original state following installation, in order to comply with operating system requirements. Audio media exposure data may further be integrated with the packet-detected media exposure data.
US09473551B2

A system and method for processing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) data including determining whether received audio data is VoIP data, transferring, when received audio data is VoIP data, the received VoIP data to a first path, and transferring, when received audio data is not VoIP data, the received audio data to a second path. The system and method can process, when received audio data is VoIP data, the received VoIP data via a VoIP data processing path including a voice engine for VoIP, instead of an audio data processing path, irrespective of types of mobile devices and types of applications.
US09473544B2

A hot-desking application and methods of operating the same are described. The hot-desking application can be provisioned as an explicit sequenced application for all user addresses of record in addition to being provisioned as an implicit sequenced application for all of the possible hot-desk endpoint addresses. Through such provisioning, the hot-desking application can, among other things, allow for calls to be placed directly from a hot-desk endpoint but still show the user's address of record as the calling identity.
US09473539B2

The invention provides a method of handling SIP messages in an IMS core network. The method comprises receiving at a first network entity, a first SIP message that includes an identification of a served user to which the first SIP message relates. The first IMS network entity is in the served user's home network. The first SIP message is forwarded as a second SIP message to a second network entity in the served user's home IMS core network. The second SIP message includes a P-Served-User, PSU, header identifying the served user.
US09473537B2

The present disclosure relates to cloud based mobile device management (MDM) systems and methods to use the “cloud” to pervasively manage mobile devices. The cloud based MDM systems and methods provide an ability to manage mobile devices with or without MDM clients while no requiring an MDM appliance or service at the enterprise. This provides a “no hardware, no software” deployment. In an exemplary embodiment, a client-less implementation leverages the ActiveSync protocol proxied through distributed cloud nodes to enforce mobile policies. In another exemplary embodiment, a client-based implementation uses a platform specific application and associated application programming interfaces (API) to connect managed mobile devices and provide MDM features through the cloud. Advantageously, the cloud based MDM systems and methods provide reliability and resiliency, elasticity, lower cost, mobility, integration of management and security, and agility over conventional MDM based solutions.
US09473522B1

A method and system for protecting a computing system, the method comprising allocating simulator nodes, the simulator nodes emulating operations of devices in a target system, simulating malicious action utilizing the simulator nodes, and determining that the malicious action was successfully.
US09473515B2

A method for data downloading is provided, including: sending a download request, and sending a security check request according to the download request; receiving network data returned according to the download request, and receiving a check result returned according to the security check request; and determining whether the check result indicates that the network data is secure; if yes, then continue receiving the returned network data, and if no, interrupt receiving the returned network data. In addition, a device and a system for data downloading are provided, which improve the security of data download.
US09473483B2

A method, a computer program product and a computer system, for exchanging information to provide services, is provided. A computer processor creates an information repository associated with a service requestor, in response to receiving a request for service from the service requestor. The computer processor notifies a service provider of the request for service from the service requestor. The computer processor receives a request for information from the service provider, regarding information about the service requestor. The computer processor forwards the request for information to one or more information providers. The computer processor stores information in the information repository, in response to receiving the information from the one or more information providers, and notifies the service provider to retrieve the information from the information repository.
US09473475B2

One embodiment provides a system that delegates signature production in a CCN. During operation, a first content producing device monitors content objects created by a second content producing device. A content object can be identified by a name that is a hierarchically structured variable length identifier (HSVLI) which comprises contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level. The first device retrieves the content objects and authenticates a message authentication code for each content object based on a key shared by the first and second device. The first device creates a manifest with a name and a content object hash value for each content object, produces a digital signature for the manifest based on a private key of the first device, and includes the digital signature in the manifest, thereby delegating signature production to the first device for content objects created by the second device.
US09473461B2

A method and associated systems for a transparent tunneling architecture for a secured database. A tunneling driver captures a user's database-access request before it can be blocked by a security gateway. The driver translates the request into a Web-service request, where the requested Web service is implemented by means of classes or objects that correspond to database operations. The request is formatted into a standard database-independent form that the security gateway allows to pass to the database server intact. A Web-service runtime environment interprets the requested Web service, thereby instructing the server-side database-management application to respond to the user's access request. In a reverse procedure, the database's response is translated into a Web-service response to the requested Web service that may similarly tunnel through the security gateway, and that is then translated back into a form that may be properly interpreted by the requesting user's client application.
US09473458B2

A connection method is provided. The method includes retrieving by a data retrieval device, unique data comprising an identifier associated with a wireless device. The unique data is transmitted to a router transmitting an authorization request and a configuration request for a configuration change to an authorization service. The authorization request is presented to a user and in response the user transmits an authorization code to the authorization service. In response, the router generates a virtual SSID and preconfigured firewall rules based on the unique data and the wireless device is automatically connected to the router based on the virtual SSID and the preconfigured firewall rules.
US09473455B2

This present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing a data plane processing tool chain for processing packets that can use OSI layers 4 and above in the data plane without using a hypervisor. The disclosure has multiple processing capabilities, including: packet filtering, resolving DNS packets, generating packets, packet forwarding, performing DNS look up, time-stamping DNS packets, writing packets to disk, load-balancing, and protecting against DDOS attacks.
US09473454B2

A gateway device and methods performed therein to prevent unauthorized client devices from connecting to the host network of the gateway device is described. The gateway device does not respond right away to an individual client message sent to the gateway device. Instead, the gateway device only responds to a predetermined sequence of the client messages, which is only known to the gateway device and authorized client devices. Because the gateway device will not respond to random client messages and the likelihood that an unauthorized client device can correctly guess the predetermined sequence of the client messages is low, the risk of a malicious party being able to hack into the host network, for example, by using port scanning techniques, can be mitigated.
US09473451B2

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for a testing platform involving application traffic are disclosed. According to one method, the method occurs at a testing platform including an emulated port control protocol (PCP) client module for requesting public network addressing information for an emulated application server module and an emulated application client module for sending application traffic. The method includes receiving, from a device under test (DUT), the public network addressing information in response to a PCP request. The method also includes providing mapping information to the emulated application client module, wherein the mapping information includes the public network addressing information.
US09473449B2

The invention contains a private self-aware network. The network will use multi-point Bluetooth technology or Wi-Fi or a direct connection (though not limited to any of these technologies) to provide this capability. By enabling the invention to detect other invention connections, accessories, and users, it can perform many of the network functions common in today's marketplace. A few examples include instant send or sharing of files to or with anybody linked through the invention or to a specific device. A chat window can be created to talk to specific people or to groups of people on the invention network. Registration information for conference discussion sessions can provide files to update customer databases or CRM type systems. Classroom attendance and assignments can be passed between the teacher and student. These are just a few examples of what can be done using this new network feature but the invention is not limited to just these. Due to a limited number of electrical wall sockets, a daisy chain option can be incorporated into the invention as well. The user has the option for directly connecting the power input of all the inventions in the room together rather than plugging in each one individually. There are four basic settings: Business (coffee shop), Active Conference, Active Classroom, and Professional Client. These offer standard settings usually expected in that kind of environment.
US09473438B1

A system for analyzing email for compliance with a set of rules, including enhanced email devices configured to determine whether an email message probably conforms or does not conform to the rules. If the email message is determined to probably not conform to the rules, designate the email message to be a probable non-conforming email (NCE), and electronically transmit a reporting message to a server containing a copy of the probable NCE, user-identifying information, and reasons for probable non-conformance. The server is configured to receive the reporting messages and, for each probable NCE, calculate a digital signature of the probable NCE. If the probable NCE is not stored in the NCE database, the server stores the probable NCE and the signature in the NCE database along with the user-identifying information and the reasons for non-conformance. Otherwise, it adds the user-identifying information and the non-conformance reasons record in the NCE database.
US09473411B2

A network apparatus is provided that may include one or more security accelerators. The network apparatus also includes a plurality of network units cascaded together. According to one embodiment, the plurality of network units comprise a plurality of content based message directors, each to route or direct received messages to one of a plurality of application servers based upon the application data in the message. According to another embodiment, the plurality of network units comprise a plurality of validation accelerators, each validation accelerator to validate at least a portion of a message before outputting the message.
US09473407B2

The present disclosure provides a traffic controlling method based on remote applications, comprising the following steps: evaluating a current network bandwidth; detecting a bitmap updating frequency of each area in a current screen, identifying a multimedia area, and judging whether the multimedia area is valid or not to obtain a judging result; and controlling data traffic according to the current network bandwidth and the judging result. By evaluating the current network bandwidth, detecting the updating frequency of each area in the current screen and identifying whether the multimedia area is valid, and dynamically controlling the data traffic according to the current network bandwidth and according to whether the multimedia area is valid, the present disclosure is capable of ensuring the unblocked transmission of the critical business and preventing the display quality of the multimedia area from being affected to improve the system performance and the user experience.
US09473403B2

Methods and entities of routing messages to or from a network entity in an IP network is disclosed. A function mode is indicated in a message routed to or from the network entity.
US09473399B2

Systems, methods, architectures and/or apparatus for implementing Multi-Segment Pseudo Wire (MS-PW) arrangements in an efficient and scalable manner.
US09473397B2

Provided are computer program product, system, and method for determining whether a short or long message format is used to communicate zone information in a network. One large zone is implemented for end devices coupled to ports of data forwarders. A first formatted zoning distribution message is generated for the data forwarders identifying the data forwarder and ports on the data forwarders in the one large zone in response to determining that the data forwarder supports the short message format. A second formatted zoning distribution message is generated identifying the data forwarder, the ports on the data forwarders, and additional fields of information on the ports not included in the first formatted zoning distribution message in response to determining that the data forwarder does not support the short message format; and sending the generated first formatted or second formatted zoning distribution message to the data forwarder.
US09473396B1

A system for steering data packets in a communication network that includes compute nodes having processors for executing application and service virtual machines (VMs), and traffic steering accelerators. A virtual local area network-identifier (VLAN-ID) assignment module generates records and associates the records with the service VMs. Each record includes an input VLAN-ID, an output VLAN-ID, and a port number corresponding to one of the service VMs. A service-chaining module generates chaining rules associated with n-Tuples. A traffic steering controller generates a chain of the records based on the service chaining rules. The traffic steering accelerator then steers the data packets based on the input and output VLAN-IDs included in the data packet.
US09473384B2

A device validates reachability of nodes of a communication network of an industrial automation and control system. The device includes a collector module configured to update a data set including discovered dataflow information by detecting direct neighbor nodes having a physical connection to a selected node, and updating the data set by adding the selected node and those direct neighbor nodes which have configured logical network constraints matching logical network constraints of the selected node. The device includes a repeater module configured to repeat the selecting of a direct neighbor node in the data set and directing the collector module to update the data set using the selected direct neighbor node. The device includes a validation module configured to validate reachability of nodes of the network by comparing the data set with a data set including designed dataflow information which defines reachability requirements for nodes of the communication network.
US09473382B2

A method for providing Link Aggregation Control between a plurality of systems adapted for Link Aggregation is provided. The plurality of systems includes a primary system, a first secondary system, and a second secondary system. The primary system comprises first primary ports being linked to first ports of the first secondary system by first links. Further, the primary system comprises second primary ports being linked to second ports of the second secondary system by second links. The method comprises forming a link aggregation group, wherein the link aggregation group includes at least one first link and at least one second link. A preferred system among the secondary systems having links within the link aggregation group is selected and further, the method comprises setting the status of the primary ports according to the selection of the preferred system.
US09473381B2

A apparatus for network testing includes a network port adapted to receive data from the test network and one or more network interfaces of a wireless access point in operative communication with the network port. The one or more network interfaces generates a wireless local area network (WLAN) that communicates diagnostic information of the test network to a client device and causes the client device to display the diagnostic information.
US09473368B1

A method and system to generate a network graph representation of a physically connected network include selecting a selected sensor among a plurality of sensors arranged along the physically connected network, searching a time-varying data signal from the selected sensor for measurement patterns; identifying candidate sensors among the plurality of sensors that are candidates for being directly connected with the selected sensor based on each of the candidate sensors outputting a respective candidate time-varying data signal with candidate patterns that match the measurement patterns of the time-varying data signal, and constructing possible graph sub-structures including the selected sensor and the candidate sensors. Determining a feasible graph sub-structure is based on the possible graph sub-structure and spatial placement of each of the selected sensor and the candidate sensors, and generating the network graph representation is by iteratively determining the feasible graph sub-structure by selecting a different sensor as the selected sensor.
US09473366B2

Techniques for measuring above-the-fold (ATF) page rendering are provided. Visible objects for an ATF portion of a browser page are identified. A start and end time for each visible object is recorded. Furthermore, a total elapsed time to finish loading each of the visible objects to the ATF portion of a browser is determined.
US09473365B2

The subject disclosure relates to a method for scheduling logical resources in cloud platforms. A cloud platform system identifies resource candidates for hosting a logical resource of a cloud service. The system filters the resource candidates by running them through a filter chain, a collection of serially connected filters. The filter chain may contain one or more reference filters that reference other filter chains. When the resource candidates encounter one of the reference filters, the other filter chains can be triggered and processed. The system selects one or more resources for hosting the logical resource from the filtered resource candidates.
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