US09519229B2
A substrate stage is provided with an immersion liquid collection member that surrounds at least an alignment feature of the substrate stage used to align the substrate on the stage by engaging alignment structure of the substrate. The collection member is located at least partly below the periphery of the substrate held by the substrate holding member of the substrate stage. The collection member has an uppermost liquid-receiving surface that preferably is spaced below a lowermost surface of the substrate when the substrate is held by the substrate holding member. The collection member collects liquid that flows along the alignment feature so as to prevent that immersion liquid from flowing along the under-surface of the substrate.
US09519220B2
A pellicle for an EUV lithography may include a pellicle film, a supporting structure and a handling block. The pellicle film may have a first surface for orienting opposite to a mask, and a second surface opposite to the first surface and for orienting toward the mask. The pellicle film may allow the EUV, which may pass through the mask, to penetrate the pellicle film. The supporting structure may be arranged on the second surface of the pellicle film to support the pellicle film. The handling block may be arranged on the first surface of the pellicle film. The handling block may have an opening configured to expose the pellicle film. Thus, the pellicle may be handled using the thick handling block, not the thin pellicle film, so that the thin pellicle film may not be damaged. The pellicle may protect the mask from byproducts generated in the EUV lithography process so that the mask may not be contaminated.
US09519218B2
1. A resist composition includes (A1) a resin which includes a structural unit represented by formula (a4), and a structural unit having a sulfonyl group, and the resin has no acid-labile group, (A2) a resin having an acid-labile group, and an acid generator. wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R4 represents a C1 to C24 saturated hydrocarbon group having a fluorine atom, and a methylene group contained in the saturated hydrocarbon group may be replaced by an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group.
US09519214B2
An actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a compound (A) that is configured to produce an acid when exposed to actinic rays or radiation, and a resin (B). The compound (A) is expressed by general formula (1) or (2) below. The resin (B) contains a repeating unit (b) containing a group that is configured to decompose when acted on by an acid to thereby produce an alcoholic hydroxyl group.
US09519213B2
A negative pattern is formed by coating a resist composition comprising (A) a polymer having an acid labile group, adapted to change its polarity under the action of acid, (B) a photoacid generator, and (C) an organic solvent onto a substrate, baking, exposing the resist film to high-energy radiation, PEB, and developing in an organic solvent-based developer to selectively dissolve the unexposed region of resist film. The photoacid generator has the formula: R1—COOC(CF3)2—CH2SO3−R2R3R4S+ wherein R1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, R2, R3 and R4 are an alkyl, alkenyl, oxoalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or aryloxoalkyl group, or may bond together to form a ring with the sulfur atom.
US09519212B2
A mask inspection apparatus includes a mask transfer unit configured to transfer a mask in one of a first direction and a direction opposite to the first direction, a displacement sensor unit configured to measure a distance to a sheet of the mask transferred by the mask transfer unit, a photographic unit configured to photograph the sheet of the mask transferred by the mask transfer unit, a control unit configured to send a height control signal for controlling a height of the photographic unit according to the measured distance, and a height control unit configured to control the height of the photographic unit according to the height control signal sent by the control unit.
US09519211B2
The present invention provides a halftone mask comprising an assist pattern and a manufacturing method of the halftone mask, which uses an ArF excimer laser as an exposing source, is used for a projection exposure by an off axis illumination, does not resolve the assist pattern while keeping the focal depth magnification effect as the assist pattern, and may form a transferred image having high contrast of a main pattern. A photomask is a photomask comprising the main pattern which is transferred to a transfer-target surface by the projection exposure and the assist pattern which is formed nearby the main pattern and not transferred, characterized in that the main pattern and the assist pattern are each constituted from a semi-transparent film made of the same material, a retardation of 180° is generated between the light transmitting through the main pattern and the light transmitting through a transparent region of a transparent substrate, and a predetermined retardation within the scope of 70° to 115° is generated between the light transmitting through the assist pattern and the light transmitting through the transparent region of the transparent substrate.
US09519205B2
A projection image display device includes a rod lens of rectangular cross section, into which white light from a light source enters, and exits as diffused light of uniform illumination intensity. The rod lens is provided with: only a single pair of rods which are formed by splitting the rod lens along the optical axis so as to bifurcate it along long sides of the rectangular cross section, and which have a thin filmed formed on a portion at the periphery of the mutually opposed surfaces thereof; and with a cover part that covers the outside periphery of the pair of rods, for retaining the pair of rods in such a way that the rods are opposed a slight distance apart due to the thin film formed on the mutually opposed surfaces, and that has openings formed at the light entry side and the light exit side of the rod lens.
US09519204B2
A light source apparatus which emits light from phosphor by exciting light and in which an efficiency of brightness is improved is provided. The light source apparatus has a light source which emits exciting light; and a metal member to which the exciting light is input, wherein the metal member has a concave portion in a portion to which the exciting light is input, and phosphor to generate phosphor light from the exciting light is coated in the concave portion. The concave portion may have a taper shape. The phosphor may be coated on at least two surfaces of the concave portion. The phosphor may be coated on an area which is equal to or less than the half of a depth of the concave portion. A glass member having a taper shape may be formed at an opening portion of the concave portion.
US09519201B2
A shutter holding mechanism includes: a shutter substrate which is provided inside a camera body and in which a focal-plane type shutter unit is fixed; a pressing unit arranged between the camera body and a side of one end portion of the shutter substrate, the pressing unit pressing the shutter substrate to a side of another end portion of the shutter substrate relative to the camera body; and a damper unit arranged in a part on a side of the camera body corresponding to the side of the other end portion of the shutter substrate, which is a side opposite to a part where the pressing unit is arranged, in a direction along a travel direction of a shutter blade of the shutter unit, the damper unit absorbing movement of the shutter substrate pressed by the pressing unit.
US09519194B2
A liquid crystal display, including: a first substrate; a gate line and a data line disposed on the first substrate; a pixel electrode disposed on the first substrate and including a stem portion and a plurality of branch electrodes that extends obliquely from the stem portion; a second substrate facing the first substrate; and a common electrode disposed on the second substrate, and the pixel electrode further includes a plurality of oblique portions disposed between the plurality of branch electrodes and the stem portion, and the plurality of oblique portions extends in a direction different from a direction in which the plurality of branch electrodes extends.
US09519193B2
A liquid crystal display including a first substrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate, a gate line and a data line on the first substrate, a thin film transistor coupled to the gate line and the data line, a pixel electrode coupled to the thin film transistor, and a common electrode overlapping the pixel electrode with an insulating layer therebetween, and including a plurality of branch electrodes and a connector coupling the branch electrodes, the common electrode overlapping the data line and extending in parallel with the data line, wherein a width of the connector of the common electrode is about 8.0 μm to about 13.5 μm.
US09519187B2
A pixel structure includes a patterned insulating layer and a patterned electrode layer. The patterned insulating layer includes a first area and a second area, and the patterned electrode layer includes a third layer and a fourth layer. The first area has a plurality of bar-shaped structures, the third area is a block electrode, and the fourth area is composed of a plurality of first bar-shaped electrodes. The third area is disposed opposite to the first area such that the third area is protruded according to the bar-shaped structures thereby forming a plurality of second bar-shaped electrodes. The fourth area is disposed opposite to the second area such that the first bar-shaped electrodes are formed on the second area.
US09519186B2
A display device includes a display panel including pixels arranged in a matrix form along first and second directions crossing each other, a backlight unit configured to generate and provide a first light to the display panel, and a color conversion layer. Each pixel includes first and sub-pixels spaced apart from each other. The color conversion layer includes a first sub-color conversion layer overlapping the first sub-pixel and configured to receive the first light and to emit the second light having a wavelength different from that of the first light, and a second sub-color conversion layer overlapping the second sub-pixel, spaced apart from the first sub-color conversion layer and configured to receive the first light and to emit the first light. In a plan view, areas of the first and second sub-color conversion layers are different from each other.
US09519178B2
A color filter substrate includes a color filter layer, a light-transmissive layer and a light-shielding layer. The light-transmissive layer is disposed between pixels and includes a side surface that forms a reflection surface. The light-shielding layer is laminated on the light-transmissive layer.
US09519176B2
Cohesion of shape anisotropy members is preventedA display panel (2) in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: substrates (10) and (20) which are provided so as to face each other; and an optical modulation layer (30) including a plurality of shape anisotropy members (32) each of which includes (i) a core that is an electric conductor and (ii) a covering layer that is a dielectric and that covers an entire periphery of the core. The display panel (2) changes an area of each image of the plurality of shape anisotropy members (32) which image is projected on the substrates (10) and (20), by changing a voltage to be applied to the optical modulation layer (30).
US09519168B2
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a display panel which displays an image; a top chassis and a bottom chassis which house the display panel; and a plurality of light-emitting boards which are installed on an inner surface of the bottom chassis, each of the light-emitting boards including a main printed circuit board (PCB) that extends in a longitudinal direction and light source packages installed on the main PCB, and the light source packages are arranged to be farther from a first longitudinal edge of the main PCB than a second longitudinal edge of the main PCB.
US09519167B2
A method of forming a pattern may include: disposing a first material layer; disposing a first photoresist film including first shot regions; exposing the first shot regions to light, wherein an overlapping region between first shot regions may be overlappingly exposed to light exposures onto the first shot regions; forming a first photoresist pattern by developing the first photoresist film; forming a first pattern by etching the first material layer using the first photoresist pattern as an etching mask; disposing a second material layer on the first pattern; disposing a second photoresist film including second shot regions; exposing the second shot regions, wherein a boundary region between second shot regions may be disposed spaced apart from the overlapping region; forming a second photoresist pattern by developing the second photoresist film; and forming a second pattern by etching the second material layer using the second photoresist pattern as an etching mask.
US09519161B2
A wavelength conversion member, a backlight assembly, and a display device including the same are provided. In one aspect, there is provided a wavelength conversion member comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, a wavelength conversion layer, and a spacer. The second substrate is positioned on the first substrate. The wavelength conversion layer is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The spacer is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to constantly keep a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US09519156B1
The present invention generally relates to hand made sunglasses, and more particularly to a method and system for making sunglasses from recycled materials, e.g., skateboards.
US09519155B2
An optical system comprises a first lens element and a second lens element which are respectively shiftable to have a component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second lens element being composed of the first lens element and other lens element, and the first lens element or the second lens element being shifted to have a component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby carrying out a correction of the image plane. Thus, there are provided an optical system having a suitable vibration reduction property, an image apparatus equipped with the optical system and a method for manufacturing the optical system.
US09519154B2
A display device is described and includes a first display screen including a mask pattern of a pixel. The display device includes a second display screen including the mask pattern, wherein the second display screen is located further from a front of the display device than the first display screen, wherein the front of the display device is closest to a viewer. The display device includes a diffraction element configured to copy the mask pattern of the second display screen into one or more viewable copies in order to minimize moiré interference with the mask pattern of the first display screen.
US09519152B2
There is provided an apparatus for alignment of a thin-film transistor (TFT) panel and a barrier panel of a three-dimensional (3D) display. The apparatus comprises at least one light source for illuminating pixels in at least one region of the TFT panel and for illuminating at least one region of an exposure pattern of the barrier panel; a pattern recognition system for detecting light emitted from the at least one light source that is reflected by or transmitted through the 3D display, to generate alignment data relating to an alignment between the detected illuminated pixels of the TFT panel and the exposure pattern of the barrier panel; and a positioning mechanism for adjusting the relative position between the barrier panel and the TFT panel in relation to the alignment data. The at least one light source comprises at least one invisible light source which emits invisible light outside the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
US09519150B2
A method for optimizing an intensity of a useful light distribution includes: providing a light source for emitting a light beam in a z-direction, which defines an optical axis, with a first intensity distribution; providing a beam shaping optical unit and a beam focusing optical unit for generating a second intensity distribution to be used in a target plane, the target plane being inclined by an angle ALPHA relative to a focal plane determined by the beam focusing optical unit; determining a first intensity at a first point and a second intensity at a second point of the second intensity distribution to be used. The points P1 and P2 are arranged on different sides of the back focal plane; and displacing the beam shaping optical unit along the y-axis in such a way that the difference between the two intensities I1 and I2 lies within a predefinable limit.
US09519141B2
An adaptive optics system includes a spatial light modulator configured to spatially modulate a phase of an optical image incident on a modulation surface including N two-dimensionally arranged regions and a wavefront sensor including a lens array having N two-dimensionally arranged lenses corresponding to the N regions and an optical detection element for detecting a light intensity distribution including M converging spots formed by the lens array and configured to receive the optical image after the modulation from the spatial light modulator, and compensates for the wavefront distortion by controlling a phase pattern displayed in the spatial light modulator based on a wavefront shape of the optical image obtained from the light intensity distribution, wherein a correspondence relation between the region of the spatial light modulator and the converging spot formed in the wavefront sensor is specified while the compensation for the wavefront distortion is executed.
US09519138B2
A scanning line adjuster, which is incorporated in an optical scanner and an image forming apparatus, includes an optical element, an attitude changer, and an optical element positioner. The optical element is disposed on an optical path extending from a light source to a scanned target object. The optical element has a positioning portion. The attitude changer changes an attitude of the optical element. The optical element positioner contacts the positioning portion to position the optical element. The optical element positioner contacts the positioning portion of the optical element in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the positioning portion of the optical element when the attitude changer changes the attitude of the optical element. The optical element positioner includes a contact end to contact the positioning portion. The contact end is made of a different material from the other part of the optical element positioner.
US09519137B2
An optical deflector includes a mirror, an inner frame surrounding the mirror, first and second torsion bars coupled between the mirror and the inner frame, first and second inner piezoelectric actuators coupled between the first and second torsion bars supported by first and second inner coupling portions to the inner frame, and an outer frame surrounding the inner frame. The inner frame is supported by first and second outer coupling portions to the outer frame. A circumferential rib is provided on a rear surface of the inner frame. A first branch rib is provided on a rear surface of the first outer coupling portion, and a second branch rib is provided on a rear surface of the second outer coupling portion.
US09519135B2
Aperture for illuminating micromirror arrays having mirror tilt axis not parallel with an array axis
A mirror array is positioned in relationship to a high intensity power light source to receive at least a portion of a high intensity light beam and to reflect at least a portion of the high intensity light beam. An aperture plate is positioned between the high intensity power light source and the mirror array. The aperture plate has an open area and an opaque area, the open area including a main portion and a tab portion. The main portion is located on a side of the tab portion distal from an incident light direction of the received high intensity beam of light. The open area is sized and positioned to allow rays of the high intensity beam of light to be passed through the tab portion and reflections of the passed rays of the high intensity beam of light to exit through the main portion.
US09519130B2
A Fabry-Perot etalon is provided with first and second partially reflecting mirrors (12, 14) attached to a cuboidal spacer (16). The spacer (16) has a cylindrical bore (18) through its center and the mirrors (12, 14) are bonded, on axis, to opposite ends of this bore (18). Four support elements (22-28) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis in a tetrahedral configuration and constrain the cuboidal spacer (16) in all degrees of freedom. The cuboidal spacer (16) is flattened at its vertices, which results in modified distortion of the spacer (16) under the action of a compressive force acting through the supports. This structure of etalon provides insensitivity to inertial forces due to acceleration in all six degrees of freedom (three linear and three rotational) simultaneously with insensitivity to differential forces.
US09519122B2
An optical imaging system for pickup, sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side, comprising: the first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, the second lens element with refractive power, the third lens element with refractive power, the fourth lens element with refractive power, the fifth lens element with refractive power; the sixth lens element made of plastic, the sixth lens with refractive power having a concave image-side surface with both being aspheric, and the image-side surface having at least one inflection point.
US09519112B2
An optical fiber connector for positioning a number of optical fibers is provided. The optical fiber connector includes a main body and a pressing block. The main body defines an assembling recess and a number of positioning grooves defined in a bottom surface of the assembling recess. The positioning grooves each correspond to an optical fiber. An end of each optical fiber is received in a corresponding positioning groove, and the pressing block is received in the assembling recess.
US09519107B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical fiber made of a silica-based material. A proximal end portion of the optical fiber has an outer-layer portion. The proximal end portion can be included in at least a portion of a launch connector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus also includes a component that has a bore therethrough and can be made of a doped silica material. The bore can have an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber. The component can also have an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber.
US09519097B2
The lighting device contains a substrate and a plurality of lighting elements arranged in at least two parallel rows on a front side of the substrate. The lighting elements of the two rows neighbor on each other. The front side of the substrate is configured so that an included angle is formed between the lighting elements of the two rows. Their light therefore converges within a Quantum Dots (QD) tube before entering a light guide plate. A backlight module incorporating the lighting device as such not only provides high saturation and high chromaticity, but also achieves greater optical coupling efficiency, thinner light guide plate and QD tube, reduced material cost and dimension.
US09519073B2
In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to shift signal data associated with a set of receivers, in time or phase with respect to signal data associated with a receiver reference point, to transform the signal data into shifted data, wherein the signal data corresponds to energy waves propagated through a geological formation before being received by the set of receivers; to multiply the shifted data by a complex conjugate of the signal data associated with the receiver reference point to provide differential phase values; to sum and average the differential phase values to provide differential phase semblance values; and to publish the differential phase semblance values, or information derived from the differential phase semblance values to one of a storage medium, a hardcopy printout, or a display. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09519055B2
A method and system for obtaining SAR images with reduced or eliminated surface clutter to detect subsurface targets, the method comprising the following steps: —selecting a first frequency and an incidence angle for the radar signal such that the ratio of surface backscattering to subsurface target backscattering is significantly larger for vertical polarization than for horizontal—obtaining vertically and horizontally polarized SAR images based on the same SAR path exploiting the selected first frequency and viewing angle—weighting and differencing the vertically and horizontally polarized SAR images so that the surface backscattering completely cancels between the two images and only the combination of the target backscattering components remains.
US09519048B2
A high-frequency circuit is described as having lines crossing each other on a printed circuit board for high-frequency signals, wherein the sections of the lines, lying on both sides of a crossing point as well as a coupler forming the crossing point are situated in a common plane on the printed circuit board and the sections of the lines are connected to four ports of the coupler situated in a quadrangle, which are connected to one another via a plurality of coupling paths in such a way that the components of a signal supplied at a port, which propagate on various coupling paths, interfere destructively at the adjacent ports and constructively at the diagonally opposite port.
US09519037B2
A magnetic resonance imaging receiver coil provides for high SNR and high uniformity over a range of loading conditions with layers, or stacks, of independent conductive elements. The plurality of layers preload the receiver coil reducing the circuit variation as the subject coupling and loading varies. The preload is such that coil performance, or SNR, is maintained over a large range of impedance variation. This configuration is designed to exceed the performance of single trace coils over a range of impedance consistent with variations associated with different subjects, and may also incorporate coils of different resonance frequencies.
US09519034B2
A chopping technique, and associated structure, is implemented to cancel the magnetic 1/f noise contribution in a Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) field sensor. The TMR field sensor includes a first bridge circuit including multiple TMR elements to sense a magnetic field and a second circuit to apply a bipolar current pulse adjacent to each TMR element. The current lines are serially or sequentially connected to a current source to receive the bipolar current pulse. The field sensor provides a high output and a low output in response to the bipolar pulse. This asymmetric response allows a chopping technique for 1/f noise reduction in the field sensor.
US09519031B2
A delta signal and opposite delta signal are generated such that a sum of the two signals is substantially zero. The delta signal is applied across a first set of electrochemical cells. The opposite delta signal is applied across a second set of electrochemical cells series connected to the first set. A first held voltage is established as the voltage across the first set. A second held voltage is established as the voltage across the second set. A first delta signal is added to the first held voltage and applied to the first set. A second delta signal is added to the second held voltage and applied to the second set. The current responses due to the added delta voltages travel only into the set associated with its delta voltage. The delta voltages and the current responses are used to calculate the impedances of their associated cells.
US09519030B2
It is provided that pull-down resistors (R1 to Rn-1) which are respectively connected in parallel to blocks (CB1 to CBn−1) except for a block (CBn) that corresponds to a battery monitoring IC (2n) connected to a main microcomputer (3) via an insulation I/F (4) so as to be capable of communication, thereby equalizing current consumed in battery monitoring ICs (21 to 2n).
US09519029B2
Methods, systems, and devices for monitoring a battery are described herein. One method includes receiving a plurality of values, each value associated with a respective battery characteristic, and determining an internal state associated with the battery based, at least in part, on the plurality of values.
US09519018B2
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a circuit board may include a connector configured to electrically couple a device to the circuit board. The connector may include a conductive element configured to be electrically coupled to a first voltage and a detection pad configured to be electrically coupled to a second voltage via a resistor, such that when a device pin of a device is electrically coupled to the conductive element, the detection pad is electrically coupled to the conductive element via the device pin.
US09519014B2
The present disclosure provides a methodology that incorporates real-time measurement of conductor temperatures and ground clearances using a transmission line monitor, coupled with information technology and data analytics, to allow utility operators to manage their transmission systems using a dynamic line rating process. Dynamic line ratings may incorporate real-time or near-real-time data of transmission line conditions in lieu of conservative assumptions, in order to more accurately assess actual transmission line performance such that more of the power conveying capacity of the existing transmission infrastructure can be accessed with continued compliance with safety requirements applicable to the transmission line system.
US09519013B2
A mode-controlled voltage excursion detector apparatus for monitoring a supply voltage of a power supply applied to a load and a method of operating thereof is described. A voltage monitor is configured to detect an excursion event if the supply voltage exceeds or falls below at least one defined threshold, to generate an excursion event signal upon detection of the excursion event and to provide the generated excursion event signal to the excursion event output for being outputted via an excursion event output. A sensitivity control module is configured to receive a signal indicative of potential voltage excursions. A sensitivity control module is further operatively coupled to the sensitivity control input and configured to disable the outputting of an excursion event signal generated during a defined period of time in response to the reception of the signal, which triggers the disabling of the outputting.
US09519010B2
An integrated high-speed probe system is provided. The integrated high-speed probe system includes a circuit substrate for transmitting low-frequency testing signals from a tester through a first probe of the probe assembly to a DUT, and a high-speed substrate for transmitting high-frequency testing signals from the tester to the DUT. The high-speed substrate extends from the upper surface of the circuit substrate in the testing area to the lower surface of the circuit substrate in the probe area for being adjacent to the probe assembly and electrically connecting the second probe. In this way, the tester can transmit testing signals of different frequencies through the integrated high-speed probe system.
US09519003B1
The technologies described herein relate to measuring launch parameters of a flying object, such as a golf ball or a baseball. The laser based technology enables a system that is low cost which can measure launch parameters of a ball. The launch parameters are measured and rapid feedback is provided on each ball motion event and the data of every single ball launch data is stored in the backend server. The system may include a transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA), a receiver optical subassembly (ROSA), a primary processing unit, a camera subsystem, a data processing, a feedback display unit, and a backend server.
US09518996B2
The presently-disclosed subject matter includes fluorescent protein-based indicators for detecting ions, small molecule analytes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the indicators include a polypeptide, which itself includes a fluorescent polypeptide, a compound-binding polypeptide, and a polypeptide target of the compound-binding polypeptide. In some embodiments the polypeptide includes an EosFP polypeptide, a calmodulin polypeptide, and a M13 polypeptide, or fragments and/or variants thereof. The presently-disclosed subject matter also includes methods for detecting calcium in a sample with embodiments of the present polypeptides. In some embodiments the present indicators experience a permanent shift from green to red fluorescent when exposed to an detecting substance, such as calcium.
US09518993B2
The present invention provides antibodies that differentially react with allelic variants of a polymorphic protein, methods of identifying same, an antigen binding fragment comprised therein, proteins, cells, viral particles, compositions, and kits comprising same. The invention also provides methods for determining a haptoglobin type of a subject and methods for testing a subject for susceptibility to diabetic complications.
US09518988B2
A method of selecting a target for treatment of a hyperproliferative disease in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprising analyzing an amount and/or activity of at least one ErbB ligand in a biological sample from the subject, wherein an ErbB ligand which shows an up-regulated amount and/or activity compared to a non-hyperproliferative cell or tissue above a predetermined level is selected as a target for treatment of the hyperproliferative disease. Methods of treating hyperproliferative diseases, monoclonal antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed.
US09518985B2
The present invention provides a semi-quantitative lateral flow assay device and method for generating semi-quantitative data from a lateral flow assay. The device comprises a thin, porous hydrophilic substrate wherein the substrate includes a star-shaped or other geometry taken in plan view having a liquid sample-receiving central region and multiple arms that extend or radiate out from the central region. Each arm includes a reaction zone formed by the presence of an analyte-capturing agent wherein the reaction zone of each arm is located at a different distance from the central region such that the analyte in the sample is captured accumulates in different quantities at at least some of the reaction zones of the arms in a manner that can be analyzed to yield semi-quantitative data from lateral flow assays. The reaction zones on the arms can be analyzed visually and/or by software analysis of a digital image based on color saturation, grayscale, or other characteristics of the reactions zones due to the presence of different amounts of analyte to produce semi-quantitative data of the total loading of a virus or other agent of interest of a patient's blood.
US09518984B2
Method for detecting a material of interest, usually an antibody or an antigen on a red blood cell, in a liquid, by observing the potential antigen/antibody reaction products in a novel way. Reaction products are deposited on a magnetic substrate and will exhibit different properties depending upon whether or not the antigen/antibody reaction has taken place. An antigen/antibody reaction product adheres tenaciously to itself and the substrate while the deposit of any unreacted magnetically tagged material is weakly adhering and easily disrupted and dislodged under a disruptive force which would be insufficient to dislodge the reacted deposit. This difference in cohesive property provides the means by which a positive result is distinguished from a negative result.
US09518982B2
Methods for detecting multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods includes contacting the sample with a first probe; physically binding the first probe to a first target; observing a first signal from the first probe; applying a chemical agent to modify the first signal; contacting the sample with a second probe; physically binding the second probe to a second target; and observing a second signal from the second probe. The methods disclosed herein also provide for multiple iterations of binding, observing, signal modification for deriving information about multiple targets in a single sample. An associated kit and device are also provided.
US09518978B2
The current invention provides methods to identify γ9δ2T-cell receptors (γ9δ2TCR) that mediate anti-tumor responses. Surprisingly, it was now found that the CDR3 regions of the γ9-T-cell receptor chain and the δ2-T-Cell receptor chain (δ2TCR chain) are of importance. Based on these findings, combinatorial-γδTCR-chain-exchange (CTE) is proposed as an efficient method for identifying γ9δ2TCRs that mediate anti-tumor responses. Using the method of the invention, specific sequences of the respective γ9TCR and δ2TCR chains were identified that mediate anti-tumor responses. Hence, the invention further provides for specific γ9δ2TCRs, or fragments thereof, that may be used e.g. in diagnostics or treatment of cancer. The invention further provides for nucleic acid sequences, genetic constructs and retroviral vectors that can be used to express the γ9δ2TCRs according to the invention.
US09518976B2
The present invention is directed to cell-based and non-cell based methods of drug screening to identify agents, or assay agents, that reduce OST-PTP or gamma-carboxylase activity or expression, or increase the level of undercarboxylated osteocalcin or adiponectin activity or expression. Such agents find use in treating or preventing a disorder related to the OST-PTP signaling pathway. Such disorders include, metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, or obesity. Such agents may be used to treat disorders characterized by decreased insulin production, deceased insulin sensitivity, and decreased glucose tolerance or increased fat mass.
US09518960B2
The subject technology is directed to a CO2-based system and method for rapid determination of the levels and/or the presence or absence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
US09518956B2
Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.
US09518955B2
The invention is a high sensitivity and high throughput capillary multiwavelength fluorescence detection system. The fluorescent detection system is configured to illuminate a relatively large volume of a single capillary or a plurality of capillaries, with a pixelated detection system capable of imaging an area of each capillary that differentiates the capillary walls, the space between the capillaries, and the internal liquid volume within the capillary. Only the desired pixels or image area are used for processing and generating an output signal.
US09518953B2
An ISFET detector for determining concentration of a target ion in a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a semiconducting substrate comprising a source and a drain having source and drain electrodes respectively and a channel region between them in the substrate; an insulating material overlying the channel region; a gate electrode formed on the insulating material; a reference electrode electrifiable to establish an electric field in the channel region; an accumulator comprising a layer of material of thickness less than or equal to about 2 nm (nanometers) that accumulates a quantity of target ions responsive to concentration of the target ions in the fluid; a layer of a conducting material on which the accumulator is formed that is separate from the gate electrode; and a conducting element that electrically connects the layer of conducting material to the gate electrode.
US09518947B2
The present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a condition associated with a wheel bearing on a train car. The method may include detecting a size and a location of the wheel bearing. The method may also include detecting a temperature associated with the wheel bearing based at least in part on the size and the location of the wheel bearing. The method may further include determining a wheel bearing condition based on the detected temperature.
US09518936B2
Method for determining lithographic quality of a structure produced by a lithographic process using a periodic pattern, such as a grating, detects lithographic process window edges and optimum process conditions. Method steps are: 602: printing a structure using a lithographic process using a grating pattern; 604: selecting a first characteristic, such as a polarization direction, for the illumination; 606: illuminating the structure with incident radiation with first characteristic 608: detecting scattered radiation; 610: selecting a second characteristic, such as a different polarization direction, for the illumination; 612: illuminating the structure with incident radiation with the second characteristic; 614: detecting scattered radiation; 616: rotating one or more angularly resolved spectrum to line up the polarizations, thus correcting for different orientations of the polarizations; 618: determining a difference between the measured angularly resolved spectra; and 620: determining a value of lithographic quality of the structure using the determined difference.
US09518934B2
Systems and methods for discovering defects on a wafer are provided. One method includes detecting defects on a wafer by applying a threshold to output generated by a detector in a first scan of the wafer and determining values for features of the detected defects. The method also includes automatically ranking the features, identifying feature cut-lines to group the defect into bins, and, for each of the bins, determining one or more parameters that if applied to the values for the features of the defects in each of the bins will result in a predetermined number of the defects in each of the bins. The method also includes applying the one or more determined parameters to the output generated by the detector in a second scan of the wafer to generate a defect population that has a predetermined defect count and is diversified in the values for the features.
US09518932B2
Methods and systems for determining one or more parameters of a wafer inspection process are provided. One method includes acquiring metrology data for a wafer generated by a wafer metrology system. The method also includes determining one or more parameters of a wafer inspection process for the wafer or another wafer based on the metrology data.
US09518930B2
An optical collection and detection system for use in a surface inspection system for inspecting a surface of a workpiece. The surface inspection system has an incident beam projected through a back quartersphere and toward a desired location on the surface, which is a scanned spot having a known scanned spot size. The incident beam impinges on the surface to create scattered light that is collected by a collector module. The collector module includes collection optics for collecting and focusing the scattered light to form focused scattered light. A collector output slit is positioned at an output of the collector module, through which the collection optics focus the scattered light. The scattered light that is associated with the scanned spot forms an imaged spot at the collector output slit. The collector output slit has a width that is selected to be proportional to the scanned spot size, so as to allow passage of the focused scattered light associated with the scanned spot, and exclude the focused scattered light associated with the workpiece regions other than the desired spot. A collector output varying subsystem varies the collector output slit so as to at least one of minimize passage of Rayleigh light scatter through the collector output slit or optimize a signal to air-scatter-noise ratio.
US09518927B2
In a Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrate and the manufacturing method thereof, the SERS substrate includes a low thermal conductivity base and a plurality of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The surface of the low thermal conductivity substrate has a first surface, and the first surface has a plurality of ripple micro/nano structures. The plurality of metal NPs are non-continuously densely arranged on the ripple micro/nano structures of the first surface. The metal NPs have a height difference along the ripple micro/nano structures, and form a 3D electric field enhanced region. The manufacturing methods includes sputtering a metal nano-thin film on a surface of a low thermal conductivity base, and the surface of the low thermal conductivity base has a plurality of ripple micro/nano structures; using laser to ablate the metal nano-thin film; and forming a plurality of metal NPs, which are non-continuously densely arranged.
US09518920B2
Among other things, a first surface is configured to receive a sample and is to be used in a microscopy device. There is a second surface to be moved into a predefined position relative to the first surface to form a sample space that is between the first surface and the second surface and contains at least part of the sample. There is a mechanism configured to move the second surface from an initial position into the predefined position to form the sample space. When the sample is in place on the first surface, the motion of the second surface includes a trajectory that is not solely a linear motion of the second surface towards the first surface.
US09518919B2
An apparatus for measuring a hemoglobin concentration includes a reference light source unit, a light and heat light source unit configured to emit a light and heat beam for generating a light and heat effect, an accommodation unit configured to accommodate obtained blood samples, an image acquisition unit configured to write a primary pattern formed after the reference beam emitted by the reference light source unit is incident on the accommodation unit and a secondary pattern formed under an influence of a light and heat effect after the light and heat beam emitted by the light and heat light source unit is incident on the accommodation unit, and a concentration calculation unit electrically connected to the image acquisition unit and configured to calculate a hemoglobin concentration based on a difference between the primary pattern and the secondary pattern.
US09518912B2
Apparatus and methods determine a permeation characteristic of a challenge chemical for a chemical protective material. A processor retrieves barrier characteristics of the chemical protective material for which the permeation characteristic is to be determined from a computer memory. Information regarding the challenge chemical is obtained. A temperature is received of the chemical protective material for which the permeation characteristic is to be determined. The permeation characteristic is determined from the temperature, the barrier characteristics, and the information regarding the challenge chemical.
US09518906B2
A method for measuring the properties of a fluid that uses a torsionally resonant structure having a base structure; at least two parallel tines affixed to the base structure and projecting in the same direction from the base structure; and wherein the base structure is sufficiently compliant as to mutually couple the tines so that they behave as a single resonator when the tines are driven in synchronized manner. The torsionally resonant structure is immersed in the fluid to be measured and a tine driving mechanism is used to drive the tines torsionally. A tine movement sensing mechanism form measurements of tine movement response to the driving mechanism and the measurements of tine movement to form measurements of fluid properties.
US09518904B2
A system and method of taking a sample of hydrogen gas and reducing the hydrogen concentration by a factor greater than 1×108 while increasing the partial pressure of the contaminating gases by a factor greater than 100, so that extremely low levels of contamination can be accurately detected. A sample of hydrogen gas is captured. Only the hydrogen gas is removed leaving all the contaminating gases in the collection chamber. This causes the total pressure of the gas sample within the collection chamber to decrease dramatically since most of the gas was hydrogen. All the contaminants remain in the collection chamber. None are lost through pumping. As such, the concentration of contaminants within the remaining sample increases dramatically. The residual partial pressures of the contaminating gases within the collection chamber and can now be measured by a variety of techniques.
US09518900B2
A sample preparation system for an analytical system for determining a measured variable of a sample liquid, comprising: a transport unit connected with a sample taking location via a first fluid conducting line; a sample collecting unit, which serves the analytical system as a staging area for automated removal of liquid samples, based on which the measured variable is determined; a filter unit arranged between the sample taking location and the transport unit; and at least one reservoir connected via a second fluid conducting line with the filter unit for providing a cleaning medium for cleaning the filter unit; wherein the transport unit is embodied to transport sample liquid from the sample taking location through the filter unit into the sample collecting unit. The cleaning medium includes an oxidizing agent.
US09518897B2
An exhaust sampling system for an engine is provided. The exhaust sampling system may include a source of exhaust gas, an exhaust collection unit including at least one collection bag that selectively receives the exhaust gas, and a first sample probe in fluid communication with the source of exhaust gas that selectively supplies the at least one collection bag with the exhaust gas at an extraction rate. The exhaust sampling system may also include a controller that permits flow of the exhaust gas from the first sample probe to the at least one collection bag in a first state and prevents flow of the exhaust gas from the first sample probe to the at least one collection bag in a second state. The controller may control the extraction rate of the first sample probe based on a time during a test phase at which the engine is switched to an ON state.
US09518895B2
An optical probe (10) includes an inner tube (30), and a light-redirecting element (54) disposed at a distal end (56) of the inner tube. The light-redirecting element is supported at the distal end by an affixing structure (57) not attached to an optically-working surface (58) of the light-redirecting element.
US09518892B1
An apparatus for determining optical fiber array polarity is disclosed. The apparatus may be used to determine optical signal loss or intensity. An adapter may be used to couple the apparatus to a variety of optical fiber connectors. The apparatus includes a position sensing detector and processing circuitry. The position sensing detector includes a sensor that receives optical signals and electrodes that output respective output signals in response to receipt of an optical signal. The processing circuitry receives the output signals and identifies locations at which the optical signals were incident on the sensor. The processing circuitry also determines the receiving position in the optical array of an optical fiber and a polarity of the optical array based on the receiving position and a corresponding transmitting position. The processing circuitry may determine an intensity or loss of the optical signal based on an aggregate of the output signals.
US09518885B2
The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of measuring pressure or temperature using a sensor including a sensor element composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In one example, the resistance of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is measured in response to the application of temperature or pressure. The changes in resistance are then recorded and correlated to temperature or pressure. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for independent measurement of pressure or temperature using the sensors disclosed herein.
US09518883B2
In a fluid pressure sensor with a pressure sensing membrane and an electronic circuit, the electronic circuit is in a section realized so thin that a membrane is formed in this section of the electronic circuit. In the other sections, the electronic circuit is realized thicker than in the section that forms the membrane. This makes it possible to manufacture a particularly compact fluid pressure sensor.
US09518880B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a magnet unit (1) for a sensor device for detecting a measured variable which characterizes a rotational state of a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, by way of provision of an annular magnet element (3), provision of a sleeve (2) for connecting the magnet unit (1) to a shaft part of the steering shaft, and connection of the magnet element (3) to the sleeve (2), the sleeve (2) being configured with a main body (6) and a multiplicity of tabs (7) which protrude from the main body (6), and the connection comprising the tabs (7) being embedded into respective cut-outs (5) of the magnet element (3) with heating of the magnet element (3).
US09518879B2
Systems and methods using fluid-filled hollow microspheres to assist in monitoring or indicating high-energy blunt impacts on structures such as aircraft. A multiplicity of microspheres may be adhered to or embedded in a coating applied on a surface of a substrate (e.g., a tape or an appliqué), which substrate in turn can be adhered to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The microspheres are designed to rupture at one or more specified pressure thresholds. In some embodiments, the microspheres are filled with electrically conductive fluid which, if released from ruptured microsphere, changes the electromagnetic state of the substrate. In response to the detection of a sufficiently large change in the electromagnetic state of the substrate, a blunt impact indication is generated. The impact site may then undergo non-destructive inspection.
US09518875B2
A method including obtaining calibration data for at least one sub-component in a heat transfer assembly, wherein the calibration data comprises at least one indication of coolant flow rate through the sub-component for a given surface temperature delta of the sub-component and a given heat load into said sub-component, determining a measured heat load into the sub-component, determining a measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component, and determining a coolant flow distribution in a first flow path comprising the sub-component from the calibration data according to the measured heat load and the measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component.
US09518869B2
The invention concerns an electronic method for extracting the amplitude ES and the phase φS of an electrical signal in a synchronous detector, the signal containing a modulated part Imod of the form Imod ∝ ES f(t)*cos(φS−φR(t)), where φR(t) and f(t) are two known temporal modulation functions. The method comprises the following steps: multiplying the signal by two reference signals C(t) and S(t) constructed from φR(t) and f(t); integrating the resulting signals over a time tint; determining the amplitude and phase of said signal from the quantities X and Y resulting from the previous integrations. The method is characterised in that: said electrical signal is multiplied by C(t) and S(t) that can be decomposed on the same set of frequencies as those present in Imod. The invention also concerns the application of the above method in interferometric circuits and the use and execution of the above method.
US09518868B2
An infrared (IR) detector may include a substrate, circuitry carried by the substrate, and a metal-black layer over the thermometric element. The circuitry may include a thermometric element with a measurable thermometric property. The IR detector may include a dielectric layer covering the metal-black layer, and the circuitry provides a value for IR radiation absorbed by the metal-black layer.
US09518864B2
An optical sensing device for using light to locate objects or features in a field of view comprises a light source; a controllable lens having two states and being controllable between them, for example a multifocal lens having two or more foci for focusing light from the light source; and a sensor able to sense light reflected from an object, to determine information of the object. The use of two or more foci adds dynamic range to optical sensing to allow for reliable detection over a wide range of distances.
US09518858B2
The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level gauge system comprising a transceiver for generating an electromagnetic transmit signal within a predetermined frequency range having a center frequency, a flexible single conductor probe having a first end connected to the transceiver and extending towards and into the product to a second end of the flexible single conductor probe; and a probe aligning member attached to the second end of the flexible single conductor probe for keeping the flexible single conductor probe substantially vertically extending from the first end to the second end. The probe aligning member exhibits a horizontal extension that increases with increasing distance from the first end of the flexible single conductor probe along a vertical distance greater than one half of a wavelength of the transmit signal at the center frequency. Hereby, determination of filling levels close to the bottom of the tank is improved.
US09518846B2
A reflective optical encoder, which is inexpensive and is compact in the axial direction thereof. An encoder has a generally circular code plate fixed to a rotating body such as a rotation shaft of a motor; and a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit which are positioned near a first major surface of the code plate. The code plate is made from a light transmissive resin, and on the first major surface, an incidence portion with a concavo-convex shape and an emission portion with a concavo-convex shape are formed. On a second major surface opposed to the first major surface, a transmission portion formed from a concavo-convex shape and configured to transmit light, and a total reflection portion formed from a flat surface and configured to totally reflect light, are formed, wherein the transmission portion and the total reflection portion constitute a code pattern section.
US09518840B2
Disclosed are systems and methods for effectively sensing rotational position of an object. In certain embodiments, a rotational position sensor can include a shaft configured to couple with the rotating object. The shaft can be configured to couple with a magnet carrier such that rotation of the shaft yields translational motion of the carrier. A magnet mounted to the carrier also moves longitudinally with respect to the axis of the shaft, and relative to a magnetic field sensor configured to detect the magnet's longitudinal position. The detected longitudinal position can be in a range corresponding to a rotational range of the shaft, where the rotational range can be greater than one turn. In certain embodiments, the rotational position sensor can include a programmable capability to facilitate ease and flexibility in calibration and use in a wide range of applications.
US09518835B2
A user interface for use in a vehicle navigation and traffic information device. Various adaptable menu commands and intuitive UI elements are provided to ease user navigation of the interface and to minimize driver distraction while providing information in an optimized manner.
US09518829B2
A dynamic route finding system for a follower vehicle comprises a display, for disposition inside the vehicle, a navigation system, employing satellite position sensing for the vehicle, a storage device, including map data of a given territory, and an input system for the navigation system to input the location of a potentially dynamic destination of a subject (vehicle), wherein the navigation system is arranged to permit dynamic updating of the destination through said input system whilst guiding the user towards the subject from its current position. The input system may comprise an optical sensor, for front-facing disposition in the vehicle; a computer, to display on the display images captured by the optical sensor; and a user interface, enabling user commands to be input to the computer, the computer being arranged dynamically to calculate the position of a subject that is captured as an image by the optical sensing means, that has been displayed on the display, and that has been selected by the user, and to input said position as the dynamic destination of the navigation system. The input system may also comprise a telephone transceiver capable of wireless communication with another telephone, whereby the navigation system and a subject telephone may be interconnected and through which the subject telephone, when provided with a requisite application and a GPS position sensor, transmits the position of the subject telephone to the navigation system for use as the destination of the navigation system of said follower vehicle. The input system may also comprise a network of communication modules in multiple vehicles.
US09518827B2
A method and system for transmitting source light to a plurality of Sagnac interferometers includes a first directional coupler that splits the source light into a second light beam and a third light beam. The second light beam supplies light to a first Sagnac interferometer and the second light beam supplies light to a second directional coupler, and the first directional coupler also delivers light returning from the first Sagnac interferometer to a first detector that is used to indicate rotation of the first Sagnac interferometer. The second directional coupler splits the third light beam into a fourth light beam and a fifth light beam, and the fourth light beam supplies light to a second Sagnac interferometer. The second directional coupler delivers light returning from the second Sagnac interferometer to a second detector, and the second detector provides a signal indicative of rotation of the second Sagnac interferometer.
US09518823B2
A device and method for determining level planes using one or more lasers. The device may include a single base or a plurality of bases that allow lasers to be attached to project laser lines across a work surface. The device also may include notches to insert and connect a measuring device at a center of a base to facilitate accurate measurements and markings along the projected laser lines.
US09518810B1
The present invention provides ammunition cartridge having a two piece primer insert with a flange, a polymeric middle body extending from the primer insert to a cylindrical middle body coupling region, and a polymeric projectile end having a projectile aperture mated to the polymeric middle body.
US09518809B2
The present invention describes an electronic fuze operable to complement a mechanical point impact fuze. The electronic fuze includes a voltage generator circuit, micro-controller, a piezo-electric sensor, a firing circuit and a safety lockout circuit. When a projectile strikes a target at an optimum angle, the mechanical point impact fuze is activated; when the strike angle is oblique, the mechanical point impact fuze may be ineffective but the piezo-electric sensor is operable to trigger the firing circuit. The safety lockout circuit ensures the firing circuit is operative only after a predetermined delay time when an n-channel FET is turned OFF. The micro-controller also generates a TIME-OUT signal, which provides for self-destruction of a projectile that has failed to explode.
US09518806B2
A self-centering nock is provided for use in a well-balanced nock-arrow or nock-bolt assembly. The self-centering nock includes compliant projecting protrusions or compliant arms that are substantially rotationally symmetric about a cross section normal to a main axis of the self-centering nock. The compliant projecting protrusions or compliant arms may be received in bolts that have bores of differing internal dimensions.
US09518798B1
What is disclosed is a braking mechanism for holding a bow string at full draw or any partial draw position along the entire length of the draw stroke. The braking mechanism functions by imparting friction onto the string of a compound archery bow thereby preventing the string from moving or being wound out of or into a cam of the compound archery bow.
US09518795B1
A traverse stop clamp is provided for restricting sweep of a machine gun mounted on a tripod. The stop clamp is installable on a traverse bar connecting to rear legs of the tripod, the traverse bar having an inverse U-shape cross-section that form edges at ends of the U-shape. The stop clamp includes an open ring member, a shift member, a handle, a spring pin and a locking nut. The open ring member has a C-shaped ring with an interrupted circumferential outer periphery and an inner periphery with channels for receiving the edges of the traverse bar. The outer periphery has first and second ring ends separated by an adjustable gap. The open ring member further includes first and second tabs disposed to extend radially outward from the first and second ends. These first and second tabs respectively have first and second through-holes. The shift member has a tang and a shaft at respectively first and second shifter ends. The receiver has a third through-hole, and the shaft has a threaded terminus. The tang and shaft pass respectively through the first and second through-holes. The handle has a lever and a clevis head with coaxial fourth through-holes. The head has a cam separating a lock clevis face and a release clevis face. The lock clevis face engages the tang in response to the lever being adjacent the outer periphery. The release clevis face engages the tang in response to pulling the lever away from the outer periphery. The handle pivots at the fourth-through-holes to widen the gap between the tabs. The spring pin passes through the fourth and third through-holes to connect the tang and the clevis head pivotably together. The threaded lock nut attaches to the threaded terminus to engage the second tab.
US09518790B2
A plug for sealing the end of a tube including a cylindrical housing member having longitudinal bore that communicates with a threaded portion. An insert post having a threaded body is received within the threaded portion of the bore and supports a frustroconical member that deflects at least a portion of the wall of the housing member that is highly ductile when a rear nut is threaded onto the body of the insert post. The frustroconical member has a correspondingly large angle of taper to deflect the wall of the housing member outwardly as much as possible without causing fracturing of the wall.
US09518789B2
A seal for a heat exchanger of a machine includes a pad and a sealing lip. The pad includes a perimeter, a core face, and a tank face. The core face is in opposing relationship to the tank face. The pad defines a pad plane and an opening which extends between the core face and the tank face. The scaling lip circumscribes the perimeter of the pad and includes a base end, which is connected to the perimeter of the pad, and a terminal end. The sealing lip extends outwardly along the pad plane from the pad perimeter and projects from the core face. The sealing lip including an outer lip wall which extends from the base end to the terminal end along a tip axis disposed at an oblique lip pitch angle relative to the pad plane.
US09518784B2
An indirect evaporative cooler for cooling inlet supply air from a first temperature to a second, lower temperature using a stream of liquid coolant and a stream of exhaust or purge air. The cooler includes a first flow channel for inlet supply air and a second flow channel adjacent the first for exhaust air. The first and second flow channels are defined in part by sheets of a membrane permeable to water vapor such that mass is transferred as a vapor through the membrane from the inlet supply air to a contained liquid desiccant for dehumidification and also to the exhaust air as heat is transferred from the inlet supply air to the liquid coolant. A separation wall divides the liquid desiccant and the coolant but allows heat to be transferred from the supply air to the coolant which releases water vapor to the counter or cross flowing exhaust air.
US09518779B2
Drying plant for particulate materials comprising: a drying duct which is provided with a substantially horizontal rectilinear starting section, a rectilinear ascending final section which extends upwards with a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the vertical, and a curved intermediate section which connects the rectilinear starting section to the rectilinear final section; a hot gas generator designed for supplying to the inlet of the rectilinear starting section of the drying duct a flow of process gas at high temperature; a particulate feeding device which is structured so as to be able to feed/introduce into the rectilinear starting section of the drying duct a flow of particulate material to be dried substantially without relevant leaks of process gas from the drying duct; and a bypass duct which branches from the rectilinear starting section of the drying duct upstream of the particulate feeding device, and then re-joins the drying duct at the curved intermediate section, so as to feed back into the drying duct the process gas diverted inside it.
US09518777B2
A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a first storage compartment configured to store food, a main door rotatably mounted on the cabinet and configured to open or close at least a portion of the first storage compartment, an accommodation device accessible through an opening in the main door, a sub door mounted on the main door and configured to open or close the opening, and a door opening assembly that is configured to selectively restrict one side of a back surface of the sub door to a corresponding side of a front surface of the main door to thereby selectively restrict movement of the sub door relative to the main door. The accommodation device defines a second storage compartment within the main door that is separated from the first storage compartment, and the door opening assembly is configured to be manipulated from a side surface of the sub door.
US09518770B2
A unitary clear ice sheet is formed from a plurality of individual clear ice sheets which are fused together to give the unitary ice sheet a predetermined thickness. The fused unitary ice sheet is a clear unitary ice sheet due to the formation of the plurality of individual clear ice sheets by running water over a cold plate apparatus or evaporator mechanism to form the ice sheets in a gradual layer-by-layer process. The fused unitary clear ice sheet is used to mold or shape clear ice structure therefrom, such as clear ice spheres in a mold apparatus.
US09518769B2
A machine for producing and dispensing liquid or semiliquid foodstuffs, includes a heat-adjustment system including a thermal circuit within which a thermal fluid circulates. The thermal circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, an electronic expansion valve, an evaporator, and a control unit configured for determining a main parameter (SH) representative of instantaneous overheating of the thermal fluid coming out of the evaporator. A reference parameter (SHset) is determined as a function of a predetermined value (SHmin), and of an auxiliary value (DT) depending on a variation in time of the temperature (Tout) of the fluid coming out of the evaporator, and of the saturation temperature (Tsat) of the fluid coming out of the evaporator. An electric command signal (S) for the valve is generated as a function of a comparison between the main parameter (SH) and reference parameter (SHset).
US09518767B2
Generally, apparatuses, systems, and methods are described to prime a refrigerant pump by decoupling or shielding from a condenser operation, such as for example the condenser water pump, so that liquid refrigerant can be appropriately sourced from the condenser and/or the evaporator using flow control device(s) such as a source valve on a source line of the condenser and/or on a source line of the evaporator and the control of such valve(s).
US09518765B2
System and method for controlling temperature and humidity in multiple spaces using liquid desiccant
A branch controller operates with a system for temperature and humidity control. The branch controller includes a fluid control system for controlling a flow of the liquid desiccant in an arrangement of channels forming a first path for exchanging the liquid desiccant between a liquid desiccant conditioning unit and at least a first space conditioning unit and a second path for directing the liquid desiccant received from the first space conditioning unit to a second space conditioning unit. The branch controller includes a processor for comparing operational conditions of the first space conditioning unit and the second space conditioning unit. The processor selects between the first path and the second path based on the comparison and commands the fluid control system to control the flow of the liquid desiccant according to the selected path.
US09518764B2
A solar receiver with a longitudinal axis, including an absorber, a beam extending over an entire length of the solar receiver and configured to suspend the receiver in the power plant, a protective envelope mounted around the beam and including a thermal insulator surrounding the beam, the protective envelope configured to protect the beam from heating due to solar flux, the beam and the protective envelope configured to slide one with respect to the other along the longitudinal axis.
US09518755B2
An outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor heat exchanger; a compressor; a refrigerant pipe configured to couple the outdoor heat exchanger and the compressor with an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger; and a control unit that determines whether the heating capacity of the indoor unit performing a heating operation is decreased by the refrigerant stagnated in the indoor heat exchanger.
US09518750B2
Disclosed is a humidification device capable of satisfying both necessary and sufficient humidification abilities and energy conserving. A humidification filter unit is immersed into water and rotates to facilitate the absorption of water. When the time from stopping of the humidification operation to the restarting thereof is long and the amount of water absorption is insufficient, the humidification filter unit rotates continuously for a predetermined time when the humidification operation restarts, and then rotates intermittently. Meanwhile, when the time from stopping of the humidification operation to the restarting thereof is short and the amount water absorption is sufficient, the humidification filter unit rotates intermittently during the humidification operation. The rotating stop time of the humidification filter unit for each intermittent rotation is set depending on the air blowing quantity of a blower fan.
US09518749B2
Provided is a forced evaporative humidifier using nano-vapor, which includes: a housing having an exhaust port formed in an upper surface thereof and a suction port formed at one side of a front surface thereof; a water tank located below the suction port to store water; an injection unit having an injection nozzle located above the suction port, a pump for pulling up the water in the water tank to the injection nozzle, and a transfer tube for transferring the water pulled by the pump; a blowing fan located above the injection nozzle to carry air toward the exhaust port of the housing; a humidifying unit located below the injection nozzle so that films, each having a body surface formed to allow the water injected from the injection nozzle to flow and a plurality of tube-type spacers protruding on the body surface, are stacked in a lateral direction therein; and an eliminator located between the blowing fan and the injection nozzle to prevent water drops included in a humid air humidified by the humidifying unit from being scattered.
US09518747B2
An air conditioner having an improved assembly structure of panels includes a lower panel located at a bottom surface thereof, an upper panel located at an upper surface thereof, front and rear panels located at front and rear surfaces thereof, and side panels to couple the front and rear panels. One side of each of the lower panel and at least one panel is provided with a protrusion and the other side thereof is provided with a coupling groove, so that the lower panel is coupled to at least one of the front panel and the side panels by coupling of the protrusion and the coupling groove. It may be possible to provide an air conditioner capable of reducing the number of fastening members coupled to respective panels and being free from restraint of an installation space.
US09518745B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a system that improves heat distribution throughout an internal cooking cavity of an oven. The embodiments described may find particular use in ovens used on-board passenger transport vehicles, but they may also be incorporated into other ovens, such as residential and other commercial ovens.
US09518743B2
Methods are directed to operating a burner of a gas turbine. The burner includes a swirl generator and, downstream of it, a mixing tube. The swirl generator is defined by at least two walls facing one another to define a conical swirl chamber and includes nozzles arranged to inject fuel and apertures arranged to feed an oxidizer into the swirl chamber. The burner includes a lance which extends along a longitudinal axis of the swirl generator and side nozzles for ejecting a fuel within the burner. The side nozzles have their axes inclined with respect to the axis of the lance and can be positioned along the axis of the burner. During operation, an oil fuel or gaseous fuel is injected into to the burner through the lance tip and the lance side nozzles at various percentages depending on an operating mode of the gas turbine.
US09518740B2
An axial swirler for a gas turbine burner includes a vane ring with a plurality of swirler vanes circumferentially distributed around a swirler axis. Each of the swirler vanes includes a trailing edge. In order to achieve a controlled distribution of the exit flow velocity profile and/or the fuel equivalence ratio in the radial direction. The trailing edge is discontinuous with the trailing edge having a discontinuity at a predetermined radius.
US09518734B2
A grid for distributing and mixing fluids in a duct includes a plurality of lances arranged in a first plane and configured to be positioned transverse to a direction of a first fluid flowing outside of the lances and within a predetermined flow area. Each of the plurality of lances has at least one first inlet and a plurality of outlet nozzles. One or more of the outlet nozzles is directed generally in the flow direction of the first fluid outside of the lances, and is configured to discharge a second fluid therefrom.
US09518728B2
A sphere structure, of which an inner ball can be disposed with a light source, the sphere structure includes: a groove, formed on the inner ball based on a disposing path, being able to be installed with the light source; a containing portion, formed on the inner ball, being capable of being set with a power supply module, supplying electric power to the light source; and a first cover layer, covering the inner ball constituting an outer surface of the sphere structure, wherein at least one portion of the outer surface is distributed with a light transmitting region, so that the light of the light source is emitted from inside of the sphere structure to outside of the same by passing through the light transmitting region.
US09518727B1
A demotivator encourages a human or animal target to cease moving. Demotivation is accomplished by conducting electricity through target tissue to cause pain or to cause skeletal muscle contractions. An accessory used with a security flashlight provides a remote stun function, demotivation at a distance from the operator of the flashlight by launching wire-tethered electrodes for contact with target tissue. For a demotivator that provides illumination projecting from the front of the demotivator, the accessory mounts over the front and includes a passage through which the illumination passes. The accessory may include a laser sight for aiming the electrodes. The accessory may include a socket for installing a field-replaceable cartridge.
US09518724B2
A module array includes a light emitting device module. The light emitting device module includes a light source unit, a body provided at one surface thereof with a seat on which the light source unit is seated, a plurality of radiation fins disposed on the other surface of the body opposite to one surface of the body, and an air hole perforated in the body from the seat to the radiation fins for the flow of air.
US09518709B2
The present invention provides a lighting article such as holiday decorations and lamps e.g. a glowing Santa Claus, and a method of preparing such articles. The lighting article comprises an elongated structure resembling an image such as Santa. A solid matrix embedded with a LED strip is fitted into a groove in the elongated structure. The light emitted from the strip irradiates upon the elongated structure, and makes Santa Claus shining.
US09518706B2
A linear light emitting diode (“LED”) light fixture includes LED modules that interface with one another to provide a substantially continuous array of LED's. This continuous array allows for substantially uniform light output from the LED light fixture. The LED modules can interface with one another via one or more connectors, which allow two or more LED modules to be electrically and mechanically coupled together. The connectors may be disposed beneath the LED's so that the connectors are not visible when the LED modules are coupled together. The connectors may be disposed along opposite ends of the modules to allow for end-to-end configurations of the modules and/or along side ends of the modules to allow for angled or curved configurations of the modules. The LED modules can be powered via one or more wires, magnets, or clips, which are coupled to a power source.
US09518701B2
A pyrolyzed monolith carbon physical adsorbent that is characterized by at least one of the following characteristics: (a) a fill density measured for arsine gas at 25° C. and pressure of 650 torr that is greater than 400 grams arsine per liter of adsorbent; (b) at least 30% of overall porosity of the adsorbent including slit-shaped pores having a size in a range of from about 0.3 to about 0.72 nanometer, and at least 20% of the overall porosity including micropores of diameter <2 nanometers; and (c) having a bulk density of from about 0.80 to about 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter, preferably from 0.9 to 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter.
US09518698B2
A clamp assembly includes a single adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustment of an object supported on the clamp assembly along two axes. The adjustment mechanism connects to a bracket and a support rod on which the object is mounted to lock a desired position of the object in place when desired and to allow for adjustment of that position, when desired.
US09518679B2
A method is disclosed for determining off-temperature accuracy information of a solenoid fluid control valve. The method comprises performing a current sweep at a first temperature, and for at least one command pressure, determining an error in a control pressure based on the current sweep. The error may be determined at the first temperature. A metric may then calculated based on the current sweep, and a pressure error offset may be determined for a second temperature based on the metric. The pressure error offset may describe a difference between the error in control pressure at the first temperature and an expected error in control pressure at the second temperature.
US09518678B2
An electrical feedback device (6) of a valve (1) is provided for feeding back the position of a hand wheel (4) of the valve (1) and thus the position of a shut-off member of the valve (1). The electrical feedback device (6) can be mounted in a spindle housing (13) of a housing upper part (2) of the valve (1). The electrical feedback device is configured so that the rotational movement of the hand wheel (4) is converted into a linear movement of a trip cam (45). The electrical feedback device (6) has a gearwheel (43) which is driven by a screw thread (42) which is mounted on a ring (41).
US09518674B2
A valve assembly for high pressure applications includes a pre-charge chamber in fluid communication with a first bellows, at least one inlet for pressurized gas to enter the assembly, a system poppet and an outlet for releasing pressurized gas into a desired environment. The pre-charge chamber and first bellows are filled with pre-charge gas to a threshold pressure. Pressurized gas can flow through access channels into a second bellows, which expands to move a valve shaft connected to the poppet assembly to open the poppet and allow the release of gas. The expansion of the second bellows pushes incompressible fluid disposed between the two bellows against the first bellows, thus contracting the first bellows. The gas within each bellows maintains an internal pressure equal to the pressure exerted upon each bellows by the incompressible fluid, so as to minimize differential pressure across the bellows in the extended position.
US09518673B2
A fluid controller includes an automatic opening-and-closing device configured to move a valve rod upward and downward, and a manual opening-and-closing device configured to move the valve rod upward and downward by a manual operation. The manual opening-and-closing device includes a cylindrical handle supported by a casing so as to be rotatable and not to move upward and downward, and a cylindrical operating member screwed into a female screw of the handle and configured to move upward and downward with a rotation of the handle. The operating member is apart from a piston of the automatic opening-and-closing device in a vertical direction in an automatic operation. The piston is moved by the operating member which moves upward in association with the rotating operation of the handle in a manual operation in an opposite direction from the opening state brought by the automatic opening-and-closing device.
US09518669B2
A backflow preventer that includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet adapted to be mounted in a liquid flow configuration in a liquid supply circuit. An upstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream of the inlet, and includes an upstream check plate supporting a downstream diaphragm. An upstream check disc is positioned downstream of the diaphragm and integrally formed with an upstream stem mounted in an aperture in a central hub formed in the check plate for movement between a normally open, flow position and a closed position preventing backflow of liquid through the inlet. A downstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream from the upstream check disc assembly. A vent discharges liquid to atmosphere upstream of the downstream check disc assembly.
US09518665B2
A ball valve including upstream and downstream seats and a ball having a flow opening disposed between the upstream and downstream seats. A flow path is defined through the valve only when the ball is disposed in an open position. In one embodiment, when the ball is disposed in a closed position the upstream seat may intermittently disengage from the ball to relieve hydrostatic expansion of a liquid within the ball resulting an increased pressure that is greater than a pressure within a body cavity of the valve outside the ball. In another embodiment, a distance between the upstream and downstream seats is greater than an outer diameter of the ball and the ball engages only one of the upstream and downstream seats when disposed in the closed position and a pressure differential is defined between the upstream and downstream seats. The upstream and downstream seats may each include a partially spherical sealing surface that may have a crenulate configuration.
US09518664B2
A rotary ball valve with an improved sealing arrangement, comprising of a valve body and a rotary ball, the rotary ball valve has a plurality of combination sealing arrangement comprising of a polarized combination cavity having a non-parallel slot and an extended groove, an add-on sealing ring and a compatible seat ring having a plurality of non-parallel concentric surfaces, when assembled. The compatible seat ring has a compatible profile so as to create a positive isolation by a surface contact between the add-on sealing ring and the extended groove and create another positive isolation by a surface contact between the add-on sealing ring and the compatible seat ring. The positive isolation prevents leakage during thermal cycling, pressure variations. The non-parallel slot and the compatible sealing ring therein prevents dislodgement of the seat ring; even in double block and bleed condition.
US09518645B2
Embodiments include a modular flex plate assembly with a plurality of modular segments connectable with at least another modular segment by joining a first end of one modular segment to a second end of another modular segment to form a ring gear. The ring gear can be mounted to a substrate and mounted or fastened to a component of an engine or a transmission system. A plurality of securing devices can cooperatively engage the ring gear to a substrate, such that the gear teeth of the ring gear align with the perimeter edge of the substrate.
US09518643B2
An axle differential transmission, including: a housing; a differential stage including at least one planetary gear assembly; an input shaft connected to the at least one planetary gear assembly; and a clutch assembly including an actuator, at least one first clutch plate non-rotatably connected to the input shaft, at least one second clutch plate non-rotatably connected to the housing, and a one-way clutch including at least one wedge clutch plate. For a initial drive mode, the actuator is arranged to compress the at least one first clutch plate, the at least one second clutch plate, and the at least one wedge clutch plate to non-rotatably connect the housing and the input shaft. For a final drive mode, relative rotation between the housing and the input shaft in a first circumferential direction is arranged to non-rotatably connect the housing, the input shaft, and the at least one wedge plate.
US09518633B2
A power transmission apparatus may include first and second input shafts; first and second clutches; first and second output shafts; first set of input gears fixed on first input shaft; second set of input gears fixed on second input shaft; first set of speed gears rotatable on first output shaft and engaged with first set of input gears or second set of input gears; second set of speed gears rotatable on second output shaft and engaged with first or second set of input gears; first set of synchronizers selectively connecting first set of speed gears to first output shaft; second set of synchronizers selectively connecting second set of speed gears to second output shaft; and reverse speed output unit engaged with one input gear of first and second sets of input gears, and second idle gear engaged with one speed gear of first and second sets of speed gears.
US09518630B2
An air spring comprising a pressurized first chamber including a gas, a first piston adjacent the first chamber and configured to slideably move relative to the first chamber, pressurized second chamber adjacent the first piston and opposite the first chamber, the air spring configured such that the first piston moves towards the first chamber during compression of the air spring and the first piston moves away from the first chamber during extension of the air spring, wherein as said first piston moves towards the first chamber during compression of the air spring, said first piston pushes at least a portion of said gas within said first chamber in a direction opposite said first piston, a second piston configured to slideably move relative to the first chamber, a pressurized third chamber adjacent the second piston and opposite the first chamber.
US09518620B2
Disclosed is a disconnector-type clutch for a rear wheel-driving device in a 4-wheel driving electric vehicle, which can eliminate a loss in the driving force due to a slip of friction plates disposed in a multiple disc clutch by transmitting power to rear wheels using the disconnector-type clutch, instead of the multiple disc clutch in 4-wheel driving, and can prevent a loss in the energy by preventing a differential from unnecessarily rotating when rear wheels are drawn by a driving force of front wheels in 2-wheel driving in which a rear-wheel driving motor is not driven by installing the disconnector-type clutch at a rear end of the differential. The disconnector-type clutch includes an actuator motor generating rotation power, a worm gear connected to the actuator motor, a screw rotating in engagement with the worm gear, a first push case converting a rotary motion of the screw into a linear reciprocating motion, a second push case assembled with the first push case, a first spring installed between the first push case and the second push case, a second spring installed at an exterior side of the second push case to provide a restoration force, a shifting fork connected to the second push case and moving forward and backward, and a sleeve connected to the shifting fork and connecting or disconnecting the first rear-wheel driving shaft and the second rear-wheel driving shaft.
US09518615B2
A component of a transmission device, which rotates around a central axis and is adjustable in an axial direction, includes with an encoder contour on the circumference of the component that interacts with a sensor device. The encoder contour features at least one area provided for calculating the axial position of the component, whereas a surface of the first area is designed with a varying radial extension along the axial direction relative to the central axis. The encoder contour has second areas for calculating the rotational speed of the component, whereas a slope of a radial surface of the second areas in the axial direction is differentiated from a slope of the surface of the first areas in the axial direction. In the circumferential direction of the component, the encoder contour is designed alternately with first areas and second areas.
US09518612B2
A curvic coupling for rotational coupling is provided herein. The curvic coupling includes: plural teeth arranged in a circle and protruding from a circle plane extending in a radial direction and a circumferential direction, wherein a side surface of a tooth of the plural teeth is opposite to a side surface of another tooth of the plural teeth, and wherein the tooth is adjacent to the other tooth and is separated from the other tooth by a separating surface. The separating surface includes a flat surface lying in the circle plane, wherein the separating surface includes a central protrusion between the side surface of the tooth and the side surface of the other tooth, and wherein the protrusion protrudes from the circle plane.
US09518610B2
Load couplings, power trains, and methods for adjusting torsional natural frequencies of power trains are provided. In one embodiment, a load coupling includes a first flange, a second flange, and a shaft extending between the first flange and the second flange. The load coupling further includes an annular ring extending radially outward from one of the first flange, the second flange, or the shaft, the annular ring including a plurality of bore holes defined therein, each of the plurality of bore holes including a first opening. The load coupling further includes a first cap connected within one of the plurality of bore holes proximate the first opening, the first cap deformable such that an interference fit is created with the one of the plurality of bore holes.
US09518607B2
A drain proof bearing assembly includes a seat; a cylindrical bearing being receivable in a hollow space of the seat; the bearing being formed with an axial hole; an upper opening of the axial hole of the bearing being formed with an annual recess for receiving a drain proof ring; a plurality of radial notches being formed radially on an upper surface of the bearing; an outer surface of the bearing being formed with a plurality of oil guiding trenches; by the notches, the oil guiding trenches being communicated to the annular recess; and a press plate having an inner hollow penetrating hole and receivable in the hollow spate of the seat. Thereby, the fluid is prevented from draining out along the path from the spindle to the press plate. This design is effective from various kinds of bearings, such as fluid dynamic bearings, or oil bearings, etc.
US09518604B2
The present invention provides improvements to a fluid bearing for a journal, one being a polymer bearing pad with an outer surface, at least one recess for receiving lubricating fluid from a base of the fluid bearing and distributing the lubricating fluid to the outer surface and a mount for securely mounting the polymer bearing pad to the base. Other improvements include a fluid bearing with the polymer bearing pad, steps for making the polymer bearing pad and fluid bearing, a fluid bearing with a polymer bearing pad having a chamfer and a multidirectional fluid bearing.
US09518596B2
A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.
US09518583B2
The submerged centrifugal electric pump comprises an external casing (2) comprising a first and a second tubular portion (5, 7) suitable to be connected coaxial to one another, a pumping unit (3) inserted axially in the first portion (5) of the casing (2) to suction a liquid through a suctioning opening (101) and transfer the liquid in outlet through a discharge opening (11), and a motor unit (4) inserted in the second tubular portion (7) of the casing (2) and provided with a motor shaft (15) suitable to be connected in use to the pumping unit (3). The centrifugal electric pump comprises means (19) for fixing the axial position of the motor shaft (15) interposed between the motor unit (4) and the pumping unit (3). The fixing means (19) comprise an occlusion member (20) having an elastic material portion (23) suitable to engage the internal surface of the casing (2), a support body (22) suitable to be axially linked to the occlusion member (20) and a fastening member (21) suitable to be associated with the occlusion member (20) to perform the radial expansion of the elastic material portion (23).
US09518581B2
A shaft is fitted in a shaft fitting concave part to provide a structure such that no shaft penetrates through a rotor, so that an inner space (shaft fitting concave part, and hollow parts) and an outer space (pump chamber) of the rotor are made independent. The inner space of the rotor is communicated with outside to be at a low pressure, and the outer space is at a high pressure due to gas compression, and an upper surface of the rotor slides on an inner wall surface of a rotor housing part with pressed against this inner wall surface by a pressure difference.
US09518571B2
A sealed compressor comprises an electric element; a compression element; and a sealed container accommodating the electric element and the compression element; wherein the compression element includes a cylinder block defining a compression chamber; a piston which is reciprocatable inside the compression chamber; and a valve plate disposed to close an opening end of the compression chamber and having a discharge hole which provides communication between inside and outside of the compression chamber; the piston has a first groove on a tip end surface thereof which faces the valve plate, the first groove having a predetermined width and extending from an outer peripheral edge portion of the tip end surface toward a portion of the tip end surface which faces the discharge hole; and a tip end portion of the first groove is positioned in the portion of the tip end surface which faces the discharge hole and is inclined.
US09518567B2
An adjusting device of an axial piston machine having a displacement volume that is adjusted by a pivoting yoke. The adjusting device has a cylinder, which is radially spaced from and tangential to the yoke pivot axis. A piston communicates with the yoke and is adjusted by hydraulic pressure change. A control arrangement has a position regulating valve with a control piston which can set the hydraulic pressure acting on the piston. A mechanical return can transfer the yoke pivoting position to the control piston. The valve is axially parallel to the cylinder and radially spaced from the yoke pivot axis. The return comprises an axially movable sensing piston and coaxial return spring which are axially adjacent to the valve. The sensing piston abuts a yoke surface that is eccentric with respect to the pivot axis and connected to the control piston by the return spring.
US09518566B2
An SMA actuation apparatus moves a movable element relative to a support structure in two orthogonal directions using a total of four SMA actuator wires each connected at its ends between the movable element and the support structure and extending perpendicular to the primary axis. None of the SMA actuator wires are collinear, but the SMA actuator wires have an arrangement in which they are capable of being selectively driven to move the movable element relative to the support structure to any position in said range of movement without applying any net torque to the movable element in the plane of the two orthogonal directions around the primary axis. Accordingly, it is possible to drive movement whilst balancing the forces to limit torque around the primary axis.
US09518553B2
The invention relates to an ignition device for an Otto engine, comprising an ignition coil, a printed circuit board, which carries a control circuit with a power transistor, a plastic housing, in which the ignition coil and the printed circuit board are arranged, and a thermal dissipation element, which protrudes through a wall of the plastic housing. In accordance with this disclosure, the printed circuit board carries a cooling body, which is plugged together with the thermal dissipation element to form a thermal bridge, which dissipates thermal losses of the control circuit out from the plastic housing.
US09518551B2
A safety interlock system and method is provided for a laser ignition system. The laser device can be disabled upon receiving an indication that the laser device has been removed from the cylinder. The removal can be inferred based on an estimated distance between the cylinder piston and the laser ignition device.
US09518550B2
Since a pinion gear unit which rotates according to the rotation of an output rotation shaft driven by the motor unit, a pushing mechanism which moves the pinion gear unit towards an engagement location of the pinion gear and an engine starting gear, and a bracket which includes a bracket main body unit which supports the motor unit and the pushing mechanism and a nose unit which extends from the bracket main body unit to a side opposite to the motor unit and rotatably bears a tip portion of the output rotation shaft on a side opposite to the motor unit, and which is attached to an engine side are included, a first stopper unit which restricts the movement of the rotation member to the direction of the engine starting gear is provided on the output rotation shaft, a second stopper unit which restricts the movement of the pinion gears to the direction of the engine starting gear by pushing and biasing of the elastic member is provided on the rotation member, and positioning the first stopper unit is positioned on a side opposite to the engine starting gear with respect to the second stopper unit, it is possible to shorten the shaft length of the rotation member and to shorten the entire length of the engine starting device.
US09518547B2
A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a tip in fluid connection with a combustion chamber of the engine and includes an orifice for injecting fuel as a fuel jet. The fuel injector includes a protruding member in fluid connection with the first orifice extending from the tip at a protruding angle. The orifice injects the fuel jet into the first protruding member. The fuel injector includes a plurality of extension members in fluid connection with the protruding member and includes at least, a first extension member and a second extension member. The first and second extension members may extend from the protruding member at extension angles. The fuel jet may be distributed into, at least, a first distributed jet and a second distributed jet when the first fuel jet flows from the protruding member to the first plurality of extension members.
US09518546B2
A pump assembly includes a pump housing provided with a bore within which a pumping plunger is reciprocal along a plunger axis; a pump chamber defined at one end of the bore within which fuel is pressurized to a relatively high level; and an inlet valve housed within the pump housing and in communication with the pump chamber to control the flow of fuel into the pump chamber. A clamp member applies a clamping load to the pump housing, which has at least a component that is aligned with the plunger axis, through a surface of the pump housing located approximately axially above the bore. The clamp member may be secured to the pump housing by a securing member, which may be positioned radially outwards from the bore and extend through or below a plane through the pump chamber and perpendicular to the plunger axis through the pump chamber.
US09518545B2
An internal combustion engine has a pressure accumulator, a high-pressure pump, a controllable actuator, and camshaft. The high-pressure pump includes a pump piston movably arranged in a cylinder chamber. The pump piston is supported on the camshaft and thus influences an open volume of the cylinder chamber depending on a rotation of the camshaft. The cylinder chamber is hydraulically coupled to the pressure accumulator to pump the fluid into the pressure accumulator. The actuator drives the camshaft such that the camshaft rotates about the camshaft's longitudinal axis in a specified angular range. The high-pressure pump is controlled prior to an expected motor start such that the high-pressure pump is in a self-priming operating state and the actuator is controlled such that the camshaft rotates about the camshaft longitudinal axis in the specified angular range at least once in a first direction and at least once in an opposite second direction.
US09518542B2
An injection valve is provided for injecting a medium, especially for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber, including: a housing having at least one spray orifice on a discharge side, a solenoid coil, a magneto armature, which is linearly movable by the solenoid coil, a linearly movable valve needle for opening and closing the spray orifice, a first stop on a side of the magneto armature facing away from the discharge side, and a second stop on a side of the magneto armature facing the discharge side, the magneto armature being linearly movable between the first stop and the second stop with respect to the valve needle, and a guide element which is joined to the valve needle, an outer area of the guide element serving as guide for the linear motion of the magneto armature, and the second stop being an integral part of the guide element.
US09518538B2
Systems and methods for operating an engine with a fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. In one example approach, a method for an engine with a fuel vapor recovery system comprises increasing an amount of flow restriction between storage material in a fuel vapor canister while maintaining a vent valve open during a fuel vapor purging event.
US09518533B2
An assembly device includes a framework resting on a planar support, a support element mounted movably in rotation relative to the framework, an immobilizing device, and a positioning assembly mounted in rotation on the support element. A front frame of the fixed structure is positioned on the positioning assembly, and the immobilizing device is arranged to immobilize the front frame on the positioning assembly. In particular, the assembly device allows, in the immobilizing position on the positioning assembly, for the front frame to extend transversely to the planar support.
US09518532B2
A structural frame is provided. The structural frame includes a bottom surface, first and second cylinder block sidewall engaging surfaces, the first and second cylinder block sidewall engaging surfaces positioned above the bottom surface at a height that is above a centerline of a crankshaft support included in a cylinder block when the structural frame is coupled to the cylinder block.
US09518528B2
The disclosure provides a system and method to calculate an actual on-time of a fuel injector. The system may include one or more modules located in a control system. The control system uses information available before the fuel injection signal is transmitted to the fuel injector to model and predict a pressure profile in a fuel system that provides high-pressure fuel to the fuel injector, and uses that information along with a fueling command to calculate an actual on-time for the fuel injector.
US09518523B2
A plurality of cylinders are provided. An in-cylinder pressure sensor is mounted on each of the plurality of cylinders. A combustion parameter (e.g., the amount of generated heat) is calculated from the output of the in-cylinder pressure sensor. The air-fuel ratio for a cylinder is enleaned by reducing a fuel injection amount until the combustion parameter coincides with a predetermined value. Each cylinder is subjected to fuel injection amount reduction control so that the combustion parameter coincides with the predetermined value. The air-fuel ratio for each cylinder is then calculated in accordance with the reduction amount of fuel injection amount. The calculated air-fuel ratios are compared to detect an air-fuel ratio imbalance between the cylinders.
US09518520B2
The invention relates to a control device applied to an engine including a controlled object and for controlling the operation state of the controlled object such that the controlled output from the controlled object corresponds to the target controlled output. In the invention, when the reference engine state parameter is maintained constant during the predetermined time period and it is predicted that the reference engine state parameter changes at the predetermined time period having elapsed, the primary or secondary predicted controlled output which satisfies the output control condition at the predetermined time period having elapsed assuming that the reference engine state parameter does not change during the predetermined time period is calculated as a look-ahead predicted controlled output and then, the target controlled output setting logic for performing the functions of the target controlled output setting architecture is corrected on the basis of the look-ahead predicted controlled output.
US09518502B2
An apparatus for controlling air flow to an engine room of a vehicle may include vertical support units provided as a pair, a plurality of flaps provided to be unfolded or folded in the vertical support units, a delivery unit configured to selectively fold or unfold the flaps, a rotary unit configured to selectively rotate the flaps, and a controller configured to control operations of the delivery unit and the rotary unit according to operational states of a vehicle.
US09518501B2
An exhaust manifold for an exhaust system of a combustion engine includes an internal pipe system having a plurality of pipe sections and an outer shell which is disposed in spaced-apart surrounding relationship to the internal pipe system and joined to an outlet flange. The outlet flange includes a neck portion, an outer flange portion adjacent to the neck portion, and an inwardly directed shoulder portion which extends from the neck portion outwards, with the outer shell being joined at the shoulder portion to the outlet flange.
US09518500B2
An arrangement for fitting an exhaust cleaning unit (2) in an exhaust passage (1b): An annular resilient component (7) is fitted around the exhaust cleaning unit (2) at a distance from a gasket (5). The annular resilient component (7) has a first contact portion (7a) which comes into contact with a wall surface (3) of the exhaust cleaning unit (2) and a second contact portion (7b) which comes into contact with a wall surface (1b) of the exhaust passage when the exhaust cleaning unit (2) is in a fitted state in the exhaust passage. The annular resilient component (7) keeps the exhaust cleaning unit (2) in a centered position in the exhaust passage with a spring force.
US09518498B1
A method is disclosed for regulating an exhaust after-treatment (AT) system having a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in fluid communication with a diesel engine. The method includes detecting operation of the diesel engine during which the engine generates a flow rate of particulate matter (PM) directed into the DPF. The method also includes detecting a flow rate of PM exiting the DPF in response to the flow rate of PM directed into the DPF. The method additionally includes tracking the detected flow rate alongside a predicted PM flow rate for monitoring and comparison thereof. The method also includes pausing in time the tracking of the predicted flow rate, if the detected flow rate has experienced a decline. Furthermore, the method includes resuming tracking the predicted flow rate when the detected flow rate returns to a value before the decline and using such value to regulate operation of the AT system.
US09518491B2
An exhaust gas aftertreatment device provided to an upper portion of an engine includes a right and left pair of first and second aftertreatment units, into which exhaust gas from the engine dividedly flows, each including a first exhaust gas emission control system on an upstream side, a second exhaust gas emission control system on a downstream side and a communication pipe through which the first and second systems are in communication with each other, the first and second systems, while being arranged side by side in a right-and-left direction, being oriented so that a flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing therein is parallel with a front-and-rear direction. When the device is seen in the front-and-rear direction, an outer linear envelope tangent to the first system and the communication pipe of each of the units extends upward while tilting toward a right-and-left center of the engine.
US09518479B2
A turbine housing of the exhaust turbocharger, having an inlet, which is adjoined by a spiral; having an outlet; and having a coolant arrangement; wherein the coolant arrangement has a plurality of coolant ducts, which branch off from an inlet duct section and open into an outlet duct section.
US09518478B2
A gas turbine stator component includes a composite, segmented ring made up of an annular array of arcuate segments, each having end faces formed with respective seal slots, with radial gaps formed between opposed end faces of adjacent arcuate segments. A seal is located between each pair of opposed seal slots to thereby seal the gaps, and a channel is provided in each of said arcuate segments adapted to be supplied with cooling air, the channel connecting to a passage extending between the channel and a respective one of the seal slots or radial gaps, on a lower-pressure side of the seal.
US09518475B2
In one example, an arcuate segment for a ring-shaped, rotary machine component such as a stator nozzle or bucket shroud, includes a segment body having an end face formed with a circumferentially-facing seal slot adapted to receive a seal extending between the segment body and a corresponding seal slot in an adjacent segment body to seal a radially-extending gap between the adjacent segment bodies. A cooling channel is provided in the segment body in proximity to the seal slot, and is adapted to be supplied with cooling air. A passage extends from the cooling channel into the seal slot, at a location where the cooling air can be supplied to the higher pressure area on the radially-outer side of the seal.
US09518474B2
A composite annular shroud supported by a support assembly including at least one ring and at least partially disposed within the ring. The shroud is biased against and in sealing engagement with an inner flange of the ring. A three ring assembly includes the inner ring disposed radially inwardly of a middle ring disposed radially inwardly of an outer ring and the shroud at least partially disposed within the inner ring. At least three clocking pins extend radially inwardly from the middle ring through slots in the inner ring into notches in the shroud. The middle ring may be an aft end of a support ring fixedly connected to an engine backbone. Mounting pins may be press fitted into pin holes in the middle ring and extend radially outwardly from the middle ring through radial holes in the outer ring.
US09518465B2
A method and device for transporting overburden away during tunneling includes a seal that separates a first portion and a second portion of a transporting screw arrangement. As a result, in open tunneling or in earth-pressure-assisted tunneling, when the seal is closed, overburden can be transported out of a first opening, arranged ahead of the seal in the direction of removal and, in fluid-assisted tunneling, when the first opening is closed and the seal is open, the overburden can be transported into the second portion.
US09518460B2
Downhole gauge (1) assembly comprising a gauge housing (3) with a receiving aperture (32) having a sealing means (30) with an inner sealing surface (8). A gauge (4) is arranged in or in association to the gauge housing (3), a metal cable (7) with an inner bore is in communication with the interior of the housing (3). The cable runs from a downhole location to the top of a subsurface well. An electrical or optical conductor (9a, 9b) runs through the bore of the metal cable. The conductor (9a, 9b) is connected to the gauge (4) through a connector (5). The electrical or optical connector (5) is arranged within the gauge housing (3) and has been passed through said receiving aperture (32) of the gauge housing (3). The inner sealing surface (8) seals on the outer surface of the metal cable (7).
US09518459B1
In one embodiment, a method includes facilitating a real-time display of drilling-performance data for a current well. The method further includes receiving new channel data for the current well from a wellsite computer system. The method also retrieving input data including historical drilling-performance data for an offset well relative to the current well. In addition, the method includes computing calculated data for the current well based on the channel data and the input data. Moreover, the method includes updating the real-time display with the calculated data.
US09518453B2
An expandable liner hanger features carbide or other hard particles adhered to the outer surface of a tubular mandrel that is expanded using vulcanized rubber to retain the carbide during run in or set. The rubber can be directly applied to the outer surface of the mandrel or to a split ring that is subsequently secured to the outer surface of the mandrel. The rubber can also be mounted in an exterior recess to protect the carbide during running in from being knocked off with impact. A binder can be applied to the carbide or to the rubber for better fixation of the carbide when vulcanizing the rubber. The rubber moves with the expanding mandrel while binding the carbide until contact of the carbide to the surrounding tubular transfers the liner string weight to the surrounding tubular through the carbide.
US09518452B2
A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a tubular mandrel having an actuation port formed through a wall thereof; a debris barrier for engaging an upper end of the tubular string; and a piston having an upper face in fluid communication with the actuation port. The setting tool further includes: an actuator sleeve extending along the mandrel and connected to the piston; a latch releasably connecting the debris barrier to the actuator sleeve and for releasably connecting the debris barrier to the tubular string; a packoff connected to the mandrel below the piston and operable to seal against an inner surface of the tubular string, thereby forming a buffer chamber between the debris barrier and the packoff; and a passage. The passage: is in fluid communication with a lower face of the piston, is formed in a wall of and along the mandrel, and bypasses the packoff.
US09518450B2
Teachings of the disclosure are directed to a reamer and/or bit interaction model system and method. The method may include receiving performance data regarding a cutting structure, and calculating a characteristic curve, using the performance data. The characteristic curve may be weight-based and/or torque-based. The method may also include storing the characteristic curve. In particular embodiments, the characteristic curve may include either weight on cutting structure or torque on the cutting structure, as a function of the rate of penetration.
US09518447B2
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a drilling or cutting operation performed by a wireline tool downhole, comprising the steps of commencing a drilling or cutting operation in a downhole object, such as a casing or valve; detecting vibration produced during the drilling or cutting operation in the downhole object using a vibration sensor adapted to transmit detected vibrations; processing a vibration signal from the vibration sensor to produce a real-time frequency spectrum; comparing the frequency spectrum to a reference frequency spectrum; and controlling the operation based upon the comparison of the frequency spectrum and the frequency spectrum specification. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a wireline tool for performing a drilling or cutting operation downhole and carrying out the method according to the invention.
US09518445B2
An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a housing; a piston longitudinally movable relative to the housing; a flapper carried by the piston for operation between an open position and a closed position, the flapper operable to isolate an upper portion of a bore of the valve from a lower portion of the bore in the closed position; an opener connected to the housing for opening the flapper; and an abutment configured to receive the flapper in the closed position, thereby retaining the flapper in the closed position.
US09518439B2
An annular barrier to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole, includes a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure. The tubular part has a longitudinal axis, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and having an outer face, each end of the expandable sleeve being fastened to the tubular part by a connection part, an annual barrier space between the tubular part and the expandable sleeve, an aperture in the tubular part or the connection part for letting fluid into the space in order to expand the sleeve, and a self-actuated device arranged in the aperture having an open and a closed position.
US09518437B2
The present invention relates to a downhole tool extending in a longitudinal direction, comprising a tool housing; an arm assembly pivotally mounted about a pivot point fixed in relation to the tool housing and movable between a retracted position and a projecting position in relation to the tool housing; an arm activation assembly for moving the arm assembly between the retracted position and the projecting position, the arm activation assembly being arranged inside the tool housing and having a first end face and a second end face adapted for being connected with the end faces of other arm activation assemblies; wherein the arm activation assembly comprises: a piston housing having a piston chamber extending in the longitudinal direction of the downhole tool and comprising: a first piston housing part, a second piston housing part removably connected to the first piston housing part, a piston member arranged inside the piston housing and connected with the arm assembly, the piston member being movable in the piston housing in the longitudinal direction of the downhole tool.
US09518431B2
Methods and apparatus for adapting an elevator for use with a tubular are provided. The apparatus includes one or more axial extensions configured to engage one or more slip bodies of the elevator. The one or more axial extensions include a radial contact surface configured to slide along the tubular and an axial engagement surface configured to bear on an upset of the tubular. The one or more axial extensions are flexible such that the radial contact surface is radially displaceable with respect to the tubular.
US09518422B2
A fire door stop system for retrofitting a fire door assembly so as to bring the assembly into compliance with fire safety codes. The fire door stop system has a profile strip includes at least one flange and intumescent seal that is attachable to a fire door frame. The fire door stop system further includes, as needed, edge protectors for a wood fire door, such as a horizontal edge protector, a vertical edge protector, and a bottom-edge extender, and a latch protector.
US09518421B2
A door barricade includes a base member and a securing mechanism. The base member has a size that permits it to be positioned under a door, with a first upwardly extending portion positioned on the base member and a second upwardly extending portion positioned on the base member. The first and second upwardly extending portions are spaced a distance from one another that is greater than or equal to a width of a door. The securing mechanism is coupled to the base member for mating with a floor. The base member and the securing member together serve to barricade a door such that the door will not move even upon the application of significant force when the securing mechanism is fixedly coupled to a floor.
US09518416B2
The present invention regards a casement window, and more in particular it is directed to a casement window with controlled opening and the possibility of locking the hung sash in open position, to prevent the inadvertent return of the hung sash.
US09518415B2
A rolling door operator comprises a rotary shaft, a centrifugal brake mechanism, and a unidirectional centrifugal mechanism, in which a latching tooth and plurality of slots are disposed around one end of the rotary shaft, and the unidirectional centrifugal mechanism includes an active pin with an axial latching face and a sliding face, the axial latching face being engaged with one of slots to latch the rotary shaft together only in the falling direction of a door curtain, and the sliding face having a bevel adjacent to the latching face to contact slidingly over the slots, so that the door curtain can be lifted up immediately in another direction, and without affecting normal opening function of the door curtain.
US09518411B2
A lock system for a door comprises one or more elongated members adapted to translate axially in a door to be moved in and out of engagement into a lock catch of a door frame. A lock mechanism is received in a mortise of the door and having a handle actuatable to displace at least one driver in translation. A depth adjustment adaptor comprises a interface connected to the elongated member, with or without a joint with at least one degree of freedom connecting the interface to the driver to adjust a depth of the interface relative to the driver and to a lateral surface of the door to actuate the axial translation of the elongated member by movement of the driver.
US09518409B2
A vehicle door latch device which comprises a body having a holding portion, an engagement member pivotally mounted in the holding portion, a cover member closing an opening of the holding portion, and a shaft comprising a shank which passes through a bearing hole of the body and a shank hole of the engagement member, a retaining head and a smaller-diameter shank. The shank passes through the shank hole of the engagement member and the smaller-diameter shank is pressingly fitted in the shank hole of the cover member without swaging the end of the smaller-diameter shank thereby assembling the vehicle door latch device more efficiently.
US09518404B2
Disclosed herein is a fence post system. The system is comprised of a U-shaped-post system having L-shaped-bracket openings which are punched thereon, which also have an anti-warping-rib system, and an anti-torsion-rib system. Further, there are left-and-right-bracket systems molded to both sides of the fence post, which have upper-and-lower-flange systems molded to both ends. Additionally there are L-shaped bracket systems inserted into the L-shaped-bracket openings respectively, with a strut system which is seated on the U-shaped-post system. There may further be a board system screwed to the strut system.
US09518399B2
A foldable, portable fabric children's wading pool for installation in the ground and which has improved stability characteristics is provided. The pool includes a waterproof fabric base, a middle stabilizer section with a foam stiffening strip, and a sand anchor section with sleeves for holding a weighting material such as sand. The pool is set up by digging a hole in the ground and forming berms along the edges of the hole. Then, the pool is unfolded and positioned such that the waterproof fabric base is in the hole, the middle stabilizer section is on the top of the sand berm, and the sand anchor section extends downwardly and outwardly from the edge of the sand berm. Then, a weighting material is loaded into the sand anchor section and the pool is filled with water, preferably using the waterproof bag that also serves as a storage and transport bag for the pool when folded.
US09518396B2
A support for installing facing materials such as ceramic tiles on a substrate such as floors, walls and ceilings wherein the support plate has a plurality of spaced apart recesses in the plate material, with the recesses being open at the top surface and have solid sidewalls and a base, and a plurality of slots in the non-recessed portions of the plate material extending through the top surface and bottom surface, the slots joining one or more adjacent recesses. The support plate of the invention is used for tile installations between the substrate and such tile. Thin-set mortar that is used to secure the tile to the support plate flows into the recesses and into the slots forming a continuous bond between the mortar and the adjacent slots providing for a strong bond between the support plate, mortar and the tiles.
US09518384B2
A flush toilet includes: a bowl portion having a waste-receiving surface, a rim and a recess; a rim spout portion configured to spout flush water to form a swirl flow which swirlingly flows along the inner peripheral surface; a drainage conduit having an inlet connecting with the recess to discharge waste therethrough, wherein the waste-receiving surface of the bowl portion is composed of a left waste-receiving sub-surface and a right waste-receiving sub-surface defined, respectively, on both sided of a center line with respect to a lateral direction of the bowl portion, the left waste-receiving sub-surface and the right waste-receiving sub-surface are formed, respectively, in different shapes in a front region of the bowl portion so as to allow flush water spouted from the rim spout portion to form a major stream which flows from a front end of the bowl portion into the recess.
US09518383B2
A drain stopper assembly for a bathtub having a drain aperture, and a method for using the assembly. A guide rod may be slid within a guide slide, allowing a gasket to be sealed or unsealed against the drain aperture. Magnets or, alternatively, a spring-loaded mechanism, may be used to facilitate sealing/unsealing of the gasket. A filter may be mounted within the drain aperture, and be removably or permanently attached to the assembly.
US09518380B2
A retention system is provided for use with a ground engaging tool. The tool retention system may have a spool with an elongated channel, and a collar dividing the elongated channel into a first portion and a second portion. The tool retention system may also have a fastener disposed within the elongated channel and passing through the collar. The fastener may have a head located within the first portion and a threaded shank located within the second portion. The tool retention system may further have a resilient member disposed between the head of the fastener and the collar, and a slider threadingly engaged with the threaded shank and configured to slide within the second portion of the elongated channel as the fastener is rotated.
US09518367B1
A bulkhead system and a method of implementing such a bulkhead system in relation to a dam are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, such a method includes providing a plurality of bulkhead sections assembled together as a bulkhead assembly, and coupling first and second side assemblies to first and second ends of the bulkhead assembly. Further, the method includes causing a first of the bulkhead sections to receive a respective amount of ballast within an internal cavity therewithin, receiving water pressure at an upstream surface of the bulkhead assembly such that the bulkhead system is forced against the dam and substantially sealed in relation thereto, and operating to counteract the water pressure and thereby prevent or limit the flow of water past the dam, where the operating is performed at least in part by one or more brace members of the side assemblies.
US09518342B2
A method for producing a tubular fiber arrangement of a fiber-reinforced composite part and a tubular fiber arrangement as an intermediate product for a composite part. The local conditions are taken into account in an especially simple and reliable manner with respect to the geometry of the composite part and its load profile. When forming the composite part on a core, the fiber mass supplied during the formation of the tube is proportional to the local circumference of the composite part which results from the diameter. The advancement speed of the core remains substantially constant.
US09518336B2
A synthetic diamond material comprising one or more spin defects having a full width half maximum intrinsic inhomogeneous zero phonon line width of no more than 100 MHz. The method for obtain such a material involves a multi-stage annealing process.
US09518335B2
A porous metallic material for making a structure is fabricated by subjecting the material structure to Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT) once, using the SMAT-treated structure as an electrode, and selectively etching away at least one metal component in the SMAT-treated structure once, thus forming an etched-away structure. Additional SMAT treatment and/or etching treatment to the etched away structure may be performed. The resulting structure has improved physical characteristics.
US09518334B2
A method of plating a metal layer on a work piece includes exposing a surface of the work piece to a plating solution, and supplying a first voltage at a negative end of a power supply source to an edge portion of the work piece. A second voltage is supplied to an inner portion of the work piece, wherein the inner portion is closer to a center of the work piece than the edge portion. A positive end of the power supply source is connected to a metal plate, wherein the metal plate and the work piece are spaced apart from each other by, and are in contact with, the plating solution.
US09518328B1
A gel-forming corrosion inhibiting composition may be employed to protect a metal article from corrosion. The gel-forming corrosion inhibitor composition is combined with water and delivered to an enclosed space at least partially defined by the metal article. Subsequent to delivery, the combination forms a gel to sustainably fill the enclosed space, thereby protecting the metal article from corrosion.
US09518326B2
In one embodiment, a method for forming an electrostatic chuck includes forming vias in a ceramic plate and printing a metal paste in the vias and curing the ceramic plate. The method includes printing the metal paste on a front surface of the ceramic plate and curing the ceramic plate, and printing the metal paste on a bottom surface of the ceramic plate and curing the ceramic plate to form one or more contact pads. The method also includes printing a dielectric film on the front surface of the ceramic plate and curing the ceramic plate. The method may further include printing one or more heating elements on a bottom surface of the ceramic plate and curing the ceramic plate, printing the dielectric film on the bottom, and bonding the ceramic plate to a backing plate.
US09518323B2
Method, equipment and systems for measuring a radio frequency crosstalk are disclosed. The method includes: adjusting an impedance value of a matching network associated with a radio frequency electrode (including an anode and a cathode) in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system, and/or adjusting an impedance value of a radio frequency energy generating equipment associated with the radio frequency electrode, so that the sum of the impedance value of the matching network and the impedance value of the radio frequency electrode is the same as the impedance value of the radio frequency energy generating equipment; measuring an electrical signal received by the radio frequency electrode by the reversibility of energy transfer between the radio frequency electrode and the radio frequency energy generating equipment; and determining the energy of radio frequency crosstalk that the radio frequency electrode is subjected to according to the measured electrical signal.
US09518308B2
The synthesis of high performance WC-Co cemented carbides which can be efficiently used in the cutting tool industry. WC with different particle sizes and different grain growth inhibitors were consolidated through spark plasma sintering technique and to form a cemented carbide with best combination of mechanical properties. VC and Cr3C2 are included as grain growth inhibitors in different amounts and combination to the WC-Co powder composition. Higher amount of inhibitors results in lower grain sizes and higher hardness values, however adding more than a crucial amount was observed to degrade the mechanical properties.
US09518294B2
A mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse.
US09518290B2
A method of detecting a target nucleic acid, and a polynucleotide and a composition for detecting a target nucleic acid.
US09518287B2
Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.
US09518277B2
Genetically engineered microbial, e.g., Chlorella protothecoides, cells producing microbial oils are useful as a food additive and a source of renewable fuels and industrial chemicals. Lipid biosynthesis genes for Auxenochlorella protethecoides are disclosed that are useful for increasing lipid production and altering fatty acid and triacylglycerol profiles in recombinant microrganisms including cells of the genus Auxenochlorella or Prototheca.
US09518263B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for signal activated RNA interference (saRNAi), preferably in vivo. The invention provides polynucleotides that switches between an inactive form and an active form upon covalent or non-covalent interaction with one or more specific chemical signals, such as disease-specific mRNA, miRNA, or other cellular RNA products with sequences that characterize diseased states of the cell. The interaction between the subject polynucleotides and the signals is preferably mediated by hybridization, which exposes, facilitates the formation, and/or allows the formation of a substrate that can be processed by proteins of the RNAi pathway (such as Dicer). The input and output of multiple different polynucleotides of the invention can form an in vivo signaling network. In addition, the multiple input signals can be integrated to modulate the activity of the subject polynucleotides.
US09518260B2
The disclosure relates to an RNA interference (RNAi) agent and the use of that RNAi agent to treat chronic pain in individuals, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the RNAi agents of the invention. The DNA-directed RNA interference (ddRNAi) agent for inhibiting expression of one or more target sequences in a pain associated gene comprises, one or more effector sequence sequences and effector complement sequences of at least 17 nucleotides in length, wherein the effector sequence is substantially complementary to the predicted transcript of a target sequence within a pain associated gene.
US09518252B2
The present invention relates to a novel Listeria bacteriophage designated ProCC P825. In particular, the present invention relates to the endolysin PlyP825 encoded by the novel phage ProCC P825 and uses of the novel endolysin PlyP825 for controlling Listeria contamination and infection.
US09518251B2
A method for enhancing the therapeutic effect of stem cells on autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and/or hematological diseases is provided. The method comprises pre-treating the stem cells with ligustilide to increase the expression of differentiation-promoting genes in the stem cells, increase the expression of homing-promoting genes in the stem cells, and/or decrease the expression of inflammatory genes in the stem cells, wherein the treatment is conducted in a culture medium of the stem cell.
US09518242B1
The invention relates to thiophosphates and derivatives thereof useful as antiwear additive components, lubricant additive compositions and lubricant compositions each comprising such compounds, methods for making and using the same, including methods of lubricating machines and machine parts and methods of extending the useful life of elastomeric seal components of such machines. In one aspect, the invention relates to a lubricant additive composition comprising a compound of formula (I): or a tribologically acceptable salt thereof, and a sulfonate or a phenate detergent.
US09518237B2
Integrated processes are provided for syngas refining and bioconversion of syngas to oxygenated organic compound. In the integrated processes ammonia contained in the syngas is recovered and used as a source of nitrogen and water for the fermentation. The integrated processes first remove tars from syngas by scrubbing using a first aqueous medium under conditions that ammonium bicarbonate is unstable. With tars removed, contact between the syngas and a second aqueous medium enables ammonia and carbon dioxide to be removed from the syngas without undue removal of components adverse to the fermentation, processing or oxygenated product such as benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylene, acetylene, and hydrogen cyanide. At least a portion of the second aqueous medium is supplied as a source of water and ammonia for the fermentation.
US09518234B2
Methods and systems for converting petroleum based oil into fuel generally include forming a conversion mixture of an alcohol and a base, adding the conversion mixture to petroleum based oil (such as crude oil, used oil, used motor oil, and new motor oil) to form a reaction mixture, adding a high nitrate compound and an amino acid the reaction mixture, ozonizing the reaction mixture. The result may include a three phase system in which the bottom phase is asphalt oil, the middle phase is diesel fuel or jet fuel, and the top phase is sulfuric acid. The three phases may be separated to obtain the final diesel fuel or let fuel product. Additional cooling and/or filtering processes may be utilized to complete and/or optimize oil conversion.
US09518223B2
A liquid crystal composition includes a photoinitiator; an alignment aid; a neutral liquid crystal compound; and a polar liquid crystal compound, wherein the neutral liquid crystal compound includes at least one of compounds represented by Chemical Formulas N-1 to N-10 below:
US09518221B2
The inventor of the present invention has investigated various liquid crystal compounds and various chemical substances and found that the object can be achieved by using a combination of particular liquid crystal compounds, thereby making the present invention.In other words, provided are a liquid crystal composition having positive dielectric anisotropy, comprising compounds represented by formula (26.2) and formula (2.5) and one or more compounds represented by general formula (IV), an active matrix driving-liquid crystal display device using the liquid crystal composition, and a liquid crystal display using the active matrix-driving liquid crystal display device: (In the formula, R41 and R42 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms and X41 and X42 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.)
US09518220B2
A red phosphor material comprising an essential component represented by a formula of ALn1-x-yEuxSmyM2O8 as a main component, where A represents at least one selected from Li, Na, and K; Ln represents at least one selected from La and Gd; M represents at least one selected from W and Mo; and x and y are numerical values that satisfy 0.1≦x+y≦0.7 and 0.005≦y≦0.08. A light-emitting device includes an excitation light source and the red phosphor material that absorbs excitation light emitted by the excitation light source and emits red light.
US09518219B2
A method for the hydrothermal synthesis of bismuth germanium oxide comprises dissolving a bismuth precursor (e.g., bismuth nitrate pentahydrate) and a germanium precursor (e.g., germanium dioxide) in water and heating the aqueous solution to an elevated reaction temperature for a length of time sufficient to produce the eulytite phase of bismuth germanium oxide (E-BGO) with high yield. The E-BGO produced can be used as a scintillator material. For example, the air stability and radioluminescence response suggest that the E-BGO can be employed for medical applications.
US09518217B2
This invention provides transition metal carbene complexes and the electroluminescent application thereof. Through employing different N^N heteroleptic ligand, as the following, the transition metal carbene complex can display wide-range color tuning ability from deep blue to red. The mentioned transition metal carbene complex can be applied in luminescent device, and the luminescent device can display wide-range color tuning ability with high luminescent efficiency while employing different N^N heteroleptic ligand in the transition metal carbene complex.
US09518216B2
A manganese-doped magnesium stannate luminescent material, which has a molecular formula of: Mg2-xSnO4:Mnx@SnO2@My, where @ is a coating, where Mg2-xSnO4:Mnx is an outer shell layer, where SnO2 is an intermediate layer shell, where M is an inner core, where M is a metal nanoparticle, where M is at least one selected among Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, and Cu, where the value of x is 0
US09518208B2
The gelling agent for water shut-off in oil and gas wells is a composition that forms a gel to reduce or eliminate the flow of water in a gas or oil well. The composition is formed by mixing polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or mixtures thereof with an amino-aldehyde oligomer, such as urea formaldehyde or melamine formaldehyde, with or without a cross-linker. The polymer composition can be used to minimize or completely shut off excess water production with insignificant reduction in hydrocarbon productivity.
US09518206B2
An invert emulsion treatment fluid comprises: (A) an external phase, wherein the external phase comprises a hydrocarbon liquid; (B) an internal phase, wherein the internal phase comprises a hygroscopic liquid; (C) a suspending agent, wherein the suspending agent is a polymer, and wherein the polymer comprises urea linkages; and (D) a particulate, wherein the particulate has a density less than 3.5 g/cm3, wherein a test fluid consisting essentially of the external phase, the internal phase, the suspending agent, and the particulate, and in the same proportions as the treatment fluid, and after static aging for 2 months at a temperature of 200° F. (93.3° C.), has a 10 minute gel strength of at least 30 lb/100 ft2 (1,436 Pa) at a temperature of 120° F. (48.9° C.). A method of using the invert emulsion treatment fluid comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation.
US09518202B2
Heat-curable adhesive composition: 47-60% of polyether/polyurethane bearing alkoxysilane end groups and polyurethanes bearing alkoxysilane end groups of formula (II): in which: R6 is a divalent C5-C15 hydrocarbon-based radical; R7 is a divalent C1-C3 alkylene radical; R8 and R9 are a C1-C4 alkyl; q is 0, 1 or 2; r is such that the number-average molar mass of the polymers of formula (II) is between 900 Da and 11 kDa; R10 is a divalent polyester block with a hydroxyl number IOH of between 40 and 60 mg KOH/g; 37-50% of a compatible tackifying resin; and 0.01-3% of a crosslinking catalyst.
US09518195B2
A biaxially stretched polyester film, being a biaxially stretched film including a modified polybutylene terephthalate (modified PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), wherein a mass ratio (modified PBT/PET) between the modified PBT and PET is 20/80 to 5/95, the modified PBT is a PBT containing 5 to 20% by mass of a polytetramethylene glycol unit having a molecular weight of 600 to 4,000, the amount of tetrahydrofuran (THF) generated by heat treating the biaxially stretched film in a helium gas atmosphere at 180° C. for 30 minutes is 50 μg/g or less, and the biaxially stretched film has tear linearity in a lengthwise direction thereof.
US09518191B2
A water-dispersed coating composition comprising an amino resin, and a dispersion of latex polymer particles comprising from 0.1 to 2 weight percent of a multi-ethylenically unsaturated monomer and from 0.1 to 2 weight percent of (meth)acrylamide.
US09518187B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing high-gloss surfaces on at least one portion of a substrate area, where the steps comprise (a) applying a layer made of a melt to at least one portion of the substrate area; (b) polishing of the applied layer of melt; (c) applying at least one lacquer layer to the polished layer of melt by means of a curtain-coating process; and (d) hardening the layer structure applied. The invention further relates to articles obtainable by this type of process.
US09518186B2
The present application discloses a luminescent lanthanide chelate comprising one or more chromophoric moieties of the formula (I) or of the formula (III) wherein R1, R2 and R2* each independently are selected from carbon-containing substituents forming a C—O bond with the neighbouring oxygen atom, R3 and R4 each represent a bond between the chromophoric moiety and other moieties of the chelate, and Ln3+ is a lanthanide ion, as well as the corresponding luminescence lanthanide chelating ligand. The application also discloses a detectable molecule comprising a biospecific binding reactant (such as an antibody) conjugated to the luminescent lanthanide chelate as well as a method of carrying out a biospecific binding assay, the use of such a detectable molecule in a specific bioaffinity based binding assay utilizing time-resolved fluorometric determination of a specific luminescence, and a solid support material conjugated with the luminescent lanthanide chelate.
US09518169B2
Provided are a polylactic acid resin composition excellent in impact resistance, migration resistance, and heat resistance, and excellent in productivity at the time of the mold forming thereof, and a resin molded article thereof. The polylactic acid resin composition includes a polylactic acid; a reaction product of at least one of a polyol and a polyol dehydration condensate, an alkylene oxide mainly formed of ethylene oxide, and a fatty acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms; and a fatty acid amide.
US09518167B2
A bioderived based plasticizer is produced by reacting a bioderived diol (and/or a bioderived alcohol) and a bioderived carboxylic acid in the presence of N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), wherein the bioderived carboxylic acid includes a hydrolyzed oil. The bioderived carboxylic acid (e.g., linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, oleic acid, and mixtures thereof) may be produced by hydrolyzing a triglyceride, such as canola oil, linseed oil, soybean oil, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bioderived based plasticizer is produced by reacting 2,5-bis-(hydroxymethyl)furan and α-linolenic acid in the presence of DCC. In some embodiments of the present invention, the bioderived based plasticizer is blended into one or more polymers.
US09518161B2
The present disclosure is directed to compositions and methods for improving the cling performance in stretch-cling films. Compositions include: (a) 80.0 to 99.5 wt. % of a propylene-based elastomer, the propylene-based elastomer comprising at least about 60.0 wt. % propylene-derived units and about 5.0 to about 25.0 wt. % ethylene-derived units, based on total weight of the propylene-based elastomer, wherein the propylene-based elastomer has a heat of fusion of less than about 80.0 J/g; and (b) 0.5 to 20.0 wt. % of a polyalphaolefin, wherein the amounts of the propylene-based elastomer, and the polyalphaolefin are based on the weight of the composition. Methods of making such compositions as well as compositions including an ethylene-based polymer and films and methods of making films are also disclosed.
US09518160B2
Composite materials are augmented with functionalized graphene having added amine groups, benzoxazine groups, imide groups, or a combination of amine groups and imide groups on a surface of the graphene, epoxide groups formed on at least one edge of the graphene and/or holes formed through the graphene. The functionalized graphene is integrated into a composite material as a supplement to or as a replacement for either the carbon reinforcement material or the resin matrix material to increase strength of the composite materials, and may be in the form of a functionalized graphene nanoplatelet, a flat graphene sheet or film, or a rolled or twisted graphene sheet or film.
US09518157B2
Preparation of a rubber composition containing a dispersion of aligned exfoliated graphite platelets. Such rubber composition is prepared by a method comprised of a sequential combination of concentrated solvent or dry masterbatching of elastomer and exfoliated graphite platelets, followed by blending the masterbatch (after removing the solvent from the solvent based masterbatch) with additional elastomer(s) and then followed by processing the resulting rubber composition to align the dispersed exfoliated graphite platelets in a substantially parallel relation to each other. Such processing may comprise as least one of extrusion and calendaring the rubber composition. The invention further relates to a tire containing a component comprised of such rubber composition containing a dispersion of aligned exfoliated graphite platelets prepared by the aforesaid method.
US09518145B2
Polyisocyanate-based polymers are formed by curing a reaction mixture containing at least one polyisocyanate and at least one isocyanate-reactive compound having at least two isocyanate-reactive groups in the presence of a zinc catalyst that contains at least one zinc atom associated with a polydentate ligand that contains at least one nitrogen-containing complexing site.
US09518144B2
The invention relates to polyurethane resin compositions and, in particular, stable, ready-to-use polyurethane resin compositions comprising: a masked polyisocyanate having formula (I), wherein B represents alkyl and A represents a group comprising a number of isocyanate functions of between 1.5 and 2.2, preferably between 1.5 and 2.1 and, more preferably, between 1.5 and 2; or a masked pre-polymer that is the product of a reaction between the above-mentioned masked polyisocyanate and a polyol having between 1.5 and 3 OH functions and a molecular mass of between 900 and 3,000 g/mol, in a ratio such that the number of NCO functions of the masked polyisocyanate in relation to the number of OH functions of the polyol is between 1.5 and 2.5 approximately; or a mixture of the aforementioned masked polyisocyanate and masked pre-polymer. The invention also relates to the use of the masked polyisocyanate in order to form a masked pre-polymer by reacting said masked polyisocyanate on a polyol, and to the use of a masked polyisocyanate and/or a masked pre-polymer in polyurethane resin compositions.
US09518140B2
Provided is a process for the production of a fluorine-containing block copolymer, which suppresses the formation of a homopolymer as a by-product and which, regardless of whether the chain transfer constant of the iodine end is large or small, achieves nearly 100% conversion into a block copolymer. The process is characterized by reacting (A) a fluorine-containing polymer which has an iodine atom or a bromine atom at either or both terminals of the backbone chain and/or at a side-chain terminal with (M) a radical-polymerizable monomer in the presence of (C) a sulfur compound represented by general formula (2): (Y1)nH2-nS2O4 (wherein Y1 is a mono- or divalent metal ion or an ammonium ion; and n is an integer of 0 to 2).
US09518138B2
A liquid random copolymer of ethylene and alpha-olefin prepared by using specific metallocene catalyst and ionic compound and a method for preparing the same are disclosed. The liquid random copolymer has high viscosity index and shear stability so that it is useful as synthetic lubricants. The liquid random copolymer of ethylene and alpha-olefin (1) comprises 60 to 40 mol % of ethylene units and 40 to 60 mol % of alpha-olefin unit having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, (2) has number average molecular weight (Mn) of 500 to 10,000 and a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn, Mw is the weight average molecular weight) of 3 or less measured by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) (3) has Kinematic Viscosity at 100° C. of 30 to 5,000, (4) has pour point of 30 to −45° C., and (5) has Bromine Number of 0.1 or less.
US09518137B2
The present disclosure is directed to a composition and articles containing the composition. The composition includes an ethylene-propylene-diene interpolymer (EPDM) having a rheology ratio greater than 33. The EPDM also has a molecular weight distribution greater than 3.0. The composition has a dissipation factor less than or equal to 0.01 radians as measured in accordance with ASTM D 150 (130° C., 60 Hz).
US09518131B2
The present invention provides for a method for generating a metal ion binding protein, the method comprising a) integrating the amino acid sequence DDD into CDR1 of a light chain variable region of an antibody or fragment thereof; and b) combining the sequence of step a) with a heavy chain variable region of an antibody or fragment thereof; and c) isolating the protein. Also provided is the use of metal ion binding proteins generated by the method of the present invention for isolation and purification of proteins and for the reversible labeling of a target molecule. Also provided is a metal ion binding anti-CD8 protein.
US09518125B2
Provided is method of diagnosing liver cancer in a subject, the method comprising contacting a sample from a subject with a substance that specifically binds to transmembrane emp24 domain trafficking protein 2 (TMED2), cluster of differentiation 43 (CD43), or any combination thereof on the surface of a microvesicle; and measuring the level of the substance bound to microvesicles in the sample; and related methods and compositions.
US09518124B2
The present invention relates to agonist antibodies that specifically bind to Notch 3 and activate signaling. The present invention includes antibodies binding to an epitope comprising the first Lin12 domain. The present invention also includes uses of these antibodies to treat or prevent Notch 3 related diseases or disorders.
US09518120B2
The present invention provides a novel, isolated anti-CXCR4 antibody for use in the diagnosis of cancer. In particular, the antibody of the invention recognizes monomeric and homodimeric CXCR4, but not heterodimeric CXCR4.
US09518116B2
Provided are monoclonal antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind to, and inhibit the activity of, CD47, as well as monoclonal antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that compete with the former for binding to CD47. Also provided are combinations of any of the foregoing. Such antibody compounds are variously effective in 1) treating tissue ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in the setting of organ preservation and transplantation, pulmonary hypertension, sickle cell disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and other instances of surgery and/or trauma in which IRI is a component of pathogenesis; 2) in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; and 3) as anti-cancer agents that are toxic to susceptible cancer cells, promoting their phagocytic uptake and clearance, or directly killing such cells.
US09518112B2
Specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) are provided, particularly recognizing human and mouse TGF-β1 and not recognizing or binding TGF-β2 or TGF-β3. Particular antibodies are provided which specifically recognize and neutralize TGF-β1. These antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with activated or elevated TGF-β1, including cancer, and for modulating immune cells and immune response, including immune response to cancer or cancer antigens. The anti-TGF-β1 antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof. Antibodies of this type are exemplified by the novel antibodies hereof, including antibody 13A1, whose sequences are provided herein.
US09518110B2
An antibody preparation suitable for intravenous administration in humans includes IgG, IgA and at least 5% IgM antibodies by weight of the total amount of antibodies. The preparation is prepared from human plasma, has specific complement activating activity, and, in an in vitro assay with human serum suitable to determine the ability of the antibody preparation to activate complement unspecifically, the antibody preparation generates substantially no C5a and/or substantially no C3a. The antibody preparation can have medical uses.
US09518106B2
Methods and compositions are described for organizing collagen into fibrillar networks, e.g, short and long-range organization. Collagen produced by the disclosed methods can be used for tissue engineering.
US09518100B2
Methods are disclosed for increasing the yield and N-glycosylation site occupancy of paucimannose or complex N-glycans of recombinant glycoproteins produced in a recombinant host cell lacking dolichyl-P-Man:Man5GlcNAc2-PP-dolichyl alpha-1,3 mannosyltransferase (Alg3p) activity. In particular, the present invention provides recombinant host cells for producing recombinant glycoproteins that comprise a disruption of the expression of an OS-9 family gene in the host cell and which overexpress one or more Trypanosoma brucei STT3 proteins.
US09518096B2
The present invention provides polypeptides having a composite amino acid sequence derived from a consensus sequence representing the capsid proteins of two or more circulating strains of a non-enveloped virus. In particular, the invention provides virus-like particles comprising at least one composite polypeptide. Such virus-like particles have antigenic epitopes of two or more circulating strains of a non-enveloped virus and produce an increase in antisera cross-reactivity to one or more circulating strains of the non-enveloped virus. Methods of making composite virus-like particles and vaccine formulations comprising composite virus-like particles are also disclosed.
US09518094B2
The present disclosure provides solid forms of a compound of formula I. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides crystalline forms of Compound I. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides solvate forms of Compound I. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides amorphous Compound I.
US09518090B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as well as methods for identifying a compound or a composition that is suitable for treating HBV infection. In addition, the present invention provides a suitable non-mammalian animal model that can be used to screen for a compound or a composition that can inhibit HBV replication or treat HBV infection in a mammal. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating hepatitis B infection by inhibiting interaction between HBV x protein and a Bcl-2 family protein or by reducing the expression level of a Bcl-2 family protein.
US09518083B2
Compounds based around tetrapeptide, tripeptide and dipeptide moeties and corresponding peptiod moeties. Related methods and pharmaceutical compositions for use in treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and other disorders.
US09518066B2
The present invention relates to a class of novel isothiazolo[4,3-b]pyridine derivatives and a method for their preparation, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of said isothiazolo[4,3-b]pyridine derivatives and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The present invention further relates to the use of said novel isothiazolo[4,3-b]pyridine derivatives as biologically active ingredients, more specifically as medicaments for the treatment of disorders and pathologic conditions such as, but not limited to, cell-proliferative and neurodegenerative diseases.
US09518064B2
The present invention provides imidazothiadiazole compounds of Formula (I); Wherein W, Y, R0, R2, R4, Ra, Rb, X1, X2, X3 and X4 are as defined herein, or a stereoisomer, tautomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug ester or solvate form thereof, wherein all of the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are inhibitors of platelet aggregation and thus can be used as medicaments for treating or preventing thromboembolic disorders.
US09518062B2
The invention relates generally to anti-angiogenesis agents and related methods of using to anti-angiogenesis agents for biomedical applications including direct monotherapy and combination therapy for treatment of an angiogenesis related condition. In an embodiment, the invention provides a class of opioid compounds and structurally related opioid derivatives exhibiting anti-VEGF activity for use in therapeutic procedures, including phototherapy. Opioid compounds and structurally related opioid derivatives of the invention may be administered alone or in combination with administration of a phototherapy agent and/or other therapeutic agent.
US09518043B2
The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing 1-(4-(4-(3,4-dichloro-2-fluorophenylamino)-7-methoxyquinazolin-6-yloxy)piperidin-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one in a simpler process as compared with conventional methods by allowing 4-(3,4-dichloro-2-fluorophenylamino)-7-methoxyquinazolin-6-ol to react with an N-acyl piperidine derivative in an inert polar protic solvent in the presence of a base.
US09518041B2
Provided is (+)-5-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-[(3-methyl-2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl)methyl]imidazolidine-2,4-dione or a salt thereof. Also provided is a drug containing as the active ingredient (+)-5-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-[(3-methyl-2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl)methyl]imidazolidine-2,4-dione or a salt thereof.
US09518039B2
Derivatives of 1,3-dithianes and 1,3-dithiolanes of the general formula 1a or salts thereof of the general formula 1b where P=polymeric support, m=1 or 2, Z is an organic linker or X=inorganic or organic anion, processes for preparation thereof and use thereof.
US09518030B2
Impure aryltriazoles such as benzotriazole and tolyltriazole that are contaminated with dark colored impurities can be purified by conversion to an aryltriazole acid salt by treatment with aqueous acid. The aryltriazole acid salt is water soluble whereas the dark colored impurities are not. The aryltriazole acid salt solution is separated from the dark colored impurities and the aryltriazole acid salt is isolated by precipitation. The free aryltriazole may be recovered by neutralization with base.
US09518024B2
The present disclosure provides a method for preparing a caprolactam and the method includes steps of subjecting cyclohexanone oxime and sulfuric acid to a Beckmann rearrangement reaction to obtain a rearrangement mixture; neutralizing the rearrangement mixture and extracting the neutralized rearrangement mixture using an organic solvent sequentially; and subjecting the extracted organic solution to a hydrogenation reaction so as to simplify the process to produce a high quality caprolactam.
US09518002B2
Methods of carrying out metathesis reactions of natural oil-derived polyenes (e.g., dienes and trienes), including functionalized polyenes, are generally disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the dienes or trienes contain a terminal carbon-carbon double bond, and the metathesis reaction is selective toward reaction of the terminal carbon-carbon double bonds in the polyene. Compounds made by such methods are also generally disclosed herein.
US09518001B1
A composition comprising about 97 mole percent or greater of one or more 1,1-dicarbonyl substituted-1-ethylenes and about 3 mole percent or less of one or more 1,1-dicarbonyl substituted-methanes. A process comprising: contacting in a fluid state one or more 1,1-dicarbonyl substituted-1,1 hydroxymethyl-methanes and greater than 200 ppm to about 1000 ppm of one or more strong acids based on the weight of the one or more 1,1-dicarbonyl substituted-1,1 hydroxymethyl-methanes with a zeolite catalyst at a temperature of about 180° C. to about 220° C. for a sufficient time to convert about 96 percent or greater of the one or more 1,1-dicarbonyl substituted-1,1 hydroxymethyl-methanes to one or more 1,1-dicarbonyl substituted-1-ethylenes.
US09517996B2
A process for purifying a polycarboxylic acid from a mixture is provided. Optionally, the mixture is an aqueous solution and optionally the process comprises an acidification step and/or the use of one or more organic solvents. Also provided in part are compositions of polycarboxylic acids.
US09517988B2
The present invention relates to a phenol derivative and the preparation method and use in medicine thereof, and particular to a phenol derivative represented by general formula (A) or a stereoisomer, a solvate, a metabolite, a prodrug, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a cocrystal thereof, a preparation method thereof, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and use of the compound or composition of the present invention in the field of the central nervous system; wherein the definitions of substituents in general formula (A) are the same as those in the Description.
US09517987B1
A method for the selective synthesis of bisphenols, thermosetting resins, and thermoplastics from salicylic acid, the major component of wintergreen oil, and a viable target for engineered biosynthesis. Condensation of salicylic acid, structural analogs of salicylic acid, and derivatives of salicylic acid with short chain aldehydes or ketones and subsequent decarboxylation has the potential to produce bisphenols that are direct replacements for conventional resins, while the steric and electronic effects of salicylic acid improve the efficiency and selectivity of the conversion process. The utilization of renewable polyphenols as precursors to epoxies, poly carbonates, and high temperature thermosets including cyanate esters, provides an opportunity to develop full-performance resins while reducing the use of petroleum based feedstocks. This approach will then diminish the overall environmental impact of resin production while allowing for a sustainable source of phenols.
US09517984B2
Embodiments of an integrated method for step-wise conversion of 2,3-butanediol to 2-butanol, and optionally to hydrocarbons, are disclosed. The method includes providing an acidic catalyst, exposing a composition comprising aqueous 2,3-butanediol to the acidic catalyst to produce an intermediate composition comprising methyl ethyl ketone, providing a hydrogenation catalyst that is spatially separated from the acidic catalyst, and subsequently exposing the intermediate composition to the hydrogenation catalyst to produce a composition comprising 2-butanol. The method may further include subsequently exposing the composition comprising 2-butanol to a deoxygenation catalyst, and deoxygenating the 2-butanol to form hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbons comprise olefins, such as butenes, and the method may further include subsequently exposing the hydrocarbons to a hydrogenation catalyst to form saturated hydrocarbons.
US09517976B2
An inflator for inflating an inflatable device to which it is connected via fill tubes or in which it is positioned. The inflator comprises a power module assembly and an adaptor assembly intended to be threaded into or onto the threaded neck of a gas cylinder (not shown). The power module assembly employs one or more power primers that are fired when a tether is pulled to remove the actuator cup to release a spring-loaded actuator pin to fire the power primer(s). The escaping gases from the power primer(s) then drive a pierce pin to fracture a frangible seal allowing gas in the gas cylinder to then flow into the inflatable device and inflate the same.
US09517974B2
Methods to convert the light and powdery mealworm castings into a suitable fertilizer product are disclosed. The methods can include saturating the mealworm castings using an infusion process with a liquid, such as water, until an elevated temperature is reached. The mealworm castings can be replenished and the infusion process can be repeated until the targeted N—P—K rating is achieved. The saturated mealworm castings or mealworm castings can be dried and formed into fertilizer pellets or into a granular soil-like product. In some examples, a binding agent such as dried mashed potato extract can be added to the saturated mealworm castings. In some examples, the fertilizer excludes artificially produced chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, and steroids. In some examples, the fertilizer has an N—P—K rating of 4-3-2. In some examples, the mealworm castings are produced by mealworms fed wheat bran and raw carrots.
US09517972B2
Methods of treating a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant are provided. Embodiments of the subject methods include identifying a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant and applying an assimilable carbon-skeleton energy component-comprising composition to the identified plant. Embodiments of the subject compositions may include one or more of a macronutrient component, micronutrient component, vitamin/cofactor component, complexing agent and microbe. Kits for use in practicing the subject invention are also provided. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications in which a plant is phytotoxic or at least in danger of becoming phytotoxic due to exposure or potential exposure to a phytotoxicant.
US09517970B2
The invention relates to a transparent glass substrate having a coating including, in order: a first reflected color neutralization layer; a low-emissivity second layer essentially made up of SnO2:F and having a thickness between 455 and 800 nm; and a third layer that is essentially made up of SiOx, x being less than or equal to 2, and has a thickness between 40 and 65 nm or between 140 and 180 nm. The invention also relates to a double glass sheet and a triple glass sheet, manufactured from such a glass substrate, and to a window comprising said glass sheets.
US09517968B2
Chemically strengthened glass articles having at least one deep compressive layer extending from a surface of the article to a depth of at least about 45 μm within the article are provided. In one embodiment, the compressive stress profile includes a single linear segment extending from the surface to the depth of compression DOC. Alternatively, the compressive stress profile includes two linear portions: the first portion extending from the surface to a relatively shallow depth and having a steep slope; and a second portion extending from the shallow depth to the depth of compression. The strengthened glass has a 60% survival rate when dropped from a height of 80 cm in an inverted ball drop test and an equibiaxial flexural strength of at least 10 kgf as determined by abraded ring-on-ring testing. Methods of achieving such stress profiles are also described.
US09517967B2
An ion exchangeable glass having a high degree of resistance to damage caused by abrasion, scratching, indentation, and the like. The glass comprises alumina, B2O3, and alkali metal oxides, and contains boron cations having three-fold coordination. The glass, when ion exchanged, has a Vickers crack initiation threshold of at least about 30 kilogram force.
US09517966B2
The embodiments described herein relate to chemically and mechanically durable glass compositions and glass articles formed from the same. In another embodiment, a glass composition may include from about 70 mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO2; from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol. % alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al2O3; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may include Na2O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %. A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1 and the glass composition may be free of boron and compounds of boron. In some embodiments, the glass composition may also be free of phosphorous and compounds of phosphorous. Glass articles formed from the glass composition may have at least a class S3 acid resistance according to DIN 12116, at least a class A2 base resistance according to ISO 695, and a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720.
US09517963B2
Forming holes in a material includes focusing a pulsed laser beam into a laser beam focal line oriented along the beam propagation direction and directed into the material, the laser beam focal line generating an induced absorption within the material, the induced absorption producing a defect line along the laser beam focal line within the material, and translating the material and the laser beam relative to each other, thereby forming a plurality of defect lines in the material, and etching the material in an acid solution to produce holes greater than 1 micron in diameter by enlarging the defect lines in the material. A glass article includes a stack of glass substrates with formed holes of 1-100 micron diameter extending through the stack.
US09517962B2
A plate-shaped object processing method forms a through hole of a desired shape in a plate-shaped object. The method includes a through hole contour forming step of performing laser processing within the plate-shaped object along a contour of the through hole to be formed, by positioning, within the plate-shaped object, a focal point of a pulsed laser beam of a wavelength capable of passing through the plate-shaped object. The beam is applied along the contour of the through hole to be formed by a pulsed laser beam irradiation unit including a condenser applying the laser beams. A through hole is formed by breaking the laser-processed contour of the through hole and forming the through hole by positioning an ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic wave applying unit in correspondence with the contour of the through hole to be formed, and applying an ultrasonic wave.
US09517959B2
The present invention relates to mixing apparatus for crushing sludge comprising a motor part in which a rotary shaft is inserted into the motor part and the motor part is rotated, a moving part formed to penetrate the motor part from one side to another side and move a chemical which is flowed through an outside chemical feeder to the another side, and a paddle mounted on the another side of the motor part to rotate based on the rotation of the motor part and spray the chemical.
US09517954B2
A controller performs multiple regression analysis using an optimum chemical injection rate as a target variable and using one or more water quality indices of a raw water as explanatory variables and thereby derives a calculation formula for a basic chemical injection rate corresponding to the water quality indices. Next, the controller calculates the basic chemical injection rate corresponding to the water quality indices by substituting the measured values of the water quality indices of the raw water into the calculation formula. Then, the controller corrects the basic chemical injection rate based on a measured value of the water quality index of the treated water, thereby newly calculates a chemical injection rate, and outputs the newly calculated chemical injection rate as a control factor for a chemical injection pump while supplying the newly calculated chemical injection rate to calculation of the optimum chemical injection rate.
US09517947B2
A filter for removing at least some impurities (e.g. foreign matter of any nature including a solid, a liquid or a gas) from water or wastewater. A vibrator operably associated with at least a portion of the filter for imparting a vibrational force to enhance any one or more of numerous aspects of the filtration process including: (i) installation of the filter and/or various components thereof; (ii) servicing of the filter and/or components thereof; and, (iii) operation of the filter during a filtration cycle and a cleaning cycle.
US09517945B2
Methods for making metal oxide nanoparticles, including mixed metal oxides and core-shell metal oxide nanoparticles, are disclosed. A solution comprising a metal carboxylate and a carboxylic acid is combined with a solvent comprising an alcohol heated to a temperature ≦250° C. for an effective period of time to form metal oxide nanoparticles. The metal may be a group IIIA metal, a group IVA metal, a transition metal, or a combination thereof. A metal oxide shell may be deposited onto metal oxide nanoparticles by dispersing the metal oxide nanoparticles in an alcohol, adding a metal carboxylate, and maintaining the reaction at a temperature ≦200° C. for an effective period of time to form core-shell nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may have a relative size dispersity of ≦20%, and may further comprise a plurality of carboxylic acid, carboxylate, and/or alcohol ligands coordinated to the nanoparticles' outer surfaces.
US09517941B2
Compositions and methods for preparing mesoporous materials from low Si/Al ratio zeolites. Such compositions can be prepared by acid wash and/or isomorphic substitution pretreatment of low Si/Al ratio zeolites prior to introduction of mesoporosity.
US09517933B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for catalytic reforming. The process can include catalytically reforming a hydrocarbon feed in a reaction zone, obtaining an effluent stream having hydrogen and hydrocarbons from the reaction zone, obtaining from at least a portion of the effluent stream a waste hydrocarbon stream from an adsorption zone, passing at least a portion of the waste hydrocarbon stream as a feed stream across a feed side of a membrane having the feed side and a permeate side, and being selective for hydrogen over one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons, and withdrawing from the permeate side a permeate stream enriched in hydrogen compared with a residue stream withdrawn from the feed side.
US09517930B2
Various embodiments of the invention reduce stiction in a wide range of MEMS devices and increase device reliability without negatively impacting performance. In certain embodiments, stiction recover is accomplished by applying electrostatic forces to electrodes via optimized voltage signals that generate a restoring force that aids in overcoming stiction forces between electrodes. The voltage signals used within a stiction recovery procedure may be static or a dynamic, and may be applied directly to existing electrodes within a MEMS device, thereby, eliminating the need for additional components. In some embodiments, the voltage is estimated or calibrated and swept through a range of frequencies that contains one or more resonant frequencies of the mechanical structure that comprises the parts to be detached.
US09517926B2
A cover material fastening cord for fastening a cover material to a cushion material via a clip includes: an elongated tape portion whose first rim is connected to the cover material and whose second rim is connected to the clip; a plurality of block portions that are provided on a surface of the tape portion and has a thickness capable of being held by the clip in a thickness direction of the tape portion; and a flexible joint portion provided on the surface of the tape portion, the joint portion connecting adjacent ones of the block portions.
US09517923B2
A beverage delivery system is provided. The system allows a user to easily and repeatedly retrieve a desired volume of refrigerated beverage at a desired temperature and at a desired time all by using one hand and without the need to leave their seat. A container portion houses refrigerated fluid containers and pumps that are fluidly interconnected to a cup holder and cup. The cup received in the cup holder may be moved from an inactive configuration to an active configuration, selectively delivering refrigerated fluid from the container portion's fluid containers and through the bottom plate of the cup, which is sealed in the inactive configuration.
US09517913B2
In a sheet or signature (printer folder sheet) accumulating a front positioning part 44 configured, when a sheet has entered a sheet accumulating part 40, to move away from a rear positioning part 46 such that a distance of the front positioning part 44 from the rear positioning part 46 is larger than a length of the sheet in a carrying-in direction of the sheet, and, after a front edge in the carrying-in direction of the sheet has contacted the front positioning part 44, to move closer to the rear positioning part 46.
US09517904B2
A single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) for the input and the output of rectangular single sheets (38) respectively into and out of a container (12a to 12d). These rectangular single sheets can in particular be banknotes (38). The single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) has a feeding device with feeding elements for the sheet-by-sheet feeding of single sheets (38) and for storing these single sheets (38) in a stack (36) of single sheets in the container (12a to 12d). Further, the single sheet handling device has a separating device with separating elements for the sheet-by-sheet removal of single sheets (38) of the stack (36) from the container (12a to 12d). The feeding elements and the separating elements are arranged separately from the container (12a to 12d).
US09517901B2
A high-speed transportation system, includes at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube between stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the tube, a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the tube. The at least one transportation tube is structured and arranged as a net-tension tube.
US09517893B2
A device for launching products into a feeding path, including a launcher; a detection sensor to detect the passage of products launched by the launcher; a launcher central control unit; conveyors to move forward the products in the feeding path, associated with a drive member; and at least one movement sensor to detect the position of the products moved by the conveyors. The central control unit is programmed to control the start position taken by each group of products, downstream of the detection sensor, and to impose on each group of products a forward movement according to the length of the group of products and to an adjustment factor determined by the error, if any, between the detected start position and a desired start position.
US09517884B2
A bag stand includes at least two side panels, each side panel having a top end, a bottom end, and two adjacent side ends, each side panel connected to at least one adjacent side panel, the side panels forming the bag stand having a top end and a bottom end, the bag stand defining a top opening, a bottom opening, and an interior, the top opening sized to accept a refuse bag; and at least one connection mechanism included on each of at least two side panels for connecting to at least one adjacent side panel.
US09517883B1
A waste management system for transferring waste from an elevated platform to a ground level includes a waste disposal station coupled to the platform such that the waste disposal station is configured to receive the waste from a technician. The waste management system also includes at least one chute coupled to the waste disposal station such that the at least one chute configured to channel the waste downward from the waste disposal station. The waste management system also includes at least one container coupled to the at least one chute. The at least one container is located at the ground level and is configured to collect the waste deposited in the at least one chute at the waste disposal station.
US09517882B1
In a large-scale ink-jet printer with multiple rows of printheads, an apparatus collects waste material such as paper particles and excess ink. A set of trays is stacked vertically to correspond to the rows of printheads. Each tray includes a drain valve therein. The trays are mounted on a rack that is slidably mounted on a bracket. When the rack is lowered to a drain position on the bracket, a linkage on the rack engages a surface within the printer, such as on the bracket, and the linkage is pushed upward to open the valve associated with each tray. The opened valves cause the trays to drain out their waste material, ultimately to a collection container.
US09517879B2
A foldable transport container substantially slides and folds so that the transport container can be folded and unfolded conveniently. In an example embodiment, a foldable transport container comprises a planar foldable base, a pair of opposing straight side walls, a pair opposing foldable end walls, a foldable top, and a folding mechanism. A first straight side wall is operable to slide towards a second straight side wall along a first longitudinal axis, and a first foldable end wall and a second foldable end wall are operable to fold inwardly towards each other along a second latitudinal axis. The folding mechanism allows surfaces of the first and second foldable base sections to be used for storing goods within the container without any interfering protrusions when the foldable transport container is in its erected configuration.
US09517875B2
A packaging (10) for receiving a filling material comprises a filling material compartment (12) for receiving the filling material is provided. The packaging (10) further comprises an additional compartment (14) for forming an additional volume separated from the filling material compartment (12). The additional compartment (14) is moveable along a fastening direction (44) from an unfastened state to a state fastened to the filling material compartment (12). In the fastened state, the additional compartment (14) is fastened to the filling material compartment (12) via a first fastening means (30). Additionally, the additional compartment (14) is fastened to the filling material compartment (12) via a second fastening means (42) spaced to the first fastening means (30) both in fastening direction (44) and crosswise to the fastening direction (44). Thereby, compartments (12, 14), are separated from each other, and provide a secure connection of the compartments (12, 14).
US09517873B1
A packing article for the storage and/or transport of items and materials requiring high levels of cleanliness is described. Methods of making and using the packaging article are also described. The packaging article may be used to store or transport, for example, advanced optical components, or materials and components used in the manufacturing of microelectronic devices or optical components. A method of making the packaging article includes contacting the packaging article with organic solvent(s) and acidic solution(s) and rinsing with ultrapure water. Interior cleanliness levels for various contaminants, such as, metals, anionic materials, organic compounds, and particles may be verified and the packaging articles may be labeled and sorted according to cleanliness level.
US09517871B2
A child-resistant container including a bottle having a first locking member associated therewith, a bottle cap for selectively engaging the bottle, the bottle cap including a second locking member for selectively engaging the first locking member, and a removable gasket positioned and located within the bottle cap for allowing the bottle cap to partially engage the bottle but preventing the first locking member from engaging the second locking member so long as the gasket is positioned within the bottle cap. Removal of the gasket from the bottle cap allows the bottle cap to be fully engaged with the bottle and allows the first locking member to engage the second locking member thereby activating the child-resistant locking mechanism.
US09517862B2
The present invention relates to a thermoplastic bag having enhanced capacity without significantly compromising dart impact properties. The thermoplastic bag has an area of induced elasticity that provides enhanced capacity, the area of induced elasticity generally surrounded by an area lacking induced elasticity.
US09517861B2
An expandable food storage bag is provided having gusseted sides so that larger food or other items may be inserted therein before vacuum heat sealing. The bag includes first and second sidewalls having a first thickness and a first oxygen transmission rate. The bag further includes first and second gusseted sidewalls having a second thickness less than the first thickness and a second oxygen transmission rate substantially equal to or less than the first oxygen transmission rate. The first pleated sidewall interconnects one side of the first and second sidewalls. The second gusseted sidewall interconnects an opposite side of the first and second sidewalls. The thinner gusseted sidewalls allow the bag to be heat sealed with the first and second sidewalls that may be otherwise too thick with gusseted sidewalls of the same thickness as the first and second sidewalls while maintaining a substantially equal or less oxygen transmission rate.
US09517853B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for heat shrinking a film wrapping an object and a method for operating such an apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat treatment chamber and a transport device for supporting and moving the object through the heat treatment chamber. Steam is supplied to a fluid outlet device including one or more nozzles. The apparatus further includes a window arranged to allow an operator to look inside the heat treatment chamber. To improve continuous viewing capabilities the apparatus further includes a blurring reduction system. A fluid flow is generated along an inner side of the window.
US09517845B2
The invention relates to an unload access system for an unit load device, comprising a framework, the framework delimiting a cargo space arranged on a ground load deck and the framework comprising an unload deck for unloading shipments out of the unit load device, whereby the unload deck is arranged distant above the ground load deck and extends in an offset plane adjacent to the cargo space, the unload deck comprises a movable platform, and the platform extends coplanar with the unload deck and is movable between a retracted position and a maximum extracted position, whereby in the maximum extracted position the platform overlaps at least partly the cargo space by extending into the cargo space and in the retracted position the platform does not overlap the cargo space.
US09517830B2
Provided is a captured seal assembly that can be positioned between a first surface and a second surface of a structure or vehicle, such as an aircraft. The captured seal assembly includes a geometric-shaped seal such as a bulb-shaped seal that can be secured to an outer perimeter of the first surface and a receiving land capture that can be secured to an outer perimeter of the second surface. The geometric-shaped seal is designed to engage with the receiving land capture, and join the first surface and second surface when the geometric-shaped seal is engaged with the receiving land capture. In addition, the seal assembly can maintain a differential in pressure between a first region adjacent to the first surface and a second region adjacent to the second surface.
US09517829B2
An aircraft fuselage structure is disclosed having an outer skin, a support structure arrangement with frame elements, and a floor structure arrangement with floor support struts, the floor structure arrangement connected to the support structure arrangement via connection parts. A connection exists between the floor structure arrangement and the support structure arrangement, with a clamping element on the connection part and a locking element on the connection part. The clamping element includes a longitudinal section having a first and a second end. The first end is pivotally attached to the connection part. The second end includes a transverse section, the locking element including at least one locking groove, and the clamping element pivotable between an engagement position in which the transverse section engages the locking groove, and a released position, in which the transverse section is disengaged therefrom.
US09517824B1
A watercraft kit includes a watercraft and a buoyant removable rear extension optionally connected to a rear of the watercraft. The watercraft includes a hull having a transom and a deck disposed above the hull. The deck is supported by the hull. A propulsion system is operatively connected to an engine for expelling a stream of water rearward of the transom to propel the watercraft. When the removable extension is connected to the rear of the watercraft, the removable rear extension is disposed at least in part rearwardly of the transom. The removable rear extension defines a longitudinal channel. When the removable extension is connected to the rear of the watercraft, the channel receives at least one of at least a portion of the propulsion system, and at least a portion of the stream of water flowing therethrough when the propulsion system is operating to propel the watercraft forwardly.
US09517815B1
A method and vessel for shipping hazardous chemicals, includes an articulated tug barge having a plurality of holds substantially filled with containers or tanks of hazardous chemicals, each container, or tank, being associated with an ISO frame, and the holds include a plurality of cofferdam bulkheads.
US09517808B2
A handlebar switch can include a switch case housing switches, and manipulation members arranged on the switch case and configured to be manipulated by a driver to operate the respective switches. A center portion of the switch case 66 on which the manipulation members are arranged is formed as an expanded section expanded in radial directions of a main body section beyond a right end portion, and a left an end portion of the main body section. The manipulation members are arranged in a center part of the expanded section.
US09517805B2
A notification system for an assembly process at an assembly plant includes a base unit of part of a product at the assembly plant and a first component coupled to the base unit at a station in the assembly plant to further define the product. A tag is coupled to one of the base unit and the first component. A reader is disposed downstream from the station at the assembly plant. The reader is configured to detect if the tag is coupled to one of the base unit and the first component when the product is scanned by the reader. Furthermore, a method of notifying a user during the assembly process at the assembly plant includes scanning the product, via the reader that is disposed downstream from the station at the assembly plant, to detect if the tag is coupled to one of the base unit and the first component.
US09517800B2
A first opening is formed in a bent portion at a lower end portion of a pillar outer panel, and a second opening is formed in the bent portion at a lower end portion of pillar outer reinforcement. The strength of a front outside portion is reduced at the lower end portions of the pillar outer panel and the pillar outer reinforcement. When load toward the rear oblique inside acts on a lower end portion of a front pillar, the front pillar deforms about an origin at the front outside portions of the pillar outer panel and the pillar outer reinforcement. Namely, the front pillar can be deformed such that a front end portion of a front wheel moves further toward the vehicle width direction outside. The front end portion of the front wheel moves further toward the vehicle width direction outside, thereby promoting toe-out of the front wheel.
US09517799B2
A vehicle front section structure includes: a pair of left and right front side members extending along a vehicle front-rear direction at both vehicle width direction sides of a power unit installed in a vehicle front section; a spacer including an angled wall that is provided at a side face on a vehicle width direction outer side of the front side member, that is disposed at the vehicle width direction outer side of the side face, and that increases in distance from the side face on progression toward a vehicle front side, and including a rear end wall extending from a rear end of the angled wall toward the side face, and a spacer extension portion that is provided at the vehicle width direction outer side of the angled wall of the spacer, and that includes an extension wall extending the rear end wall of the spacer toward the vehicle width direction outer side.
US09517796B2
A shock tower assembly includes a cast shock tower body composed of magnesium or magnesium alloy and at least one steel bridging bracket. An insulating adhesive layer is formed between the tower body and the bracket. A mechanical fastener is used for fastening the tower body to the bracket. One or more structural ribbings are formed on the tower body. The mechanical fastener may be selected from any of several mechanical fasteners, including self-piercing rivets. Alternatively, a screw boss may be formed for receiving a screw. The rivet may be inserted from the bracket into the shock tower body or from the shock tower body into the bracket in which case an insulating layer is positioned between the head of the self-piercing rivet and the cast shock tower body. A sealant is preferably formed along the intersection of the cast shock tower body and the steel bridging bracket.
US09517794B2
A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer, according to one embodiment, includes a sensor that senses a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. The trailer backup assist system may also include a steering input device, such as a rotatable knob, that is movable between a plurality of positions that each provide a desired curvature of the trailer. In addition, the trailer backup assist system may include a controller that determines an offset of the desired curvature when the knob is stationary in a central position. The control then generates a steering command for the vehicle to guide the trailer on the desired curvature, taking into consideration the offset.
US09517788B2
A baby carriage is provided in the invention, the frame of the baby carriage comprises a left support frame and a right support frame symmetrical to each other, and a connecting frame connected between the left and right support frames. The left support frame comprises a left front frame, a left rear frame, a left rod, a left connecting rod with a front portion being rotatably connected with the left front frame, a left pull rod rotatably connected with the left rear frame and a left push rod frame rotatably connected with the upper portion of the left rod. The left pull rod is rotatably connected with the rear portion of the left connecting rod and the lower portion of the left push rod frame is rotatably connected with the upper portion of the left pull rod.
US09517783B2
Various embodiments provide for a bottom bracket coupled to a ledge of a hand truck and configured to engage/secure a heavy-duty tripod. In such embodiments, the bottom bracket may prevent the tripod from accidently slipping off of the ledge while the hand truck is in motion. The bottom bracket may include a front plate, a back plate, and a gap formed between the front plate and the back plate. A first portion of the gap may be configured to receive a first foot of the tripod, and a second portion of the gap may be configured to receive a second foot of the tripod. Once the feet are placed into the first and second portions of the gap, the tripod may be held firmly in place between the front plate and the second plate.
US09517777B2
A lane departure warning system for a vehicle includes a positional input device and a seat having an inflatable bladder therein and a vibrational unit coupled with the bladder. A controller is communicatively coupled with the positional input device and with the vibrational unit and includes electronic circuitry programmed to detect a lane departure based on a signal from the positional input device and to cause the vibrational unit to vibrate in response thereto.
US09517770B2
A vehicle is provided with an engine and a controller. The engine is adapted to shutdown and restart during a drive cycle and a controller. The controller is programmed to shutdown the engine in response to brake pressure exceeding a pressure threshold and to restart the engine in response to an accelerator pedal position exceeding a position threshold independent of brake pressure.
US09517769B2
A motor vehicle has a control device to control automated longitudinal and/or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle within the scope of a specific driving maneuver. The motor vehicle also has an operator control element to communicate with the control device and to transfer control information, relating to the at least partially automated longitudinal and/or transverse guidance, to the control device. The control device is configured in such a way that activation or deactivation of the longitudinal and/or transverse guidance can be controlled by means of an operator-side first operator-control action at the operator-control element, and at least one driving parameter which influences the longitudinal and/or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle, controlled by the control device, can be modified by means of an additional operator-side, second operator-control action at the operator-control element, which second operator-control action is in particular different from the first operator-control action.
US09517767B1
Systems, apparatus and methods implemented in algorithms, hardware, software, firmware, logic, or circuitry may be configured to process data and sensory input to determine whether an object external to an autonomous vehicle (e.g., another vehicle, a pedestrian, road debris, a bicyclist, etc.) may be a potential collision threat to the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may be configured to implement interior active safety systems to protect passengers of the autonomous vehicle during a collision with an object or during evasive maneuvers by the autonomous vehicle, for example. The interior active safety systems may be configured to provide passengers with notice of an impending collision and/or emergency maneuvers by the vehicle by tensioning seat belts prior to executing an evasive maneuver and/or prior to a predicted point of collision.
US09517765B2
A hybrid vehicle running control apparatus that is mounted in a hybrid vehicle that has a high-voltage battery and a low-voltage battery, and is selectively controlled to drive in a first running mode in which an electric motor to which power is supplied from the high-voltage battery is used as a drive source, and a second running mode in which an engine is used as the drive source, includes a transport state determining portion that determines whether the hybrid vehicle is in transport; and a battery running inhibiting portion that inhibits the hybrid vehicle from running in the first running mode when it is determined by the transport state determining portion that the hybrid vehicle is in transport.
US09517763B2
A transmission control system for a hybrid-power driving system includes at least a gear shifting actuation module to control engagement of specific gearwheels and a clutch actuation module to control a clutch that couples an engine to the transmission. Gear shifts are required for each of the engine and the electric motor in the hybrid-power driving system. By selectively controlling the clutch and engagement of specific gearwheels, the transmission control system can start the engine when the vehicle is initially powered by the electric motor alone. Starting the internal combustion engine in this case switches the vehicle from a pure motor driving mode to a hybrid driving mode. Additionally, the transmission control system can start the engine when the vehicle is in a parked state, for example, to put the vehicle in a battery charging mode for the electric motor.
US09517745B1
Apparatus, methods, and systems for retaining an airbag cushion to an airbag housing. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag housing comprising an outer surface, an airbag coupling ring configured to fit over the outer surface of the airbag housing, and an airbag cushion positioned in between the airbag housing and the airbag coupling ring such that the airbag cushion is pinched between the airbag coupling ring and the outer surface of the airbag housing so as to retain the airbag cushion to the airbag housing during deployment of the airbag cushion.
US09517714B2
A connector anchor has a longitudinal axis and an aperture for receiving the buckle clip. The aperture has a first extent portion extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the connector anchor for receiving a buckle clip in a first orientation. The aperture has a second extent portion crossing the first extend portion and extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector anchor for receiving the buckle clip in a second, different orientation. The aperture has a third extent portion crossing the first and second extend portions and extending in a direction at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector anchor for receiving the buckle clip in a third, different orientation.
US09517703B1
A method is provided that aids the driver of an electric vehicle (EV) in optimizing their car's driving range. In response to the car's current driving range falling below that required to travel to a destination entered into the EV's control system, for example via the car's navigation system, the system provides the driver with one or more recommendations as to how to increase range, recommendations such as lowering top speed, altering the temperature settings of the car's HVAC system, etc. Additionally, the system provides the driver with real time driving range feedback, thereby helping the driver to evaluate the various recommendations and determine which approach is best suited to the current conditions.
US09517696B2
A system includes a contactor system, a vehicle control unit, and a fault diagnostic system. The contactor system includes one or more contactors. The vehicle control unit is coupled to the contactor system via a first connection and a second connection. The vehicle control unit is configured to provide a controlling signal to the contactor system through at least one of the first connection and the second connection to control the one or more contactors. The fault diagnostic system is configured to identify faults occurring in the first connection and the second connection. A method is also provided.
US09517691B1
A product may include an engine, and a transmission driven by the engine. An axle assembly may be driven by the engine through the transmission. An electrical machine may be connected to the axle assembly. The electrical machine may selectively drive the axle assembly and may be selectively drivable by the engine through the transmission and the axle assembly. A power transfer unit may be engaged between the electrical machine and the axle assembly.
US09517688B2
A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, a first planetary gear set having three rotation elements, a second planetary gear set having three rotation elements, a third planetary gear set, a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft, a fifth shaft, a sixth shaft, and a seventh rotational shaft such that the power transmission system can suppress conversion to an Engine (ENG) mode by providing sufficient power performance at the time of wide open throttle (WOT) launching and maximally use power of an engine at the time of conversion to a first Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) mode and a third HEV mode.
US09517685B2
A portable vehicle protection device provides a quickly deployed cover for a vehicle to protect against hail damage. The device includes an inflatable chamber. Each of a pair of side flaps is coupled to an associated longitudinal edge of the chamber. Each of a pair of end flaps is coupled to an associated end edge of the chamber. The chamber, the side flaps, and the end flaps define the cover. Each of a plurality of fasteners is coupled to a respective strap extending from one of the end flaps. Each strap is couplable to an associated one of the side flaps such that the chamber extends over a top surface of the vehicle. An inflation mechanism is coupled to the chamber and is in fluid communication with an interior of the chamber wherein the inflation mechanism selectively inflates the chamber upon actuation of the inflation mechanism.
US09517680B2
A vehicle air conditioning apparatus is provided that can prevent temperature variations of the air after the heat exchange in a radiator to reliably control the temperature of the air supplied to the vehicle interior. During the heating operation and the heating and dehumidifying operation, target degree of supercooling SCt when target air-blowing temperature TAO is a predetermined temperature or higher is set to SCt1 that is greater than SCt2 when the target air-blowing temperature TAO is lower than the predetermined temperature. When amount of air Ga supplied from indoor fan 12 is lower than a predetermined value, the target degree of supercooling SCt is corrected, which is set such that the degree of supercooling is lower than target degree of supercooling corrected when the amount of air Ga supplied from the indoor fan 12 is a predetermined value or higher.
US09517679B2
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using small form factor infrared imaging modules to monitor occupants in an interior compartment of a vehicle. For example, a vehicle-mounted system may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a processor, a memory, alarm sirens, and a communication module. The vehicle-mounted system may be mounted on, installed in, or otherwise integrated into a vehicle with an interior compartment. The infrared imaging modules may be configured to capture thermal images of desired portions of the interior compartments. Various thermal image processing and analytics may be performed on the captured thermal images to determine the presence and various attributes of one or more occupants. Based on the determination of the presence and various attributes, occupant detection information or control signals may be generated. Occupant detection information may be used to perform various monitoring operations, and control signals may adjust various vehicle components.
US09517674B2
A pneumatic control system for a heavy-duty vehicle includes an air supply in fluid communication with a height control valve and an air spring. An air lock valve is in fluid communication with the height control valve and the air spring, and is also in fluid communication with a blank cavity. The air lock valve includes an “air lock off” position and an “air lock on” position. When the air lock valve is in the “air lock off” position, fluid flows from the height control valve, through the air lock valve to the air spring. When the air lock valve is in the “air lock on” position, fluid communication between the air spring, the air lock valve and the height control valve is prevented and, instead, fluid flows from the air spring, through the air lock valve to the blank cavity.
US09517671B2
A vibroisolating device (1) comprises a substantially elastomeric core (2) configured to be connected with a first displaceable object (3) and provide with an opening (21) configured to be connected with a second displaceable object (4). In order to obtain a nonlinear force vs. displacement characteristic of the device, substantially symmetrical around a certain and adjustable nonzero displacement value, the device (1) comprises at least one Belleville spring (5) disposed on the vibration transmitting path between said first displaceable object (3) and said second displaceable object (4), which is at least partially embedded in the volume of said substantially elastomeric core (2) and surrounds said opening (21). In particular the spring (5) is preloaded while said vibroisolating device (1) is in vibrations equilibrium position. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle suspension, in particular an adjustable active suspension system, comprising such a vibroisolating device.
US09517669B2
A tow hitch with a main body which is adapted to be fixed relative to a towing vehicle, and a coupling movable relative to the body between a first position arranged to engage a tow bar, and a second position for towing.
US09517668B2
A hitch angle warning system includes a camera-based hitch angle sensor that senses a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. The hitch angle warning system also includes a controller that estimates an amount of time for the hitch angle to reach a threshold angle based on a rate of change of the hitch angle. The threshold angle may be set to a maximum hitch angle controllable by the vehicle based on a length of the trailer. The controller thereby generates a warning signal when the amount of time is less than a threshold time, which is configured to be greater or equal to than a response time of a driver of the vehicle to make a corrective action. The warning signal may be deactivated when the amount of time is greater than a second time that is greater than the threshold time.
US09517663B2
A tire inflation system having a rotary coupling. The rotary coupling may have a mounting member and a rotating member. The rotating member may be rotatably coupled to the mounting member and may have a rotating member passage that may fluidly connect a first conduit to a second conduit that may be fluidly connected to the tire.
US09517653B2
When two or more post-processing devices are designated for a print job, two or more attribute values (finished size, imposition method, finishing, etc.) of each print attributes which can be set for the print job are allowed to set. When two or more finished size attribute values are set, finished pages having a size smaller than a given finished size and register marks are sequentially laid out in a finished page having the given finished size in a nested manner.
US09517648B2
The present invention relates to a porous stamp assembly. The manufacturing method of the assembly comprises a first step of hermetically adhering a porous impression die member of thermoplastic resin to a front end face of a frame; a second step of fixing the die member embedded frame onto a mount that is to be in face-to-face relation with a thermal head attached to a seal carving device; a third step of putting the thermal head in contact with an impression surface of the porous impression die member, with a resin film interposed therebetween, and moving the thermal head and the porous impression die member relative to each other; and a fourth step of removing the die member embedded frame from the mount.
US09517631B2
A liquid-consuming apparatus includes: a tank including a liquid storage chamber configured to store a liquid, an inlet through which the liquid is poured into the liquid storage chamber, and a liquid flow channel configured to let the liquid flow therethrough from the liquid storage chamber; a cap configured to be attachable to the tank to cover the inlet; a cover configured to be movable relative to the tank between a closed position where a surface, of the tank, in which the inlet is formed is covered and an open position where the surface of the tank is exposed; and a holder configured to hold the cap removed from the tank. The cover is prevented from moving to the closed position by the cap held by the holder to be positioned in a movement area of the cover moving from the open position to the closed position.
US09517622B2
There is provided a liquid droplet forming apparatus comprising: a liquid holding part configured to hold a liquid including precipitating particles; a film member configured to be vibrated so as to eject the liquid held in the liquid holding unit, wherein a nozzle is formed in the film member and the liquid is ejected as a droplet from the nozzle; a vibrating unit configured to vibrate the film member; and a driving unit configured to selectively apply an ejection waveform and a stirring waveform to the vibrating unit, wherein the film member is vibrated to form the droplet in response to applying the ejection waveform and the film member is vibrated without forming the droplet in response to applying the stirring waveform.
US09517621B2
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a head driving control circuit, and a dummy ejection control circuit. The dummy ejection control circuit controls a first dummy ejection operation to eject droplets to a non-image-forming area per a constant length of a continuous medium and second dummy ejection operation to eject droplets not contributing to image formation to an image forming area. The head driving control circuit applies a first non-ejection pulse to pressure generators corresponding to a non-ejection nozzle of the plurality of nozzles to vibrate a meniscus of liquid in the non-ejection nozzle without ejecting liquid droplets, and applies a second non-ejection pulse, which vibrates the meniscus of liquid greater than the first non-ejection pulse, to pressure generators corresponding to non-ejection nozzles of the plurality of nozzles to vibrate a meniscus of liquid in the non-image-forming area.
US09517618B2
A flexible belt is disclosed for use in a printing system. The belt comprises an endless strip which, in use, travels along a continuous path. Formations are provided along the sides of the strip which are capable of engaging with lateral tracks to place the belt under lateral tension, the lateral tracks further serving to constrain the belt to follow the continuous path.
US09517617B2
A screen printing safety system is provided. The system includes a screen printing machine, and a plurality of zones in the vicinity of the screen printing machine. Each of the zones includes at least one sensor for sensing encroachment past a predetermined point. The sensors are adapted to stop operation of the screen printing machine when encroachment is sensed in at least one of the plurality of zones.
US09517596B2
The present invention provides containment liners to protect the environment from spills and leaks at oil and/or gas production sites and other sites. The containment liner comprises a first felt geotextile layer and a polymeric barrier layer embedded partially into the felt geotextile layer.
US09517594B2
A composite structure may include a laminate and a stabilizing element. The laminate may have a plurality of composite plies. The composite structure may include a geometric discontinuity that may be associated with the laminate. The stabilizing element may be included with the composite plies and may be located proximate the geometric discontinuity.
US09517593B2
In general, in various embodiments, the present disclosure is directed systems and methods for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to systems that include a track assembly, mold assembly, press assembly, and methods for using the same for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In some embodiments, the present systems and methods are directed to processing a polymer at a temperature below a melting point of the polymer to produce a solid piece of polymer with an integrated a porous surface.
US09517590B2
A device for expelling/containing a predetermined liquid. The device configured to be built into a liquid tank operable at low or zero gravity and comprising a unitary three-dimensional sponge structure. The sponge structure comprises a set of substantially wire-like elements that extend between a peripheral area of the sponge structure and an area for expelling/containing liquid. The wire-like elements are substantially oriented in the direction of flow of the fluid within the device. The wire-like elements are connected together by crosspieces and are arranged such that the capillary gradient is positive or zero in the direction of flow of the fluid from the peripheral area to the area for expelling/containing liquid.
US09517589B2
An adjustable mechanism for a motor vehicle is used to adjust an adjustable element in a motor vehicle, especially a seating part. The mechanism includes a spindle nut comprising an axis, the spindle nut co-operating with a thread spindle and comprising external toothing on the external surface thereof which is in contact with an additional drive element. The external toothing of the spindle nut is formed by recesses in the external surface of the spindle nut which are inwardly turned in a radial manner, the teeth depths thereof diminishing in the direction of at least one axial end of the spindle nut.
US09517586B2
An enclosure for housing electrical equipment is disclosed. The enclosure is produced by thermoforming four separate pieces or bodies together to form the top and bottom of the enclosure. The enclosure is made of a moldable material, such as plastic or fiberglass.
US09517585B2
A washing machine includes: a cabinet and a tub that is installed in the cabinet and holds washing water. The tub includes a cylindrical housing, and the housing is formed by blow molding.
US09517584B2
The invention is generally directed to sports bottles and other articles produced by blow molding from polymeric materials containing isosorbide having glass transition temperatures ranging from 90° C. to 130° C., as well as to processes for producing them. These articles can be exposed to water at high temperatures and can be produced by using a suitable combination of a stretch ratio of less than 3× and a preform temperature at least 20° C. greater than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymeric material.
US09517580B2
A nozzle touch mechanism (50) includes a base frame (6), a stationary platen (4) to which a mold (5) is to be attached, and an injection mechanism (1). The injection mechanism (1) is moved it toward the stationary platen (4) by means of a ball screw shaft (11). A motor portion (14) which applies a pressing force to the mold (5) from a nozzle (3) is connected to one end (11a) of the ball screw shaft (11). A connection mechanism (7) is provided which is connected to the other end (11b) of the ball screw shaft (11) and to the stationary platen (4) at a support located above the center of the nozzle (3). When no pressing force is applied to the mold (5) from the nozzle (3) by the motor portion (14), springs (18) can press the connection mechanism (7) in such a direction as to move it away from the stationary platen (4) with respect to the base frame (6).
US09517574B2
A punching device includes: a die seat; a punch seat; an interconnecting member interconnecting the die seat and the punch seat; a punch; first and second pivot parts; a first lever pivoted to the first pivot part and having two first side walls and two side flanges that extend respectively from lower ends of the first side walls; a second lever pivoted to the second pivot part and having two second side walls that abut against the side flanges for driving rotation of the first lever relative to the first pivot part; and an urging member for urging the punch.
US09517573B2
A rotary cutting apparatus is configured to rotate about a first longitudinal axis. The cutting roll includes a cutting member. The apparatus includes an anvil roll that is configured to rotate about a second longitudinal axis. The anvil roll is positioned relative to the cutting roll such that the first longitudinal axis is substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis. The anvil roll includes an outer circumferential surface. The second longitudinal axis is selectively movable between a first position and a second position relative to the first longitudinal axis. In the first position, a first minimum distance is defined between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. In the second position, a second minimum distance is defined between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the second minimum distance is greater than the first minimum distance.
US09517572B2
Apparatuses for cutting food product are provided having a cutting head. The cutting head includes one or more knife assemblies. Each knife assembly includes a knife extending toward the food product and is adapter to secure the knife to the cutting head. The knife has a corrugated shape to produce a food product slice with generally parallel cuts wherein the food product slice has a periodic shape and a large-amplitude cross-section.
US09517570B2
A razor cartridge is provided including a blade unit having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a pair of end walls interconnecting the first side wall and the second side wall and one or both of the side walls of the blade unit having at least one connection member. A plurality of blades secured to the blade unit with a clip positioned at each end of the blade unit adjacent to the end walls. A frame is provided having a first interior wall and a second interior wall spaced apart from first interior wall that define an opening extending completely through the frame. One or more of the interior walls of the frame include at least one connection member, the latter engaged with the at least one connection member of the blade unit so that the frame is secured to the blade unit.
US09517553B2
A nail plate tool which aids in positioning and installing nail plates in hard-to-reach areas. The nail plate tool generally includes an elongated portion having a handle portion at its first end and a holder portion at its second end. The handle portion is adapted to be grasped by a user and the holder portion is adapted to removably retain a nail plate against the nail plate tool, such as through use of a magnet. By removably securing the nail plate to the holder portion, an individual may more easily reach areas to install a nail plate.
US09517544B2
A polishing apparatus polishes a periphery of a substrate. This polishing apparatus includes a rotary holding mechanism configured to hold the substrate horizontally and rotate the substrate, plural polishing head assemblies provided around the substrate, plural tape supplying and recovering mechanisms configured to supply polishing tapes to the plural polishing head assemblies and recover the polishing tapes from the plural polishing head assemblies, and plural moving mechanisms configured to move the plural polishing head assemblies in radial directions of the substrate held by the rotary holding mechanism. The tape supplying and recovering mechanisms are located outwardly of the plural polishing head assemblies in the radial directions of the substrate, and the tape supplying and recovering mechanisms are fixed in position.
US09517541B2
A braking mechanism includes a rack, a receiving member, a braking member, a base seat, a resetting member and an elastic member. Two ends of the resetting member abut the base seat and the receiving member, and the elastic member is positioned between the base seat and the braking member. The elastic member and the resetting member are positioned at opposite sides of the braking member. The base seat includes a first guiding portion, the braking member includes a second guiding portion and an engaging part. The second guiding portion is capable of moving along the first guiding portion under an elastic restorative force of the resetting member and the elastic member, such that the engaging part is engaged with the rack.
US09517539B2
A substrate-retaining device with improved thermal uniformity is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate-retaining device includes a substantially circular first surface with a defined perimeter, a plurality of contact regions disposed at the perimeter, and a plurality of noncontact regions also disposed at the perimeter. The contact regions are interspersed with the noncontact regions. Within each of the noncontact regions, the first surface extends past where the first surface ends within each of the contact regions. In some such embodiments, each region of the plurality of contact regions includes a contact surface disposed above the first surface.
US09517534B2
Method for performing maintenance of an electric installation including at least one electric equipment unit comprising: entry and storing in a database of data representative of an electric installation to be monitored and of data representative of electric equipment settings and parameters, storing of data representative of events in a database so as to constitute an events history, detection of malfunctioning disturbances, analysis of causes of malfunctioning of the electric installation, management of restoration of operation of a part of the installation. Management of restoration of operation comprises monitoring by a decision tree to evaluate a criticality level.
US09517531B2
A voice coil motor includes a coil support, a coil wound on the coil support, and two opposing lower elastic plates disposed on an upper part of the coil support. The outer edge of an upper flange of the coil support has at least two opposing protrusions which are arranged radially. The coil has a head end and a tail end which are respectively wound on the two protrusions. The two lower elastic plates are respectively connected with the coil wound on the two protrusions by welding. To prevent the head end from slanting, the lower elastic plates are mounted on the coil support through the operation of an automation apparatus to be soldered with the coil wound on the protrusions. The connection of the coil and the lower elastic plates is thus firm.
US09517522B2
A wire feeder comprises a motor and drive roll assembly. The motor and drive roll assembly comprises a base assembly having a left hand side and a right hand side. A first locating mechanism is on the right hand side and a second locating mechanism is on the left hand side. Modules, such as inlet or outlet guides can be located and mounted, preferably on either side. Each module preferably includes an additional locating mechanism to allow an additional module to be located by the additional locating mechanism. The locating mechanisms are preferably of the same design, and preferably each includes at least two holes with a locator pin disposed in each hole, and each module being located includes at least locating holes to receive the locator pins.
US09517519B2
A method of creating a threaded fastener which includes a shank having a first, threaded portion and a hardened thread portion. The shank includes a thread extending outwardly from a shank body over a first length of the shank. A second portion of the shank includes a groove positioned coincident with the thread and including a turn ratio equal to a turn ratio of the thread. The shank comprises corrosive resistant stainless steel. A coil of hardened steel engages the groove to fill the groove along the second portion.
US09517517B2
The invention concerns a method of grinding a toothed workpiece in which a central axis of the toothed contour profile is defined, wherein the method encompasses at least two work operations. In a first work operation a grinding zone of a grinding tool whose selection is determined by the grinding process to be performed, which rotates about an axis of rotation and is set up for an infeed in the direction of the shortest distance between said central axis and the rotation axis, is brought into grinding engagement with a tooth flank of the workpiece. In a later, second work operation, the tooth flank is brought into grinding engagement with a grinding zone of a grinding tool whose selection is determined by the grinding process to be performed and which is advanced in the infeed direction of the first operation. The grinding zone that is active in the first work operation is dressed in a first dressing operation with a dressing tool, and the grinding zone that is active in the second work operation is dressed in a second dressing operation with a dressing tool, wherein in the first dressing operation a first dressing tool zone is brought into dressing engagement with the grinding zone that is to be dressed, and in the second dressing operation a second dressing tool zone which is spatially separate from the first dressing tool zone is brought into dressing engagement with the grinding zone that is to be dressed.
US09517514B2
An exchangeable head cutting tool contains a tool main body made of a hard material and a connecting member made of a metal material having a lower hardness than the hard material. The tool main body and the connecting member are joined by inserting a cylindrical mounting portion of the connecting member into a mounting hole formed in the tool main body, and by plastically deforming the mounting portion so as to expand a diameter thereof, thereby bringing an outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole and thus making the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion engage with a concave portions of the tool main body. A diameter expanding member having a higher hardness than the connecting member is press-fitted into and fixed to an inner peripheral portion of the mounting portion.
US09517508B2
Disclosed is a convergence machining apparatus based on turning in which a rotational axis of a work piece fixed by a headstock and a tailstock and a center of a width of a slide surface of a bed on which a reciprocal carriage installed with a tool is transferred while being supported are positioned at the same virtual plane, thereby preventing an offset error according to a relative displacement between the work piece and the tool during processing.
US09517505B2
A tube for pouring liquid metal has a pouring channel with a pouring axis. The tube has a downstream part with a pouring channel with an outlet diameter, and a flared upstream part with a length known as the threshold distance. The threshold distance is greater than four times the outlet diameter. The upstream part is flared and configured so that its upper end has a convex overall shape in the axial direction. The upstream part is included within a first volume corresponding to the complementary part of an axisymmetric frustoconical volume having as its axis the pouring axis. The generatrix of the volume forms an angle greater than 5 degrees with the pouring axis. The upstream part is included within a second volume, delimited by a surface of revolution generated by an isosceles trapezium revolving about the pouring axis.
US09517497B2
A rinsing device is comprised of a rinsing head including a first flow path extending horizontally, and a second flow path extending horizontally and being disposed below or above the first flow path so as not to communicate with the first flow path; one or more nozzles arranged horizontally and projecting vertically downward from the rinsing head; and one or more sliding members including passages in fluid communication with the nozzles, the sliding members slidably fitting in the rinsing head and being movable between a first position to place the passages in fluid communication with the first flow path and a second position to place the passages in fluid communication with the second flow path.
US09517494B2
A method for cleaning photomasks includes the following steps: provided a cleansing device having a scrubbing unit. The scrubbing unit having a saturated scrubbing surface is use to clean photomasks with the obliquely dispensed fluids. In such a fashion, loosened contaminants are removed. As least one oblique surface is formed on the peripheries of the scrubbing surface to form a channeling region such that fluids can instantly flow away from photomasks after cleaning to prevent re-contamination. The instant disclosure also provides a system for cleaning photomasks.
US09517493B2
A belt stripper module for a stripping device for the return region of conveyor belts, which module is mounted as one of a plurality on a height-adjustable system carrier.
US09517483B1
A pump dispenser assembly is provided with a rigid or semi-rigid container having a mounting bead at the rim, a flexible lid with an annular mounting portion for gripping the mounting bead, a rigid member laid atop the flexible lid and spanning the rim of the container, and a fluid pump inserted through aligned holes through the flexible lid and rigid member. With this arrangement, a fluid can be pumped out from within the container, without substantial flexing of the flexible lid under the pumping force.
US09517475B2
A centrifuge including: a rotor configured to be rotatably driven; a rotor chamber accommodating the rotor therein; and a protector provided at an outer periphery of the rotor chamber, wherein the protector includes at least one metal plate which is wound in an overlapping state.
US09517465B2
A microfluidic switching device that includes an upstream microfluidic channel configured to contain a liquid having particles therein and a plurality of outlet channels coupled to the upstream microfluidic channel at a junction. A dead-end side channel or LCAT is oriented generally perpendicular to the upstream microfluidic channel and coupled to the upstream microfluidic channel at the junction, the dead-end side channel having a gas contained therein. The device includes a transducer configured to apply an external source of acoustic energy. Actuation of the transducer effectuates symmetrical oscillation of a gas/liquid boundary at the junction. Preferably, the junction comprises a bifurcation with two outlets. Further, the LCAT has a leading edge and a trailing edge and wherein the trailing edge of the LCAT is substantially aligned with the bifurcation.
US09517463B2
The invention relates to a syringe, comprising: a syringe body (12) having an axial inner cavity (16), which extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis (LA) of the syringe body (12) and in which a plunger (14) can be or is accommodated in such a way that the plunger can be moved in the longitudinal direction, and a needle (18), which can be or is connected to the syringe body (12) at a longitudinal end of the syringe body (12), wherein the syringe body (12) has a coupling segment (20) at the needle-side longitudinal end of the syringe body (12), to which coupling segment (20) the needle (18) can be or is fastened by means of a connecting element (22) that can be slid on in the longitudinal direction. According to the invention, at least one radially inward cavity (34) is provided on the coupling segment (20), which cavity can be brought into engagement or is in engagement with at least one corresponding locking segment (32) provided on the connecting element (22).
US09517456B2
Provided is a catalyst article for simultaneously remediating the nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and gaseous hydrocarbons present in diesel engine exhaust streams. The catalyst article has a soot filter coated with a material effective in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NOx by a reductant, e.g., ammonia.
US09517449B2
Solutions to the problem of washcoat and/or overcoat adhesion loss of ZPGM catalyst on metallic substrates are disclosed. Present disclosure provides a novel process for improving WCA to metallic substrates of ZPGM catalyst systems. Reduction of WCA loss and improved catalyst activity may be enabled by the selection of processing parameters determined from variations of pH and addition of binder to overcoat slurry, and particle size of washcoat. Processing parameters may be applied to a plurality of metallic substrates of different geometries and cell densities.
US09517448B2
The present disclosure relates to a substrate comprising nanoparticle catalysts and NOx storage materials for treatment of gases, and washcoats for use in preparing such a substrate. Also provided are methods of preparation of the nanoparticle catalysts and NOx storage materials, as well as methods of preparation of the substrate comprising the nanoparticle catalysts and NOx storage materials. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a coated substrate comprising nanoparticle catalysts and NOx storage materials for lean NOx trap (LNT) systems, useful in the treatment of exhaust gases.
US09517444B2
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
US09517441B2
Systems and methods of beverage dispensing include a dispensing unit, at least one diluent source, and at least one flavoring source. An amount of beverage product to dispense is calculated and a beverage product including at least one diluent and at least one flavoring is dispensed. An actual diluent-to-flavoring ratio is calculated based upon at least one value from the sensing unit during the dispense of the beverage product.
US09517433B2
A water vapor transport membrane comprises a nanofibrous layer disposed on a macroporous support layer, the nanofibrous layer coated with a water permeable polymer. A method for making a water vapor transport membrane comprises forming a nanofibrous layer on a macroporous support layer and applying a water permeable polymer to the nanofibrous layer. The water permeable polymer can be applied for so that the nanofibrous layer is substantially or partially filled with the water permeable polymer, or so that the coating forms a substantially continuous layer on one surface of the nanofibrous layer. In some embodiments of the method, the nanofibrous layer is formed by electro-spinning at least one polymer on at least one side of the porous support layer. In some embodiments, the support layer is formable and the method further comprises forming a three-dimensional structure from the water vapor transport membrane, for example, by compression molding, pleating or corrugating.
US09517432B1
A dehumidifier is revealed. A moisture-absorbing package comprises a pouch made of a fabric material having good breathability and hygroscopic substances filled in the pouch. A humidity-indicating unit made of a humidity sensing agent is mounted on an outer surface of the pouch, whereby upon saturation of water vapor as absorbed by the hygroscopic substances in the pouch, the humidity-indicating unit changes the color for indicating the timing of regenerating the hygroscopic substances. When the moisture-absorbing package is saturated with moisture, it is put in a box, and the box is put at an air outlet of a blowing device. The air blown from a blower of the blowing device is heated by an electric heating element and blown to the box for drying the moisture-absorbing package in the box to regenerate it. Then, the moisture-absorbing package removed from the box is put in different space to absorb moisture independently.
US09517425B2
The invention relates to a filter element, a method for manufacturing the filter element, and use. The filter element (1) is formed of a solid-liquid filter fabric (2) and has at least one separately manufactured support element (14) fastened to it. The support is a plate-like piece.
US09517422B2
A tethering assembly includes a housing that may be positioned on a support surface. A plurality of arms radiates outwardly from the housing. A plurality of cylinders is each coupled to a distal end of an associated one of the arms. A plurality of cords each extends outwardly from the distal end of an associated one of the arms and an associated one of the cylinders. A plurality of clips is each coupled to an associated one of the cords. Each of the clips may be coupled to an associated one of a plurality of toys. A plurality of retractors is each positioned within an associated one of the arms. Each of the retractors has an associated one of the cords is coupled thereto. Thus, the retractors each allow the clips to be moved between a minimum distance and a maximum distance away from the housing.
US09517418B2
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to virtual world management and provide a method, data processing system and computer program product for conversation detection in a virtual world. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for conversation management in a virtual world data processing system can include detecting a sequence of statements from at least two avatars in a virtual world, and locating the avatars in the virtual world, computing a temporal proximity of the statements. The statements can be grouped in the virtual world if the avatars are geographically proximate to one another in the virtual world and if the statements have occurred within a threshold temporal proximity of one another. Thereafter, the grouped statements can be persisted in the virtual world as a conversation.
US09517404B2
Exemplary implementations may facilitate modifications to characters and/or virtual items within a virtual space, or to the virtual space itself, made responsive to detection of a token. In some implementations, a physical accessory may depict a character in the virtual space. By way of non-limiting example, the physical accessory may include a toy figurine resembling the character. A detectable token (i.e., a physical object) may be removably attached to the physical accessory. According to some implementations, responsive to the physical accessory being detected along with the removably attached token, a modification within the virtual space may be made to the character and/or a virtual item associated with the character. In some implementations, detection of the token alone may effectuate such a modification.
US09517391B2
In general, aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs or golf club components incorporating adjustment members that permit ready adjustability of golf club parameters and/or interchangeability of golf club components to change a golf club configuration, and methods for providing golf clubs. According to aspects of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of a golf club parameter to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics. According to another aspect of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of two golf club parameters independently to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics.
US09517383B2
A display method and a multimedia apparatus applying the same are provided. The display method includes acquiring exercise information of a user, transmitting the exercise information to a server, receiving from the server a transport stream including video data in which a screen is changed at a rate corresponding to the exercise information, and displaying the video data by processing the transport stream. Therefore, the multimedia apparatus provides active multimedia exercise content to the user using exercise information and physical information of the user.
US09517379B2
An unstable user support device designed for mounting on an exercise machine has a base or mounting bracket and an unstable user support platform configured for engagement by user and pivotally mounted on the base for pivotal movement through a limited angular range about a non-vertical pivot axis. The pivoting movement may be a side to side tilting movement. Stops between the base and the unstable user support platform control the amount of pivoting movement. This arrangement provides a degree of instability to the unstable user support platform, to provide a greater challenge to the user's core muscles in balancing the unstable user support platform while performing an exercise motion.
US09517371B1
A data center includes a plurality of racks on a floor and one or more fire suppression systems coupled to at least some of the racks. The fire suppression systems include reservoirs mounted on the racks, a fire suppression material in the reservoir, and one or more material dispensing devices coupled to the reservoir. The material dispensing devices may dispense fire suppression material onto or into the racks in response to a fire condition.
US09517370B2
An automatic stovetop fire suppressor providing a gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern and method of gradual and spatial agent release are provided herein. A plastic cone shaped lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. An initiator charge breaks a designed breaking point of a reduced horizontal cross sectional area when fuse activated. The bottom lid drops down exposing a radial opening. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire with minimal or no splashing of cooking oil. An initiator housing is affixed to a top wall of the can and serves as the welding point for securing the plastic lid. A travel limiting member attached to the bottom lid catches on a shoulder of the initiator housing to limit the radial opening height.
US09517368B2
An entry/exit gate assembly for a shuttle based fall protection system is provided. The entry/exit gate assembly includes a rail, a gate and a gate manipulation member. The rail has at least one entry/exit cutaway section. The gate is slidably engaged with the rail and the gate manipulation member coupled to selectively lock the gate in a static position in relation with the rail to block access to the at least one entry/exit cutaway section.
US09517359B2
A device for treatment of an ocular pathology characterized in that it comprises at least one eye ring (1) wherein the proximal end of said eye ring (1) is suitable to be applied onto the globe and a generator (2,17) to generate ultrasound beam fixed on the distal end of the eye ring (1), the generator to generate ultrasound beam presenting a concave segment shape conformed along a single curvature corresponding to a single direction wherein the concavity is designed to be tuned towards the eyeglobe.
US09517352B2
An apparatus configured to be placed about an implantable medical device having a face with a geometric center offset from a center of a recharge coil of the device includes first and second opposing major exterior surfaces, and a continuous exterior side surface joining the first and second opposing major exterior surfaces. A cavity is defined between, and an opening is formed by, the first and second major surfaces and the continuous side surface. The opening is in communication with the cavity and is configured to allow the device to access the cavity. An asymmetric region, adjacent to the cavity, is formed between a portion of the first and second major surfaces and the continuous side surface. The asymmetric region is configured to shift the geometric center of the combined apparatus and device, when the device is received in the cavity, towards the center of the recharge coil.
US09517351B2
Methods and apparatuses for amplitude modulation of all or a portion of an ensemble waveform to modify a user's cognitive state by transdermal electrical stimulation (TES). An ensemble current waveform may include a sequence of component biphasic current waveforms in which one or more parameters (such as frequency, current amplitude, percent duty cycle, and percent charge imbalance) vary between sequential component waveforms. These ensemble waveforms may be specifically configured to evoke a particular cognitive state when applied by TES. In particular, described herein are methods for applying amplitude modulation to all or a sub-set of the component waveforms in the ensemble waveform which may dramatically enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the TES. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses for applying amplitude modulation to all or a portion of an ensemble waveform without truncating pulses of the component waveforms forming the ensemble waveform.
US09517350B2
An example of a method embodiment may include receiving a user programmable neural stimulation (NS) dose for an intermittent neural stimulation (INS) therapy, and delivering the INS therapy with the user programmable NS dose to an autonomic neural target of a patient. Delivering the INS therapy may include delivering NS bursts, and delivering the NS bursts may include delivering a number of NS pulses per cardiac cycle during a portion of the cardiac cycles and not delivering NS pulses during a remaining portion of the cardiac cycles. The method may further include sensing cardiac events within the cardiac cycles, and controlling delivery of the user programmable NS dose of INS therapy using the sensed cardiac events to time delivery of the number of NS pulses per cardiac cycle to provide the user programmable NS dose. The user programmable NS dose may determine the number of NS pulses per cardiac cycle.
US09517346B2
A system and method using a plurality of electrodes. An immediate electrode configuration is defined, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the immediate electrode configuration, a final electrode configuration is defined, a series of intermediate electrode configurations is defined using a heuristic set of rules based on the immediate electrode configuration and the final electrode configuration, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the series of intermediate electrode configurations, and electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the subsequent electrode configuration.
US09517344B1
Systems and methods for selecting low-power, effective signal delivery parameters for an implanted pulse generator are disclosed. A representative system includes a signal generator and a computer-readable medium that, for first and second signals, increases and decreases an amplitude of the signal over multiple steps from a baseline amplitude at which the patient has a baseline response. At individual step increases and decreases, the system receives a pain score based on the patient's response. The instructions compare the pain scores for the two signals and determine one of the signals for additional therapy to the patient, based on the pain scores and an expected energy consumption of the signals.
US09517343B2
An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body has a programmable signal generator that can generate the signals based on stored signal parameters without any intervention from a processor that controls the overall operation of the IPG. While the signal generator is generating the signals the processor can be in a standby mode to substantially save battery power.
US09517331B2
An iontophoresis patch is equipped with a donor gel and a reference gel which are disposed to contact an external conductor, for example, the skin of a patient and thereby output current from a current-carrying device to the external conductor. The iontophoresis patch includes: a donor portion having the donor gel containing a medical agent to be penetrated into the external conductor; a reference portion having a reference gel, mounted with the current-carrying device on the surface on the side opposite to the reference gel, and disposed on the external conductor apart from the donor portion; and an electrode film for supplying current from the current-carrying device to the donor gel and the reference gel.
US09517327B2
The present invention provides a catheter clamp assembly having a base and a slide cover. The base has a top, bottom and a body including a slide cover track. The body has internal walls defining a catheter opening extending from the bottom to the top. A catheter channel extends from the catheter opening to a sidewall opening. The slide cover includes a lower surface incorporating a prong to engage a wall defining the catheter opening and to secure a catheter in the catheter channel. The slide cover has a first location providing access to the catheter opening and a second location that clamps a catheter in the catheter channel. Moving the slide cover from its first location contacts a length of catheter extending through the catheter opening to position it in the catheter channel for securement when the slide cover reaches its second location.
US09517320B2
A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a mask having a sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the patient headgear adapted to secure the mask to a head of the patient and an adjustable strap assembly including a pair of straps connected to one another in a length adjustable manner.
US09517305B2
Systems and methods for intelligently delivering fluid to a targeted tissue. The systems and methods may include directing a pump to distribute fluid to a targeted tissue and receiving one or more signals from an intracorporeal sensing system, where the one or more signals correspond to one or more sensed feedback parameters at the targeted tissue. The systems and methods may also include determining whether the one or more sensed feedback parameters are within an acceptable range. If the one or more sensed feedback parameters are not within the acceptable range, the systems and methods may include determining an adjusted velocity for the plunger necessary to adjust the pressure of the fluid in the pump so that the one or more sensed feedback parameters move within the acceptable range and directing the pump to distribute the fluid at the adjusted velocity.
US09517292B2
A polymer comprising a phosphoryl choline moiety(ies), a composition comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, an implantable device such as a DES or a non-implantable device such as an angioplasty balloon comprising thereon a coating comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, and a method of using the device for the treatment of a disorder in a human being are provided.
US09517286B1
The present invention relates to an aroma diffusing system and aroma diffusing method thereof. This method includes establishing wireless communication connection between a mobile terminal and an aroma diffuser; receiving user input and generating a corresponding order through the mobile terminal and sending the order in a wireless mode; receiving the order through the wireless communication module of the aroma diffuser and executing the order through the electric control element of the aroma diffuser; feeding back order execution result to the mobile terminal through the wireless communication module of the aroma diffuser; receiving the order execution result through the mobile terminal and giving a corresponding prompt in the mobile terminal. The present invention may control the operation mode of the aroma diffuser and improve operation experience and use experience through a smart phone.
US09517284B1
Apparatuses are provided which include one or more germicidal sources, power circuitry coupled to the germicidal source/s, and a shield. The shield and/or at least one of the germicidal source/s are moveable within the apparatus and the apparatus is configured such that the shield and/or the germicidal source/s may be brought in and out of proximity with the other and upon doing so germicide projected from one or more of the germicidal source/s is either substantially contained in the apparatus or is projected exterior to the apparatus for different disinfection modes of the apparatus. The apparatuses include a processor and processor-executable program instructions for activating the power circuitry to operate the at least one germicidal source when the germicidal source is not encased within the apparatus and for activating the power circuitry to operate at least one germicidal source when the germicidal source/s are encased within the apparatus.
US09517283B2
A method for multi-agent dry fogging. The method includes pressurizing a first agent to a first range of pressure. The first agent includes a sterilant. The method also includes pressurizing a second agent to a second range of pressure. The second agent includes a non-depleting solution for protection against microorganism growth. The method also includes pressurizing a gas to a gas range of pressure. The method also includes atomizing the first agent at a nozzle to mix with the pressurized gas in a first application stage to disperse the first agent in a first dry fog within an ambient environment. The method also includes atomizing the second agent at the nozzle to mix with the pressurized gas in a second application stage to disperse the second agent in a second dry fog within the ambient environment.
US09517272B2
The present invention relates to an active substance release system containing two compounds. The first compound comprises a nanoparticle, combined with an oligonucleotide inhibition strand that is hybridized with a catalytically active nucleic acid. The second compound comprises a carrier, combined with a substrate molecule that is coupled to a therapeutic active substance. By means of external stimulation, the catalytically active nucleic acid of the first compound is released and specifically binds to the substrate molecule of the second compound. This leads to cleavage of the substrate molecule, whereby the active substance bound thereto is released.
US09517266B2
Disclosed is a method of preparing a stabilized liquid formulation of a protein drug, comprising admixing a protein drug with a composition for stabilization, wherein the composition for stabilization comprises a surfactant, a buffer, and a liquid medium, and has a pH from about 5 to about 8.
US09517263B2
The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions that comprise (a) a first antigen, (b) polymeric particles and (c) a benzonaphthyridine compound, which compositions elicits an immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides, inter alia, methods of producing immunogenic compositions and methods for using immunogenic compositions (e.g., for treatment), among other benefits.
US09517253B2
Compositions comprising Tr1 cells directed to a multiple sclerosis associated antigen and methods for treating multiple sclerosis.
US09517240B2
The present invention provides methods of preventing or delaying the development of cancer (e.g., breast cancer) in BRCA1 mutation positive patients by beginning progesterone receptor antagonist treatment at an early age (e.g., by age 35, 30, or 25). In certain embodiment, such early treatment is long-term treatment, which may substitute or delay a preventative ovariectomy, single or double mastectomy (e.g., in patients wishing to delay or avoid a mastectomy, or patients that cannot afford a mastectomy).
US09517226B2
The present invention relates to the NEP inhibitor pro-drug N-(3-carboxy-1-oxopropyl)-(4S)-p -phenylphenylmethyl)-4-amino-(2R)-methylbutanoic acid ethyl ester, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or the NEP inhibitor N-(3-carboxy-1-oxopropyl)-(4S)-p -phenylphenylmethyl)-4-amino-(2R)-methylbutanoic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, pro-drug for use in the treatment, prevention or delay of progression of a disease characterized by atrial enlargement and/or remodeling; a method for treatment, prevention or delay of progression of a disease characterized by atrial enlargement and/or remodeling comprising administration of a therapeutically effective amount, or a prophylactically effective amount, of the NEP inhibitor or the NEP inhibitor pro-drug, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt pro-drug thereof, to a subject, e.g. a human subject, in need of such treatment. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition or a commercial package comprising the NEP inhibitor or the NEP inhibitor pro-drug, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, pro-drug for use in the treatment, prevention or delay of progression of a disease characterized by atrial enlargement and/or remodeling.
US09517225B2
Compositions containing low doses of lipoic acid-based active agents and methods for using the same are provided. In particular, compositions containing low dose lipoic acid, lipoic acid derivatives, said lipoic acid seleno-derivatives and are provided to prevent and/or treat ocular diseases.
US09517220B2
Formulations and methods that provided enhanced bromfenac penetration into ocular tissue when topically administered, compared to the currently available BROMDAY™ formulation and method when topically administered. The formulations and methods did so while retaining the patient convenience of a once-daily administration and advantageously lowered the bromfenac concentration dosed to the patient.
US09517218B2
In various embodiments, methods and compositions for treating Raynaud's disease and Raynaud's phenomenon are provided. Topical administration of a semisolid composition comprising a prostaglandin E1 compound provides the desired relief of the Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's phenomenon without the possible complications of systemic administration. The semisolid composition can be administered as needed, or in a regimen of several doses per day.
US09517215B2
This invention is related to dermal matrices and production method thereof, having within its structure micro particles having antioxidant agents with synergistic effects, providing speedy repair of the dermal tissue, used in chronic wound treatments, basically comprising the steps of preparing the dermal matrix system (11), forming micro particles (12), combining the micro particles with the dermal matrix system.
US09517213B2
A kit for treating insect bites includes a plurality of patches of different size and shape, and a container of a composition containing extracts of garlic and parsley. The patches have a pad bordered by a margin coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The extracts of parsley include apiol and myristicin, and the extracts of garlic include allicin. In use, the composition is deposited onto the pad and the patch is placed over an affected area and adhered to the skin with the pressure sensitive adhesive.
US09517212B1
A medicated pad which may be removably placed over a skin disorder such as acne to provide a relatively rapid treatment for relieving such skin disorder and may then be easily removed from the person.
US09517203B2
The present invention provides biodegradable polymer particle delivery compositions based on polymers, such as polyester amide (PEA) and polyester urethane (PEUR) polymers, that contain amino acids in the polymer. The polymer particle delivery compositions can be formulated as a liquid dispersion of polymer particles with the bioactive agents dispersed in the particle or conjugated attached to polymer molecules or particle surfaces. The bioactive agents can include drugs, polypeptides, DNA and cells for cell-based therapies using particles sized for local, mucosal or circulatory delivery. Methods of treating a disease by administering to a subject the polymer particle delivery composition, which incorporates a bioactive agent suitable for treatment of the disease, or its symptoms, are also included.
US09517185B1
The feeding tube system includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion, an opposing distal portion, and a central opening or lumen extending therethrough. The proximal portion is configured to remain outside a patient's body cavity and includes a first opening through which fluids can be introduced into the lumen. The distal portion is configured for disposing within a patient's body cavity and includes a second opening for discharging fluids from the lumen into the patient's body cavity. An interior retention balloon is provided at the distal portion of the elongated shaft. An external base positioned at the proximal portion of the feeding tube can include at least one exterior base balloon extending therefrom. The interior retention balloon and the at least one exterior base balloon are inflatable.
US09517181B2
A cap for a bottle includes a first portion, a second portion, and an end piece having a concave body and a hole. The second portion is configured to retain a first ingredient, and the bottle is configured to retain a second ingredient. The first portion may be threadingly secured to the second portion while the second portion plugs the bottle and the end piece is secured to the second portion. Unthreading of the first portion from the second portion causes the first ingredient to fall through the hole and mix with the second ingredient in the bottle.
US09517175B1
The disclosure includes a system and method for providing navigation guidance. The system includes a tracking application and a user. The tracking application determines a location of a user, determines a position of at least one object in proximity to the user, determines a path for the user to avoid the at least one object, generates linear and angular velocities that correspond to the path and generates directions that correspond to the linear and angular velocities. The user can receive the directions as audio instructions or via a tactile belt with motors that vibrate to convey the directions.
US09517172B2
An electric bed includes a first driver that performs rising and lowering operation of a second frame with respect to a first frame, a controller that controls the first driver, and an input unit that instructs the controller by switch manipulation of a lowering switch of the input unit. The controller controls the first driver to lower the second frame at a basic speed when a bed height is a first predetermined height or more during depression of the lowering switch, and to lower the second frame at a first low speed slower than the basic speed when the bed height is less than the first predetermined height during the depression of the lowering switch, in case where the bed height is a height of an upper surface of the second frame.
US09517157B2
An ostomy appliance comprising an adaptor having a distal end adapted to be coupled to an ostomy wafer and a proximal end adapted to be coupled to a cap, said distal end having an opening in fluid communication with an opening in said proximal end.
US09517154B2
Medical advantages are provided by the novel improvements made to the inflatable foot cushion of the present invention to the inflatable foot cushion of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/432,068 and the Inflatable Foot Cushion of U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,445, including better protection of a patient's Achilles' tendon areas; better unloading of the pressures on the patient's heels due to the increased elevation of the patient's heels above substrates; and the prevention of left and right lateral rotation of the ankles of patients wearing the novel inflatable foot cushion of the present invention by its two novel lateral cushions formed by expanding the main chamber of the improved inflatable foot cushion of the present invention there between, which novel lateral cushions cradle and stabilize the improved inflatable chamber of the present invention when it is pivoted under the improved inflatable foot cushion of the present invention.
US09517152B2
A responsive gastrointestinal stimulation device is provided where one or more sensors sense data corresponding to a subject or the gastrointestinal tract of a subject and responds to sensing the data by stimulating, adjusting stimulation, or stopping stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. A stimulation device is also provided to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to produce a sensation of satiety or to control hunger or food consumption.
US09517151B2
An apparatus and method for controlling inflation pressure and pressurization rate of a balloon during deployment of a stent or scaffold are disclosed. The apparatus and method involve a pressure attenuator for controlling an inflation rate of the delivery balloon.
US09517131B2
A cardiac valve repair device has a membrane assembly and a frame. The frame has a central structure that defines a central separation, a pair of sleeves positioned below the central structure, and a pair of atrial alignment expansion beams. Each atrial alignment expansion beam has a curved section and inner section at each opposite end that defines a scissor-crossing where they overlap each other to form a separate lower expansion clip beam at each of the opposite ends thereof. The cardiac valve repair device also includes a pair of upper expansion clip beams. A V-shaped ventricular expansion curved beam extends below the two sleeves, with the membrane assembly secured to the V-shaped ventricular expansion curved beam. A pair of ventricular alignment stabilizing beams extends downwardly from the two sleeves.
US09517126B2
The invention relates to an ophthalmologic implant, in particular an intraocular lens. The implant includes at least one marker produced with at least one dye which is a fluorescent dye having a maximum emission outside of the light spectrum visible to humans or an absorbing dye having a maximum absorption outside the light spectrum visible to humans. The said fluorescent or absorbing dye does not substantially influence light transmission of the ophthalmologic implant within the visual spectral range. The invention further relates to a microscopy system and an optical detection process for detecting and/or identifying the disclosed ophthalmologic implant.
US09517120B2
A device for positioning a stent in a natural canal after passing through an obstacle at the level of a target organ. The device includes a stent, a pusher tube, and a guide. The guide is configured to push the stent through the lumen of the natural canal, and includes at least one flexible part having a predetermined longitudinal stiffness and a lateral flexibility that allow a reversible deformation from a straight position to a bent position so as to follow the curve of the natural canal under the application of minimal external forces exerted by an operator. The device is particularly adapted to the technical field of urology.
US09517113B2
An oral appliance, a system and a method for correcting malocclusions may cause teeth and/or jaws of the patient to move into a corrected position. An upper body and a lower body of the appliance may be connected by a hinge. Lingual protrusions may extend rearward from the anterior portion of the upper body and contact the maxilla of the patient when the appliance is worn. A protrusion may extend from the anterior portion of the lower body forward relative to the mouth and contact the lips and exert a rearward force against the lower teeth.
US09517099B2
A pedicle screw locking system includes a reduction tube and a locking driver. The reduction tube includes an inner shaft, a pair of grips, a reduction sleeve, and a rotatable tube. The inner shaft has a threaded end and reduction arms distally extending from the threaded end. Each grip of the pair of grips has a finger configured to engage the receiver of a pedicle screw. The reduction sleeve and the rotatable tube are disposed over and coaxially aligned with the inner shaft. The rotatable tube is coupled to the reduction sleeve. The rotatable tube moves the reduction sleeve relative to the reduction arms. The locking driver includes a threaded portion and a blunt tip. The threaded portion is configured to thread into threads in the receiver of the pedicle screw until the blunt tip locks the receiver of the pedicle screw.
US09517097B2
A fixation device and method for the subcutaneous fixation of bone fragments. A fixation mesh is formed by the intersection of a plurality of linear legs that are interconnected in sagittal planes to form linear sagittal lines and a plurality of crimped legs that are interconnected in transverse planes to form transverse lines. The mesh resists expansive forces that are created in the linear sagittal lines and a compressive stress is created in the transverse lines when tensile loads are applied to the linear sagittal lines resulting in a device that minimizes the gap distance between bone fragments.
US09517094B1
An orthopedic intramedullary fixation apparatus and system for use in hip and femur fracture surgery comprises an intramedullary nail, a dynamic lag screw structure comprising a longitudinal sheath and a lag screw, and securing means to fix the intramedullary nail relative to a femur. A dynamic channel created by the lag screw structure allows the lag screw to adjust dynamically, and thereby may permit further compression of the fractured bone to an optimal level as a patient begins to bear weight on it following surgery. Surgical fixation may be expedited, as a favorable point of access for a lag screw may be determined readily, particularly with obese patients in whom access to the trochanter may be problematic. Complications during surgery, such as accidental fracturing of the femoral neck and head and over-penetration of the lag screw may be avoided.
US09517089B1
This disclosure describes example an surgical fixation anchor and methods for implanting the surgical fixation anchor on the spine as part of a spinal fixation construct. The surgical fixation anchor can be coupled to a spinal rod. The coupling between the spinal rod and the anchor can be offset from an axis of the anchor. The position and orientation of the coupling to the spinal rod can also be transnationally and rotationally adjusted relative to the anchor to facilitate the coupling and/or to optimize space usage adjacent to the fixation construct.
US09517088B2
A bone anchoring nail is provided having a threadless shaft with a free end, a head opposite to the free end, the head having a substantially U-shaped recess for accommodation of a rod or a rod-shaped element, a longitudinal bore extending through the shaft and opening towards any one of the head and the free end and a plurality of openings extending through the wall of the shaft and being in communication with the bore. The bone anchoring nail allows quick insertion and reliable fixation enhanced by the in-growth of blood vessels.
US09517087B2
An intermaxillary fixation system is provided, including a bone anchorage screw having at least one of an elongated head with internal threading and an externally threaded screw extending from a head of the bone anchorage screw, a fixation system, and a rail bar. A method for the stabilization and fixation of maxillary and mandibular arches is also provided, including setting a plurality of bone anchorage screws to the maxillary and mandibular arch, each bone anchorage screw having a head, fixing one or more T-shaped bars to the bone anchorage screws, bending and connecting a rail bar to heads of the one or more T-shaped bars with orthodontic screws, and wrapping a connector between the heads of the bone anchorage screws located on the mandibular arch and the maxillary arch.
US09517081B2
A tool for a medical instrument includes an effecting device, a transmission rod, of which the distal end is coupled to the effecting device, for transferring at least either a force or a torque to the effecting device, and a cutting device, which, to cut tissue, is movable in a channel in the transmission rod and in the effecting device. To cut tissue, the cutting device is movable in a channel in the transmission rod and in the effecting device.
US09517079B2
Tibial resection systems and methods for use in a uni- or bi-cruciate retaining knee replacement procedure are disclosed. A tibial resection system can include a tibial block, an alignment guide, and a tibial implant template. The tibial block can be coupled to an anterior side of a tibia and longitudinally extend from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion. The alignment guide can be coupled to the proximal end portion of the tibial block and can include one or more drill guides and a drill guide adjustment mechanism. The tibial implant template can be engaged with the drill guide adjustment mechanism, such that rotational movement of the tibial implant template can adjust an axial direction of the one or more drill guides. An outer profile of the tibial implant template can be selected to substantially match an outer profile of a tibial prosthesis to be implanted.
US09517076B2
A reaming instrument, in accordance with one embodiment, includes a rotatable cutting head and a cutting face on a distal end of the cutting head. At least one radially displaceable cutting element has a cutting edge projecting in a distal direction from the cutting face. An adjustment element is operable to displace the cutting element toward a fully retracted state, or toward a fully expanded state. In another embodiment, a method of modifying a bone surface includes displacing at least one cutting element on a reamer instrument to a fully retracted state, inserting the instrument into a human or animal, operating an adjustment element to displace the cutting element toward an expanded state, and activating the cutting head to begin cutting the bone.
US09517055B2
A method is disclosed for generating sinograms by sampling transducers acoustically coupled with a surface of a volume after a pulse of light, each transducer being associated with a channel in an optoacoustic imaging system, and processing at least two multi-channel sinograms, each corresponding to a different one of the at least two different predominant wavelengths, to create at least two processed sinograms. The processing step includes a step of sub-band acoustic compensation. Image reconstruction is performed based upon the processed sinograms to generate at least two optoacoustic images. Image post processing is performed on the optoacoustic images to generate post-processed images. A parametric map is generated based upon information contained in the post-processed images, and an ultrasound image is generated using the transducers. The parametric map and the ultrasound image are co-registered and a co-registered image is displayed.
US09517043B2
A multi-source radiation generator in which plural radiation sources are arranged in series includes a control unit that controls a dose of radiation emitted from each of the radiation sources depending on positions of the radiation sources, and reduces variation in a radiation dose resulting from differences in positions of the radiation sources by changing an irradiation time, an anodic current value of each of the radiation sources depending on a distance from each of the radiation sources to a subject.
US09517038B2
This application discusses, among other things, curved plates for immobilizing a breast of a subject for medical imaging. In an example, an immobilization assembly Can include a curved compression plate assembly, a curved support plate assembly, an assembly coupling configured to position a first concave major surface of the curved compression plate assembly opposite a second concave major surface of the curved support plate assembly, wherein a cross section view through the curved compression assembly and the curved support plate assembly includes two portions of a single ellipse separated by a distance, and wherein the curved compression plate assembly and the curved support plate assembly are configured to immobilize the biological specimen between the first concave major surface and the second concave major surface.
US09517035B2
A graphical audio station of a nurse call system is operable to permit a user to perform one or more of the following functions: establish a two-way voice communication link with another computer device in another patient and/or with a another computer device located in another staff work area and/or with a wireless communication device carried by caregiver and/or with a telephone of the healthcare facility; broadcast a voice page to a group of other selected computer devices; compose and send a text message to a portable device that is carried by a caregiver and that has wireless communication capability; browse web pages and/or view multimedia content, such as videos, hosted on servers of the healthcare facility and/or that are accessible via the Internet; view and/or acknowledge and/or answer and/or cancel alerts or nurse calls originating in a plurality of patient rooms.
US09517019B2
There is provided a physiological measurement device including a light source, an image sensor and a processor. The light source illuminates a skin surface with a first brightness value and a second brightness value. The image sensor receives scattered light from tissues below the skin surface, and outputs a first image frame corresponding to the first brightness value and a second image frame corresponding to the second brightness value. The processor calculates an intensity comparison index between the first image frame and the second image frame, calculates perfusion data according to the first image frame and/or the second image frame, and identifies a contact status according to the intensity comparison index.
US09517013B2
An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquiring unit configured to acquire image information representing an image acquired by irradiating a gland duct with excitation light and observing fluorescence generated in the gland duct; a fluorescence intensity computation unit configured to compute a value corresponding to intensity of the fluorescence as fluorescence intensity based on the image information; and an image determination unit configured to determine whether or not an endocrine cell exists in the gland duct based on the fluorescence intensity computed by the fluorescence intensity computation unit, and to determine abnormality of the gland duct based on a determination result of the endocrine cell.
US09517012B2
A system for providing continuous monitoring of a patient includes: a first monitor device configured to measure one or more physiological attributes associated with the patient, the first monitor device being a contactless device; and a second monitor device configured to measure one or more physiological attributes associated with the patient, the second monitor device including one or more sensors contacting the patient; wherein, upon an alarm condition by the first monitor device, the second monitor device is configured to measure a physiological attribute and suppress the alarm condition when the second monitor device detects a non-alarm condition.
US09517007B2
An ophthalmic apparatus determines, based on information indicating a tilt of an object in a tomographic image, a direction in which luminance information of the tomographic image is to be combined. Then, the ophthalmic apparatus combines the luminance information of the tomographic image along the determined direction, thereby generating a plane image of the object.
US09517005B2
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data of a subject is acquired over a region of interest which can include an optic disc or a macula of a retina. Layer boundaries of retinal layers are identified in the OCT scan data to facilitate measurements. In one aspect, a measurement related to ratio value between a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more target layers of the retina and a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more reference layers is computed on a location-by-location basis within a region of interest of the OCT scan data. Measurements can be collected, aggregated, analyzed, and displayed in connection with other information taken or derived from the OCT scan data.
US09517004B2
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer readable storage medium
An information processing apparatus for controls, in one image capture region, image capture of a plurality of high-magnification images having a viewing angle smaller than the viewing angle of the image capture region. A presentation unit presents for selection a plurality of basic patterns each representing a distribution of positions at which to respectively capture high-magnification images. An adjustment unit adjusts, in accordance with an instruction of the operator, an image capture condition of the plurality of high-magnification images associated with the basic pattern selected from the plurality of basic patterns. A control unit causes an image capture apparatus to capture the plurality of high-magnification images in the image capture region in accordance with the adjusted image capture condition. An obtaining unit analyzes an image representing the entire image capture region of a magnification lower than that of the high-magnification images and obtains information representing a feature of the image.
US09517002B2
A solid state image sensor includes: a light receiving unit where a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements storing charges according to a received light amount are arrayed; a reading unit configured to read an imaging signal based on the charges stored by the light receiving unit; and a color filter. The color filter includes filter units where each the red, green, and blue filters arrayed in four rows and four columns. The filter units are arrayed in a lattice shape. The filter unit is partitioned into read units. Each read unit includes two filters where each transmits light of the same wavelength band are adjacent to each other in one direction. The reading unit is configured to collectively read charges stored by two photoelectric conversion elements corresponding to the read unit.
US09517001B2
A capsule endoscope system includes: a capsule endoscope configured to be introduced into a subject; a guiding unit that generates a magnetic field to guide the capsule endoscope; a guidance magnetic field control unit that switches between ON and OFF of the magnetic field; a body posture discriminating unit that discriminates a body posture of the subject; a model extracting unit that extracts a body posture model according to the body posture of the subject, from among prepared body posture models, and extracts an organ model according to the body posture of the subject, from among prepared organ models; and a display control unit configured to: superimpose the organ model according to the body posture of the subject, on the extracted body posture model when the magnetic field is ON; and display the extracted body posture model and to hide the organ model when the magnetic field is OFF.
US09516987B2
An aquiferous domestic appliance has a treatment compartment and articles to be washed disposed therein are illuminated by means of a light source in such a manner that the user is not blinded by the light source and is able to judge the cleaning result even under bad lighting conditions inside the room.
US09516981B1
A vacuum cleaner hose nozzle attachment formed from two separately molded body sections. The first body section includes spaced and parallel faces, generally triangular, front and rear walls interconnected by a top wall that curves over the apexes of the first and second walls and that connects ends of the front and rear walls. An attachment opening through the rear wall has an inlet to the second body section secured and sealed thereto. The inlet to the second body section comprises a peripheral edge forming a wide-mouthed opening fitted into and sealed to the attachment opening. A funnel wall extends rearward from the top center of the peripheral edge and normal to the rear wall and has a top center straight ridge continuing from the peripheral edge to a top center ridge of a tubular discharge end.
US09516969B2
A method and apparatus for opening and closing a cartridge holder of a beverage forming machine. The cartridge holder may have an opening arranged to receive and hold a cartridge with the cartridge holder in an open position, e.g., the opening may face a front of the beverage forming machine and be in an upwardly inclined position in the open position. A pivot pin of the cartridge holder may be moved along a linear path, and in response, a cam and cam follower may cause the cartridge holder to pivot and move to a closed position, e.g., in which the opening of the cartridge holder is in a downwardly inclined orientation.
US09516968B2
The present invention provides a water heater capable of heating fluid to boiling point, wherein said heater includes a heating element, a water level gauge, a temperature measure, and a transceiver; wherein control of at least the element is provided by a mobile communication device communicating with the transceiver.
US09516967B2
A vessel (1) for heating the contents thereof by means of an external heat source (8) comprises a non-horizontal side wall (2) and a heat transfer structure (6) attached to and in good thermal contact with, or formed integrally on, an outer surface of said side wall.
US09516964B2
The application discloses and claims a beverage container lid that tracks the amount of fluid consumed. The lid has a standard drinking nozzle and engagement means which includes a gasket or standard threading that sealably fit commercially available beverage containers and water bottles. The exterior of the lid has a reset button and a display window through which a display readout is visible that displays the amount of fluid consumed. The lid houses the display, a CPU, battery, sensors and internal housing through which the water flows. The internal housing has a water wheel inside of it with curved blades that are turned by the beverage as it flows out of the lid. Magnets are affixed to one or more of the blades. The CPU tracks the number of times the magnets pass the sensors and translates it into the amount of fluid consumed, which is shown on the display.
US09516962B2
A butter dish having a rotatable lid that opens to an obtuse angle to give wide access to butter stored on a base cover by the lid. The butter dish includes the base, a rear wall defining a rotational axis located above the base and toward the rear of the base and the lid is mounted to the rear wall and rotates between closed and opened positions.
US09516957B2
A jewelry case, easily assembled from a knock-down kit, with viewable spaces and removable sections to display and handle necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings and the similar jewelry pieces. The case is made of a durable and transparent plastic including a top, back surface, bottom and front surfaces, a pair of end surfaces with apertures, multiple pull out racks having hook assemblies with a way to hold the jewelry, and a container and cubicle drawer for rings, pins, broaches, etc. so that the case may be filled with jewelry for display and storage. The case kit provides a flat, knock-down components package for easy and economical shipping, gifting and storage.
US09516950B1
A salon chair with a tool caddy and an integral electrical supply. A salon chair that includes an integrated tool work station with the capacity to hold a hair dryer, curling irons, clippers and the like at the rear of the chair. The chair is powered by an integrated electrical power source inside the chairs' tool compartment and power is supplied through to the base of the chair. The power source may be connected to an outlet under the chair or concealed under a power extension with cord cover (preventing trips and falls), or may be otherwise coupled to utility power.
US09516949B2
An inflatable water craft for underwater observation, the craft incorporating an integral underwater viewing window which includes a top and bottom transparent lens sonic welded to the craft intermediate a cavity which passes through the top and bottom of the craft forming a viewing port. Inflatable stand-offs protect the bottom lens. The top and bottom lenses includes a closeable vent. An inflatable pillow is sonic welded proximal the top transparent lens. Inflatable boarding guides center the user on the craft and air chambers support the user's body weight thereby preventing sagging or bending of the craft. The craft may further comprise a hand-held device for wading and swimming activities. Use of sonic welding and specific materials prevents undesired leakage into viewing port and prevents discoloration of the top and bottom lenses.
US09516948B2
A touch-latch device used in furniture especially for initial opening of an opening furniture component, comprising a housing with an axially arranged groove, in which a push element is slidingly arranged, said element being actuated by a helical spring and controllable by a dual-position guide mechanism comprising a cam groove guide and an S-pin, wherein the device comprises a push element controlled by two dual-position guide mechanisms, wherein each cam groove guide of a dual-position guide mechanism is arranged on a lateral side of the push element and the S-pin is pivoted in the lateral wall of the groove of the housing, and that the push element is provided at its free end with a regulation plug arranged by means of a bolted joint, said plug being displaceable in axial direction, wherein the axial displacement of the regulation plug is limited by an arrester arranged therein.
US09516942B2
The foldable table has a flat Labe top and a pair of leg assemblies which fold inward from an operative position to an inoperative position. The leg assemblies are pivotal about separate axes which are spaced an unequal distance from the table top. When the leg assemblies are folded in an inoperative position, both of the leg assemblies lie parallel to each other and to the table top.
US09516937B2
A case for enclosing a personal electronic device with a front surface is described. The case comprises a front with an inside surface, an outside surface, and at least one raised front edge surface; a back with an inside surface to mount the personal electronic device, an outside surface, and at least one raised rear edge surface a surface cover; wherein the front inside surface. The front outside surface and the back outside surface are overlaid with the surface cover. The surface cover abuts the at least one raised front edge surface or the at least one raised rear edge surface.
US09516936B2
An oral care kit (1000) including an oral care product (200) and a sticker panel (300). In one aspect, the invention may be an oral care kit (1000) comprising: a package (100); a toothbrush (200) disposed within the package (100); and a sticker panel (300) disposed within the package (100), the sticker panel (300) comprising a plurality of detachable stickers (301), the sticker panel (300) forming a sleeve through which a portion of the toothbrush (200) extends, the plurality of stickers (301) visible from outside of the package (100) through a substantially transparent portion of the package (100).
US09516934B2
A tip element, for mounting on to a rib of an umbrella frame, comprises a pair of wings, and optionally a mounting portion for mounting onto the umbrella rib. The wings at least defining an outer edge for a canopy mounted on the umbrella frame, wherein one wing may be mounted for pivotal movement relative to the umbrella rib. The wings, or at least one of the wings, can be pivotally mounted to the mounting portion by living or other hinges. Alternatively, the wings can be pivot directly about the umbrella rib.
US09516923B2
According to one embodiment, a coupling component includes a female component and a male component. The female component includes a main body portion and a coupling aperture. Similarly, the male component includes a main body portion and a coupling member. The coupling member that is mateable with the coupling aperture of the female component to couple the male and female components together. The main body portion of the male component includes a top surface and a relatively planar bottom surface. The coupling member includes a relatively planar top surface and a bottom surface. The relatively planar top surface of the coupling member is offset from the relatively planar bottom surface of the male component. The male and female components are non-releasable from a coupled engagement while under tension via a tension member.
US09516921B2
The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable articles, or bladders for inflatable articles, that is time-efficient, simple, inexpensive and permits the uninterrupted manufacture of numerous and even customized article or bladder configurations and sizes, without expensive configuration-specific, metal tooling. The method includes the steps of applying a barrier material to a side of a first film, providing a second film with the first film so that the barrier material is disposed between the first and second films, adhering the first film to the second film so that the films are sealed together in areas except where the barrier material has been applied to form at least one inflatable compartment and sealed peripheral edge, and cutting along the sealed peripheral edge to form an inflatable article or bladder for use in an article of manufacture. The barrier material may be a paint, ink, paper or surface treatment that effectively prevents the first film from adhering to the second. The inflatable article or bladder of the present invention may be used as or in athletic equipment, for example, including footwear.
US09516916B2
An article of footwear including an outer sole assembly and an upper, the outer sole assembly extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a surface for contact with the ground and a surface for connecting to the upper, the sole assembly including a first reinforcing layer extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a distal surface and a proximal surface, the first reinforcing layer having transverse slits. The sole assembly includes a wear layer and a first damping layer, the wear layer demarcating the contact surface. The first damping layer is located between the wear layer and the first reinforcing layer.
US09516915B2
In described embodiments, the invention provides a foot pad having a generally planar substrate having a medial side and a lateral side and an upper surface extending between the medial side and the lateral side. A first toe loop extends upwardly from the medial side. The first toe loop has a first size. A second toe loop extends upwardly from the lateral side. The second toe loop has a second size, smaller than the first size. A third toe loop extends upwardly between the first toe loop and the second toe loop. The third toe loop is smaller than the first toe loop.
US09516906B1
A flushable disposable glove system having flushable disposable gloves to cover a hand of a user-wearer having at least one securer to prevent the flushable disposable glove from unwanted displacement; and at least one container having a pull-up raised top section with fanned, accordion-style walls, a base, a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, and an interior volume. The flushable disposable gloves are stored and dispensed from the container. The flushable disposable glove is removably placable on a left hand and a right hand prior to urinating or defecating. The flushable disposable glove protects the hand of the user-wearer while cleaning a genital region after urinating and defecating thereby preventing the user-wearer from getting urine and feces on the hand of the user-wearer.
US09516905B2
A brassiere includes an elastic band, a pair of cups (and a pair of elongated flexible support elements configured to come at least partly into contact with the shoulders of the user. Each of the cups includes an outer surface and an inner surface made of a first textile material which includes a plurality of first inserts in a first flexible polymeric material having a coefficient of friction with the skin greater than the first textile material.
US09516901B2
A pair of complementary articles of clothing, such as socks, that can be detachably connected to each other. The detachable connection can be made by first and second complementary connecting elements, which are each fastened to the article of clothing by a carrier element, wherein one of the ends of each carrier element forms a gripping area without a connecting function, so that the connection between the first and the second connecting element can be detached by pulling on the gripping areas of the carrier elements.
US09516896B2
A filter rod used in manufacture of a smoking article contains: (a) a rod of filter material, and (b) a plug wrap surrounding the rod of filter material. The overlapping side edges of the plug wrap are secured together with a plug wrap adhesive and the plug wrap adhesive comprises a disintegration accelerating agent. Alternatively or in addition, the plug wrap may contain perforations.
US09516893B2
This invention relates to a method of increasing a feeling of a) energy or b) cognitive functions, selected from the group consisting of: sustained attention, faster reaction times, and information processing; or c) quality of sleep; or d) feelings of well-being and happiness in a healthy adult using a dosage form comprising a low dose of a Trp-containing di- and/or tri-peptide mixture characterized in that the peptide composition is an egg iysozyme hydroiysate with a Trp/L!MAA ratio greater than 0.15 and which provides IQ-to 100 mg Trp per dose. This dosage form can be administered acutely or can be administered multiple times per day for an extended period of time.
US09516890B2
An airflow deflector including a plurality of spaced apart ribs each extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end thereof that is generally perpendicular to an airflow stream to be deflected by the airflow deflector such that the plurality of spaced apart ribs induce recirculations of the airflow stream between neighboring ones of the plurality of spaced apart ribs to increase air pressure at an entrance to areas defined between neighboring ribs and restrict the airflow from flowing past the plurality of spaced apart ribs.
US09516886B2
An animal stunning apparatus for inducing unconsciousness and insensibility of a live subject animal includes an applicator for contacting an application point on the live subject animal's head and couples microwave radiation to the head. A microwave generator generates microwave energy of a suitable power level and frequency, and a waveguide directs the microwave radiation to the applicator. An auto-tuner in the waveguide uses a directional coupler to detect forward and reflected power and to tune in real time the impedance for matching the load and optimize effective power transfer. A switch discontinues the application of microwave radiation that is heating the frontal portion of the brain after a period of time sufficient to induce the unconsciousness and insensibility. Methods for inducing rapid unconsciousness and insensibility in an animal include application of microwave radiation.
US09516882B2
The present invention relates generally to nail polish formulations for application to natural or artificial finger- or toenails, where the nail polish formulation comprises grapefruit seed extract that imparts antifungal and other antimicrobial properties.
US09516879B2
Described is an antigen-binding protein, preferably comprising an amino acid sequence that comprises four framework regions and three complementarity-determining regions, wherein the antigen-binding protein is capable of binding a chitinous polysaccharide, and uses thereof.
US09516877B2
A method for preparing an antimicrobial alcoholic foam composition by combining two or more pre-mix compositions. A first pre-mix composition is primarily alcoholic comprises an alcohol, an acidic component, and a waxy component. A second pre-mix composition is primarily aqueous comprises water and a carbonate. An antimicrobial alcoholic foam composition that does not require added air or aerosol propellant is also provided.
US09516869B2
A process where materials are applied to a plastic fishing lure surface, producing a lure that possesses chromatic vicissitude as a result of water temperature fluctuations. A non-thermochromatic base layer of one or more colors is applied to the plastic fishing lure. This layer acts as the visual appearance of the fishing lure in the absence of temperature fluctuations. Clear extender is then used as an additive to the thermochromatic ink. This addition to the ink then allows the ink to be sprayed onto the surface of the lure. This ink-extender amalgam can be applied in multiple layers however the bottom layer must have the least amount of hue saturation. Each layer thereafter would increase in hue saturation. Multiple hue combinations can be utilized. Once the desired number of thermochromatic layers has been applied, an ultra-clear super high gloss lacquer finish is sprayed on to the exterior of all layers.
US09516868B2
Genetically modified mice and methods for making an using them are provided, wherein the mice comprise a replacement of all or substantially all immunoglobulin heavy chain V gene segments, D gene segments, and J gene segments with at least one light chain V gene segment and at least one light chain J gene segment. Mice that make binding proteins that comprise a light chain variable domain operably linked to a heavy chain constant region are provided. Binding proteins that contain an immunoglobulin light chain variable domain, including a somatically hypermutated light chain variable domain, fused with a heavy chain constant region, are provided. Modified cells, embryos, and mice that encode sequences for making the binding proteins are provided.
US09516866B2
A marine containment device is disclosed for containing a marine species. The device includes a body having a first end and a second end. An entry is in the first end for defining an open position and a closed position. The open position is created by a spearing device with a marine species pushing against the entry and allowing the marine species into the body. The closed position is created by the spearing device removing the spearing device from the body and stripping the marine species off the spearing device. A displacement drain is in the second end for displacing the water within the body during the open position and minimizing displacement of the water through the entry. A travel distance is in the displacement drain for offsetting the exiting water from the body and prohibiting protrusion of the marine species from the body.
US09516860B2
An animal monitoring system has sensor modules carried on respective animals. Each module includes a GPS position locator to determine a current position of the animal, a transmitter, and a controller arranged to store a previously determined position of the animal thereon. A central monitoring system is located remotely from the animal which stores boundary position data representing a boundary thereon and which is arranged to communicate with the sensor module over a network. If the position of the animal changes significantly, a notification signal is transmitted to the central monitoring system which compares the current position to the boundary position data to determine is a user should be notified of an alarm condition. The sensor modules may also monitor various physiological characteristics of the animal to notify the central monitor system and subsequently the user if the animal appears to be in danger.
US09516858B2
Methods, apparatuses and systems for convenient management of animals within a rodent containment cage system that includes labeling components, receiving data, associating the data, reporting the data and/or associations and locating components within the cage system. The management of the system may be self-contained, networked through a controller, local server and/or main server.
US09516855B2
A method and arrangement to improve animal's biological and/or physical performance by reducing the bioload, defined as biologically active particles in the stable air or within transporter vehicles. The method includes generating a negatively charged electrostatic field operating within the room capturing the particles. The arrangement includes elements for producing a negatively charged electrostatic field capturing air borne particulate matter whereby high voltage >6 kV at low amperage (<10 mA) is applied to a basic conductive structure positioned in the air of the stable or the transporter vehicle, to which carbon fiber filaments are attached, causing the release of electrons from the free ending carbon fibers into the air and thereby generating the negatively charged electrostatic field.
US09516847B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP32010 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP32010, cells from soybean variety XBP32010, plants of soybean XBP32010, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP32010. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP32010 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP32010, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP32010, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP32010. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP32010 are further provided.
US09516841B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB19S14 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB19S14, cells from soybean variety XB19S14, plants of soybean XB19S14, and plant parts of soybean variety XB19S14. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB19S14 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB19S14, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB19S14, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB19S14. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB19S14 are further provided.
US09516813B2
A sugarcane harvester may include a chassis with various discreet and laterally separated mounting locations. Crop divider support modules may be configured to separately and fixedly attach to the chassis at various of the mounting locations, in order to support respective crop dividers in a variety of discreet and laterally separated orientations.
US09516809B2
A deck lift system is adapted to permit at least the cutter deck to be raised and lowered relative to the ground so as to selectively adjust the mower's height of cut. The mower includes a deck lift system for raising and lowering the cutter deck assembly, an engine deck and the engine together as a unit. The deck lift system including at least a deck lift lever for selective operation by an operator of the mower and first and second biasing springs for at least helping raise the cutter deck assembly, engine deck, and engine. Biasing springs collectively provide sufficient biasing force so that operator of the mower has to physically push down on the deck lift lever in order to lower the cutter deck.
US09516804B1
A vacuum seeder for dispersing seeds at regular intervals into a seeding mechanism includes a pipe having first and second ends, at least one circumferential row of apertures therethrough, the pipe being rotatably mounted to a frame that moves along the ground. A vacuum mechanism is fixed with the second end of the pipe to produce a negative pressure within the pipe. A drive motor is fixed with the frame and coupled with the pipe for driving the pipe in a first rotational direction. A reservoir is fixed with the frame and holds the seeds positioned adjacent an upwardly-moving side of the pipe. At least one seed removal mechanism, such as a seed scraper, is fixed with the frame and positioned adjacent a downward side of the pipe to divert the seeds away from the pipe and into at least one seed receiver for delivery to the seeding mechanism.
US09516798B2
An agricultural tillage implement including a main frame section having a pull hitch tube extending in a travel direction is provided, including a tool bar coupled with and extending transverse to the pull hitch tube, and a plurality of wing sections pivotally coupled with the main frame section about generally vertical axes. Each of the plurality of wing sections have at least one pivoting wing front shank frame. A main shank frame straddles the pull hitch tube. The main shank frame, the pivoting wing front shank frames, and the wing sections articulate from an operating configuration to a transport configuration. A controller for controlling the agricultural tillage implement controls the sequence in which the parts articulate.
US09521788B2
An EMF blocker having a blocking shield made of a material to sufficiently block EMF radiation emitted from electronic devices. The EMF blocker has necessary coupling mechanism to detachably couple to the electronic device so that an ideal relative positioning between the electronic device and the EMF blocker is ensured. The EMF blocker also has necessary coupling mechanism to couple to a user of the electronic device to the EMF blocker. The EMF blocker can be in the form of a bib, an apron, a blanket, an article of clothing, a panel. The electronic device can be any mobile electronic device, laptop computer, or even a desktop computer.
US09521786B2
A thermosiphon system includes a condenser and an evaporator fluidically coupled to the condenser by a condensate line. The evaporator includes a housing having an opening to the condensate line, a wick located in the housing, and a flow restrictor located in the housing configured to restrict flow of a working fluid from the condensate line onto a portion of the wick.
US09521785B1
An apparatus includes an electrically-powered component, a hermitically-sealed, liquid-impermeable, high thermal-conductivity, container encapsulating the electrically-powered component, and a liquid bath surrounding the hermitically-sealed container. The electrically-powered component can include a computer motherboard, a central processing unit of a computer, or an electrical power transformer. The container can include a substance in direct contact with the electrically-powered component and can include a silicone compound, an epoxy compound, or a polyurethane compound.
US09521770B2
The present invention relates to a curvature-adjustable curved display device including: a base, a curved display device and an adjusting assembly. The curved display device is disposed on the base. The adjusting assembly is disposed between the curved display device and the base to connect the curved display device with the base. The adjusting assembly is slidable with respect to the base to thereby adjust the curvature of the curved display device. Accordingly, by disposing the adjusting assembly between the curved display device and the base, the curvature of the curved display device can be adjusted in a preset range of curvature by sliding the adjusting assembly with respect to the base.
US09521769B2
A latch apparatus is provided with a dual action mechanism that can either pivot a cam hook from a first side of the apparatus for securing a sub-chassis into a chassis of laterally extend a component lock from a second side of the apparatus for securing a component within the sub-chassis. A single rotary actuator may be rotated in a first rotational direction to pivot the cam hook to an extended position and move the component lock to a retracted position, and rotated in a second rotational direction to pivot the cam hook to a retracted position and move the component lock to an extended position. The latch apparatus may include one or more of the dual action mechanisms actuated by the single actuator.
US09521768B2
Position indicator of the movements of bodies or elements of a tool machine, of the type comprising a numerator body (1), enclosed above and laterally in a carter (2) and below by a base (7), said body (1) providing a central bush (3) for the housing of a shaft, a position viewing screen (4), an electronic printed circuit (9) to which a magnetic ring (11) is connected, provided on said shaft and associated with a pair of reading sensors of the movement of said ring (11), a compartment (10) for the housing of a battery (6) powering said electronic printed circuit (9) and a frame (12) protecting the elements within said body (1), on the top of which an upturned-base bush (13) is kept in engagement, characterized in that there are provided means for the perfect sealing from dust and from temporary immersion in water.
US09521767B2
A display device is provided and includes: a display portion; a storage member configured to house the display portion and including an opening through which the display portion passes; a plurality of cover members configured to cover the opening and to travel from the opening to a region of the storage member adjacent to the opening so as to be folded up and overlapped with each other at the region; and travel control means configured to cause the plurality of cover members to transfer to a first condition in which the opening is closed by the plurality of cover members and also to a second condition in which the plurality of cover members are folded up and overlapped with each other.
US09521762B2
An attachment structure 1 includes: a plurality of attaching legs 5, 6, 7 projected from an outer surface of a box main body 2 as the object and overlapped with a vehicle attaching portion 3 as the subject; a washer 8 fixed to the vehicle attaching portion 3 together with one attaching leg 7 by a bolt, while being overlapped with the one attaching leg 7 at a side away from the vehicle attaching portion 3; and a cover 9 attached to the one attaching leg 7, holding the washer 8 between the cover 9 and the one attaching leg 7. The cover 9 is provided with an exposing hole 9a for exposing a first hole portion 8a provided on the washer 8.
US09521754B1
An embedded component is formed in a PCB stack by applying an adhesive layer across an entire surface of a copper layer and selectively positioning the component on a portion of the adhesive layer. A B stage pre-preg layer having a component cut-out is added onto the adhesive layer such that the component adhered to the adhesive layer fits within the component cut-out of the B stage pre-preg layer. Another copper layer is added onto the B stage pre-preg layer and the PCB stack is laminated. Since B stage pre-preg is not fully cured, a gap between the component and a side wall of the component cut-out is filled by flow of the surrounding B stage pre-preg during the lamination step. One or more additional pre-preg and copper layers are added to the PCB stack with corresponding interconnects formed and coupled to the contact pads on the component.
US09521738B1
A formed graphite sheet is shaped and sized as a protective shield positioned over an electronic component coupled to a PCB. The formed graphite sheet is used to protect a body of the electronic component from heat applied during the assembly of the electronic component to the PCB, such as the heating steps used in SMT and through-hole technology.
US09521732B1
A wearable motion-signaling bag is provided. The bag includes a housing, one or more straps connected to the housing and shaped to be worn by a user; one or more motion sensors; one or more lights contacting at least one surface of the housing; one or more controls configured to be activated by the user; and a microcontroller operable to execute under programmable control and interfaced to one or more of the sensors, the controls, and the lights, the microcontroller configured to provide signals regarding the motion of the user through the lights based on sensed data from the motion sensors and commands from the capacitive controls. The bag can receive commands from a user device and provide the signals based on the commands.
US09521731B2
The invention relates to the control of networked lighting systems, particularly large scale networked lighting systems, and more specifically to an efficient transmission of messages to control luminaries of a networked lighting system. A basic idea of the invention is to provide an efficient and flexible multicast, particularly group cast message that addresses several or a group of luminaires, and that can control the addressed luminaries in an efficient way by compressing the distributed light settings using a function in order to reduce the communicational overhead. An embodiment of the invention relates to a method for controlling a networked lighting system comprising the steps of—selecting several controllable luminaries of the networked lighting system (S10), —combining control information for each one of the selected luminaries to a set of information control information (S12), —selecting at least one predetermined function for compressing the set of control information by associating an input related to a selected controllable luminary to the control information for the selected controllable luminary from the set of control information (S14), —creating a multicast message addressed to the selected luminaries and comprising information regarding the selected predetermined function (S16), and—transmitting the created multicast message (S18).
US09521711B2
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method and apparatus may include receiving an input waveform from a dimmer, wherein the input waveform is periodic at a first frequency. The method and apparatus may also include generating an output waveform independent of a load coupled to the output waveform, wherein the output waveform is periodic at a second frequency substantially greater than the first frequency, wherein at least one of the second frequency and an amplitude of the output waveform is based on a phase-cut angle of the input waveform indicative of a control setting of the dimmer.
US09521705B2
A mobile phone gateway connected between a mobile phone operative on a first network in accordance with a first protocol, and one or more SIM cards, facilitating communication over a second network in accordance with a second protocol. The mobile phone gateway monitors outgoing call-setup messages issued by the mobile phone over the phone's connector to an external SIM card, decides if a call should be routed through the second network, in which case it performs a call-setup process with the second network and routes data and signaling through means for protocol conversion between the first and second protocols and means for communication over the second network. The mobile phone gateway monitors incoming call requests issued by the second network, handles call-setup in collaboration with the mobile phone and the SIM cards, and routes data and signaling through the means for protocol conversion and means for data and signaling communication with the mobile phone.
US09521703B2
In a method of processing data in a communication device operating in a heterogeneous communication network, data is transferred between a first communication interface within the communication device and an upper protocol layer via a first abstraction layer (AL) processing unit. The first AL processing unit is dedicated to the first communication interface. Additionally, data is transferred between the first AL processing unit and a second AL processing unit within the communication device via an interface between the first AL processing unit and the second AL processing unit. The first AL processing unit is dedicated to a second communication interface within the communication device.
US09521700B2
Control of transitions between radio resource control, RRC, states for a wireless terminal in a radio access network is described. The radio resource control states comprise a first state and a second state. A calculation (702) is made of a prediction of an inter-arrival time, ITB, between data bursts to be handled. A detection (704) that a data burst is to be handled is done and then it is decided (706) whether to make a transition from the first state to the second state essentially immediately and upon termination of handling of the detected data burst if the prediction of the ITB is greater than a current ITB threshold. The current ITB threshold is a time interval that is depending on a function of RRC state transition costs and the fractional distribution of true predictions and false predictions of a plurality of predicted ITB values in relation to recorded ITB values. Then, in accordance with the decision, the wireless terminal is directed (708) either to remain in the first state or switch to the second state.
US09521696B2
A wireless access point includes a wireless interface to send or receive frames in a cell in a wireless network. A storage device stores a cell ID that uniquely identifies the wireless access point. Processing circuitry inserts the cell ID in a physical layer header of a frame, and sends the frame to a client device in the cell via the wireless interface.
US09521687B2
Method and apparatus for performing hybrid per station and per flow/connection uplink allocations are described. The apparatus may implement a hybrid per flow/connection and per station uplink (UL) resource allocation to improve UL control efficiency and UL resource utilization. The apparatus may be configured to transmit or receive a resource allocation in a signal that contains an indicator that indicates intended flow information.
US09521684B2
A radio station (1) includes a first part (1A) and at least one second part (1B). The second part (1B) can be arranged so as to be physically separated from the first part (1A) and is connected to the first part (1A) via a transmission line (40) so as to be able to communicate with the first part (1A). The first part (1A) includes a bearer termination unit (10) capable of terminating at least one bearer between an upper network and the radio station (1). The second part (1B) includes a physical layer signal processing unit (12) that performs physical layer signal processing. The physical layer signal processing includes channel coding and decoding for user data pertaining to a first mobile station connected to the second part (1B) among a plurality of mobile stations.
US09521678B2
Embodiments described herein provide for a four-channel Wireless Data Concentrator (WDC) for a data network of an aircraft. One embodiment of a WDC includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to a top surface of the PCB and is proximate to a centerline of the PCB. The WDC further includes four Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers electrically coupled to the top surface of the PCB that are disposed orthogonally to each other around the controller. Each RF transceiver communicates with at least one wireless sensor that measures an environment of the aircraft. The WDC further includes four inverted-F PCB trace antennas fabricated along the top surface of the PCB. Each inverted-F PCB trace antenna is electrically coupled to one of the RF transceivers and is disposed orthogonally to each other around the controller.
US09521660B2
There is provided a base station including a receiving section that receives information on a plurality of wireless terminals from a representative wireless terminal representing the plurality of wireless terminals, a control information setting section that sets control information for controlling random access by the plurality of wireless terminals based on the information on the plurality of wireless terminals received by the receiving section, and a transmitting section that transmits the control information set by the control information setting section to the plurality of wireless terminals.
